Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Festival?

The Festival is a wonderful day of dance including 4 master classes, a performance by a professional dance company, a college dance audition (seniors only), a college fair, and an “Express Your Mess” informal showcase.

Who is eligible to participate in the Festival?

The Festival is open to any Illinois High School dancer. This includes students who take a dance class at a high school during the school day, orchesis or dance club members, and dance/pom teams.

Do high school students have to attend with their high school dance 

teacher/director/coach/sponsor?

Students must attend with their High School Dance Teacher / Director.

 Is there a minimum number of dancers each school is required to bring? Are high schoolers able to register as individuals?

There is no minimum or maximum of students that can come with their Dance company or team.

Where is the Festival located each year?

The Festival location rotates to different “Host School” locations each year. Festival 2025 will be hosted at New Trier High School.

When is Festival 2025?

Festival 2025 will be on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at New Trier High School.

Registration, Payment, Cost and Fees:

How do I register for the Festival? 

There is an Electronic Registration Form sent out by IHSDF.   You can also find it on our website, or social media.

When does registration open each year? 

Early registration will be available from April to September. Regular registration will follow and close one week before the festival date.

How much does registration cost?

 Early registration is $35 per participant. Regular registration is $45 per participant.

Is there a registration fee for High School Dance Teachers/Coaches/Sponsors? 

No registration fee. Dance Teachers, Coaches, and Directors are our guests.

What methods of payment are accepted? 

Check from your school, Venmo or Zelle from the school or director only.

Does IHSDF offer registration refunds? 

No. Once registered, the school is responsible for each registration completed. No adjustments to registration will be made. Contact business_manager@ihsdancefestival.com if you have any further questions regarding payment or processing payment.

Is lunch included in the registration fee? 

No. If interested, you can purchase a lunch in addition to the participant registration fee. All lunch orders are final and will not be refunded after one completes their registration.  We have a hospitality room for our teachers, Coaches, and Directors where breakfast and lunch are provided. 

Is there any Illinois High School Dance Festival merchandise available for purchase? 

    We will have tank tops and stickers for sale at the Festival and Showcase.

Schedule of Events, Master Classes, and Master Instructors:

What is the typical schedule for the Festival?

Morning Check in, typically 8:15 - 9:10, 

Welcome ceremony and Host Welcome Dance performance

Session 1 Master Class, typically 9:30-10:20 & Session 2 Master Class, typically 10:30-11:20

Or Session 1 & 2 College audition for interested Seniors.  

Break for Lunch and then the Professional Company Performance, typically 11:30 - 1:00. 

(Teachers, Coaches, and Directors are welcome to our hospitality room for breakfast & Lunch).

Session 3 Master Class 1:10 - 2:00 & Session 4 Master Class, 2:10 - 3:00

Then everyone comes together for Scholarship awards and Express Your Mess to culminate the day. 

What styles of Master Classes are offered at the Festival? Are there different levels of classes?

Classes offered vary from year to year, but we offer a large variety of classes.  Latin Fusion, African, Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Breakdance, Comercial, Musical Theater, Tap, Contemporary, Rep classes, Heels,

Voguing and Whacking, Partnering, Bollywood, to name a few. 

Who are the Master Instructors?

Professional Instructors in their fields from companies in the surrounding area.  

What do high school dancers wear and bring to the Festival? Is there a dress code? Does each high school have to match?

There is not a dress code.  Students should wear what they would wear to a professional dance class.  They are representing your school, and they will be seen by other schools, college representatives and professional dancers all day.  Dancers will also be performing at the end of the day at Express Your Mess.  Make a great first impression. Many schools wear matching shirts or tanks.  It’s up to you as a school group.  Many schools just come wearing what they would wear to a company class.  Bring a water bottle, snacks, your dance bag, appropriate clothing, sweats for lunch and the professional performance (you will cool way down), 

Are High School Teachers/Coaches/directors allowed to take photos and videos during the Master Classes?

Absolutely!  We encourage it!  We will also have a place where you can share your photos and videos with the IHSDF committee.  We like to use them on social media. 

What is the “Express Your Mess” Informal Showcase?

 “Express Your Mess”  is a fun way to culminate the amazing day of dance. Dancers will perform the combination, choreography, or movement phrases they learned from their sessions 1-4 for the entire group to see. It is a time for cheering, encouraging, and celebrating everything learned during the Festival.

Which Professional Dance Company performs at the Festival each year?

We secure a new area company each year.  Names like Giordano Dance Chicago, Jump Rhythm Jazz Project, Deeply Rooted, Break Bone, Chicago Dance Crash, Chicago Moving Company, Hedwig Dance, Inaside Chicago Dance, Joel Hall Dancers, REIdance, and many more. 

College Audition and College Fair/tables:

What colleges and universities attend the Festival?

The list of colleges and universities that attend the Festival each year slightly differs. A list of colleges that will be in attendance will be provided before the event and will be posted on IHSDF social media. 

Who is eligible to participate in the college audition?

Any senior interested in attending a college or university for Dance as any part of their major or minor.

Who teaches the college audition?

Illinois High School Dance Festival hires a professional dance educator to lead/teach the college dance audition.

What does the college dance audition consist of?

The College Dance Audition typically consists of ballet, modern, contemporary, and jazz portions.

What should high school dancers wear to the audition?

Students are working to make the best impression possible.  They should look professional in dance attire they would wear to a professional master class.  Hair should be neat and off the face. Dancers will have a number to wear during the audition.

Do colleges offer scholarships/acceptance letters to dance programs based on this audition?

Yes! It is the decision of each college/university whether they will offer scholarships or acceptance letters to dancers at the festival audition. At the 2024 Festival College audition, 4 universities provided scholarships, and awards for full scholarships, partial scholarships, and special recognition awards.  

Can high school dance teachers/coaches/sponsors/directors watch the college audition?

It is a closed audition, but we will have a live feed of the event playing in the hospitality room. You can watch your dancers there, but not in the actual audition space. 

Waivers and injuries:

Do participants have to submit any liability waivers prior to attending the Festival?

 Yes, dancers will have their parent/guardian provide a signature and give consent when they register for their individual class schedule. Without consent and a parent/guardian signature a student will not be allowed to participate in the festival.

Is there an athletic trainer available for dancers who get injured while at the Festival?

Yes, there are also coolers with ice and bags in each of the dance spaces.

If there is an emergency or issue during the Festival who should I contact?

All directors are asked to download the “band” app.  This way if there is any emergency communication needed, that app can be used and we can get help to the student as quickly as possible.  In a serious medical emergency, call 911. 

High School Dance Teacher/Coach/Director/Sponsor Information:

What do high school teachers/coaches/directors/ do while their students are taking classes?

You can join in and take classes, you can walk around and see your kids in action.  Feel free to take lots of pictures and videos.  You can relax in the hospitality room with an offering of food and drink.  You can catch up with other directors, teachers, and coaches and discuss programs, brainstorm ideas, or collaborate.  

Is there a hospitality room and food provided for high school teachers/coaches/directors/sponsors?

Yes! There will be a hospitality room for high school teachers/coaches/directors/ and master teachers throughout the day. Breakfast, lunch, and beverage options will be provided.

Is there a BAND communication group for High School Teachers to join for day of event information and communication?

    Download the “band” app to get information or communicate throughout the day.