JACK and KATHLEEN VILLARI, Founders and Directors, are a husband and wife team with a distinguished record as performers, choreographers, dance educators and writers. They authored The Official Guide to Disco Dance Steps, a worldwide best seller, published in 8 foreign languages and part of library collections throughout the world. Their work in Broadway musicals, ballet companies, television, movies and commercials provide a vast network of expertise. They have been described as "dance visionaries, who turn dreams into reality." The international publication, Dancemagazine, described them as "a vital force in the world of dance" for their significant role in the development of America's rich dance heritage." Government and business leaders have congratulated them for "generating community and worldwide ties, both on and off stage." Their choreography for the U.S.O. show tour to the Far East, earned many awards. Their ongoing international dialogue with dance aficionados continues to bring cultural enrichment to the area. They represented the United States as Ambassadors of Dance for the 2010 International Asian Dance Exchange in the Philippines. They are proud of Maria, Brian and Tracey, who are dedicated to the development of the American Dance Center legacy.
Jack, Executive Director, is responsible for all creative and production decisions. He has produced and directed many of the company’s original ballets including Hansel and Gretel and Holiday Fantasy. Jack holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Multi-Media Communications from Governors State University. His work in the commercial field received the Silver Award of Excellence from the International Film Festival. He is listed in Cambridge, England publication of International Leaders in Achievement and America’s Who’s Who in Entertainment.
Kathleen, Ballet Director, teaches intermediate to advanced levels. She emphasizes the best of lyrical and classical traditions utilizing the English, Russian, and Italian methods. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Butler University and furthered her training at the renowned American Ballet Theater and Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. Kathleen was director of dance at the Royal Academy of Performing Arts in New York and is listed in Outstanding Young Women of America.
The Legacy Continues
Actively involved in day-to-day operations, the second generation share key positions in the Villari dream.
Brian Villari - Executive Manager
Maria Villari - ADC Dance Company Director
Tracey Nowak Villari - Children's Division Director
BRIAN VILLARI, Executive Manager, oversees all Dance Center operations with a strong philosophy for family values in every aspect. Graduated with high honors from Marian Catholic High School, he was recognized as an Illinois State scholar and Presidential Academic Achievement Award recipient. On the Dean’s list in college, he was the youngest person inducted into Alpha Beta Gamma, business honor society. Performing credits include national talent titles, musical productions, videos, fashion shows, and commercials for such companies as: McDonald’s, J. C. Penney, Meijer, and Hanna-Barbera productions.
MARIA VILLARI, Company Director/Choreographer
heads the Jazz and Tap divisions. As an award-winning choreographer, her original works continuously earn the highest awards at the International Dance Festival in Hollywood and "Best of Show" and "Teacher's Choice"
awards at Dance Olympus. Maria's pieces have been showcased at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Chicago's
North Pier, Great America, Disneyland and Dance Chicago.
She is a soloist for the Company's dinner show, Holiday Fantasy and choreographer for the Mrs. Illinois America Pageant. Maria has received numerous state and national dance, vocal and pageant titles. With over 20 years of teaching and performing coast to coast, she has worked with some of the country's top choreographers, dancers and directors in theatre, industrials and runway fashion shows with such artists as Tony Danza, Hall and Oates, the Pointer Sisters and company members of River North, Hubbard Street and Gus Giordano. She is involved in all aspects of the ADC and has been a driving force behind the Dance Center's energetic spirit.
TRACEY NOWAK VILLARI, Children’s Division Director,
is in charge of all Children and Junior levels. She also created our Core/Strength program, utilizing her training in health, nutrition, injury prevention and kinetic energy, while integrating 'core' values into her classes. Tracey has been part of the ADC team for 17 years teaching the joy of movement with a truly energetic approach. She received a performing arts scholarship to Prairie State College, where she majored in Child Development and Child Psychology. She has danced in several ADC productions, has had numerous jobs modeling for Chicago and California trade shows and is a national award-winning All-American Cheerleader recognized by the NCAA. She enjoys spending time with her children, Austin, Trevor and Elle Marie, who also study at the ADC.
JOSEPH GIDLEY, Studio Manager, oversees day-to-day studio operations. He has known the Villari family for thirty years and graduated with Brian from Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights. Joe was general manager for Bachrach and Best Buy for 7 years before joining the American Dance Center. He has been recognized nationally for his business leadership and sales achievements and is eager to add his experience and business knowledge to the exciting programs already established at the ADC.
A Professional Faculty Makes the Difference
FACULTY
JENNIFER GARCIA started her dance studies with the ADC at age 6, trained through the advanced levels in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz and modern and completed her studies as a scholarship student. As member of the ADC Company, she danced the role of Gretel in Hansel and Gretel, performed at the '96 Olympics in Atlanta and was part of the Dance Excellence International Company in Los Angeles. Jennifer received a dance scholarship to Northern Illinois University and graduated with a B.A. in Dance. She was guest artist for the Rockford Dance Co. and Ballet Concerto, Texas and has choreographed and danced in professional theater productions. She and her husband, Dave, are proud parents of their daughter, McKenna. Jennifer enjoys passing on her love of dance and teaches ballet and jazz.
KARA LOZANOVSKI was born in Crown Point, Indiana and started dancing at age of three with the Indiana Ballet Theatre North West. She continued to train and perform as a soloist until high school graduation, where she had many lead roles in their productions. Kara also competed as a soloist with Crown Point Dance Affiliates winning many dance titles. Kara continued her studies at Butler University where she received her BFA in Dance Performance. While at Butler, Kara performed many lead roles in The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Copellia, Giselle, Midwinter Dance Festival, George Balanchine's Serenade, and Anthony Tudor's, Dark Elegies. After graduation, she moved to Chicago and was a scholarship student with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. Kara has had many professional performance opportunities including recently back-up dancing with Beyonce. Other than dance, Kara was a level 8 gymnast and plays the viola. As Kara continues to train everyday and perform, she looks forward to spreading her love of the Art to the students at the American Dance Center.
CHRISTEN McKENNA started dancing as a child in Schaumburg, IL. She continued jazz and ballet training through high school, where she was a cheerleader and member of the school’s dance group. She attended Harper College and danced with the college dance company. Christen continues her training at the ADC, served as a cheerleading coach for the Tinley Park Bobcats and has been a Girl Scout leader. She and her husband, Steve, have two daughters, Jenna and Kaylee, who also attend the ADC. Christen is a graduate of the ADC Teacher Training Program and teaches ballet, tap, and jazz in the junior division.
CARLICIA LAYOSA trained in all styles of dance at the American Dance Center. She performed and competed with the Lincoln-Way East dance company, Orchesis, for 4 years, where she was also Dance Captain and Vice President. Continuing through college, at the University of Illinois At Chicago, she danced for 5 years with the Hip Hop dance group, Primo Dance Troupe. Primo is an acronym which stands for Pretty, Real, Intelligent, Moves, Original which describes the group's dynamic style and versatile dancers. She competed in various competitions on and off campus, won the first place title in the African Idol talent show, performed as a background dancer to local Chicago Hip Hop artists and trained with MTV's America's Best Dance Crew including Lindsey Blaufarb, Mark Fucanan, Ailyn Isidro, Brian Puspos, Mike Song, and Yuri Tag. She is a graduae of UIC with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Carlicia is proud to share her enthusiasm and passion for Hip Hop with her students.
JON SLOVEN was born and raised in Denver, Colorado.
He earned a B.A. at Colorado College in Economics and Business, with minors in both Music and Dance. Jon graduated from the University of Arizona, where he earned a Masters of Fine Arts in Dance with an emphasis in choreography and performance. He performed in ballet, modern and jazz works by world-renowned faculty members and also created numerous award-winning choreographic works. He was named the School of Dance Most Outstanding Teaching Assistant. While in Colorado, he taught at Danswest Dance Productions, Little Theatre Culture Center, and Peak Ballet Theatre. Jon danced with Inaside Chicago Dance Company, Same Planet Different World and recently joined Thodos Dance Chicago as a company member, touring the national and international dance circuits. Jon teaches modern, jazz and ballet for the Intermediate/Advanced Division.
ANDREA WYDRA is an American Dance Center alumni scholarship recipient and company member. She has performed for the Chicago Bulls pre-game events at the United Center, Great America and numerous Holiday Fantasy and Dance Chicago productions. In addition, she has participated in many specialized dance workshops including the Radio City Rockette Summer Dance Intensive program in Los Angeles. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Saint Xavier University, with a bachelor's degree in English Education. Andrea has been teaching at the Dance Center since 2001. Starting out as an outreach instructor, she now teaches ballet, tap, and jazz divisions in both locations. Andrea enjoys sharing her knowledge and love of dance with young trainees.
The serious American Dance Center student is encouraged to pursue institutions of higher education in dance or related fields. Our pre-college curriculum prepares dedicated dancers to reach their goals.
Many ADC students have enrolled as Dance Majors and have received scholarships to:
Arizona State University, Butler University, Columbia College, Northern Illinois University, Northwestern University, University of Iowa, University of Illinois at Chicago, University of Illinois at Champaign, University of Nevada, Tisch School of the Arts, Western Michigan and Wright State University.
Others have minored in dance or participated in college dance companies.
We are proud of American Dance Center graduate students who are teaching and dancing professionally throughout the world in prestigious dance companies including:
Alvin Ailey Dance Center, American Ballet Theater, Australian Dance Theatre, Chicago Tap Theatre,
Gus Giordano, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago,
Indiana Ballet Theater, Joffrey Ballet, Joel Hall Dancers, Luna Negra Dance Theater, Up With People,
Disney World and the Young Americans.
REIDA DOBI joins the American Dance Center as an instructor in traditional Russian ballet technique. She received her early training at the Academy of Classic Dance in Tirana, Albania. Reida enrolled in secondary education at the Institute of Arts and Choreography in Tirana, where she later became an instructor teaching the art of variations, pointe and performance. Earning the status as prima ballerina with the Tirana State Opera Ballet, she performed for 8 years throughout Albania and in Greece, Italy, France and Bulgaria. She received her teaching certification from the Academy of Performing Arts, Sofia Bulgaria. In 1998, she danced with the Carnegie Hall International Ballet Dance Center in New York. Her repertoire includes principal roles in classic ballets, Giselle, Don Quixote, Sleeping Beauty, Raymonda and Swan Lake. She has continued her passion for teaching and is committed to the artistic development, education and mentoring to inspire dancers through traditional Russian ballet technique.
DEBBORAH HOPKINS has been working and creating in the Performing Arts for over 25 years. She has had the pleasure of traveling the globe, sharing her talent both off and on stage, for national and international corporate and charity productions and events, in front and behind camera in TV, commercial and film, as a dancer, actress and choreographer, as well as artistic collaborator/director. She has worn the crown of Miss Chicago and has been a professional cheerleader for the Chicago Bears football team as a Honey Bear. Recently, she assisted a competitive teen’s dance team in Colombia, South America. Currently, she is focusing her attention to designing and producing national street performances geared toward raising awareness in global and national issues. Debborah has been a guest artist with ADC productions for the past 6 years and teaches unique, unveiling techniques that will help you reach your full potential as a person and performer.
NICOLE DUTKO , a passionate and versatile dancer since age 8, trained with the ADC through her high school years. Nicole was a member of Miami University’s dance team, the Shakerettes and currently dances in Joel Hall's dance company, JHD II. She continues to train in ballet, pointe, jazz, Horton and Graham modern techniques. Musical Theatre credits include: Kristine in A Chorus Line, Rumpleteazer in CATS, and featured dancer roles in Jesus Christ Superstar, Bye Bye Birdie, Babes in Toyland and City of Angels. Nicole is proud to say she's finished four Chicago marathons and over a dozen half marathons. She holds a bachelor's in Management Information Systems, a minor in Psychology, a Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer designation and is Director of IT Services at Info.com. Nicole is thrilled to be back with the ADC family as a ballet instructor at the Homewood studio.
American Dance Center Alumni
DANIELLE LATORRE started teaching at the American Dance Center in 1998. After a few years away to start her family, she returned to teach in the children’s division in 2005. She holds an Elementary Education degree from St. Xavier University. She currently teaches Kindergarten at St. Michael School in Orland Park and is the Head Poms Coach at Stagg High School in Palos Hills. She has performed with a selected group of dancers for the World Cup Opening Ceremonies in Chicago. She has directed and choreographed award winning material for various performance groups for the past 20 years. She and her husband, Rocky, have two children, Alyssa and Joseph. Danielle is a graduate of the ADC Teacher Training Program and brings her love for children and lively attitude to her teaching.
TAYLOR FOYTIK has been dancing at the American Dance Center since she was 5 years old. She was selected to join the Accelerated Artist ADC EXCEL program. As an EXCEL company member, she has performed in numerous Holiday Fantasy productions, Chicago Bull pre-game events, Great America and Mrs. Illinois America pageants. She attended and competed in numerous dance conventions with the ADC and received scholarships from Dance Olympus. She was chosen by audition to travel across the country, as a Dance Olympus V.I.P. dancer and faculty assistant. Throughout high school, she has been the captain of Lincoln-Way Central’s poms dance team and choreographed award-winning routines. She continues to train at the ADC in advanced levels of ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, modern, and contemporary. Taylor enjoys sharing her passion for dance and love of children by teaching our youngest dancers at the ADC.
HOLLY KAPSALIS joins the ADC faculty as an instructor in our Pre-Dance and Beginner Dance Programs. Her love of children led her to pursue her studies and she received a Bachelor of Arts in Child Psychology from DePaul University and continued to earn a Masters Degree in Education from St. Xavier University. She has been working in early childhood for 10 years and is the Director at Kindercare Knowledge Learning Corporation. Holly continues her dance training at the ADC and is a graduate of the ADC Teacher Training Program. She is thrilled to share her knowledge of the young child and her love of dance with the students and families of the ADC.
