Your child’s first dance class should be a magical experience, and we can’t wait to make sure that it is. Young children naturally respond to music and movement and every child benefits from exposure to the arts. Watch your little one’s eyes light up as they walk out on to the dance floor for the first time. Nurturing teachers will guide your child as they learn body control, alignment, posture, and correct dance positioning. The life lessons that are taught in the studio go far beyond just dance steps. Your child will learn confidence, self-control, teamwork, and focus. From taking turns, to encouraging their classmates – the social interactions in dance class will help your child find success in all areas of life.

Our primary program is designed for ages 1-7 years old, with varied levels to meet your child’s needs. Classes are available in ballet, tap, jazz, and hip hop. We offer recommendations for age groups for classes, but we know that each child is an individual. If you have any questions about the best fit for your child, we’d love to chat and help you find the perfect class. When your child is ready to dance, we are ready for them.

Here is some more information about our First Step Class Offerings:

Baby Ballet (12-24 months) By combining movements, activities, props and music, our tiny dancers will learn bodily awareness and self-control, while discovering the wonder of socializing with other little ones. Children are encouraged to further develop and explore their ability to move, dance and sing in our baby ballet class. With a parent or guardian by their side, these fun classes involve lots of smiles and laughter - the perfect baby ballet class! The little ones love the dances and catchy songs – and so do the adults!

Toddlers & Tutus (2-3 years) Grab your tutus and get ready to dance! This is the perfect introductory class to have your little one loving dance. We welcome both boys and girls in this class. Dancers will learn ballet and jazz movements while developing their gross and fine motor skills. Your child will work with educated instructors who understand early childhood development and develop a healthy body and mind at this early age that will last them a lifetime! This class will begin as a Mommy-and-Me (or Daddy and me) with interaction and assistance from parents in the class. As the year progresses, the class will transition our dancers in to being comfortable in an independent class situation.

Dance Sampler (3-5 years & 5-7 years) This is where your little dancer develops a lifetime love for dance. The dance sampler classes explore the basics of three different idioms - ballet, jazz, and tap. Students are taught technique and skill building in all three styles, as well as choreographed dances. A strong emphasis is placed on learning terminology, a fundamental understanding of music and its relationship to movement, and alignment and positioning. The goal of the dance sampler classes is to build a solid foundation in dance for young dancers to build on as they continue their study.

Hip Hoppin’ (3-5 years & 5-7 years) This is a basic introduction to the fun and energetic styles of jazz and hip hop for our youngest dancers. More athletic style movement and a faster pace in class will keep these kids moving! Basics of hip hop such as isolations, syncopated movement, ground work, and musicality will be explored in this class. All music and movement is designed to be appropriate for the younger age group. 

Pre-Ballet (3-5 years & 5-7 years) This is where your little dancer learns to love dance! Pre-Ballet class focuses on developing proper ballet technique and is specifically for our younger dancers. This class will be a introduction to ballet with an emphasis on classical terminology and technique. This class will instill a love for classical ballet in our young dancers in a creative, fun, and supportive environment. 

T3 (5-7 years) Are you ready for T3? Tap, Technique, and Theatre take center stage in this new class offering! This class is the perfect blend of tap and musical theatre for our younger age set. If your dancer is ready to shine in the spotlight and amp up their dance skills at the same time the Tap, Technique & Theatre class is the spot for them! 

Acrobatic Arts (5-7 years) Acrobatic Arts is a unique blend of dancing and gymnastic disciplines that is taking the dance world by storm. Stunning moves from gymnastics is blended with steps and routines from the dance world for a unique and modern approach to dance. ATD is the only Acrobatic Arts certified studio in our area. Students will be working on strength and flexibility, as well as foundational acrobatic techniques in variations such as cartwheels, bridges, dive rolls, walk overs, aerials, and more. These skills will develop by level as they progress through the training program. Dancers who study acro are stronger, have better body control, and can integrate in seamless transitions and tricks in to their dancing.