DANCE

Welcome to the MPD Dance Academy! Whether you have a budding ballerina or a hip hopping tween, MPD Dance Academy provides dance instruction and performance for all levels of experience. Dance programs are designed for ages 3 years and older, and genres range from ballet and jazz to hip hop. Our year-round dance program takes place at the Hansen Community Center Dance Studio and comprises four program seasons, with the winter and spring sessions preparing dancers for the annual spring recital.

Beginning Dance

Ages 3-5
Young dancers are introduced to movement through play-based choreography, basic steps and short combinations.
Ballet-Jazz Combo

Ages 5-7
Students get a taste of both ballet and jazz while progressing through barre and center work as well as floor combinations.
Ballet

Ages 6 & up
Dancers are immersed in ballet, developing confidence, grace, strength, and coordination.
Modern Jazz

Ages 6 & up
Students learn formal modern and jazz dance elements through repetitive steps and choreography combinations.
Hip Hop

Ages 8 & up
Dancers pop, lock and moon walk into hip hop steps and choreography.
Irish Dance

More Info Coming Soon

Jenn Raleigh

Jenn Raleigh began teaching dance and fitness in 1997 after earning a BA in Dance from Columbia College, Chicago. Before coming to Manhattan Park District, Jenn was the head dance teach and Dance Coordinator for Oak Lawn Park District. She also taught at the Beverly Arts Center, Morgan Park Academy, Elite Dance Studio, and has done dance and fitness supplemental training for figure skaters and gymnasts. Jenn has also been teaching Pilates, Yoga, and Barre since 1998 in a variety of settings including Lifetime Fitness, Pure Barre Studios, Exxon Mobile corporate classes, Lewis University, Tinley Park Park District, and Lincoln-Way East supplemental training for Cross Country and Track. Jenn has been teaching for the Manhattan Park District for over a decade.