FALL 2024
AUDITION
Audition Times:
Dancers only need to attend ONE audition.
Saturday, May 4
Grades 8-12 | 12:30 - 1:30pm
Grades 5-7 | 1:30 - 2:30pm
Grades 3-4 | 2:30 - 3:15pm
Saturday, May 11
Grades 8-12 | 3:30 - 4:30pm
Grades 5-7 | 4:30 - 5:30pm
Grades 3-4 | 5:30 - 6:15pm
If your dancer is interested in auditioning for Fall 2024 Performance Program, but cannot make the Audition on Sunday, November 12 - please email info@skunkworksdance.com to find out about other audition options.
Virtual Information Sessions:
Coming soon!
2024 PROMO
2023 PROMO
2022 PROMO
PERFORMANCE PROGRAM CALENDAR
Stay up to date with all of our Performance Program events, field trips, Blackout Dates & more!!
FALL 2023 PHOTOSHOOT
Explore the stunning visuals captured during our Fall 2023 Performance Program photoshoot. Our talented dancers had the privilege of working with renowned dance photographer Chloe Hamilton (Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Visceral Dance Chicago) under the expert movement direction of our Founder, Jana Bennett.
PERFORM
Reimagined for the world of today, Skunkworks Performance Program provides exceptionally innovative performance opportunities, individualized pre-professional training and a wonderful community of fellow artists. For dancers ready to level up their dance journey, this is the program they have been waiting for!
Learn more about our live and film performances below!
Cooper
Fall 2022 - Performance Program Show Series
Skunkworks Dance Performance Program's innovative show, Cooper, premiered in December 2022. The show fictionalized the events of one of America's greatest unsolved mysteries through dance. Cooper was a fun and immersive show with a little bit of whimsy.
Cooper took the audience on a journey through inspiring movement and visual art. The narrative show featured 28 dancers and choreography from Skunkworks Faculty.
A Day on a Train
Fall 2022 - K.I.T. Film
A Day on a Train celebrates an incredible year of dance and featuring 11 of our K.I.T. Performance Program Dancers (with 2 guest appearances by SkunkLEAD dancers!).
This dance film will take you on an emotional ride! Set to "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen, "A Day on a Train" reminds us all of the importance of family, community and friendship. This beautiful, fun and EPIC dance film is one you will want to watch from start to finish.
Halloween Feast
Fall 2022 - Y.A.W. & E.T.A. Film
We are thrilled for you to see our Halloween Dance Short Film featuring 8 members of our E.T.A. and Y.A.W. Performance Program companies!
This for this film, our inspiration was "The Addams Family" meets "Beetlejuice". This satirical, funny and quirky dance film is Halloween perfection at its finest. The film was choreographed and directed by Skunkworks' Founder Jana Bennett and filmed and edited by Faculty Daniel Williams. It was shot at the incredible Woman's Club of Wilmette, and it features really spaghetti... yum!
n(u)ew
Winter / Spring 2022 - Performance Program Show Series
n(u)ew is a full length work that explored the facade people create for themselves externally and the vulnerability within. The work takes place at a 1920's inspired party with jazz music, slick moves, striking costumes and a creative original story. Audience members sit on 3 sides around the dancers for an immersive and intimate visual experience.
n(u)ew premiered in June of 2022 at the Woman's Club of Wilmette.
Community
Winter / Spring 2022 - Performance Program Film
Community, a dance film created to signify our gratitude for our incredible Skunkworks Dance and local community. In February of 2020, we began our Skunkworks journey debuting the dance studio of the future, and we could have not made it this far with the love and support of the Skunkworks Dance community!
We want to show our thanks to YOU. "Community" is for every dancer, parent, friend and person who has supported Skunkworks Dance in any little way. You are the light that helps to keep Skunkworks shining!
Community features dancers from our Y.A.W., E.T.A. and K.I.T. companies.
Kids in America
Fall 2021 - Performance Program Show Series
Kids in America is a FUN and moving work that explores coming of age into an imperfect world, discovering your voice and ability to create positive change! Incorporating multimedia and a variety of music from today's hits to oldie favorites, this dance takes the audience on a ride that feels very current and revolves around a narrative that will hit home with every audience member. Kids in America is uplifting, inspiring and hopeful for the future!
Kids in America premiered in November 2021 at the Kenilworth Assembly Hall.
REcorD
Fall 2021 - Performance Program Film Series
Skunkworks' brought 5 Performance Program members to the beautiful Kenilworth Assembly Hall to create new video series "REcorD".
Dancers were lead through guided improvisation as directed by Founder Jana Bennett with film concept, video and editing by Faculty Daniel Williams. This project was a true collaboration between all artistic parties present. Honoring, developing and celebrating individuality is at the heART of our Skunkworks Performance Program..
"REcorD"
"REcorD"
"REcorD | Chapter 7" By Skunkworks Dance Performance Program
"REcorD | Chapter 5" By Skunkworks Dance Performance Program
"REcorD | Chapter 1" by Skunkworks Dance Performance Program
Zombified Dance Video
Fall 2021 - Performance Program Halloween Film
Every Halloween season, Skunkworks Dance Performance Program creates spooky dance special! This year Founder Jana Bennett choreographed a one-shot "Zombified Dance Video" to the popular "I Don't Wanna Talk, I Just Wanna Dance" song of the year by Glass Animals.
This exciting, quirky and Zombie-themed dance film was shot within 2 hours within a Wilmette parking lot on a Fall overcast day. Our Performance Program members had a BLAST putting this creative film together. It was a day full of great dancing, laughs, company bonding and loads of FUN!
Featuring dancers from Y.A.W., E.T.A. and K.I.T.
Burning Down The House
Winter/Spring 2021 - Performance Program Show Series
Burning Down The House was Skunkworks Dance Performance Program FIRST live show post-pandemic. The work was based on the story of Alice and Wonderland with a creative world brought to life by the Winter / Spring 2021 Performance Program.
The show featured performances by Y.A.W. Seniors Allison O'Bara and Deena Goodgold, who have sense gone on to college as dance majors. This amazing show paralleled the rabbit hole of the pandemic through a meaningful and moving full length evening work.
Burning Down The House premiered May 2021 at the Kenilworth Assembly Hall.
Burning Down The House
Burning Down The House
"The Red Queen Solo" from BURNING DOWN the HOUSE | Skunkworks Dance | Dance Studio - Wilmette, IL
"Down the Rabbit Hole" from BURNING DOWN the HOUSE | Skunkworks Dance
Skunkworks Dance Presents "BURNING DOWN the HOUSE"
Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Join Our Performance Programs!
1. Participate in our one-of-a-kind live performances that feature full length works where the choreography mirrors the trends of the professional dance world. This is NOT a recital. Be a part of an artistic masterpiece!
2. Participate in professional photoshoots, video shoots and dance films by Chicago's leading dance photographer and videographer!
3. Receive an individualized training program and mentorship that will bring your dancer's movement to the next level!
4. Participate in Performance Program exclusive events and performances such as:
- FIELD TRIPS to the Harris Theater with Skunkworks only Meet & Greets with professional dancers
- Go ON-TOUR throughout the North Shore with performances at local schools, libraries, festivals and more! Many Summer 2022 events are already lined up for our Fall 2022 Performance Program
- Have FUN at Performance Program VIP Parties and special events
5. Discover your dance home and family! Make friendships to last a lifetime.
