Academy of Ballet Wauconda Summer Dance Programs

Academy of Ballet Wauconda Summer Dance Programs include a ballet themed dance class, crafts, games, and stories, along with styles such as ballet, tap, jazz, musical theater, hip hop, contemporary, lyrical, and leaps and turns. The programs also include yoga, instruction on nutrition and injury prevention, and sessions on stage make-up, dance hair, and bun making. The Summer Dance Intensives include two ballet classes daily, with a pointe class for dancers on pointe, plus a variety of jazz, hip hop, contemporary, tap, lyrical, leaps and turns, musical theater, and yoga classes throughout the week.

• Ages: 4–10 years old
• Schedule: Ballerina Camp (ages 4–7) runs June 9–12 or August 4–7 from 9:00–11:30am; Dance Camp (ages 7–10) runs June 9–12 or August 4–7 from 1:00–4:00pm; each Summer Dance Intensive runs Monday–Friday 9:00am–3:30pm for one week (June 16–20, July 21–25, July 28–August 1)

Established in 2003, the Academy of Ballet Wauconda has provided dance instruction for 20 years. Teachers at the program are highly trained and have won numerous technique, choreography, and costuming awards. The leadership team includes Melissa Hayden (Owner/Artistic Director), instructors Samantha Lesher, Michelle Lemm, Sydney Jaffe, Angelina Dunskis, and Lauren Mackey, and guest choreographers Kylee Frey, Sierra Pratola, and Brian Rabenda. The building features two mirrored studios with sprung Marley dance floors. The stated mission is to teach dancers the qualities and values they need to reach their highest potential.

Last updated January 11, 2026.