Meet our Dance Instructors

Heather Goldman has been involved in the Chicagoland dance community for over 35 years. For the past 30 years, her passion has been instructing and shaping developing dancers and performers. She has experience in teaching all ages and all genres. Her strengths are in preschool age classes, advanced tap, ballet technique, modern movement, jazz, lyrical and musical theater. Heather has choreographed musical performances for several local groups including Elgin Summer Theater, U-46’s All District Summer Musical, Elgin Community College and Children’s Theater of Elgin. She is a past company member and choreographer for Midwest Dance Collective. Heather has been on staff at the Barrington Park District for over twenty years teaching dance, early childhood and a variety of summer camps. Heather is delighted to continue to share her experience and enthusiasm with her students at the Barrington Park District.

Amy Nelson is excited to share her passion for dance and focus on continuing growth at any age with the Barrington Park District! She grew up dancing in Arlington Heights and at John Hersey High School followed by receiving a dance scholarship to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville where she completed a dance minor in 2013. Amy focuses on continuing to grow her own skills and knowledge which has led her to various continuing education classes and workshops, including the Nan Giordano Certification Program and Yoga Alliance RYS 200-Hour Certification. Her favorite styles are Ballet and Contemporary. She looks forward to dancing with each of her students this year!

Christina Patras  is eager to be a new part of the Barrington Park District as a Dance Instructor! Since she was a little girl, Christina has absolutely loved the way in which dance aided in her self-expression and built up her confidence. She has previously taught dance at another park district but is beyond excited to bring her love of dance to Barrington. While she finds beauty in every style, she has a soft spot for both poms and hip-hop. Being part of the Poms Team in school was one of her top dance memories, and hip-hop was the style that got her truly invested in the art of dance! In her free time, you can find Christina going to the gym, practicing yoga, volunteering with an animal rescue and spending time with her family, boyfriend and friends.

Youth Level Information

In order to help parents better understand which classes would be best for their child, the Barrington Park District has included different levels for each class. Below is a basic description of the four different levels of dance offered.

Pre Classes: Very basic introduction to dance. Ages: 2 – 4 years. No previous dance experience required.

Level I Classes: An introduction to a given style or styles of dance technique, class etiquette, and basic choreography. Approximate ages: 4 – 7 years. No previous dance experience required.

Level II Classes: An intermediate approach to a given style or styles of dance technique, class etiquette, and choreography with a slightly faster-pace teaching style to give the students the ability to grow as a dancer with technique, flexibility, strength, and style. Dancers are encouraged to retain and perform skills and routines and will be encouraged to begin expressing themselves through performance. Approximate ages: 7 – 10 years. No previous dance experience required but recommended.

Level III Classes: An intermediate- advanced teaching approach of a given style or styles of dance technique, class etiquette, and choreography. Students will be held more accountable to retain and perform skills and routines and will be encouraged to express themselves individually through performance. Approximate ages: 8 – 12 years or instructor approval. Previous dance experience preferred.


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Heather Goldman
Recreation Supervisor
(847) 304-5278
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F&RC
(847) 381-0687
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Dance Recital

DESTINATION DANCE
Spring Dance Recital 2026

Sunday, May 31
11:15am or 1:30pm
BHS Auditorium

 

Important Recital Information

The recital theme this year is “Destination Dance.” All participants in Winter/Spring youth dance will be in the Barrington Park District’s annual Spring Dance Recital (except for Bitty Ballet, Twinkle Toes and Adult classes). You must register for all dance classes by Friday, January 9, 2026. You must be able to participate in the recital (no prorations and no exceptions).

 

Recital Costumes & Fees

A costume is required to participate in the Spring Recital. Costume fees are included in your class registration fee. The number of costumes your child will need depends on the number of individual classes he/she is registered for during the season.  Combo classes only require one costume to be purchased and will only perform one style of dance in the recital. Students will be measured on the first day of class for their costumes. Dance teachers must be notified by the first day of class if your child is not participating in the Spring Dance Recital.  We will not be offering a digital download this year.

If your child has any special costume needs, please email Heather at hgoldman@barringtonparkdistrict.org.

 

Special Notes

Bitty Ballet and Twinkle Toes do not participate in the recital due to their young age. They will have a short performance at the end of the last day of class in the Dance Studio for family/friends.

 

Important Mandatory Dates

•   Early bird discount deadline $5.00 OFF: 12/27/25.

•   Registration deadline: 1/9/26.

•   Dance pictures: Saturday, May 16, 2026. Time TBD.

•   Dress rehearsal – BHS Auditorium (for all classes except Bitty Ballet, Twinkle Toes and Adult classes. Friday, May 29, 2026 from 4:00 – 8:00pm.

•   Dance recital: Sunday, May 31, 2026 at 11:15am or 1:30pm.