Building Community Through Dance: Lessons from Park District Programs

Update: 2025-12-09

Description

In this inspiring conversation, Lora Vodicka shares how she's built thriving community-based dance programs across Chicagoland, without a brick-and-mortar studio. With years of experience working inside park districts, libraries, and community centers, Lora offers practical strategies for communication, retention, curriculum design, and budget-friendly performances that still feel meaningful and magical.

Whether you run a traditional studio or teach in non-traditional spaces, you'll walk away with simple, doable ideas to strengthen relationships, support recreational dancers, and create an inclusive environment where every child feels seen, valued, and celebrated.

Timestamps

[00:00 –01:23 ] Welcome & Introduction
[01:24 –02:47 ] Why This Conversation Matters
[02:48 –05:03 ] Lora's Background & Journey
[05:04 –07:47 ] What Park District Programs Actually Are
[07:48 –10:18 ] Registration, Systems, and the Contractor Model
[10:19 –12:31 ] Who Handles Promotion?
[12:32 –16:19 ] Communication Systems That Work
[16:20 –19:58 ] In-Person Touchpoints & The Power of a Call Board
[19:59 –22:38 ] Staying Connected When Parents Don't Come Inside
[22:39 –24:47 ] The One-Sheet: Lora's Must-Have Communication Tool
[24:48 –28:40 ] Curriculum, Structure & Mixed-Level Classes
[28:41 –31:25 ] Planning With Clear Goals and Flexibility
[31:26 –34:58 ] Performances: Meaningful, Memorable, and Budget-Friendly
[34:59 –38:39 ] Creating Magic on a Budget
[38:40 –40:33 ] Making Dancers Feel Special & Seen
[40:34 –42:13 ] The Power of Personalized Touches
[42:14 –44:09 ] Closing Thoughts

Key Takeaways

Strong Systems Build Stronger Connection
Personal Connection Matters More Than Ever
Flexibility Is Crucial in Recreational Environments
Performances Don't Need to Be Expensive to Be Magical
Small Gestures Have Big Impact
Inclusion Is the Heart of Community Programming

About our guest:

Lora Vodicka is a passionate advocate for park district dance programs. She began her dance journey at the West Chicago Park District and returned at the age of 16 when she secured her first teaching position. Early in her career, Lora worked as both an educator and coordinator at several Chicagoland community centers. During this time, she identified a gap in dedicated dance programming within the park district model, leading her to found Innovation Arts Connection, LLC (IAC). IAC is a traveling dance studio that partners with local park districts and community centers to provide progressive, community-based dance programs with a studio-like feel. Lora has earned a strong reputation for her exceptional classroom management, creative curriculum development and effective communication strategies. Her passion for arts education is unwavering. She is also the resident choreographer for West Chicago Community High School, a member of the DiscoverDance Experience, a Rhythm Works and YPAD trained educator, a certified AFAA Group Fitness Instructor, and a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Illinois State University, where she earned a degree in Theatre Education.

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