For Broadway-bound dancers who dream of becoming a star, Dance and Arts Camp is the place to be this summer. The Des Plaines Park District’s two-week, performance camp is the perfect way for young, aspiring dancers to express their inner creativity and strut their stuff. The energetic camp counselors are School of Dance alumni, who help children develop self-confidence, poise, and coordination. In addition to helping foster individual self-expression and promote artistic talent, counselors encourage campers to meet and make new friends, learn to work cooperatively in a group, and develop a healthy physical and mental approach to life.

On June 29, 54 dancers performed twelve numbers to a packed house of friends and family on stage in the Prairie Lakes Theatre. The campers show featured music from The Muppets Movie and Mirror Mirror including “Me and Julio,” “We Built This City,” “Breath of Life,” and, of course, “Rainbow Connection.”

On Saturday, August 25, the Des Plaines School of Dance will host a day of free dance classes for all new and returning dancers, ages three through adult, at the annual Dance Open House. Classes include instruction in ballet, jazz, modern, and hip-hop. All classes are taught by professional, working dancers and choreographers. Parents are invited to stay, observe, and meet the staff. For more information about the School of Dance Open House, visit, www.DPParks.org or call Nancy Suwalski at 847-391-5711.