Once upon a time, in the delightful land of Illinois, where the cornfields dance in the wind and the Chicago skyscrapers tickle the clouds, there was a tribe of incredible kids known as the "Twirling Tornadoes." These Tornadoes didn’t spin around causing havoc, oh no! They were the masters of all things dance. Every single day, after finishing their homework of course, they would gather in their secret headquarters (a colorful basement in Des Plaines), and dance their hearts out. They hopped and skipped, twirled and swirled, and sometimes, they even moonwalked like Michael Jackson! They were not just any ordinary kids, they were the dancing kings and queens of Illinois! Leading the troupe was a cool, imaginary character named ‘Boogie Woogie Bigfoot.’ The Bigfoot with the twinkling toes! He was a gigantic, furry creature with a disco ball for a heart. He taught the Tornadoes everything about dance, from the Cha-Cha Slide to the Funky Chicken. He didn't have a rule book, only one rule - Dance as if no one’s watching! Now, do not let the word 'Bigfoot' fool you, for he was as graceful as a swan on roller-skates. His moves were so smooth that even the Sears Tower would sway along with his beat. Yes, folks, this was Illinois, where even Bigfoots could boogie, and kids could dance like a dream. It was a land of rhythm, beat and a whole lot of laughter because Boogie Woogie Bigfoot was a believer in belly laughs and not having two left feet!
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Swift Nature Camp is the perfect place for your child to spend their summer! Our overnight camp for boys and girls ages 6-15 is located in beautiful Wisconsin. We offer a unique blend of traditional summer camp activities and environmental education to help kids increase their appreciation for nature, science, and the environment. We’ve got it all – fun, friendships, adventure trips, and nature! Spend your summer with us – you’ll never forget it!
Hamlin Park is an oasis for families in the North Center community. With 9.08 acres of outdoor and indoor fun, it's easy to see why. The fieldhouse and pool provide plenty of exercise options, such as Qi Gong, yoga, Kids Fitness, Olympic weightlifting, walking club, baseball, basketball, boxing, dodgeball, floor hockey, Junior Bears Youth football, kickball, seasonal sports, soccer, softball, track & field, and volleyball. Plus, the playground, assembly area, and dog-friendly area make the park a perfect place for families to come together. Preschoolers can socialize and build their self-confidence through Tot Spot, Tiny Tot Tumbling, Fun & Games, Arts & Crafts, and Music & Movement. And for teens, there’s the Teen Club and a variety of summer camps. With plenty of activities for all ages, Hamlin Park is a great place to spend time together.
Every summer, campers and staff from all around the globe, and from a variety of backgrounds, return to their own special home away from home. At our camp in Central Wisconsin, situated on an 80-acre lakefront compound, there’s never a shortage of activities and experiences for everyone to enjoy. From biking around Stratton Lake to water skiing, drama, rock climbing, and arts & crafts, our campers can stay busy for hours on end. At our camp, campers can explore, take on new challenges, and make lifelong friendships. Our campers and staff come from all walks of life, and every year they return to our camp to enjoy new experiences, make memories, and have the time of their lives. The beautiful lakefront facility in Central Wisconsin provides the perfect place for campers to explore, challenge themselves, and make lasting friendships.
At Lakeshore Sport & Fitness at Illinois Center, we understand that family dynamics are changing and that’s why we are here to provide the best services and events for the growing family community. We strive to create an enjoyable atmosphere and to provide the best possible experience for our members and their families. We look forward to welcoming you to the Lakeshore Sport & Fitness at Illinois Center family.
Eckhart Park is a great resource for the West Town community! It boasts 8.85 acres of indoor and outdoor fun. With an indoor swimming pool, two gymnasiums, a fitness center, and a boxing center, the park offers something for everyone. What's more, the outdoors of Eckhart Park provides plenty of fun for families. Enjoy baseball diamonds, an athletic field for football and soccer, and a playground with a water spray feature. Plus, the playground was recently renovated in Summer 2014 as part of Mayor Emanuel's Chicago Plays! Program. Finally, Eckhart Park is home to a community garden. Residents can come together to learn about gardening techniques and cultivate their own plants. With all the amenities Eckhart Park has to offer, it's a great resource for the West Town community!
The YMCA is the leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community by supporting young people, enriching the health and well-being of all ages, and inspiring action in our communities. The YMCA is an organization like no other. Our mission is to make an impact in our communities – to help empower young people and improve the health and wellbeing of all ages. We believe that by connecting people to their potential, purpose and each other, we can bring about positive change in 10,000 communities across the country. At the YMCA, we are dedicated to making a difference. We create partnerships with local organizations to bring about real change and create a better future for our communities. We are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for young people to grow and become the leaders of tomorrow.
At Hubbard Street Dance, we are always looking for ways to inspire and innovate. This year, we proudly present our first-ever virtual season of dance films. A stellar lineup of acclaimed and emerging choreographers, all of whom are former Hubbard Street dancers, have created contemporary dance that reflects our current moment with incredible power. We invite you to join us in celebrating this season of innovation and inspiration. Our lineup of choreographers have pushed boundaries and embraced the unknown to create pieces that are sure to move and inspire you. Experience this powerful collection of contemporary dance and explore the artistry of these amazing former Hubbard Street dancers.
Chicago Filmmakers is a long-standing, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to serve the Chicago filmmaking community. Established in 1973, the organization provides an array of services to local filmmakers, including low-cost film classes and youth camps, production funding and fiscal sponsorship, equipment and space rentals, and professional development and networking opportunities. In addition to supporting the local filmmaking community, Chicago Filmmakers also serves Chicago audiences with weekly screenings of independent films, as well as two annual film festivals. Reeling: The Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival and The Onion City Experimental Film + Video Festival both offer viewers a unique opportunity to experience independent films from around the world. Chicago Filmmakers is dedicated to supporting the local filmmaking community and providing educational and entertainment resources to Chicago audiences. Through their array of services and annual events, the organization is a valuable resource for those looking to get involved in the local film industry or simply enjoy independent films.
The Chicago Academy for the Arts is an independent high school for performing and visual arts that has earned national recognition. Designated a National School of Distinction by the John F. Kennedy Center, the Academy provides students with a unique blend of college-prep academics and professional-level arts training. The Academy’s daily schedule features three blocks of academic classes and a flex period, followed by a three-plus hour immersion in the student’s chosen arts department. Dance, Media Arts, Music, Musical Theatre, Theatre, and Visual Arts are all offered, giving students the opportunity to learn the skills necessary for academic success, critical thought, and creative expression.
At Camp One Step, we've been bringing joy, support, strength, and hope to campers and their families since 1978. Our camps and digital programs are designed for kids with cancer, their siblings, and even their parents. We believe that inclusion, accessibility, and connections are the key to creating a meaningful experience. Camp One Step builds lifetime friendships and helps kids reclaim the joy of childhood while allowing families to feel a sense of wholeness. We are passionate about creating a safe and welcoming environment for all campers and their families.