Children's Classes

Your child's growth and development are our number one priority. Each level of our children's classes is specifically designed to develop important physical, social/emotional, and educational benchmarks. Your child's confidence will soar as they are nurtured by our loving faculty and you will be amazed by your child's new skills and abilities.

Children's Dance Classes at Lake Shore Dance

Children's development changes rapidly during the first 5 years of life. To ensure that all of our students learn to dance in line with their developmental benchmarks, our children's classes are divided into small age brackets. This unique method of teaching dance to young children helps our students excel quickly and confidently. You can confidently register your student by age.

Little Movers & Tiny Tots

Welcome to our exclusive Little Movers and Tiny Tots classes, where little ones embark on a journey of creative movement! This engaging program is designed to promote independence and confidence while enhancing motor and language skills. Through fun activities and imaginative play, toddlers explore their abilities and express themselves freely, fostering a sense of joy and accomplishment. Join us as we nurture your child's development in a supportive and playful environment!

These classes are "by myself" sessions, specifically crafted to encourage autonomy and growth. We maintain exceptionally small student-to-teacher ratios, ensuring that every child receives individualized attention and guidance. This supportive structure allows your little one to build confidence, gain independence, and explore the joy of dance in a safe, nurturing environment where they can truly thrive.

Key Benefits of Our Toddler Classes:
* Encouraging Independence: Designed to help children transition into classroom settings and build self-reliance.
* Personalized Attention: Low student-to-teacher ratios allow our expert instructors to focus on the unique developmental needs of each student.
* Confidence Building: A structured yet playful atmosphere where children feel empowered to try new movements and express themselves.
* Professional Guidance: Experienced lead educators who understand the nuances of early childhood development and are dedicated to making every child's first dance experience a success.

Little Movers (1 year olds)

Tiny Tots (2 year olds)

Tots 2

Welcome to Tots 2, an engaging class specifically designed for your three-year-old! Here, creative movement and the foundations of ballet come together to foster essential social skills, motor skills, and independence, all while imaginative play leads the way. Our little dancers will begin their journey into the world of music by exploring rhythm and sound with their very first pair of tap shoes. Get ready for some fun as they learn body control and balance through the joyful rhythm of "tap, tap, tap!"

Key Benefits of Our 3-year-old curriculum:
* Enhanced coordination and balance.
* Improved social interaction as children engage with peers.
* Development of listening skills through music and movement.
* Nurtures creativity and self-expression, laying a strong foundation for future dance experiences.

This curriculum is meticulously crafted to ensure that three-year-olds feel supported and successful. By blending structured ballet basics with the excitement of tap, we provide a well-rounded introduction to dance that keeps young students energized. Our focus is not only on physical technique but also on the emotional growth that occurs when children build confidence in a classroom setting, setting them up for a lifelong love of the arts.

Tots 2 (3 year olds)

Pre-Ballet and Tap

Ballet foundations and mechanics are introduced to help our 4-year-old students move with purpose and grace. In addition to ballet, students will enjoy tapping into their creativity as they expand their tap vocabulary and discover the joy of making musical connections. This playful approach fosters both their artistic expression and physical coordination.

Key Benefits of Our 4-Year-Old Dance Curriculum:

* Refined Motor Skills: Focuses on balance, coordination, and controlled movement through age-appropriate ballet technique.
* Musical Ear Training: Develops a sense of rhythm and auditory awareness through structured tap exercises.
* Creative Exploration: Encourages students to express their personality and imagination while learning foundational dance steps.
* Classroom Confidence: Cultivates independence and social growth as children engage with peers and follow guided instruction.

This class serves as a vital bridge in your child's dance education, transitioning them from basic creative movement into more defined technical training with an imaginative twist. By balancing the discipline of ballet with the energetic, rhythmic nature of tap, we ensure that our four-year-old dancers remain engaged, excited, and constantly growing. Our educators prioritize a positive atmosphere where every student feels accomplished, setting the stage for success as they continue their dance journey at Lake Shore Dance.

Pre-Ballet and Tap (4 year olds)

Dance Basics

5-year-olds are eager, willing learners ready to embrace their independence, build lasting friendships, and master new skills. Our 5-year-old dance program is specifically designed to help your child reach significant physical, social, and emotional milestones. Under the enthusiastic guidance of our expert faculty, students explore creative movement concepts, learning to navigate space, time, and collaborative dance.

As they expand their tap vocabulary, our dancers learn to link steps together, practicing independently to create rhythmic music with their feet. Students simultaneously develop physical strength and body control, learning to move both in place and across the studio floor. We also introduce foundational jazz concepts, opening an exciting new chapter in their dance education. This program is the perfect after-school outlet to energize your kindergartner while reinforcing the lessons they learn in school!

Key Benefits of Our 5-Year-Old Dance Curriculum:
* Physical Development: Enhances coordination, core strength, and body awareness through a blend of ballet, tap, and introductory jazz.
* Musical Creativity: Builds rhythm and auditory awareness, teaching students how to express themselves through the music they make with their feet.
* Collaborative Growth: Encourages social interaction and teamwork as students learn to move alongside their peers.
* Increased Independence: Fosters self-reliance and confidence by encouraging students to practice and perform their steps autonomously.
* Academic Balance: Provides a structured, joyful environment that serves as the perfect transition from the school day to an evening of artistic discovery.

Dance Basics (5 year olds)

It matters where your child starts

Where your child takes their first steps in dance truly matters; it could be the beginning of a lifelong passion. At Lake Shore Dance, we provide a foundation built on correct terminology and proper technique from day one, all while fostering the joy of creative exploration.

When your child is young, providing opportunities to discover their interests is vital, and dance offers a beautiful path to developing musicality, body-mind connection, and creative thinking. Through a blend of imaginative play, songs, and structured exercises, we ensure your child learns to dance safely and correctly. Should they choose to pursue dance further, they will be perfectly prepared for more advanced levels of study.

Our instructors are passionate educators specifically trained to engage young children. They understand that little ones learn best through exploration, and they skillfully balance this discovery with a classroom structure that encourages growth. Watch your child’s eyes light up with joy as our dedicated team guides them through their dance journey each week!

Experience counts

As the leader in children's dance in our area, we know that your child's success starts with their first steps in the dance studio! Our children's program develops confidence, independence, coordination, and creativity through interactive, creative activities and exercises.