Youth Dance & Performing Arts

The Connection Dance & Performing Arts Program offers classes from ages 1 1/2 through teens. We offer both recreational and competitive programs taught by our expert staff. Our dynamic instructors will help your child develop the self-discipline and confidence to perform while having fun and creating friendships with fellow students. In our dance classes, children will gain flexibility, strength, technique, and performance skills. In our performing arts classes, children will use their creativity to explore aspects of the theatre arts.
Our comprehensive Dance & Performing Arts program culminates with a recital held in early June, featuring our adult and youth students.

FULL YEAR DANCE REGISTRATION
All dance classes (except parent child) are full year – we will handle each session’s enrollment for you! Dance classes run from September 3rd, 2024 thru June 15th, 2025. You will be billed every term (11/5/24 & 2/12/25) and charged for both the recital fee and $10 processing fee (one-time). To SWITCH or to CANCEL and/or opt out of the recital you will have the opportunity via a google form emailed before the above dates.

Click here for dance class attire. 

The Connection is also home to The Connection Dance Team (TCDT). Click here to view more information about our award-winning team!

The Connection is proud to be a studio partner of the Zzak G Applaud Our Kids Foundation in providing performing arts scholarships to students ages 7-18.

 

Click the link to each age group to view current class availability.

PARENT/CHILD CLASSES

  • Itty Bitty Ballet | ages 1.5-3 + parent
    With the care giver close by, students ages 1.5-3 will learn the basics of ballet while engaging in hands-on movement activities essential to proper development in coordination, counting and timing, and self-confidence. Students will learn to stretch and dance through the use of exciting props such as dance scarves and ribbons. Shoes recommended: BALLET
  • Movers & Shakers | ages 1.5-3 + parent
    Boys & girls love to dance! Let them get their groove on in this fun filled, action packed class full of music, dance, games, and imagination! This class will encourage independence while working on gross motor skills, musicality, and following directions.

PRESCHOOL CLASSES

  • Tutu Tumblers | ages 2.5-3
    This drop-off class has the best of both worlds – dance AND gymnastics! Children will practice motor skills while improving strength and flexibility, all while learning basic ballet and gymnastics. The class will include free dance with fun props, across the floor, jumps and leaps, and the use of gymnastics events such as the bars and balance beam. Tumble and move your body! Shoes required: BALLET
  • Ballet/Jazz | ages 3-5
    This combo class gives children the opportunity to learn and practice ballet and jazz while having fun! It includes free dance, stretching, technique work, across the floor, and choreography. Dancers will also work on their rhythm, spatial awareness, flexibility, and strength. Shoes required: BALLET
  • Ballet/Tap/Jazz | ages 3–5
    This combo class gives children the opportunity to learn and practice ballet, tap, and jazz while having fun! It includes free dance, stretching, technique work, across the floor, and learning the basics of putting together movement in a series. Dancers will also work on their rhythm, spatial awareness, flexibility, and strength. Shoes required: BALLET AND TAP
  • Tiny Dance Mix | ages 2-4
    This (drop off) combo class will include a little bit of everything! From ballet basics to jazz, and age appropriate hip hop too – your dancer will do it all!
  • Princess Ballet | ages 2.5-4
    In this drop off class  your little princess will explore ballet technique and movement. Each class will focus on a specific step or position which will be reinforced through coloring a picture of that image. As additional steps/positions are learned the dancers will begin working on putting movement together in a series. Children will also enjoy free and lead dances with the use of props such as scarves, crowns, and ribbons. Shoes required: BALLET

SCHOOL AGE CLASSES

  • The Connection Dance Team | grades K – 12
    The Connection Dance Team’s (TCDT) mission is to build well-rounded dancers and encourages team building in a safe, fun and competitive environment. TCDT dancers are selected by audition in mid June each year. We have several competitive levels that work throughout the year for our late winter and spring performances and competitions. To receive more information about TCDT please contact the Dance & Performing Arts Director at Kate.Kenyon@TheConnectionOnline.Org
     
  • Acro Tumbling I | ages 6+                                                 
    This class is perfect for dancers, cheerleaders, and gymnasts. Students will gain flexibility and develop their tumbling skills with the use of the floor exercise mat, blocks/equipment, and tumble track.
  • Acro Tumbling II | ages 8+                                    
    Continuation of skill development beyond the basics for tumbling and acrobatics. This is for students who have developed proficiency in basic tumbling skills and for Dance Team members. Instructor recommendation required.
  • Ballet | ages 5 & up
    This traditional ballet class will focus on the fundamentals of ballet through use of barre work, center, across the floor, and choreography. Students will improve their flexibility and engage in strength building movement while learning proper ballet technique and terminology. Shoes required: BALLET SHOES *New students will be evaluated in their first class to ensure that they are in the appropriate class level.* Shoes required: BALLET
  • Ballet/Tap/Jazz | ages 5-7, 7-9 and 8-10 
    This combo class gives children the opportunity to learn and practice ballet, tap, and jazz while having fun! It includes free dance, stretching, technique work, across the floor, and choreography. Dancers will also work on their rhythm, spatial awareness, flexibility, and strength. Shoes required: BALLET & TAP.
  • Hip Hop (coed) | ages 5 & up 
    This class is perfect for children who love to move! Through the use of innovative hip hop movement, they will improve their balance, coordination, and gain strength. Children will also stretch, work on isolations, and learn creative choreography. Shoes required: SNEAKERS
  • Hip Hop Flip Flop Beg. | ages 4 – 6  
    Children will be introduced to basic Hip Hop through innovative and creative body movement from head to toe. They also Flip Flop through some basic cartwheels, rolls, and jumps. Children will stretch, work on their rhythm, and more all while having fun!
  • Jazz | ages 9-11 and 10-12
    This class will begin with a full warm up and carry in to a stretch and across the floor. It will focus on body movements and choreography using various styles of jazz.
  • Jazz/Contemporary | ages 12+
    This class will focus on both technical elements and expressive movements. Dancers will work on their flexibility, movement quality, and performance ability while practicing both the jazz and contemporary styles. Included is a full warm up, stretching, center work, across the floor, and innovative choreography in both styles.
  • Lights, Camera, Action | ages 6+
    This class will offer your child hands on experience creating a performance while learning to be a triple threat! From Broadway style to commercial style performing arts – they will learn songs, dances, some basic acting, and more!
  • Lyrical | ages 9 – 11
    Lyrical dance is a mix of traditional ballet, jazz technique, and expressive movements. This class will begin with a full warm up and carry in to a stretch and across the floor in addition to innovative choreography.
  • Lyrical/Contemporary | ages 1012
    This class will focus on both technical elements and expressive movements. Dancers will work on their flexibility, movement quality, and performance ability while practicing both the lyrical and contemporary styles. Included is a full warm up, stretching, center work, across the floor, and innovative choreography in both styles. Shoes required: TAN HALF SOLES
  • Pre-Pointe/Pointe | ages 9+
    This class is for intermediate to advanced level dancers who wish to further develop their ballet training. While some dancers have begun pointe other dancers will work on forming the proper strength required for pointe. All dancers will work on ballet technique, proper alignment, and stamina. Please contact Director for placement.
  • Tap | ages 10+
    This accelerated intermediate tap class is geared toward students who are new to tap, but have prior dance experience. The class will focus on the fundamentals of tap through the use of specific rhythms, movements, and progressions in addition to choreography.