Dance

Hyde Park School of Dance

The mission of the Hyde Park School of Dance (HPSD) is to provide opportunities for students of all ages to study, perform, and create classical and contemporary dance at the highest levels of discipline and artistry. The School’s goal is to cultivate a love of dance and strength of body, mind and character that will benefit students throughout their lives.

BalletFounded in 1993, the Hyde Park School of Dance (HPSD) began with one teacher and 30 young students in a room on the top floor of a church. The non-profit School now operates three studios, has a faculty of ten and enrolls over 400 students of all ages. Led by founder and artistic director, August Tye, HPSD has become a key part of the growing and vibrant south side Chicago arts community. Recognized for providing top-notch training in a supportive environment, HPSB welcomes anyone with the desire to dance regardless of age, ability or resources.The School emphasizes progressive training in classical ballet technique beginning with creative movement for three year olds and continuing through pointe and stage presentation. Supplementing the ballet curriculum are classes in modern dance and jazz. Each summer HPSD students are accepted into some of the country’s premier training programs, including the School of American Ballet, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Boston Ballet, Alonzo King’s Lines Ballet, and the American Ballet Theater. Alumni of the school have gone on to train and dance with the Dance Theater of Harlem, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and Joffrey Ballet.

Hyde ParkSchool of Dance S.T.E.P.S. Program

S.T.E.P.S is the community engagement program of Hyde ParkSchool of Dance. HPSD is committed to serving the community by offering opportunities for people of allages to experience dance.

Lecture Demonstrations

Lecture Demonstrations offer a behind-the-scenes look at dance performance. Performances take place at your site and typically last 45 minutes to one hour. During a typical lecture demonstration, the audience views excerpts from current repertoire, learn show choreographers develop dances, and may also have the opportunity to join dancers on stage to learn simple dance sequences. Past lecture demonstrations include community performances at the 57th Street Book Fair as well as performances at local libraries, nursing homes, and schools. In December, HPSD offers a student matinee of its annual Nutcracker ballet at theUniversity of Chicago’s Mandel Hall for 800 south side school children

After-School Programs

After-School Programs provide basic instruction in a variety of dance styles to students with little or no formal dance training, in facilities outside the HPSD dance studios. Priority is given to serving Chicago public elementary schools and community organizations, and the target age group for these classes is 4-13. After-school programs are available at a modest cost, which is shared between HPSD, the sponsoring school/organization, and parents. The programs provide students focused study of a specific dance style (ballet, modern, jazz,African) as well astraining in the language and history of dance, improvisation, and basic choreography. Programs are tailored to the specific needs of the sponsoring organization.

Community Performances

Community Performancesoffer the experience of dance in settings outside the traditional theater or studio, and often in collaboration with other local arts organizations. These performances showcase a variety of dance styles. Past community collaborations include performances at the Hyde Park Jazz Festival, with the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra and with the University of Chicago Orchestra. For more information about lecture demonstrations, community performances or after-school programs, contact HPSD Associate Director Sarah Ford Thompson: sarah@hydeparkdance.org

Current and past sponsors of the HPSD after-school program include Bret Harte School, Ray School, Woodlawn Charter School, Better Boys Foundation, Oakdale Christian Academy, and Easter Seals Child Developmental Center. Please note that dancers in the after-school programs are occasionally invited to perform alongside HPSD students, allowing for a personal connection with the school and mentorship by older dancers.