Why dance at Illinois Dance Conservatory?

IDC offers versatile training that is ideal for students who want to begin their training rooted in traditional technique, those who wish to take their training to the next level, and those who want to become professional dancers, attend higher education in dance, or teach dance. 

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Out training in ballet and, contemporary cultivates technique, elegance, expressiveness, and musicality as students grow through the Pre-Academy, Academy, and Pre-Professional divisions.

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The Pre-Professional program provides the finest in dance instruction, allowing dancers to develop the skills necessary to succeed in the professional dance world, as a dancer, dance instructor, choreographer, or the many other avenues this industry can offer.

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Regardless of which track a student is on, it is our goal to create a place where they can excel and flourish in their love of dance.

How is placement determined?
Current students - Class placement is determined by the instructor and director only.  Students must master the skills of their level before advancing.  It is typical for intermediate and advanced students to spend multiple years at the same level.  
 

New students - Class placement is determined by either an evaluation or trial class to asses the student's current skill level.  An evaluation is a modified private class to see which level is most appropriate for the student.  A trial class is a regular scheduled class a prospective student would take to determine the appropriate level.  

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Are we allowed a trial before we register?

Yes.  New students are offered a free trial class at their level prior to registering.

 

Is there a dress code?

Yes.  Proper attire allows the instructor to see and correct a dancer’s body.  All students must follow the class attire guidelines for their level.  CLICK HERE for a list of level-specific attire.

What are the age requirements to dance at Illinois Dance Conservatory?
All students must be 3 years old and fully potty trained before registering for classes.  In our Pre-Academy Division, students will be placed into age appropriate class level.  Upon entering our Academy Division or higher, students advance by completing the level program and/or by teacher recommendation.

 

Are there performance opportunities?
Yes, students have the opportunity to perform through Illinois Youth Dance Theatre (IYDT). IYDT is a non-profit world-class pre-professional youth ballet company founded in 2000 by Alyce Keaggy Brinkmann, the Owner and Artistic Director of IDC.

 

IYDT puts on two (2) productions each year, The Nutcracker in the Winter and a production that varies by year in the Spring. Auditions are held in August/September for The Nutcracker and January/February for the Spring production. 

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Costs for participation in IYDT are separate. They are NOT included in the IDC tuition. For more information on IYDT, click here.

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Are there competition opportunities?
IDC participates in Youth American Grand Prix (YAGP).  We have also competed in Valentina Kozlova International Ballet Competition (VKIBC), The American Dance Competition (ADC), and World Ballet Competition (WBC).  Participation in the IDC Competitive Program is at the sole discretion of Alyce Keaggy Brinkmann.

 

Annual tuition does not cover competition expenses and each student will be responsible for any competition-related costs including, but not limited to, fees paid to the sponsoring organization, private training sessions (required to compete), travel, accommodations, costumes, etc.

What styles of dance are offered at IDC?
IDC provides premier training in ballet that is complimented with contemporary. Classes for students in our Pre-Academy Division (age 3 – 5) also incorporate tap for rhythm and foot dexterity. A full list of classes by style can be found here. 

 

What if my child misses class?  Can he/she make it up?

Students are encouraged to make-up classes they miss due to injury, illness, inclement weather, etc.  Make-ups must be completed within the current dance session at the student’s level or lower.  Make-ups must be scheduled through the IDC office.  Students must check in at the IDC desk prior to their make-up class.  Not all classes are available for make-ups.  No refund or credit is given for missed classes, regardless of the reason.  Please keep in mind, observation of an enrolled class is considered class participation.

What is your payment policy?
The first monthly tuition payment and season registration fees ($20/dancer, max $50/family) are due at the time of registration. Registration for all classes is completed online, additional information can be found here.'

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IDC accepts monthly payments by check, ZELLE or by credit card. Remaining payments are due on the 1st of the month; October through April. If paying by credit card, your payment will be processed automatically. All credit card payments will be charged a 4% surcharge per transaction. It is required that families keep a valid credit card on file with us until your monthly payment obligations are complete, regardless of your payment selection. If paying by check or ZELLE and your monthly payment is not received by the established due date, the credit card on file will be charged automatically and will include the 4% surcharge. If a check payment is returned for insufficient funds, member will be charged a $39 NSF fee plus all associated bank fees incurred. Declined credit card payments will be subject to late fees.

Are private lessons available?  If so, how can I request them?
Private lessons are offered to IDC students only at the discretion of the School Directors and are dependent upon regular attendance, and are subject to faculty and studio availability.  If you are interested in taking private lessons, please call, email or leave us a message through the Contact page.

How does the registration process work for new students?
Dance Classes - Students can enroll for the full season. Season dates can be found on the Schedule pages of this site.  

 

IDC accepts year-round enrollment.  Tuition will be pro-rated to the month of commencement.  Please contact us to discuss the appropriate level for your child and schedule a free assessment, if needed.  If you have confirmed the level with a member of the IDC staff and are ready to enroll, you can access registration here. Please call, email or leave us a message through the Contact page if you have any questions. 

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Is there an attendance policy?

Please contact IDC at 847-438-4500 or send an email to dance@ildanceconservatory if you will be absent or arriving late to a class.  Students who arrive more than 15 minutes late will not be allowed to participate due to risk of injury.
 

What is your refund/credit policy?
Tuition is non-refundable and non-transferable to other sessions or students. Member account credit may be considered in the event of a doctor verified serious illness or injury. Requests for member account credit must be made in writing within 30 days of the injury or illness and be accompanied by a doctor’s certificate of inability to continue class for remainder of term. Credits will be 50% of the remaining prorated tuition amount from date of notification of withdraw, minus a $25 processing fee. Account credits will be valid for a period of not more than 1-year from date of issue.

Where are you located?

Our main studio is located at 1251 N. Old Rand Rd., Wauconda, IL 60084.  The studio is one-block East of Route 12 (Rand Rd.).  The closest intersection to our main location is Bonner Rd. and Main. St. (N. Old Rand Rd.). 

Where can I purchase dance wear and shoes?
IDC carries a small quantity of dance shoes and leotards. If you need something we do not have, we recommend you visit Allegro Dance Boutique at their store in downtown Barrington or at http://www.allegrodanceboutique.com, or Discount Dance Supply at http://www.discountdance.com.

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