Class Offerings and Information
SYPG Academy
More than dance.
At SYPG Academy, we believe that every child possesses a unique and vibrant gift waiting to be discovered. We offer a variety of dance classes for children age 2 to 18, as well as opportunities for youth ages 7 and older to participate in stage performances and community outreach initiatives. Our purpose is to provide an inclusive and nurturing environment that fosters creativity, self-expression, and personal growth.
Guided by a passionate team of seasoned dance professionals, we are dedicated to nurturing not only the technical prowess of our dancers but also the enduring love for the arts. Our commitment extends beyond the studio and stage, as we actively engage in community outreach programs that embrace the diversity of our society.
We are more than a dance school; we are a positive force in our community, sowing the seeds of a lifelong affection for creativity and culture.
2023-2024 Class Schedule
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Twirling Toddlers
Ages 2-3
Wednesdays 5-5:30p
Saturdays 9:30-10aIn this parent/child class, we will work together to help your child learn body awareness and respond to music through a series of basic creative movement exercises and activities.
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Preschool Ballet
Ages 3-4
Mondays 4:30-5:15p
Saturdays 10-10:45aPreschoolers will learn to express themselves through creative movement and rhythm exercises to begin building a foundation of ballet technique.
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Primary Ballet & Tap
Ages 5-7
Mondays 5:15-6:15p
Tuesdays 6-7pThis class will build on foundational ballet techniques with focus on proper placement, vocabulary and etiquette, along with an introduction to rhythm and tap technique.
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Beginning Ballet, Jazz & Tap
Ages 7-9
Mondays 6:15-7:15 Ballet/Jazz
Wednesdays 5-5:30p Tap
Wednesdays 5:30-6:30p Ballet/JazzClasses for beginning level dancers will emphasize strength and endurance, improving coordination, and increasing flexibility with floor combinations and barre work.
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Musical Theater & Tap
Ages 8-18
Wednesdays 6:30-7:30pOpen to students of all ages and abilities, this class teaches basic tap and other dance techniques and terminology to develop an appreciation of the role of dance in musical theater.
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Hip Hop
Ages 8-18
This high energy, upbeat class will introduce students to classic hip hop dance. All ages and abilities are welcome.
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Boys Dance Too!
Boys K-8th Grade
Designed to allow boys to begin exploring the fundamentals of dance as an art. Open to all levels of dance experience and abilities.
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Private Pilates Lessons
All ages: 8-99+
By request, Mondays 2-4:30pPilates focuses on fluid, controlled motions, which is an ideal method for dancers. We will work on strengthening muscle groups to increase control and precision to prevent injury and foster greater flexibility.
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Intermediate Classes
Ages 9-14
Mondays 4:30-6p Ballet
Monday 6-7p Tap
Mondays 7-8p Jazz
Tuesdays 4-5:30p Ballet
Tuesdays 5:30-6p Pointe
Tuesdays 6-7p Modern
Wednesdays 6:30-7:30p Pointe
Thursdays 4:30-5:30 Ballet Fit
Saturdays 9-10a StretchIntermediate classes are geared towards the more committed dance student. A deep knowledge and understanding of ballet terminology, ballet technique alignment principles, and execution of principle ballet technique are expected. Classes will move at a faster pace than other levels with an expectation that students will understand and execute more complex movement sequences.
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Advanced Classes
By Placement Only
Mondays 5-6p Tap
Mondays 6-7p Jazz
Mondays 7-8p Variations
Wednesdays 4-5:30 Ballet
Wednesdays 5:30-6:30p Modern
Wednesdays 6:30-7:30p Pointe
Thursdays 4:30-5:30p Ballet Fit
Thursdays 5:30-7p Ballet
Saturdays 9-10a StretchAdvanced classes are by placement only. A high level of accomplishment and competency is expected. Dancers should be comfortable with the mastery of all previously learned steps. A strong ballet foundation is required and dancers should be willing to perform with confidence and aplomb.
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Adult Ballet
Ages 19-99+
Thursdays 7-8pOur adult classes are designed for all ages and levels, from those who have just begun dancing, to experienced dancers who want to review the fundamentals. An emphasis on placement, technique, terminology, balance, and strength will be provided.
Please note: a minimum of 4 students must be enrolled for a class to be held.
Information and FAQs
Schedule
The SYPG Academy’s 2023-2024 season begins Monday, September 11, 2023 and ends on Thursday, May 23, 2024.
Classes will not be held December 21, 2023 - January 7, 2024 and March 29, 2024 - April 7, 2024. Parents may not observe classes except for Parent Observation Week held twice each school year (dates TBD).
Notification of weather-related cancellations will be sent via email and posted on social media. Make-up classes may be scheduled at the discretion of the instructor.
Dress
Female students should wear a solid color leotard, pink tights and appropriate footwear. For non-ballet classes, female students may wear black leggings.
Male students should wear a white t-shirt, black athletic pants and appropriate footwear.
General Information
Parents may not observe classes except for Parent Observation Week held twice each school year (dates TBD).
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Tuition is based on the total number of instruction hours per week for a family unit, starting at $46 per month. Please reference our tuition rate chart for a full overview.
Tuition payments are due by the first of each month. There are no refunds or credits for missed classes under any circumstances. Classes may be made up if comparable classes are available and permission of instructor.
Payments may be made by check (SYPG), cash (exact amount only) or credit card (including 3.0% convenience fee). If you are paying with a credit card, please contact us for a form. If payment is not made by the 15th of each month unless prior arrangements are made, a late fee of $25.00 will be added to the amount due.
Scholarships and financial assistance are available. Please contact us for more information.
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Students should come dressed in dancewear and bring appropriate footwear and a water bottle.
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Any dancer who is actively registered in a class will qualify for a part in our stage performances. Auditions and performance/rehearsal schedules will be announced to Academy students via email, website, and social media.
In addition to stage performances, an end of season showcase will be held for students in all classes. Showcase information will be announced in the Spring.
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All classes are held at the Grant Conservatory of Music and Dance at 501 W. Elliott in Springfield.
SYPG Academy Instructors
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SYPG Academy Instructor and Artistic Director
Elizabeth Cheney has been dancing since the age of three. She grew up in Petersburg and Springfield, Il and spent many years dancing with the Springfield Ballet Company. As a teenager she won scholarships for summer intensives for David Howard and the Nashville Ballet. She briefly danced as a modern dance major at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. She was a trainee with the Nashville Ballet when an injury ended her ballet career. She went on to dance with a professional modern company ‘Epiphany’ in Nashville, TN.
She also became certified as a profession ballroom dance instructor and competitor. She started teaching dance in 1998 and hasn’t stopped yet. She has her undergraduate degree in nursing from Milikin University, and her Masters Degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Maryville University. She currently works at Springfield Clinic with an orthopedic surgeon, teaches dance at the Conservatory, and runs her own after hours holistic wellness business called Comprehensive Wellness Consulting. Elizabeth likes to use her medical knowledge to teach dancers how to avoid injuries and give them a better understanding of how to strengthen and optimize their bodies natural strengths in class and performance. She also works with several other local non-for-profit organizations on various projects around town including SYPG, the Vachel Lindsey Association, the Pharmacy Gallery, the Muni, and Springfield Theater Center.
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SYPG Academy Instructor
Kaden Wareman is a senior at Glenwood High School. He has been dancing since he was 8 years old. He is a student at Dance Creations Dance Studio (DCDS) under the direction of Janet Cripe. He enjoys competitive dance and has won several awards and scholarships, taking him to Inside in Chicago and Broadway Dance Center in NYC. Kaden was recently selected to be a Protege dancer this fall in California, Iowa, and Missouri. Kaden also has a love for teaching dance to others, and he is an instructor for DCDS, Hip Hop and gymnastics, and SYPG, Hip Hop. Kaden would like to thank his parents, his family, Janet Cripe, Taryn Grant, Abby Walsh, and his many friends who support and encourage him to pursue his passion for dance.
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SYPG Academy Instructor
Madelyn began dancing at the age of three and joined SYPG when she was six years old. She has recently been working with SYPG as a backstage assistant and a mentor for the younger dancers. Additionally, Madelyn is a part of the NHSDA. Madelyn is a senior at Glenwood High School and intends to pursue a career in graphic design after graduation. Madelyn is eager to share her passion for tap dancing with the younger dancers!
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SYPG Academy Instructor
Kristin received her early dance training in the NYC area as a member of the New Jersey Civic Youth Ballet. She then studied at DeSales University, receiving a BA in Dance and a BS in Sport and Exercise Science. During her time at DeSales, she became the Assistant Artistic Director for the Conservatory of Dance under the direction of Trinette Singleton and was awarded the Conservatory of Dance Teaching Award for exceptional instruction. In 2014 she became a dancer and aerialist for the Emmy Award-winning company RWS Entertainment Group where she performed nationally and internationally. Her time performing abroad ignited her passion for studying dance from a global perspective and organized outreach programs for young dancers in Nicaragua and Tahiti. Kristin then went on to receive her MFA in dance performance and choreography from the University of Arizona. She is also a certified pilates mat instructor, and her research has been presented at conferences such as NDEO and ACSM.
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SYPG Academy Instructor
As a youth, Laura Sonnek danced pre-professionally at the Springfield Ballet Company. In 2019, Laura attended The School of American Ballet’s prestigious summer course and later began dancing year round at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet (CPYB) upon receiving their competitive Female Training Scholarship. In August 2022, Laura joined Springfield Ballet as a Company Artist and began her professional ballet career. While training at CPYB, Laura received teacher training in the school’s Proven Teaching Syllabus © developed by the renowned classical ballet instructor, Marcia Dale Weary. In addition, she participated in student choreographic classes taught by the school’s director of repertory and resident choreographer. Laura has also completed Balanced Body ® Pilates Instructor training in all Reformer levels.
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SYPG Academy Instructor and Youth Program Director
Kristine Sonnek Wilson has attended Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet’s teacher training and has received certification in American Ballet Theatre’s pre-primary through level 3 national teacher training curriculum. She is currently attending the University of Illinois Springfield majoring in computer science and is also working as a business analyst intern at Levi Ray and Shoup. She has danced as a member of the Springfield Ballet Company from 2017 to 2021 and has also enjoyed being a part of UIS’s Cheerleading team during their 2020-2021 season. As a SYPG dance instructor, she enjoys sharing her passion for dance by teaching the young dancers for their 2022-2023 season.
Upcoming Events
Join SYPG Today
SYPG offers a variety of dance classes for children age 2 to 18, as well as opportunities for youth ages 5 and older to participate in upcoming stage performances and community outreach initiatives. Enroll today!