Winter Center for the Arts

WINTER 2023
CENTER FOR THE ARTS CLASSES

DANCE - ART - THEATER - MUSIC

Quick jump links to:

• Wilmette Children's Theater 2022-23 Season & Audition Information
• Tot Classes
• Youth Classes
• Tween & Teen Classes
• Adult Classes
• Private Lessons

TOT CLASSES

TOT DANCE
MOVE WITH ME
Age 15 months-2 1/2
Is your little dancer not quite ready to attend a class alone? Move with Me is the perfect class for you and your tot together. Learn to move and express through exploring creative dance in a fun environment enriched with props, music, and dance-along games, designed to introduce children to the beautiful art form of dance. Wednesday mornings

CREATIVE DANCE
Age 2 1/2 -3
An independent class for our youngest dancers who love to move! With exercises designed around expression through movement, we prepare them for future dance classes by teaching basic steps, classroom etiquette, listening and dancing to different music styles/tempos, all within a fun and supportive environment! Attire: leotard, tights, and pink ballet shoes. Skirts or tutus optional. This class is designed for dancers to attend on their own; to promote a learning environment free from distraction, parents may check in by watching through the windows, but will not be invited into the studio during class. Friday mornings or Saturday afternoons

STORYTIME DANCE
Age 2 1/2 -4
This class combines creative dance, basic ballet technique and a different story each week. Your child will interpret the story of the week through imagination and dance. Monday afternoons

PRE BALLET*
Age 3-4
20-week recital class
This class is for dancers who are beginning to understand basic steps and musicality. Students begin developing their ballet technique and placement, and start to become familiar with proper terminology. Pre Ballet includes barre work, center floor and across-the-floor exercises, and free dance, designed to provide true ballet training with classical music. Dress code: leotard, tights, pink ballet shoes. Skirts or tutus optional. Morning classes on Thursdays or Saturdays; afternoon classes on Mondays or Wednesdays

PRE HIP HOP*
Age 3-4
20-week recital class
Get your groove on! This class explores the foundations of dance in a fun environment, with funky and fun soundtracks to match. Friday mornings

BALLET / HIP HOP*
Age 4-5
20-week recital class
It's a winning combination! Ballet teaches the grace and balance while Hip Hop teaches style, and rhythm. Time will be spent in each class learning the basics of both disciplines in an enjoyable atmosphere. Students need both ballet and indoor sneakers for the first class please. Wednesday afternoons

BALLET*
Age 4-5
20-week recital class
The most essential style of dance, ballet focuses on grace, poise and strength, through technique and choreography. Saturday mornings

HIP HOP / TAP*
Age 4-6
20-week recital class
Get your groove on! Hip Hop introduces fun and funky style with today's jams. Then, put those tap shoes on and continue with upbeat sounds and rhythms, learning the foundation of tap dancing. Jazz shoes or gym shoes (used only for class) and tap shoes required. Thursday afternoons

TOT ART
COME CLAY WITH ME
Age 3-5
Work side-by-side with your child as you learn basic ceramic and glazing techniques in this versatile medium. As your child grows, continue in future sessions where you and your child can fine-tune your skills and develop more intricate projects. A maximum of two children may enroll with one adult. Parents, grandparents and caregivers welcome. Monday or Saturday mornings

PAINT & CLAY
Age 4-6 and 7-10
The child who likes both paint and clay will love the format of this class: some classes focus on ceramic handbuilding and glazing, while other classes concentrate on painting techniques, such as sponge and brush. Monday afternoons

GYM and ART
Age 4-6
Youngsters spend 45 minutes in gymnastics and 45 minutes in art class making projects from clay, paint, paper and more. Some classes may be split on the first day, depending on size of enrollment. Monday or Thursday afternoons

SCIENCE and ART
Age 4-6
How are rainbows made? What are the effects of chemical reactions? We can hear sound, but can you SEE it? Join us and open your mind to creativity! Wednesday afternoons

TOT THEATER
PLAY IN A BOX
Age 3-6
Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Peter Pan! In Play in a Box, your child will experience being in a brand new play each week. At the start of the session, parents will receive a list of stories. Every class begins with reading that story, and then bringing it to life! Students take turns playing each character, use imaginative skills, and learn basic narration! Tuesday afternoons

TOT MUSIC
FAMILY FIDDLE
Age 1-3 and 3-5 w/adult
Family Fiddle with Miss Emily incorporates fiddle tunes and exploration, ukulele singalongs, movement, and stimulating instrument play. It's perfect for the development of children in the 1-5 age range! Tuesday mornings (for age 1-2) or afternoons (for age 3-5)

YOUTH CLASSES

YOUTH DANCE
BALLET/HIP HOP*
Age 5-6
20-week recital class
It's a winning combination! Ballet teaches the grace and balance while Hip Hop teaches style, and rhythm. Time will be spent in each class learning the basics of both disciplines in an enjoyable atmosphere. Ballet shoes and indoor sneakers required. Saturday mornings

BALLET*
Ages 5-7
20-week recital class
The most essential style of dance, ballet focuses on grace, poise and strength, through technique and choreography. Tuesday afternoons

BALLET / TAP*
Age 5-7
20-week recital class
This class will introduce and improve upon tap and ballet skills each week. Half of the class will be dedicated to tap warm up, technique and choreography, and half of the class will be dedicated to ballet barre, center and across the floor. Late Monday afternoon/early eve or Saturday afternoons

JAZZ / HIP HOP*
Age 5-7
20-week recital class
Hip Hop and Jazz in one fun class! In each class, we spend time learning the basics of both disciplines in an enjoyable atmosphere. Students may use jazz shoes for both styles. Tuesday afternoons

BALLET / TAP / HIP HOP*
Age 7-9
20-week recital class
This class is for dancers who are beginning to understand basic steps and musicality. Students begin developing their ballet technique and placement, and start to become familiar with proper terminology. Ballet includes barre work, center floor and across-the-floor exercises, and free dance, all designed to provide true ballet training with classical music. Dress code: Leotard, tights, pink ballet shoes. Skirts or tutus optional. Saturday mornings

BALLET*
Age 7-10
20-week recital class
The most essential style of dance, ballet focuses on grace, poise and strength, through technique and choreography. Wednesday afternoons

POMS/ACRO*
Age 7-10
20-week recital class
This class combines the skills of acrobatics and poms dancing. We cover basic tumbling skills, dance technique, formations and use of poms in this energetic dance class! Wednesday evenings

DANCE CLUB*
Age 7-10
20-week recital class
Dance Club incorporates various genres of dance including ballet, jazz, hip hop and modern as well as choreography techniques and basics. Students will practice dance steps in the various genres, as well as work in groups to develop choreography to showcase to their fellow classmates. Dress code can be any dance attire. T-shirts and leggings are acceptable. Monday evenings

YOUTH ART
DRAWING
Age 5-7
Explore the fundamentals of shading, weight, depth and perspective. All drawing classes will use various media, such as pencil, ink and charcoal, as well as different papers and canvases. Monday or Wednesday afternoons

PINTEREST ART CLASS
Age 5-7 and 7-10
Explore the newest art trends in this unique crafting class! Each week, we'll explore a different kind of creative project, from upcycled jewelry, to macrame and weaving, wall art and dream catchers...we pick our projects based on what's popular and exciting. Tuesday afternoons

CERAMICS
Age 7-10
Our most popular art program is now designed to help students progress in this wonderful medium! Coils, slabs, clay sculpting and glazing techniques are taught on an appropriate level for each class. Tuesday or Wednesday afternoons

PAINTING
Age 7-10
Watercolors, acrylics and tempera on media including watercolor paper, tag board and canvas board...add to that a multitude of tools, and you have a painting class! Wednesday afternoons

ART CLUB
Ages 5-7, 7-10 and 10-13
An exclusive membership club for creative kids! We explore new mediums and techniques each week. Members learn drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramic painting, clay, glass fusion, and so much more! Wednesday evenings (age 10-13), Thursday or Friday afternoons (5-7 and 7-10)

BEGINNING SEWING
Age 7-10
Sewing is a great way to begin to learn how things are put together. We'll learn how to thread needles, make functional and decorative stitches, plan fun & simple projects, and complete them. Beginning with small felt badges and pencil tops, we will progress to felt stuffed toys and then projects with woven fabric, such as bags and book covers. Students will get to try sewing with a machine. Thursday evenings

YOUTH THEATER
LITTLE IMPROV
Age 6-9
Kids are great at making things up! Little Improv is the class to mold that imagination into an art form. Students will review the basic tenets of improv through dynamic theater games and character development activities. Tuesday afternoons

TWEEN and TEEN CLASSES

TWEEN/TEEN DANCE
JAZZ / HIP HOP / TAP*
Age 10-13
20-week recital class
Triple the fun with this combo class! Jazz teaches technique and balance, while Hip Hop teaches style and rhythm. Add some tap to the dynamics, and you've got a well- rounded class! Jazz shoes and tap shoes required. Wednesday evenings

BALLET / CONTEMPORARY*
Age 10-13
20-week recital class
Contemporary dance is a style of expressive dance that combines elements of modern, jazz, lyrical and classical ballet, and strives to connect the mind and the body through fluid dance movements. Ballet, the most essential style of dance, focuses on grace, poise and strength through technique and choreography. Saturday late morning/early afternoons

MEET ME AT THE BARRE
Age 15 & up
The Ballet Barre, of course! This class will focus on strength, core, flexibility and focus by combining both ballet and Pilates. Basic ballet techniques at the barre and across-the-floor steps are the first half of class, then we move into Pilates for the second half. Adults: sign up for this class while your child is across the hall taking a ballet class of their own! Ballet shoes recommended, otherwise socks or bare feet. Floor mats will be provided if you do not have one of your own. Saturday mornings

TWEEN/TEEN ART
SEW, PRINT AND DYE
Age 10-14
Join us as we experiment with fabric dyeing, block and screen printing, and sewing...all in one class. We'll tie-dye a t-shirt and other fabric. We will explore various fabric paint, print and dye techniques. The class all comes together as you design and sew your own throw pillow or drawstring bag! Tuesday evenings

ART CLUB
Age 10-13
An exclusive membership club for creative kids! We explore new mediums and techniques each week. Members learn drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramic painting, clay, glass fusion, and so much more! Wednesday nights

ON THE WHEEL
Age 10-14
Beginning and continuing students explore throwing techniques on the potter's wheel. We concentrate on centering and throwing, and practice the art of pulling handles and trimming. Glazes in different brush methods finish our pieces. We also cover hand-building techniques. Students are encouraged to continue beyond one session to learn proper technique and work on more advanced projects. Monday or Wednesday evenings, or Saturday mornings

THEATRICAL STUDIES
Age 11-18
Students will intensely study character development through improvisational games and sketch comedy, and have the opportunity to sharpen their audition skills through practicing cold readings and monologues from several scripted shows. This is an advanced theater class; prior theater experience or instructor approval is required for enrollment. Thursday late aft/early evenings

ADULT CLASSES

ADULT ART
ADULT CERAMICS
Age 18 & up
This instructor-led class is designed to introduce beginning participants to techniques involved in hand building, throwing on the wheel and glazing a variety of clay forms, as well as building the experience and knowledge of the long-time student. We provide all materials including clay, glaze and basic tools. Instructor: Tomoyasu "TJ" Nakano. Classes Mondays-Saturdays; various times available

ADULT DANCE
MEET ME AT THE BARRE
Age 15 & up
The Ballet Barre, of course! This class will focus on strength, core, flexibility and focus by combining both ballet and Pilates. Basic ballet techniques at the barre and across-the-floor steps are the first half of class, then we move into Pilates for the second half. Adults: sign up for this class while your child is across the hall taking a ballet class of their own! Ballet shoes recommended, otherwise socks or bare feet. Floor mats will be provided if you do not have one of your own. Saturday mornings

NEW! SOCIAL DANCE BASICS FOR ALL OCCASIONS
Age 18 & up
Whether you are a wall flower or the hit of the party, this class is for you. Learn fun partner dance moves for any event! In this class we will cover a variety of dances that will keep you on the dance floor all night long and feeling confident at any party. Each week we will focus on a new dance style so you can master a few of the basics. Waltz, Swing, Tango, Salsa and more will be covered over the 11 week session. On our last class we will dance the night away with a fun "Practice Party." Grab a friend and let's hit the dance floor. Tuesday evenings

PRIVATE LESSONS

PIANO LESSONS with DAN CHASE
Age 5 & up
Beginners learn the fundamentals of piano, such as the layout of the keyboard, keys, notes and hand positioning. As students progress, goals will include memorization, increased reading skills, and a wider exploration of more complex songs. Select your class time online when registering.
Mondays aft/eve
Tuesdays aft/eve
Saturdays morn/aft

PIANO LESSONS with THOMAS HART
Age 5 & up
Beginners learn the fundamentals of piano playing such as the layout of the keyboard, keys, notes and hand positioning. As students progress, goals will include memorization, increased reading skills, and a wider exploration of more complex songs. The instructor will contact you to arrange your lesson time.
Wednesdays aft/eve

VIOLIN LESSONS
with Paula Eatman
Age 5 & up
Tailored for students of all ages and skill levels, violin lessons use a combination of techniques as appropriate to each student including Suzuki, traditional or a combination of both. Select your class time online when registering.
Thursdays aft/eve
Fridays aft/eve

GUITAR LESSONS
with Ultimate School of Guitar Instructors
Age 8 & up
Students of all skill levels and interests are taught the basics of guitar with instruction on chords, songs, how to read notes, time signatures and scales. Each lesson is 30 minutes, tailored to the level and interest of the student, and explores styles such as rock, alternative, blues, folk, jazz and classical. Guitar rentals are available through the Ultimate School of Guitar at 773-508-9443. The instructor will contact you individually to schedule lessons.
Tuesdays aft/eve
Saturdays morn/aft

VOICE LESSONS
with Emily Shankman
Age 8 & up
Private voice lessons are taught with care for developing the singing voice with a focus on resonance, breath control, intonation, development of high and low registers, vowels and vocal expression, as well as reading music and rhythmic practice in a variety of styles. The student will explore various genres of repertoire, allowing the discovery of his/her voice, and learn how to prevent damage to the vocal cords. Each 30-minute private singing lesson focuses on both technique as well as application to a song in order to prepare the student for performance. Select your class time online when registering.
Tuesdays aft/eve
Wednesdays aft/eve

ACTING LESSONS
with Wendy Avon
Age 7 & up
Each 30-minute private lesson is structured to personally meet the needs of the individual student. In each lesson, Wendy includes audition coaching, monologue selection and preparation, character development and personalized tips on how to build and maintain confidence and stage presence. Wendy will contact you individually to schedule lessons. Thursday evenings or Saturday mornings until 1 p.m.

DANCE LESSONS
If you are interested in private dance lessons, email Kirsten Markham at kmarkham@wilpark.org

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WILMETTE CHILDREN'S THEATER

2022-23 SEASON
and audition information
WCT Minis are open to children in Grades 1-4
Regular WCT programming is open to children in Grades 5-8

Wilmette Children's Theater Winter Mini Production:
WILLY WONKA KIDS
Shows: February 10-12 & 17-19, 2023

Wilmette Children's Theater Spring Production:
FROZEN JR.
Shows: March 10-12 & 17-19, 2023

Wilmette Children's Theater Alumni Student-Directed Shows*
Shows: May 5-7, 2023
Auditions for Age 6-10
Sunday, February 12
11 am-1 pm
Schedule your audition here

*WCT ALUMNI CLASS
This program is open to alumni who have previously participated in previous WCT seasons. Within this class, we will collaborate to put together a series of Student-Directed Plays. The production will also include the very creative process of adapting original pieces and producing them with elementary school-age participants. This class will meet monthly, increasing to weekly when we approach production time.