Illinois Arts Council Grant to Support Naperville Park District’s Élan Dance Company

The Illinois Arts Council recently announced the FY 2014 Program Grant awards, which include a $1,515 Dance Program Grant to support the Naperville Park District’s Élan Dance Company. 

Élan Dance Company’s mission is to be a creative, accessible, and inclusive pre-professional dance company, offering young dancers an entry point into the world of dance performance. Through a mentoring program, Élan offers a unique opportunity for its advanced students to develop as artists and leaders by learning to choreograph their own pieces and collaborating with others in rehearsals and performance.

“We are grateful to the Illinois Arts Council for their support of Élan Dance Company,” said Director of Recreation Brad Wilson. “Grant funds help the Company to continue growing artistically and expanding their outreach to those who might not otherwise experience a live dance performance,” he said.

Élan dancers are preparing for performances later this fall, beginning with a free performance at the SCARE-illon concert on Saturday, October 26 at Naperville’s Millennium Carillon.  The Company will perform on November 23 at the Fox Valley Dance Showcase at Waubonsie Valley High School and on November 24 at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair at Navy Pier. Details will be available at www.napervilleparks.org in September.