Ann Lenartson

Director and Instructor

Broadway School of Dance - Windy City Dance Studio & Productions

For the last twenty-two years, Ann has taught at many professional dance schools in the Midwest.  She has also been honored and privileged to teach in Japan as well as guest-teaching at the N.A.D.D.A. Convention.

At age eleven, Ann became a helper to dance teacher Joyce Lang.  Joyce trained Ann to become the teacher and choreographer that she is today.  Since age twelve, Ann has had experience with many dance conventions and attended prominent dance schools including:

• Gus Giordano  

• Lu Conte

• Ruth Page

• Joe Tremaine

• Roland DuPree

• LA Dance Force     

Ann continues her studies in Chicago, California and at selected dance conventions throughout the country.

At age eleven, Ann was performing at company level.  By age sixteen, she had performed in four European countries with the Talented Teens of the USA.  She also danced at the Sabre Room, in three tours to Japan and on several cruises.  She also performed in Drury Lane's production of 'Salute to the Super Stars' choreographed by Gus Giordano.  Ann has worked with notable stars such as Rita Moreno, the Oak Ridge Boys, Bob Hope and Doc Severnson.

Her career has incorporated other venues of entertainment in addition to dance.  She has assisted several Illusionists (magicians) while performing on cruises, in clubs, at conventions and more.  She has modeled throughout the country for several companies such as Pepsi, Levis and Sportsmart (to name just a few), promoting their products.  Ann has modeled clothing, wedding dresses and furs at many shopping malls. While dancing in Japan, Ann was chosen to appear on the cover of Tokyo's bridal magazine.

Ann formed Windy City Dance Productions in 1984 with a group of outstanding Chicago-based dancers.  For years, Windy City Dance Productions has produced & performed in shows, giving them an outstanding reputation in the dance community.  In 1989, Ann opened her own studio and started a company of many talented dancers, several of whom have gone on to professional dance careers.  Some of the Company performances include:

    Competitions

Festivals

Television appearances

Dancing with professional musicians (The Mustangs)

Video work for various musical artists

In 1993 and 1994, Windy City Dance Company auditioned and was accepted to perform at Universal Studios and Disney World in Florida.  In 1995, 1996 and 1997, the Company performed at Dance Fest in Great America.  In the spring of '96, the Company did modeling photo print work for Backdrop Outlook with photographer Art Katchum.  In 1997, the Company could be seen at the Joico Hair Show at Chicago's Park West, Wheaton's "Autumn Fest" and Christmas shows at local nursing homes.