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.