The EXCEL program was established as part of the performing wing of the American Dance Center. Guided by positive philosophies of commitment, technique, leadership and responsibility, it provides professional training and additional performing experiences for the serious student. Dancers are selected by teacher recommendation, written interviews and auditions in various styles of dance. Directed by the Villari family, ADC faculty members Carlicia Layosa, Jennifer Garcia and Andrea Wydra, ADC alumni and guest teachers, share their backgrounds and passion for the arts to encourage each student’s potential. The dancers develop qualities that enrich one’s outlook on life as a person and performer.
ADC EXCEL Dancers have been a popular addition to the Chicago Bulls pre-game festivities at the United Center for several years. The girls made numerous appearances, including their exciting Chicago opener game, the Holiday game as the famous ‘Rein-Bulls’ with Santa and Mrs. Claus, the ‘Queen of Hearts’ and her Valentine ballerinas and got the fans on their feet as they danced to live bands for Country Western Night.
ADC EXCEL Dancers were Guest Performers at the Mrs. America preliminary, 2011 Mrs. Illinois Pageant in Bolingbrook, Illinois. Maria Villari has been the choreographer for the pageant for the past 5 years and the dancers have been asked back annually.
Two of ADC's exciting production numbers were featured,"No Speak Americano", an energetic, swing tap and “U.M.C.”, an urban
Hip-hop featuring ADC instructor/choreographer, Carlicia Layosa.
2010 Mrs. Illinois Pageant "Proud Mary"
2011 Mrs. Illinois Pageant
"U.M.C."
2011 Mrs. Illinois Pageant
"No Speak Americano"
ADC dancers got the fans dancing for the Chicago Bull's "Country Western Night".
AMERICAN DANCE CENTER
40 Years of Dance Education and Entertainment A Tradition of Excellence... A Legacy of Dance
2012 Orange Bowl Half-Time Dancers , Miami, Florida
Voted "Best Dance School in Chicago Southland", SouthtownStar Newspaper 15 years straight
The Villari’s chosen Outstanding Dance Educators of America, Dance Magazine.Named one of “21 Leaders in the Arts for the 21st Century” The Star Newspapers. 11th Annual Holiday Fantasy dinner theater production selected “One of the top 10 shows in Chicago.”
Featured performers at the 1996 Summer World Olympics, Atlanta, Georgia.Selected Illinois delegates - International Dance Festival, L.A. - 1995, 2001 ,2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011Performances at Disneyland, Great America, Chicago’s North Pier, Donald E. Stevens Convention Center, Drury Lane Theater, Chicago Apparel Center, Park West, Chicago Theater, Hemmen’s Theatre. Received Congressional Recognition Awards for the performing arts.Artistic honors from the Illinois Arts Council and Office of the Governor of Illinois.Olympia Fields Proclamation, celebrating American Dance Center Day, for Silver Anniversary Week.Established Outreach Park District Dance classes for 15 area communities. Developed credited dance classes for Prairie State College, Governors State University and Chicago Conservatory College.
Six-time Best of Show winner, National Dance Olympus Competition and Teacher’s Choice Award.Coordinated shows with Walt Disney, Warner Bros. and Hanna-Barbera Productions.Trained regional and state winners for Miss America, Miss Teen and Miss Pre-Teen.Choreographer and production dancers for 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 Mrs. America PageantPerformed at International Association for World Peace, Mayor Daley special event.Featured performers in the Dance Chicago-invitational series Athenaeum Theater, 6 years. Invitational-National Tap Dance Day, Chicago Human Rhythm Project, Vittum Theater. Choreographed ADC dancers for Midwest Beauty Show, John Amico national hair and beauty conventionsGala performances for Infant Welfare Society and Louis Vitton Chicago State Street.Performed for the Meeting Professionals- International Award Show, Chicago’s Park West TheaterParticipated in Chicago’s State Street Thanksgiving Day Parade Performed for Homewood New Year’s Eve celebration-4 yrs., Community Arts Festival, 2 yrs.Choreographer for Chicago Sting-Honey Bees Cheerleaders and Milwaukee Bucks half time show.Classical ballet soloist for Mayor Daley’s 2007 AIBA World Boxing Championship.Exclusive dancers for “Weird Al” Yankovic Show, 2007.Established one of the area’s largest scholarship programs for dance training.ADC master classes with Joffrey Ballet, Royal Winnipeg Ballet and Centre de Le Danse, Paris, France. Official school of the American Dance Center Ballet, area’s first professional level company.Combined ballet with symphony for the first time in south suburbs ‘73.Created Hansel and Gretel, Chicago’s longest-running original ballet, 23 years.Choreographed Russian gold medalists and Bolshoi Ballet soloists in ADC ballet.Commissioned soloists from American Ballet Theater, Joffrey Ballet, New York City and Zurich BalletSubsidized over 68,000 children for ADC school field trip programs. Featured on CBS-Channel 2-Morning NewsSpecial Dance for Sports classes featured on NBC, Channel 5.Performed for Serbian Radio’s Anniversary celebration, 3 years. American Dance Center documentary, Continental Cable."Making of a Holiday Tradition" documentary, Jones CableDancers of Tomorrow, documentary, Multimedia, Time Warner and Jones Cable. | ||||
CAMERICAN DANCE CENTER
2011-2012 ADC EXCEL DANCERS
Entertaining Chicago Bulls fans at the United Center...
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.ADC EXCEL Dancers, faculty, families and friends enjoyed some fun in the sun at Six Flags Great America this summer. The ADC has been invited performers for their annual Dance Fest for several years. New production pieces were showcased and a great day at the park was had by all!
ADC EXCEL Dancers presented three Studio Showcases spotlighting new works in all styles of dance, choreographed by ADC instructors and Guest Choreographers. The show also included original solo works created by Junior and Senior graduating dancers .
"Stand Up", the EXCEL Showcase finale - an uplifting gopsel dance piece, choreographed by ADC Alumni /Guest Choreographer, John Shawn Basler - Maui, Hawaii.
2011
EXCEL STUDIO SHOWCASE
ADC EXCEL Dancers
performed on the Main Stage at Mokena's Halloween Hallow.
The THRILL-ing show brought in
the crowds and kicked off their new season. Encore performances were also part of the ADC's Groovy Ghoulish Graveyard Dance Parties at our Orland Park and Homewood locations on Halloween weekend. A spook-takular time was had by all!
ADC dancers greeted the fans as the "Rein-bulls"... a favorite holiday tradition.
ADC EXCEL Dancers gave back to the community as they spread Holiday joy and shared their talents with new production numbers for the Seniors at Smith Crossing in Orland Park and a repeat performance at Smith Village in Chicago.
Valentine's Day 2012 game with the
"Queen of Hearts" and her ballerinas.
