Kathleen Villari teaching dance up to the
rafters.
American Dance Center owners Jack and Kathleen Villari, who
own schools in both Orland Park and Homewood, recently traveled overseas as
chosen representatives for the United States at the Second International Dance
Exchange in the Philippines. The husband and wife team will celebrate the
center's 40th anniversary with a student showcase, The Best of Times, June 12-13
at the Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University.
When we were selected to represent the United States at the 2nd
International Dance Exchange in the Philippines, we were both apprehensive and
honored. The first workshop and festival in 2009 was an Asian event established
to strengthen an international dance network of cultural understanding and
diplomatic relations between countries. More than 500 advanced dancers
represented China, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Japan, Hong Kong, Macau,
Malaysia and the Philippines. The event was so successful that the National
Commission for Culture and the Arts and the National Committee on Dance, decided
that this year they would invite England and America. Being nominated to
represent our country for an event of this proportion was an extreme honor. To
be selected by the National Commission in the Philippines to be the first
American delegates was something we couldn't pass up.
As performers,
authors and dance educators, we had much experience on the international scene,
but representing the United States was a big responsibility. Traveling as a
diplomat to any foreign country is not like taking a vacation. You are
constantly representing your country in everything you say and do. Many people
have preconceived ideas about the United States from what they have read and
heard in news stories. Our responsibility was to present our country in the best
light. We would be involved in the opening and closing ceremonies, much like the
Olympics, and teach a two-hour master class to more than 500 dancers.
Traveling halfway around the world was an eye-opening experience. We
found out two days of travel, waiting in foreign airports, and going through
different time zones can really tire you out. Our first experience with Asiana
Airlines gave us a glimpse of what was to come. We were impressed with the soft
spoken sincerity, and personal attention that the Korean airline representative
offered. Their perfectly placed buns at the back of their heads,
well-coordinated outfits and polite manner showed that they had been hand picked
and well trained. It was first class service throughout the 12-hour flight.
Governor Victor A. Tanco, Province of Capiz
with Kathleen and Jack Villari.
Our first stop was Manila. This is where we met
Charles our personal representative. Charles, a college student working towards
a MA in Asian history, did everything for us. He was quiet, personable and cared
for our every need. He handled all schedules, transportation, luggage and
anything we asked for. Because of his studies he was able to inform us on the
history and traditions of every place we visited, which made it all very
interesting. We enjoyed our overnight stay in Manila and would return for
another night before our trip home.
The next day we flew to Roxas City
for the festival opening ceremonies. Roxas City is known for its export of fresh
seafood, which was evident from the faint smell of the sea as we exited the
plane. Needless to say, sea food and rice was served for breakfast, lunch and
dinner. It was an interesting menu change.
As we arrived, we were
greeted by a group of dancers who presented us with souvenir shell necklaces and
danced different local dances as we secured our luggage. Then off to our room to
unpack and prepare for the rest of our journey.
We would travel with all
of the Asian delegates for the entire week. We ate with them, shared stories and
experiences with them. We were welcomed by Governor Victor A. Tanco of the
Province of Capiz, Roxas City and would have a private farewell dinner with
Shirley Halili Cruz, the festival director and head of the National Committee on
Dance. Our schedule was busy and we enjoyed every minute.
Arrangements
were made for us to stay in the presidential suite of the President Inn, right
in the heart of the provincial capital of Capiz. Looking much like a European
boutique hotel, the three-story, 15-room Inn built in 1997, was designed to have
a restful elegance with an artistic flair. Throughout each floor one could see
unique Ming Dynasty porcelains and a fine collection of vintage furniture.
The Inn was located on the main street, which reverberated with music
and announcements of candidates for the upcoming elections. Traffic was
congested with three wheel passenger bikes and cars. Ever present, but often
unnoticed within the crowds, were children, mostly boys 5 to 8 years old. With a
mere glance from us, they would stretch out an open hand and with wide eyed
innocence say, "Money?"
One section of more than 400 dancers on the
beach at 630 a.m.
The next day was filled with anticipation. An
estimated 50,000 attended the opening ceremonies, which started with colorful
pageantry and ended with dancing and fireworks. The next three days would be
filled with workshops and performances. All of the 500 teachers, choreographers
and advanced dancers from the represented Asian countries attended our master
class which emphasized contemporary ballet and theatre dance. We greeted the
dancers in their own language and after a brief inspirational talk on music and
movement as our common bond, began basic warm up exercises to The Circle of
Live.
The theme of the event, Cultural Connectivity through Dance, was
indeed evident. They loved the relationship of classical ballet to jazz and
found it interesting that peasants and the elite both shared dance backgrounds.
They eagerly grasped each step and enjoyed taking the challenge of trying
something new. It was overwhelming to see more than 200 men leaping across the
floor as they left the ground soaring into space. The women were just as excited
with the more lyrical movements. It was exhilarating to watch as they all felt a
sense of pride. We followed large movements with steps they had learned in the
warm up and designed a routine to Barry Manilow's "Can't Smile Without You,"
including a brief tap dance section.
After the class they surrounded us
for a half hour of individual and group photos. The feeling best described was a
mix of idol worship and people reaching out with hope for the future. We are old
enough to expect respect, but received adulation and sincere expressions of love
that were overwhelming.
It was interesting to realize that throughout
the week people were standing next to us and had friends take their picture to
look as though they were with us. Sometimes three or four would gather into the
picture frame before we realized what they were doing. The group would instantly
double in size when we suggested taking a picture together. They were so
respectful and would respond with thank you Mister Jack and Madam Kathleen. We
were shocked that they had already read our bios in the program book and
remembered our names. Such instant recognition and respect is hard to come by
normally.
On our daily journeys we would drive by a big blue church,
obviously a huge cathedral. Charles said they had an English mass and would
check into the schedule. He immediately found out that there was a 5:30 mass. We
were thinking p.m.; he actually meant a.m. We arrived at the church Sunday
morning before dawn. We were surprised to see that all the seats were filled and
there were still many people praying in the aisles and in the back open areas.
Charles said this was common. Songs and prayers were expressed with spirited
voices. Displaying a strong faith, they shared what they had in the collection
basket. What an example to others who have so much and do so little!
As
we viewed the rural areas, the dichotomy of life became apparent. Even in the
stadium and at the airport where one would expect certain standards, we could
not find a public restroom that supplied what we would consider basic needs. We
almost felt guilty returning to our hotel each night, where we had the comforts
of home. But, we had to admit after the busy hot days, it was appreciated.
The next morning we sacrificed sleep for a shared bonding and respect
for mother earth. We all joined together at 6:30 a.m. to dance on the beach and
watch the sun rise. Afterward, we formed teams made up of multiple countries. We
had fun together and helped clean the beach of any debris that Mother Nature or
unconcerned beachgoers may have left behind. We realized that keeping our planet
green and the waters clean is a high priority for an area that thrives on
fishing.
Our last day in the Philippines was spent on Boracay Island, a
popular tourist area, which required a three hour bus ride and short ferry boat
trip. Once more, we were greeted by smiling women who placed shell necklaces on
each of us. We stayed at the Boracay Regency Beach Resort and Convention Center,
the newest hotel on the island. We enjoyed the beautiful room and balcony, pool,
white sandy beach, and a great buffet dinner and show. It was truly a tropical
paradise.
Our trip through the airport was quick and effortless. Charles
ushered us through the diplomatic lines and proceeded to the VIP waiting room.
He stayed with us as long as he could and then we exchanged sad farewells. It
was hard to realize that while we were here dancing, Chicago was on the other
side of the world sleeping.
While it was all enjoyable, our real reward
was sharing our passion of music and dance with so many from other cultures. We
saw a mix of different class levels and educational standards, but each one
seemed proud of their heritage and who they were. Everyone was friendly and
having a good time. To see such jubilation and happiness from those who readily
accept far less then we take for granted, was indeed humbling.
We are
proud to have been selected to represent our country. It seemed strange that for
much of our lives, Japanese, Chinese, and Koreans were often referred to as war
enemies in movies and newspaper headlines. Now, years later, we were all here
together sharing our hearts and souls. We were one in the moment supporting each
other, exchanging stories and laughter. It felt good and right.
When we
agreed to take this journey, we had no idea where it would lead. We thought it
would be a wonderful opportunity to spread our love and knowledge of dance with
others. Instead, we were treated to a new awakening into the lives of our
counterparts overseas. What we saw wasn't just different groups dancing; we
entered into that cultural connectivity of dance. We met proud people with a
strong passion to preserve their heritage through dance. We went to share with
others and in return we received a new awareness of the open arms and respect of
our Asian neighbors and new found friends.
We saw love in
action.
American Dance Center directors selected to be
global ambassadors
American Dance Center directors, Kathleen,
Jack and Maria Villari were recently selected as America’s Ambassadors of Dance.
Jack and Kathleen Villari, directors of the American Dance
Center in Orland Park and Homewood, have recently been named America's global
ambassadors of dance. As international ambassadors of dance, they will travel
half-way around the world to teach popular American dance styles and performance
techniques to choreographers, dance educators, and dancers from China,
Singapore, Korea, Spain, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, England and
Canada.
To expand relationships and universal dialogue between countries,
the dance world will come together next spring for a prestigious summit of
dance. The Villari's daughter, Maria, a national winning choreographer and head
of ADC's advanced tap and jazz divisions, was also invited as a master teacher.
The Villari's are proud to have been selected to represent America and to have
the opportunity of working with hundreds of dancers and dance educators, as part
of the 2010 Asian Dance Exchange in the Philippines.
This latest tribute
is one of many international honors Jack and Kathleen have received. They
choreographed ADC dancers for Mayor Daley's International Association for World
Peace and worked with the mayor's special events office to help arrange the
opening ceremony show for the 2007 AIBA World Boxing Championship at the Chicago
theatre. The event was broadcast worldwide and included athletes from 120
countries.
This past April, they traveled to Los Angeles to receive the
2009 Illinois/USA global award for Dance Excellence in Teaching and Performance
at the Dance Excellence International Dance Festival. They were one of 10
American directors to receive this distinction.
ADC will be celebrating
their 40th year in the Orland Park area, with a gala student production planned
for June 2010.
American Dance Center to be honored at Dance Festival
By Jennifer Al-Dosari, correspondent Southtownstar newspaper
Maria Villari watches dancers go through their
motions at the American Dance Center in Orland Park.
(Brett Roseman/Southtown Star)
When husband and wife Jack and Kathleen Villari moved to Chicago, they
thought the move would be temporary. They moved to Chicago to take care
of Kathleen's father's ailing health, but they decided to stay after
Jack established professional connections in Chicago.So, in 1971, the
Villaris, two accomplished choreographers, entertainers, and dance
educators, opened the American Dance Center school in Richton Park. Now
in its 38th year, the ADC is considered the best dance school in the
Southland with locations in Orland Park and Homewood.
In April, the American Dance Center
will be honored at the 2009 Dance Excellence International Dance
Festival in Los Angeles as one of the best dance schools in the
country. The ADC will represent Illinois and the United States. Dance
representatives from other countries, including Australia and Japan,
will also be honored at the festival.The ADC will perform original
dance numbers at the Performing Arts Center in Long Beach and the
Hollywood Backlot Stage in Disneyland.
This isn't the first time the ADC will
be being awarded at this festival, but the Villaris are still honored
and grateful. Kathleen, who teaches traditional dance, says, "The idea
is to get inspired dancers together with other inspired dancers to
inspire each other."It's very stimulating as a dancer to see the entire
world dancing."It's a family affair at the ADC. Maria Villari, Jack and
Kathleen's daughter, will also be honored at the festival for her work
in the field of dance.Maria teaches advanced jazz and tap and
choreographs at the ADC. She also models and has been showcased at
Disneyland, Dance Chicago and the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. Jack
and Kathleen's son, Brian Villari, manages the ADC. His wife, Tracey,
teaches children and junior-level classes at the school.
Jack and Kathleen have been
entertainers for years and have taught more than 30,000 dancers at
their school. They met in New York City after auditioning for roles in
a Broadway production of "Camelot." After graduating with a degree in dance from Butler
University, Kathleen moved to New York City to pursue performance art.
Jack was working at ABC in New York City and working on becoming a
songwriter. He remembers when auditions were being held for
"Camelot." He didn't want to audition, but friends persuaded him. He
remembers a friend saying, "You might meet the girl of your dreams." Kathleen didn't want to audition either because she
was pursuing other opportunities, but friends and family encouraged
her. Kathleen and Jack ended up receiving roles and toured all over the
country with "Camelot." They say they consider their partnership as "meant to
be." They add that after they completed their yearlong tour with
"Camelot," they moved back to New York and into the Camelot Apartments.
After being honored at the festival, the
ADC will prepare for its 10th annual production of Holiday Fantasy, a
dinner theater show. The show will be staged in November at the Tinley
Park Convention Center. The Villaris aren't showing any signs of stopping.
They say they plan on keeping the dance center open. Kathleen says,
"Life just wouldn't be the same without this place."
A love of dance and sense of confidence
is what the Villaris try to instill in all of their students. Kathleen
says, "We believe dance is for everyone. It soothes the soul."
Return to Hollywood...
The American Dance Center and directors, Jack and Kathleen Villari,
received international recognition when the school and dance company
were chosen to represent the state of Illinois at the prestigious 2009
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 is
selected. Honorees included Alaska, Australia, Canada, Cyprus, England,
Hawaii, Ireland, Japan, Gibraltar, Scotland and South Wales. This is
the 7th year the American Dance Center has been recognized on this
world stage for its accomplishments.
The Villari's received congratulatory letters from Barack Obama,
United States Senator Richard J. Durbin, and Former Illinois Governor
Rod R. Blagojevich. Barack 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."
Former
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, selected 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. The dancers were recognized on stage
as the official Illinois state delegates. They continued
the ADC's legacy for highest scores possible for their performance
style, technique, and originality. While in California, they also
accepted an invitation to present their own show at Disneyland
and participated in the festival's gala awards banquet and closing
production. It was certainly a week to remember!
American Dance Center directors to receive international honors Orland residents to attend dance festival
Jack and Kathleen Villari, directors of the American Dance Center, have been selected for international honors.
Jack and Kathleen Villari, directors of the American Dance Center (ADC)
in Orland Park and Homewood will be honored this April at the 2009
Dance Excellence International Dance Festival in Los Angeles,
California. This week-long global recognition event pays tribute to
outstanding work in dance education and performance. The Villaris' are
proud to represent the entire state of Illinois and the U.S.A. at this
prestigious event and have received letters from President-elect,
Barack Obama and United States Senator, Dick Durbin congratulating
their achievements in the arts. They will be recognized at a gala
awards banquet honoring representatives from Alaska, Australia, Canada,
Cyprus, England, Gibraltar, Hawaii, Ireland, Japan, South Wales,
Philippines and U.S.A.
Maria
Villari, choreographer, fashion model and dance instructor is preparing
ADC dancers for performances at the International Dance Festival in Los
Angeles. California.
Maria Villari, director of the advanced tap and jazz divisions at the
ADC will also be recognized for her outstanding work in the field of
dance. Maria has won numerous awards for her choreography and will
present her dancers before the board of festival adjudicators. The
various styles of dance will be evaluated for technique and originality
and become part of the scoring process for next year's invitational. In
the past, the American Dance Center has earned the highest ratings.
This year's group is looking forward to gaining the same recognition.
They are also excited about dancing in the 3,000 seat Performing Arts
Center in Long Beach, the Hollywood Backlot Stage in Disneyland, and
the once in a lifetime opportunity to meet and perform before some of
the world's finest dancers.
American Dance Center intermediate and
advanced dancers from 7 Chicago Southland communities will represent
Illinois and USA at the International Dance Festival from April 5-11 in
Los Angeles, Calif.
2009 Summer Dance Champions!
ADC dancers attended the annual Dance Olympus Convention this summer.
3 days of non-stop dance classes, performances, auditions and
competition proved to be another exciting and memorable experience!
Din-Da-Da - Gold Champion - Senior Tap
4 competition pieces
Junior Division Jazz - "Shake It"
Senior Division Jazz - "Mercy"
Senior DivisionTap - "Din -Da-Da"
Senior Division Lyrical - "Make You Feel My Love"
Make You Feel My Love - Gold Champion - Senior Lyrical
Mercy - Gold Champion -Senior Jazz
All four entries received Gold Championship Awards!
A special congratulations goes out to three of our Senior Dancers.
Megan Smith and Taylor Foytik, won dance scholarships to the
Dance Olympus winter tour. After an hour and a half audition, the girls
made it through to the finals, which were held in front of an audience
at the faculty show. Only four dancers in the entire senior
division received scholarships.
Chloe Bigelow who was chosen by audition to become a 2010 Dance Olympus V.I.P. As
part of the summer tour, she will have the opportunity to travel to
several cities, joining 11 outstanding teachers and other V.I.P dancers
from throughout the country. She will have the opportunity to learn new
choreography, assist the teachers and perform in the faculty shows.
Junior Overall High Score/Best of Show Award Winner
"Shake It"
Shake It - Gold Champion - Junior Division Jazz
The prestigious Trophy was awarded to "The Best" of all the junior competition entries.
The dancers were invited to repeat their piece as part of the
Dance Olympus faculty show and will be featured in their On Tour magazine.
15th Straight Win!
Readers
of The Southtown Star Newspaper named the American Dance Center "Best
Dance School in Chicago Southland" for the 15th 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.
