American Dance Center

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 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 and Joe Gidley - Business Manager

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 is Director of the Jazz and Tap divisions. A popular choreographer and guest teacher in the Chicagoland area; Maria's original works have continuously earned the highest awards at the International Dance Festival in Hollywood and "Best of Show" and "Teacher's Choice" awards at Dance Olympus. Her pieces have been showcased at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Chicago's North Pier, Great America, Disneyland and Dance Chicago. Maria is principal choreographer and soloist for the ADC's dinner show, Holiday Fantasy, and choreographer for the Mrs. Illinois America Pageant. She currently works 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 well versed 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. Tracey has been part of the ADC team for 14 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. Tracey 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. Tracey enjoys spending time with her children, Austin, Trevor, and Elle Marie.

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

VALERIE BISHOP has studied and performed for over 30 years with the industries best- from NY to abroad and back.With an extensive backround in classical ballet, she also brings Broadway credits to her long list of accolades. She has performed and toured nationally with such stars as film and Broadway dancer, Juliet Prouse, Oscar-winner, Joel Grey and Ron Pearlman, to name a few. She also performed and toured with the Houston Ballet for 4 years and appeared on "One Life to Live". Valerie owned and operated two dance studios in Texas for the last 10 years and teaches Ballet and Contemporary for the Intermediate/Advanced Division.

JEN DONOHOO began her training in Cincinatti, Ohio with members of the Cincinnati Ballet. In addition to ballet, her training included jazz, tap, modern and musical theater.She graduated with a BA in Dance Performance and a minor in Dance Education from Ball State University . Immediately following graduation, she began a contract dancing on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. In 2008, Jen moved to Chicago , performed with Winifred Haun and Dancers and danced for numerous production companies. She has created original choreography for several companies including the Ruth Page Dance Center and the Joffrey Ballet and is co-director of Chicago Freelance Dance. Jen has been teaching for the last 12 years throughout the Midwest and is excited to join the ADC family.

NICOLE DUTKO started training at 8 years old and joined the American Dance Center in high school. She was a member of The Shakerettes dance team at Miami of Ohio, where she received a B.S.in Management Information Systems and Psychology. Nicole furthered her training at Lou Conte Dance Studio and has danced with the Joel Hall Dance Company. Versatile in ballet, pointe, jazz, and modern, she has numerous theatre credits including A Chorus Line, Cats, 42nd Street, Jesus Christ Superstar, Bye Bye Birdie, Babes in Toyland and Paint Your Wagon. When not dancing, Nicole enjoys running (four Chicago marathons and counting), attending sporting events with her family and volunteering. Nicole teaches ballet and jazz.

JENNIFER GARCIA started her training with the ADC at age 6 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 enjoys passing on her love of dance and teaches ballet and jazz. Jennifer and her husband, Dave are proud parents of their daughter McKenna.

DIANE IACONELLI holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from DePaul University having graduated with highest honors. She has taught dance for over 30 years throughout the Chicagoland area and joined the ADC in 2001 as a tap instructor. Having won a national ballroom title in the Ladies Rhythm Division, she went on to represent Chicago with her partner on “Dance Fever,” a national TV show. She currently teaches junior division ballet/tap combo, junior and adult tap, and couple’s ballroom classes. She also works as director of information services at the University of Chicago.

DANIELLE LATORRE started teaching for 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 volunteers as a coach, choreographer, and technique instructor for the A.A.Stagg State Champion Pom Pon Squad. She has directed and choreographed award winning and “exceptionally entertaining material” for various performance groups for the past 14 years. She brings a lively approach to her teaching at both ADC locations.

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, and 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 currently dances with Inaside Chicago Dance Company, was a member of Same Planet Different World and teaches modern and ballet for the Intermediate/Advanced Division.

MEGAN SMITH has been studying Dance at the American Dance Center for 9 years. She is an advanced scholarship student in Ballet, Tap , Jazz, Modern, Pointe, Contemporary, and Street Funk. She toured last year with the Dance Olympus Summer Dance Tour as a VIP and was again selected as a scholarship award winner this season. She has attended the Dance Excellence festival in Hollywood California and was selected to perform in the company show with the Young Americans. She has performed in numerous shows with the American Dance Center throughout the Chicagoland area. Megan is currently participating in the American Dance Center teacher training program and is excited to share her talents in the Children's Dance Division this year.

ANDREA WYDRA is an American Dance Center alumni scholarship recipient and company member. She has performed in Red Hot Chicago fashion show, danced at Great America, community events, corporate shows, 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. 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. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Saint Xavier University, with a bachelor's degree in English Education.

AMERICAN DANCE CENTER ALUMNI

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, Joffrey Ballet, Joel Hall dancers, Up With People, Walt Disney World, and Young Americans.