A studio dedicated to teaching correct dance technique, theory and terminology for beginning through advanced students.

Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Modern

At McDonald Dance Academy, our classes are designed to stimulate the enjoyment of dance while laying an important foundation for further training.  As the student advances, the variety and intensity of the class work increases.  Many of our students have gone on to careers in dance, while other students participate in dance for the exercise and pure enjoyment of the art form.  We offer classes for beginning though advanced students, ages three through adult.

Parental Involvement

We encourage parental involvement by sending home regular newsletters with information about important studio news and events.  Parents are also invited to observe their dancer at our Parent Observation Week offered each semester.  We want parents to observe their child’s progress and to offer encouragement and praise for their accomplishments.

Dance Performance

We conclude each year with a Day of Dance, which is modeled in the tradition of the French School of Ballet.  Emphasis is not on elaborate costumes, but rather on the skills and techniques which the students have mastered over the course of their education.  The performance consists of short dances choreographed from steps that the students have been working on all year.  The rehearsals for these dances takes place during the last ten minutes of class time after Spring Break, in the second semester.  While participation is not mandatory, we find that the chance to perform is a rewarding and confidence building experience.

The Arlington Dance Ensemble is our performing group.  Click here for more information.

Instructors                                                       

Linda Daniels McDonald Director of McDonald Dance Academy, received her early ballet education from noted instructors such as Anida Sedala, Ruth Page, Gus Giordano, Fernando Schauffenberg, Barbara Copeland and Jerry Bywaters Cochran. Performing with such artists as Edward Villela and Rudolph Nuryev further enhanced her educational experience. Linda received a fine arts degree in ballet from Texas Christian University, was a soloist with the Fort Worth Ballet Company, and danced with the Fort Worth Opera under the direction of Marina Swveltova. She danced in Summerstock with the Music Theatre of Wichita Kansas. She taught at Dance Center North, Northbrook Dance Center and Dance Variations Workshop in Palatine until opening McDonald Dance Academy in Arlington Heights in 1994.

Linda is actively involved with Dance for Life in Chicago and a member of C.N.A.D.M. Board of Directors.   Linda directs the Arlington Dance Ensemble, a group she started for those students interested in the opportunity to perform more and share their talents with the community. Linda’s students have gone on to receive dance scholarships, to major in dance at college and to dance professionally. Additionally, Linda has created choreography for many local theatre groups, including four St. James musical productions. Linda lives in Arlington Heights with her husband and three children.

Jeanette Aylward studied Ballet at the University of Illinois while earning her BS.  She has performed with Full Body Poetry Ensemble and currently dances with Reverse Live in Chicago.  She has been teaching dance locally for the past 9 years.

Jessica Cairo has been dancing for 12 years with training under some of the most respected professionals in Chicagoland, including Jon Lehrer, Lizzie MacKenzie, Elijah Gibson, Fury Gold, Eddy Ocampo, Richard Smith, Mary Cromer, Randy Duncan, Jeff Hancock, and Kirby Reed.  She was a scholarship student at the Giordano Dance Center before attending the University of Arizona.  Jessica currently teaches and choreographs at a number of local studios while completing her degree at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Madelyn Doyle began her training in dance early and continues to pursue her passion.  She was head choreographer for Prospect High School's Orchesis program and has spent the last three years teaching at the River Trails Park District.  She is currently a member of the Hip Hop Connxion Dance Team under the direction of Suave.  Madelyn is currently finishing her B.A. in Dance at Columbia College in Chicago.

Pat Doyle has taught in the area for the past 30 years. Her training was at Stone Cameron, Gus Giordano, and Anida Sedala. Pat studied with Bruce Stegman and  has received her Grade One Cecchetti teacher's degree. She has choreographed a number of community productions including ones at Morten Jr. College and Stevenson High School  and is the costumer for Prospect High School.  Pat also taught for Stevenson High School's Odyssey program and has been a member of C.N.A.D.M. for 26 years.

Laura Gates graduated from the University of Iowa with a B.A. in Dance and Psychology. Laura was a two year member of a university-based touring company entitled, “Dancers In Company.” She performed works by noted choreographers Randy Duncan, Mauricio Wainrot and Toni Pimble.

After moving to Chicago, Laura performed as a guest artist in several suburban Nutcrackers and worked with several Chicago based independent choreographers. She danced professionally with Swallow Cliff Dance Company based in Palos Hills.  For 6 years, Laura danced with Thodos Dance Chicago and is presently the Rehearsal Director for the company.  She currently teaches at several local dance studios and has taught master classes throughout the Midwest.

Katie Calandra Kritek graduated summa cum laude from New York University with a BS in Dance and Dance Education and completed her MEd from National-Louis University.  She has been an active member of the Chicago dance community as a dancer, teacher, and choreographer form more than eight years.  Currently, Katie teaches in New Trier High School's Dance Division.

Kelly McDonald graduated from the University of Iowa with a B.A. in Dance and and Entreprenuership Certificate.  She has performed works be renown choreographers Alan Sener, Armando Duarte, and Charlotte Adams and performed a summer series of Duarte Dance Works pieces.  She has also taught at local area studios.

Ryan Miller danced with Patti Rutland, winner of the 2006 First Place Leo's Choreography Award at the Jazz Dance World Congress.  Ryan has danced with numerous studios over the last 14 years, including two years working with and performing for Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago.  He has also performed for well-known choreographers including Jon Lehrer, Randy Duncan, Alberto Arias, and Jennifer Meek.  Ryan currently teaches at a number of Chicagoland studios.

Pamela Patyk graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.S. in Dance Education and a masters degree in Fine Arts for Dance. She studied under such renown teachers as Viola Farber, June Finch and Lar Lubovitch.  Ms. Patyk taught dance at Western Illinois University, Barat College and Harper College. She also performed with Mordine and Company.

Mark Yonally received his degree in dance from the University of New Mexico.  He has performed with Bill Evans Dance Company and Especially Tap Company in Chicago.  Mark has taught at Oklahoma City University and Gus Giordano and holds master classes throughout Chicagoland.  He did a residency at Les Centre Des Arts in Paris and continues to teach in both France and Germany.  When not teaching, Mark is the artistic director of the Chicago Tap Theatre.