VH Dance Center

VH Dance Center offers pre-ballet for ages 3-5, which is an introduction to movement, music, and beginning ballet. It also offers pre-acro for ages 3-5, Level A beginning ballet for ages 6 and up, Acro I for ages 8-13, and adult classes including beginning ballet, intermediate ballet, contemporary, and contemporary/hip hop.

At a glance

• Ages: 3–18 years old
• General schedule: The recreational dance program offers classes for ages 3 to adult, for beginners to advanced. Students may choose to take as few or as many classes as desired.
• Facility hours: Monday: 4:30 - 9:00pm; Tuesday: 5:30 - 8:30pm; Wednesday: 4:30 - 9:00pm; Thursday: 4:30 - 8:30pm; Friday: 4:30 - 9:00pm; Saturday: 9:00 - 4:30pm; Sunday: Closed

About the provider

In 1989, Kenneth von Heidecke opened his school of ballet in Naperville, Illinois, and in 1990 he founded Chicago Festival Ballet. The Dance Center states that it was founded to serve as a professional training center, and it specializes in professional ballet training while also promoting positive body image and building self esteem. It is a member of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts, and instruction is provided by professional artists who have performed nationally and internationally. Students may participate in several performances every year, including The Nutcracker with Von Heidecke’s Chicago Festival Ballet, as well as spring productions and community outreach events.

• Preballet — 3-5 · 45 minutes once a week · An introduction to movement, music, and beginning ballet.
• Pre-Acro — 3-5 · Introduces young dancers to the fundamentals of acrobatics in a safe, age-appropriate environment.
• Level A — 6 and up · Thursday & Saturday; 1.5-hour class once a week · Beginning ballet lessons that help the student transition from Pre-Ballet to a structured ballet class.
• Level B — Thursday & Saturday; 1.5-hour class twice a week · Builds on the technique learned in Level A and progresses to more advanced technique and combinations.
• Level C — Ballet technique 3x/week; pre-pointe 3x/week · Prepares students for advanced level classes.
• Level D — Ballet technique 4x/week; Prepointe/Pointe 4x/week · Advanced level classes.
• Level E — Ballet technique 5x/week; Pointe 5x/week · Advanced level classes.
• Acro I — 8-13 · Beginner-level acrobatics class teaching rolls, bridges, handstands, cartwheels, and basic flexibility and strength exercises.
• Adult/Teen Beginning Ballet — 16 and older · Wednesday evenings; 1 hour once a week · A beginning level ballet class. No dance experience required.
• Adult Intermediate Ballet — Saturday mornings and Tuesday evenings; 1 hour once a week · An intermediate level ballet class for adults. Pre-pointe option adds 30 minutes.
• Adult Contemporary — 16 to adult · 1 hour once a week · An intermediate level Adult contemporary class.
• Adult Contemporary/Hip Hop — 18 and over · 1 hour class once a week · A beginning level combination class of Contemporary & Hip Hop, alternating weeks.

Ballet level placement and advancement is based on instructor recommendation only. Students may choose to audition for Chicago Festival Ballet performances, such as Nutcracker and the Spring Ballet if desired. New students: Free trial class! The Adult/Teen Beginning Ballet class has no dance experience required. The birthday party package includes a 2-hour party, 1 hour dance class, and 45 minutes for cake and presents.

Last updated August 25, 2026.