Dance Workshops at Highland Park Players

Fresh off her performance in Hairspray at The Paramount Theatre, Annie Jo Ermel returns to Highland Park Players to teach 8 dance workshops in May.

Who: Boys, Girls and Adults ages 15 and Older
What: The workshop series will focus on flexibility, strength and balance while maintaining a high level of performance quality through the execution of choreography. The classes are not taught linear which means you can jump in at any point of any class. Basic jazz and tap knowledge recommended but not necessary. Jazz shoes and tap shoes are required.
When: TAP: May 5 and 12 from 7:00 pm-8:00pm
JAZZ: May 2, 5, 9, 12, 16 and 23 from 8:15pm-9:30pm
Classes will start promptly at the scheduled time so please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start of each class.
Where: Dance Studio at West Ridge Center, 636 Ridge Road in Highland Park
Tuition: $15 per class, per person; Payment can be made online or in person. If you pay by credit card, tuition may be pre-purchased online with a $2 service fee.
Additional: Jazz shoes and tap shoes are required. Ballet shoes or dance sneakers are acceptable, but not recommended. Bringing your own water bottle is highly recommended
About the instructor: Annie Jo Ermel is a Chicagoland performer, educator, and Broadway World nominated choreographer. She holds a BFA in Dance from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, has studied on scholarship with the Jump Rhythm Jazz Project of Chicago, and is an instructor of all ages at Driven2Dance in Glenview, specializing in tap, jazz, and musical theatre. Recent performing credits include Anything Goes at the Marriott, White Christmas at Drury Lane, and Hairspray at The Paramount. Annie Jo has choreographed over 50 musicals on various Chicagoland stages including Northbrook Theatre, Music on Stage, Up and Coming Theatre, Big Deal Productions, Caruso Middle School, and Oakton Community College. With Highland Park Players, she has served as choreographer for the TYA productions of Alice in Wonderland Jr. (Best Choreography at AACTF 2009), Snoopy, and Aladdin Jr., associate choreographer on A Chorus Line, and onstage as Peggy Sawyer in 42nd Street, Kim McAfee in Bye Bye Birdie, and Victoria in CATS. Annie Jo is a high energy artist who believes that a bold, polished, engaging finished product is best achieved through a collaborative, committed, and positive environment and process. She looks forward to bringing to life the electrifying story of Billy Elliott!