Our youth dance program empowers students to create, perform, and explore movement as a form of artistic expression. In our supportive, non-competitive environment, dancers are inspired to reach their full potential as collaborative, creative thinkers and expressive, skilled movers.

Our progressive curriculum incorporates safe, research-based approaches to movement and teaching, integrated social-emotional learning practices, essential elements of dance history, and exposure to the many ways one can remain engaged with dance throughout life. Our primary goal is to inspire joy and foster a sense of belonging in every child!

Our classes at Mount Vernon Rec Center (Hip Hop, Creative Dance and Ballet) can be found HERE

Dance Year 24/25

  • SUNDAY

    Creative Dance | 10:00-10:45am - Preschool/Kinder

    Tap | 11:45-12:45pm - Grades 4-9

    MONDAY

    Jazz | 5:00-6:00pm Middle/Highschool

    TUESDAY

    Contemporary Modern | 5:30-6:30pm - Middle/High School

    WEDNESDAY

    Ballet (with experience)| 5:15-6:30pm - Middle/High School

    THURSDAY

    Contemporary Modern| 4:30-5:30pm - Grades 3-5

    FRIDAY

    Rhythmic Gymnastics | 4:30-5:30pm - Grades 3-8

    SATURDAY

    Creative Ballet | 11:30-12:30pm - Grades K-2

    Creative Dance for All Learners| 12:45-1:30 - Middle/High School

    Creative Modern| 1:30-2:30 Grade K-2

    Ballet | 2:30-3:30pm - Grades 3-5

  • Session 2: Monday, January 27 - Saturday June 7

    Showcase: Sunday, June 8
    Parent Observation: Saturday, Dec. 14-Friday, Dec. 20

    CLOSURES:

    October
    3 (Thursday) Rosh Hashana
    12 (Saturday)Yom Kippur
    14 (Monday) Indigenous Peoples Day

    November
    1(Friday) Diwali
    11 (Monday) Veterans Day
    27-Dec 1 (Wed-Sunday) Thanksgiving Break

    December
    1 (Sunday- end of Thanksgiving Break)
    21-Jan 3 (Saturday-Friday) Winter Break

    January
    Jan 1-3 (End of Winter Break)
    20 (Monday) Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

    February
    17 (Monday) President’s Day

    March
    31 (Monday) Eid al-Fitr

    April
    14-20 (Monday-Sunday) Spring Break

    May
    24-26 (Saturday-Monday) Memorial Day

    • CREATIVE DANCE

      These classes are designed for our preschool and kindergarten dancers (and caregivers in Dance with Me) We believe young dancers benefit from learning about their bodies and having time to explore their creativity before entering a more codified forms and helps them grasp those forms more easily later.

    • CREATIVE BALLET AND MODERN

      These classes are designed to introduce ballet and modern concepts and vocabulary to young dancers. Dancers will increase understanding of their bodies in space, how to express ideas through movement, and how to work with others in their class.

    • BALLET

      These classes are designed with a progressive curriculum that instils body positivity, the importance of student voice, and understanding of safe training practices in an age-appropriate way. As students move through the program, there is an increasing focus on technical understanding,performance quality, safe movement practices, and contemporary approaches to the art form.  

    • CONTEMPORARY MODERN

      These classes are designed to blend the movement and ideological contributions of early modern and post-modern dance with the understanding of contemporary approaches and forms. This progressive curriculum increases in complexity as they improve understanding of quality of movement, phrasing, floorwork and inversions, and choreographic design.

    • JAZZ

      Originating in African American communities, jazz dance became a way to express culture and identity. Rooted in African dance, its influence spans to many dance styles. Through movement and music, our students will learn about jazz dance history, from its role in the Harlem Renaissance to Broadway and more.

    • TAP

      Tap dance is a percussive dance style that originated in African American communities in the United States during the late 19th century. In our program, students will learn tap vocabulary, explore the ways tap has been used for artistic expression throughout its history, and will have the opportunity to add their creative voice through improvisation.

    • CREATIVE DANCE FOR ALL LEARNERS

      Creative Dance for All Learners dance is designed to accommodate individuals with diverse physical, cognitive, and developmental abilities. These classes focus on promoting creativity, confidence, and physical well-being in a supportive and inclusive environment. Through movements, use of props, and sensory experiences, participants are empowered to explore music, rhythm, and movement in ways that are accessible and enjoyable for them. Whether seated or standing, creative dance encourages self-expression, social interaction, and a sense of belonging for all participants, regardless of their abilities. This is an independent class, unless otherwise agreed upon. If you have questions about if this class is right for your dancer, please reach out!    

    • i RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS

      Rhythmic gymnastics combines elements of dance, gymnastics, and artistic expression. Dancers showcase their agility, flexibility, and coordination through the manipulation of various apparatus, such as ribbons, hoops, balls, clubs, and ropes. With grace and precision, rhythmic gymnasts choreograph routines set to music, incorporating intricate movements, leaps, and balances.

  • 45-Minute classes: $504+ non-refundable registration fee of $25
    60-Minute Classes $558 +non-refundable registration fee of $25

    Session 2- $60 Showcase Fee

    *Creative Dance for All Learner $300
    *This program is subsidized by individual donations and grant funding.

    Tuition Assistance: Apply HERE (You may apply for any amount of assistance)

    Payment plans available.

    Contact: youth@localmotionproject.org

    • No prorating for late registration

    • All dancers must be of a minimum age by September 30th, 2024.

    • Students enrolled in 2 or more classes get a 5% discount on all classes.

    • Classes that do not meet minimum enrollment by August 1 may be cancelled.

    • September 30th ((Session1) and February 23 (session 2) is the final day to add, switch, or drop class for a prorated refund.

    • Session 1 dancers have priority enrollment for session 2.

    Trial Classes are available, space permitting, until September 30th (Session 1) and February 23 (Session 2). The cost is $20, which will be applied to registration if you decide to enroll.

    To register email: trials@localmotionproject.org.

  • 1.Do you offer Pointe? 

    We do not currently offer Pointe, but we’re considering the possibility. Students interested in Pointe would need to have at least three years of ballet experience, be enrolled in three or more classes, and undergo an assessment. Keep this in mind if Pointe becomes available in the future.

    2.Middle and high school seems like a large age range. Why is this?  

    We base our age groupings on current students and family feedback received through town halls and surveys. While most students are in grades 6-9, we provide opportunities for older students to join us as well.

    3.My child has never danced before. Which class should they register for?   
    Let’s find the perfect class for your child! Please reach out to programs@localmotionproject.org

    4.My child is 11 but going into 5th grade, can they register for teen/tween classes?

    No, unless recommended by the teaching artist, we keep our students in the recommended grade brackets.

    5.My child is 4 years old- should we register for Dance with Me or Creative Dance?  

    It depends on your child’s comfort with an independent class and your preference. We’re here to help, so feel free to reach out to programs@localmotionproject.org with any questions.

    6.My child turns the suggested age just after the cutoff. Which class should they register for?  

    Your child should still follow the guidelines of being the minimum age by September 30 and within the recommended grade range.

    7.My child will be starting kindergarten- should we register for creative dance or creative ballet? 
    It varies, but many new kindergarteners might find the full hour class overwhelming. If you’d like to discuss further, please email programs@localmotionproject.org.

    8.What is the dress code for class?

    Dance classes follow a gender-neutral dress code.
    All dancers should have hair pulled back away from the face.
    No jewelry, tutus, or costume pieces.

    CREATIVE DANCE – Age 4-5 (Pre K/K), Solid color leotard, tank or tshirt; black footless tights, leggings or bike shorts; bare feet

    CREATIVE MODERN – Age 5-8 (K-2nd), Burgundy leotard, tank or tshirt; black footless tights, leggings or bike shorts; bare feet

    CREATIVE BALLET – Age 5-8 (K-3nd), Burgundy leotard, tank or tshirt; black footless tights, leggings or bike shorts; ballet shoes. Black ballet skirt optional.

    CONTEMPORARY MODERN – Age 8-11 (3rd-5th), Navy leotard, tank or tshirt; black footless tights, leggings or bike shorts; bare feet

    BALLET – Age 8-11 (3rd-5th), Navy leotard, tank or tshirt; black footless tights, leggings or bike shorts; ballet shoes. Black ballet skirt optional.

    CONTEMPORARY MODERN – Age 11-17 (Middle/High School), Black leotard, tank or tshirt; black footless tights, leggings or bike shorts; bare feet or optional socks

    BALLET – (all levels) Age 11-17 (Middle/High School) – Black leotard, tank or tshirt; black footless tights, leggings or bike shorts; ballet shoes. Black ballet skirt optional.

    JAZZ – Age 11-17 (Middle/High School), Black leotard, tank or tshirt; black footless tights, leggings or bike shorts; Black jazz shoes

    TAP – Age 9-14, Black or Navy leotard, tank top or t-shirt; Black sweatpants, joggers, leggings, or shorts, tap shoes

    RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS – Age 9-14, Black or Navy leotard, tank top, or t-shirt; Black footless tights, leggings or bike shorts

    9.What kind of professional development are teaching artists participating in?

    Our teaching artists undergo training in dance injury prevention, dance and disability, Dance for Parkinson’s, Laban/Bartenieff movement analysis, social emotional learning in dance, culturally responsive teaching, mental health first aid, Allyship training, and inclusive teaching practices, among others. Many also attend the National Dance Education (NDEO) Conference, bringing back valuable insights. Stay tuned for updates on our training initiatives in 2024-2025.

    10.What opportunities does my child who is serious about dance have to grow as a dancer at LMP?  

    We offer various opportunities for your dancer to develop both artistically and technically. Before middle school, they can take multiple classes and participate in specialized camps and workshops. In middle and high school, they can take multiple weekly classes, join the Teen Dance Project, work toward NHSDA (National Honor Society for Dance Arts), receive assessments with our dance trainer, Christine Heckel, and create a plan to achieve technical goals. In addition to our yearly showcase, and performance opportunities with the Teen Dance Project, anyone aged 9 or older can participate in our original production, “In Wonderland”. 

    11.Why does the tap have a different age bracket and only one level? 

    This was a new class to our schedule last year, and can only offer one level as we build the program. Students 14 and above can take our evening adult class which features two levels.