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Return to Hollywood...

The American Dance Center and directors, Jack and Kathleen Villari,
received international acclaim when the school and dance company were
chosen to represent the state of Illinois at the prestigious 2007
Dance Excellence International Festival in Los Angeles. This festival
is a global awards and recognition event paying tribute to outstanding
work in the dance arts. Only one school from each state and country
was selected. Honorees included Alaska, Australia, Canada, Cyprus,
England, Hawaii, Ireland, Japan, Gibraltar, Scotland and South Wales.
This is the 6th year the American Dance Center has been recognized on
this world stage for its accomplishments.
Congratulatory letters from Presidential candidate Senator Barack
Obama, United States Senator Richard J. Durbin, and Illinois Governor
Rod R. Blagojevich were presented to the Villari's at a special
director’s awards presentation. Senator Obama said, “I am impressed by
the strong commitment that you have demonstrated by immersing
yourselves into this wonderful cultural experience. American Dance
Center’s selection for this program is only a testament of your hard
work and perseverance.”
Senator Richard J. Durbin said, “Through your dedication to dance
education and to bringing international attention to the dance arts,
you have proven to be a strong and vital part of the dance community.”
Governor Blagojevich said,” I am pleased to know that you have been
chosen to represent our State at this event which showcases dance
talent from around the United States and the world.”
Awards are presented through a highly selective process. After first
being recommended by the Festival committee, nominees are then
evaluated through video performances, reviews, and personal
interviews. Professional standards, school philosophies, curriculum,
technique levels, versatility in all styles of dance, showmanship,
student achievements and strong community support are all
considered during the stringent scoring period.
Because of this distinction, 20 Dance Center dancers had the
opportunity to showcase the training and philosophies of the school
before an audience and Festival adjudicators. Lyrical ballet, tap, and
jazz pieces were created by Dance Center instructor and award winning
choreographer, Maria Villari Joll. The dancers were recognized on
stage as the official Illinois state delegates and brought home the
highest scores possible for their technique, performance style, and
originality. They also accepted an invitation to present their own
show at Disneyland and participate in the festival’s gala awards
banquet and closing production. It was certainly a week to remember!
2007
Summer Dance Champions!
A.D.C. dancers attended the annual Dance Olympus Dance
Convention this summer. The week of classes, auditions, performances
and competition proved to be fun-filled and inspirational to all!
Five new pieces were created to showcase the dancers versatility in
all styles of dance. 
The ADC won four 1st Place Gold Awards in the Tap, Jazz,
Hip-Hop and Lyrical categories and two Silver Awards for the
Intermediate Tap and Jazz entries.
The energetic, advanced tap piece, choreographed by Maria
Villari Joll, also went on to receive the Senior Division Overall High
Scoring Group Award.
Senior Division
Overall High
Scoring Group Award

The uplifting, lyrical piece, originally choreographed by
Kathleen Villari and Maria Villari Joll for the 2007 International
Dance Festival and Maria Villari Joll's, Advanced Jazz/Hip-Hop piece
received the 1st and 2nd Teacher's Choice Awards. This prestigious
award was chosen from 65 competition entries by the votes of dance
teachers representing schools from throughout the
Midwest.
A special congratulations goes out to Joseph Kudra who was
selected a Senior Division Scholarship winner. He also was chosen to
be a Dance Olympus V.I.P., along with ADC dancer, Megan Smith. They
will have the opportunity to travel, assist and perform on next year's
summer tour. Congratulations to all dancers who participated. Once
again... a job well done!
14th Straight Win!
Readers of The
Star Newspaper named the American Dance Center "Best Dance
School in Chicago Southland" for the 14th straight
year in the Annual Readers' Choice Awards. Over 150,000 votes were cast in these area wide
public opinion polls. It is an honor to be recognized
as "The Best" by the people you serve. Over 60 Cook
and Will county dance schools were eligible. We
appreciate your vote of support and pledge to continue
to raise the standards for quality dance education and
performances in our area.
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