PEOPLE &
of the Glenview Park District
GOTTA DANCE!
A feature that shines the spotlight on people who help create enriching
and enjoyable recreational experiences at the Glenview Park District.
Park Center Dance Instructor Lives her Dream
You can thank Nabi Jordan-Polk for introducing the
Glenview Park District to Acrobatic Dance, or “Acro” for
short. The idea began with Jordan-Polk’s boyfriend who is
part of the famed Blue Man Group. After being inspired with
his performance, she attended a United Dance Merchants
of America convention and learned about this hybrid dance
style. Jordan-Polk took the initiative and asked if the dance
curriculum at Park Center might include an Acro class.
“I said, ‘Hey, if I get certified, I can learn the safest
way to teach it.’ They said yes, and I’m now a
Module 1 certified instructor,” said Jordan-Polk.
Acro dance combines classical dance techniques with
fluid and lyrical acrobatic movements. The art form
has gained popularity with the success of Cirque du
Soleil and the TV show So You Think You Can Dance.
Nabi Jordan-Polk
Jordan-Polk spent the first 11 years of her life moving
around a lot, as the daughter of someone serving in the
U.S. Army. While in kindergarten in Washington state,
Jordan-Polk took her first dance classes – ballet and
jazz – and seemed to find instant love. Next, she tried
tap and hated it, but now it’s one of her favorites. average of 20-25 classes every week at Park Center. Those classes also include
“Dance with Me” where parents and tots dance together. She also coaches
cheerleading and helps coach dance troops like the Elite Group which
learns all genres of dance including contemporary, lyrical, ballet and jazz.
“Mostly I just liked dancing around my house,” said
Jordan-Polk. Later, she would find what would
become her passion – 90s hip hop dance. “Mostly I like the ‘light bulb’ moments when you can visibly see the
moment when it all clicks for the student. That’s the best!” she said.
Jordan-Polk and her family moved to Glenview when she
was in 6th grade. She graduated from Springman Middle
School and Glenbrook South High School. At age 16, Jordan-
Polk’s very first job was at the Glenview Park District, helping
out with birthday parties. She also recalls assisting with
preschoolers and chess tournaments in the Lakeview Room.
In college, Jordan-Polk majored in photography and minored
in dance, believing dance couldn’t be a lucrative career. By
her junior year, Jordan-Polk’s desire to dance won out. She
ended up teaching dance and taking pictures on the side.
Jordan-Polk said she also had a secret desire to be a
gymnast. Combining acrobatics with dance is truly the
perfect combination for the 31-year old who teaches,
The age of children Jordan-Polk teaches range from 18 months to pre-teens.
Glenview offers two recitals a year where dance students showcase
what they’re learned. There are also winter and summer performance
opportunities, and a few of the Park Center dance troops perform
in places like the United Center when the Chicago Bulls are playing,
and at the park district’s Spooktacular event in October.
Asked about who inspired Jordan-Polk, she said her mom who was
also a dancer.
“My mom was born in the ‘50s in Glencoe and my dad was a musician.
We always had music and movement in our home. Dance is therapy. It’s
an outlet. It’s a raw emotion put into visual form,” said Jordan-Polk.
This is her 16th year with the Glenview Park District. When she’s not at
Park Center, Jordan-Polk also enjoys taking pictures of local bands and
just relaxing.
Learn more about youth and adult performing arts programs offered
through Park Center’s Center Studio for Dance on pages 26-31.