American Academy of Dance

Teachers and Class Descriptions

Meet some of the top instructors in Chicago who are professionally trained

and dedicated to teaching the highest quality of dance to our students.

Suavé – Founder and Executive Director of Hip Hop ConnXion, Hip Hop Force and Future Force and also former dancer & choreographer of Culture Shock Chicago. He teaches master classes across the USA and all over the world. Suavé has also appeared in various music videos and movies such as “Save the Last Dance”, and his specialty is in Hop Hop.

Khukci (Chucky) De La Cruz – He is currently a breakdancing and tricks advisor for the Hop Hop ConnXion and has previously competed at the Hip Hop World Champtionships. He specializes in Breakdancing and Tumbling.

Wendy Meyer Gonzalez – Miss Wendy has over 15 years of teaching experience. She holds an MA in Dance Therapy and a BFA in Dance. She also has an impressive list of professional dance experience.

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

Princess Ballet – The stories of our favorite princesses will be the starting point for this fun and imaginative class. Beginning ballet vocabulary will be introduced through basic stretches and steps.

Preschool Ballet – Children will learn ballet basics in this fun yet structured class. Coordination, rhythm, body and spatial awareness, introductory positions, steps and dance vocabulary will be taught.

Kinder Ballet and Ballet I – Students will be instructed in the proper technique, etiquette and vocabulary of ballet. Students will develop a basic foundation of ballet through stretches, barre exercises and center floor.

Kinder Jazz and Jazz I – Jazz dance is high energy and lots of fun. Dancers will learn basic jazz vocabulary through warm ups, stretches, large motor skill exercises and combinations.

Kinder Hip Hop – Dancers will be introduced to fun dance moves through basic hip hop movement that will help them to understand dancing on beat while learning control of their bodies.

Hip Hop (dancers from 7-12 years of age) – Students will learn basic hip hop moves designed to work on their rhythm and memory while dancing to clean, fun songs.

Hip Hop Beginning (13+ years and up)

Level I – This class is for students with minimal hip hop dance experience or first time hip hop dancers. This class is designed to work on memory.

Level II – For students who have had at least one consistent year of hip hop dance class. This class will work on their memory and style.

Hip Hop Intermediate – Students who have taken at least 2-3 years of Beginning hip hop and have a good grasp of memory with more advanced moves. This class will be primarily geared towards picking up on style without having to think as much about the choreography.

Hip Hop Intermediate/Advanced – Students who have very good memory and can pick up on style.They will be challenged with more intricate moves and different styles of hip hop at a faster pace. Students will primarily be looking to fine tune their style while picking up on choreography quickly. This is a semi-professional class.

Hip Hop Advanced – This class is for professional level dancers. The most complex moves, musicality and styles will be given to students at this level.

Breakdancing – Students will learn the basics of breakdancing moves from ‘six-stepping’ to stalls and freezes. Regardless of skill, students will be taught at their speed and level in class.

Beg/Int Ballet (ages 9-12) – Fundamentals of ballet technique. Solid color leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes and hair in a bun required. A short wrap skirt may be worn. No gum or jewelry.

Int Ballet (pre-teen/teen) – Some dance/ballet experience required (1-2 years). Building upon the fundamentals of ballet, more complex combinations and concepts will be introduced. Solid color leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes and hair in a bun required. A short wrap skirt may be worn. No gum or jewelry.

Int/Adv Ballet (12+) – Previous ballet training required. Hair up, dress appropriately for class. No gum or jewelry.

Open Ballet – Perfect for the adult student/high school dancer. Will be taught at an Int/Adv level, but with attention and awareness of the abilities of each student.

Beg/Int Jazz (ages 9-12) – Fundamentals of classical jazz technique. Ballet based. Also recommended enrollment in Beg/Int Ballet. Leotard, dance pants, tights, shorts (not loose), jazz shoes. Hair up and off the face and neck. No gum or jewelry.

Int/Adv Jazz (ages 12+) – Stylized, funky movement. Requires 2-3 years ballet background.

Int/Adv Lyrical/Contemporary (13+) – Must have 2-3 years of ballet and jazz technique. Musicality, performance ability and interpretation of music will be emphasized.