Thank you for your interest in being a part of North Shore Dance Center's Showstoppers and Take
One performing groups. Determination – the desire to try – is a fantastic quality and the first step in achieving
success. Everyone who auditions is a champion to us.
To make the audition process and potential membership as straightforward as possible, we’ve outlined
some of the chief expectations and responsibilities associated with the Showstoppers and Take One. We ask that
you take a moment to read through this information.
Showstoppers is a technique-emphasis performance group choreographed by Ruben Zapata. Dances reflect
Ruben’s tutelage by Homer Bryant and Lynda Martha and tenure in Joel Hall Dancers and Giordano Jazz Company. Genres
include: ballet, jazz, precision, lyrical, and funk.
Take One is a musical theatre inspired dance performance group choreographed by Kirsten Markham. Dances
reflect Ms. Kirsten’s tutelage by Gus Giordano and Ruth Page and credentials as choreographer for Starlight Theatre
and North Shore Theater of Wilmette. Genres include: lyrical/ballet, jazz/modern, and Fosse.
Performing groups are a partnership between the dancers, their parents, the choreographer, and the studio’s
artistic directors. Performing Group members and their parents jointly serve as role models to other dancers at the studio
and in the outside community so we eagerly embrace everyone who brings a strong work ethic and positive attitude to this partnership.
Showstoppers and Take One will each have their own unique identity and style. Selection of dancers
will be based upon how their individual strengths, potential, and overall style match the theme(s) of the particular groups.
Both groups are open to ages 7 and up.
Membership is a year long commitment that we ask you to consider carefully. Much of the choreography depends
on having all dancers present for performances and rehearsals. If you have outside obligations that will interfere with committing
to the full year, you may wish to audition in another year.
There are no membership fees, however there is a financial investment involved with participating in any
of the performing groups.
- Members must participate in Summer Session
- Showstoppers meet Monday 6:00 – 7:05 PM and Saturdays 2:00 – 4:00 PM
- Take One meets Tuesday 6:05 – 7:20PM and Saturdays 12:15 – 2:00 PM
- Additional optional classes require additional tuition. Ballet class is required for performing group members
- For cost info please contact the studio
- Members wear uniform attire featuring the NSDC logo to identify themselves at performing events.
- Dancers will require two to three costumes, one per each of their primary performance routines.
- Dancers wear uniform makeup during competitions and large venue performances
- Groups may be presented with the option of performing at additional competitions or events.
- Performing Groups are the main focus of our outside appearances at: Nursing Homes, Libraries, Festivals, and Civic Functions.
- attendance is important to continue to build stage presence group unity
- Emphasis is placed on teamwork within the group
While we try to be as upfront as possible with forecasted expenses for the year, please note that these are
our best estimates and are subject to outside influences and unforeseen changes.
North Shore Dance Center
8401 Crawford Ave.
Skokie, Illinois 60676
Contact:
Ali Fran-Potter
Arla Faye
Marijean Sahyouni
Phone: (847) 674-2216
Fax: (847) 674-2795
