…OPEN TO INDIVIDUAL DANCERS!
Featuring 2 sessions with national champion Maddy Vercelli of the University of Minnesota Dance Team…
- 3rd year member of the University of Minnesota Dance Team (2025 Division I Pom National Champions and 2nd place in Jazz,)
- 2023 8CA Northern Illinois Dancer Of The Year
- Alum of Joliet Catholic Academy Dance Team
…and a session with elite instructor Coach Maddy Smietanski!
Maddy is an accomplished dance educator, head coach, and choreographer with a decorated background in both performance and competitive coaching. A 3-time NAIA All-American, Maddy earned her honors while dancing on an athletic scholarship, where she developed a deep commitment to technical excellence, leadership, and team culture.
She served as Head Coach at Joliet Catholic Academy for two years, leading the team to a Top 4 finish at the IHSA State Championships and a Top 13 national placement in both Jazz and Hip-Hop at Dance Team Union (DTU) Nationals—a major achievement that elevated the program’s presence on a national stage.
Maddy went on to coach the University of St. Francis Dance Team, where she led the program to its first-ever appearance at the NAIA National Championship, earning a Top 8 national finish—a groundbreaking moment in the team’s history.
As a choreographer, Maddy’s innovative and competitive routines have been performed by high school teams across Illinois, including Lemont, Lockport, Carl Sandburg, Minooka, and Bradley-Bourbonnais. She has also collaborated with dancers from Hinsdale South, Metea Valley, and North Central College.
Known for her ability to bring out the best in each dancer, Maddy combines technical training with creative vision and strong leadership. Her coaching style centers around excellence, resilience, and team unity, with a focus on developing confident, passionate performers both on and off the floor.
We’re bringing an amazing opportunity to individual dancers in the Chicago area!
DAYS 1 + 2: Multi-level turns and leaps with Maddy V
DAY 3: Contemporary combo with Maddy S, plus a Q&A session with Maddy V!
Oswego East High School
Tuesday June 10, Wednesday June 11, Thursday June 12 (2pm – 6pm each day)
Open to individual dancers!!! Whether you’re on a high school team or dance at a studio, here’s your chance to train with one of Illinois’ brightest stars!
All levels welcome (you’ll need to be in high school as of this fall). You’ll work on turns and leaps / jumps in the context of choreography. And get ready for a Q & A session with Maddy on the college dance team experience!
How to reserve your spot:
1: fill out the form below
2: fill out the waiver form and submit it before Day 1 of the event (a new link will be up here by June 1)
3: bring your $75 event fee (cash or check made out to “8 Count Audio) to check-in on Day 1 (Tuesday June 10) [Venmo option coming soon]
4: you’ll receive a confirmation email and extra event information