Before Television, before movies, before radio, there was Vaudeville. From 1875 to 1932, Vaudeville was America's favorite form of entertainment. Over 25,000 performers, working in over 4,000 theatres across our country, earned their living working in Vaudeville.

Dickinson's Little Vaudeville, founded in 1993, is the only exclusive Vaudeville school in America. As of February 2007, Children's Vaudeville has a second home at the Historic Arcada Theatre. Every Tuesday on the Arcada stage, our Vaudeville Dance classes use an old-fashioned variety show format that includes dancing, singing, comedy, juggling, acting, and playing musical instruments. Instead of learning any one dance technique, we us a mixture of many forms of dance, accompanied with props to add to the fun!

Included in these weekly lessons are classes on American Vadueville history, terminology, and stage etiquette. Most fun of all, there are always shows to perform in not just once recital a year like conventional dance studios. In March 2007, children were invited to perform as part of Arcada's Nostalgia Days Vaudeville show.

Dickinson's Little Vaudeville has performed over 90 benefit shows since 1993, in over 40 locations in the Chicagoland area. Show locations have included schools, libraries, senior retirement homes, and community special events in addition to the Historic Arcada Theatre.

If you are interested in additional information on Dickinson's Little Vaudeville, please e-mail Donna Dickinson at donnavaudeville@comcast.net or call at (847) 632-0890 or (847) 528-3942.