Beyond Words Dance Company (BWDC ) located in Lyons, Illinois, is a performance group with a focus on contemporary dance. This award winning studio has been picked as one of the Top 50 Dance Studios in the U.S.A. to Watch for two years running – 2015 and 2016. The company also has opportunities to train and perform other styles including ballet, jazz, hip hop, and musical theater.
In the views of Kate Jablonski, the Owner and Artistic Director of BWDC, the difference between her studio and other studios is that while they value achievements in the competitive dance world, Beyond Words is much more than just a competition team. The second portion of the year BWDC focuses on creating an entirely new act from start to finish without the normal limitations of competition dance. They have explored aerial work with ZFX Flying, dancing with light through Tribecca Academy, dancers have performed on stilts, they have silk climbed, and much, much more. This approach allows the dancers to be challenged in new ways each and every year while pushing the boundaries of dance in general.
In 2009, Kate Jablonski founded Beyond Words Dance Company in an effort to provide a positive channel for expression for thriving young dancers ages 10 to 18 years old. Members of the Company train in the disciplines of jazz, ballet, contemporary, and ballet and are taught life lessons of commitment, teamwork, work ethic, and responsibility through the art of dance. The Company’s goal is to create a supportive atmosphere where dancers motivate and inspired to reach their highest potential.
Company members participate in diverse Chicago area competitions and events throughout the year. Beyond Words has been given numerous standing ovations from Chris Judd, Wade Robson, Tyce Diorio in addition to being noted as “beyond” and “brilliant” At the end of the year they perform in a stunning showcase that offers dancers invaluable insight into the world of professional dance.
Kate’s proudest moments in coaching are when she sees her dancers acting kindly and going above and beyond outside of the classroom. She is most proud of them when she admires how well-rounded and giving her dancers are. Many of her company members are members of their school’s Honor Roll and in the National Honors Society. On top of that they perform acts of community service on a regular basis. One of her proudest memories would be when the kids performed at the Susan G. Komen Mother’s Day Race for the Cure in downtown Chicago. It was raining badly, and the weather wasn’t optimal. Regardless, the dancers had a great time and performed their hearts out knowing it was for such a great cause.
The biggest mistake Kate sees dancers make is not correcting bad habits immediately. 
Once a dancer is set in a particular bad habit, it is extremely hard to fix. As a teacher, she repeatedly corrects the student and makes sure that they are focused on the problem in every class and rehearsal.
Kate’s goals for the Company this coming year, includes pushing the limits on stage at their year-end showcase. They have not announced the theme yet, but it is going to be one for the books! The show is June 9, 10, 11, and 12 at Foundations Performance Center in Lyons, Illinois. Kate founded Beyond Words Dance Company because she has always loved teaching and choreographing. After training extensively in New York City through Broadway Dance Center under the direction of Wes Veldink, it was the next step for her. She studied Business Entrepreneurship at the University of Illinois at Chicago to enhance her business skills and then she felt confident in opening her own business.
Besides their showcases, BWDC offers a three day summer dance intensive open to the public every July. Dancers from around the country and world come together at their studio to learn and share their love for dance. Dancers at Camp Kate have the chance to train with her in a positive, fun, intimate setting. Classes included contemporary, jazz, musical theater, technique, conditioning, progressions, improvements and partnering. Additionally, dancers have the opportunity to participate in the Campers’ Choreography Review, view an original Kate Jablonski production at a discounted price, and perform in an impressive closing showcase for friends and family. Campers offer original choreography and receive feedback from Kate. The prestigious “Kate’s Choice Award” is awarded to Kate’s favorite routine which is professionally filmed and posted to Kate’s YouTube channel with over 20 million views and 50 thousand subscribers and is also posted to the Camp Kate website. Camp Kate is always a highlight of the year!
If you would like more information about Beyond Words Dance Company, visit their website at beyondwordsdancecompany.com, call them at 708-447-0700 or email them at beyondwordsdancecompany@gmail.com. You can also “Like” them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter, connect with them on Instagram, “Pin” them on Pinterest and watch them on YouTube.
Please post a comment if you have had any experience with Kate Jablonski of Beyond Words Dance Company.
I have taken several master classes with Kate Jablonski and attended her intensive for 2 yearz. Everytime I enter her classes I believe I work harder than I ever have before. But not just physically, mentally as well. She allows you to be an artist and pushes your boundaries but she also encourages you. She never yells but her presence makes you want to be the best you can be and I love that. Her company members are some of the kindest, welcoming, and hardworking group of young dancers ive ever had the pleasure of meeting. I love Kate Jablonski and Beyond Words for reasons like this but also because of the way I feel whenever I leave her class…I leave with a full heart, passion, and a new found internal drive 🙂
Kate Jablonski, internationally acclaimed choreographer, lives in Riverside and has her home base in Lyons at Foundations Performance Center. She teaches throughout Europe and the United States. Her camp, which she holds at Foundations in July, welcomes dancers from Italy, Amsterdam, Africa ad many other countries as well as the United States. Her shows are fabulous and are held at, Foundations Performance Center, which is also a theater, right here in our back yard, in Lyons. Spread the word, check it out, there are still shows coming in June and July before she leaves on her European tour in August!!!!! Carey actually has it raining in the theater!!! Last show for Beyond Words is at 3pm Sunday June 12. Tickets available at the door. $20.00 per ticket!!! See you there!!!!!Rrrrr