Dancin' Around Dance Studio
 

As the Founder/Owner and Artistic Director of Dancin' Around Dance Studio, Ms. Vi Donald is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the studio.  With a wealth of over 25 years of training and experience in the dance industry in various dance styles such as Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Hip Hop, Pointe, Modern, Lyrical, and Gymnastics, as she is a versatile dancer and instructor and has spent 16 years as a professional and competitive dancer, showcasing her skills and talent at various competitions.  Since opening the studio in 2001, Ms. Donald has achieved great success. 

Her experience doesn't stop there, alongside her dancing career, she also worked as a freelance choreographer and instructor for various institutions such as Day Cares, Park Districts, High Schools, Colleges, and Universities. This wide range of experiences speaks to her adaptability and ability to work with diverse groups of individuals, ranging from young children to college students.  

In addition to her work at Dancin' Around Dance Studio, Ms. Donald holds key positions in other dance-related organizations.  She serves as the CEO of Active Edge Lifestyle & Fitness, bringing her expertise in dance and fitness together. She also acts as the Artistic Director and Instructor at the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District and Blue Island Park District, where she continues to inspire and teach students of all ages.

Throughout her career, Ms. Donald has showcased her talent not only as a dancer but also as a choreographer.  With over 20 years of experience as a professional instructor and freelance choreographer, she has created captivating and innovative dance routines. Her creativity and passion for dance shine through in her work.  Moreover, Ms. Donald has also worked as a choreographer instructor for the "Bally's Performance Team," showcasing her versatility and expertise in different dance styles. 

 

Ms. Donald is ASEP (American Sport Education Program) certified, which shows her commitment to excellence and knowledge in her field. Additionally, she has served as a Head Pom Pons Coach and choreographer at Andrew High School in Tinley Park, where she has honed her skills in coaching and choreography.  With her extensive background and other certifications, Ms. Donald is well-equipped to provide high-quality dance instruction and choreography to individuals of any age or skill level. Her certifications and past experiences establish her as a reliable and competent professional in the field of dance.

 

Ms. Vi Donald's career has been closely connected to the Chicago Bulls. She started off as a cheerleader for the World Champion Chicago Bulls, known as "The Luvabulls," for two seasons.  During this time, she had the opportunity to perform and tour all over the United States, including international performances in countries like England, Spain, and Holland.  She also made several appearances on television and radio as a Luvabull.

After her time as a Luvabull, Ms. Vi Donald took up the role of an instructor for the "Jr. Luvabulls," where she shared her expertise and passion for dance with younger aspiring cheerleaders.

 

Ms. Donald's youngest children (twins) followed in her footsteps and were involved in dancing and performing with the Chicago Bulls Entertainment as the "BullsKidz".  They both danced and performed as entertainment dancers for the team, showcasing their talent during Bulls games and other events associated with the team.  It seems that the love for dance and entertainment runs in the family, and Ms. Donald's children are now continuing the tradition.

 

In addition to her cheerleading and dance career, Ms. Donald has also worked in the entertainment industry. She made her television debut on the talent show "Star Search" and has appeared on shows such as "Early Edition" and "CBS Channel 2 News and Specials".  She has also performed at events such as "The Taste of Chicago".

One of the highlights of Ms. Donald's career was performing with the legendary Ms. Diana Ross. in 1995.  She had the opportunity to dance with Diana Ross during the Opening Ceremonies of the World Cup Soccer Championship held in Chicago. This was a prestigious event and a memorable experience for Ms. Donald.

She is also known for her expertise in dance judging and coordination, as well as her leadership roles in various dance associations. With her extensive experience in training and judging dance competitions, she brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to her current positions as a dance coach and choreographer.

 

During her time with the IDTA (Illinois Drill Team Association), she was responsible for training new judges and coordinating their assignments at both regional and state dance competitions. As a Certified Technical Judge herself, she had a deep understanding of the judging criteria and was able to provide guidance and feedback to other judges to ensure consistent and fair evaluations. Additionally, she served as Vice-President and State Officer, where she played a key role in implementing policies and organizing events for the association. Her dedication and expertise in the field helped elevate the quality of dance competitions and contribute to the growth and success of the IDTA.

Ms. Donald's current roles include being the Head Dance Coach for TFSouth High School, where she guides and trains the school's dance team. She is also the Head Cheer & Dance Coach for Purdue University Northwest, overseeing the cheerleading and dance programs at the collegiate level. In addition, she is the Head Instructor and Choreographer for her own dance team called "DancInfusion".

As the leader of DancInfusion, Ms. Donald takes her team to various Regional and National Dance Competitions across the Midwest. Her Elite Dance Company has consistently earned recognition and awards, including "Platinum Awards and Top Overall Awards" in multiple divisions such as Lyrical, Jazz, Tap, Acro, and Hip-Hop. Her teams have also achieved State and National Titles, showcasing their talent and skill.

Ms. Donald's educational background in accounting, business management, and finance adds to her entrepreneurial skills. This allows her to effectively manage and grow her dance company, while also passing on her love and passion for dance to her students. She strives to accommodate different dance interests and make dance accessible to all individuals.  She is a highly accomplished and experienced individual in the dance industry. Her passion and dedication to her craft have contributed to her success as a business owner, instructor, and choreographer.

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