early childhood dance education

Dance Classes for Age 2-7

LEARN THE FUNDAMENTALS OF DANCE

In our dance classes for young children, they learn spatial awareness, develop motor skills, and improve upon their balance, stamina, coordination, and strength while sparking creativity and preparing for performances. We offer each little dancer a relaxed, encouraging environment. Our carefully crafted curriculum provides the best in dance for our younger dancers, igniting each child’s own special magic. Our instructors love what they do and follow the DiscoverDance approach along with that of our Founder, Shana Garling.


Our SHOWTIME class names are a tribute to our rich history, tracing back to our very first performance "SHOWTIME 71" held in 1971 at Northeastern High School, Manchester, PA. This special title, originally created by our founder, continues to be a proud part of our legacy, honoring the passion, dedication, and artistry that have defined us from the very beginning.


We believe every child deserves the opportunity to dance in a space filled with safety, love, and professionalism. 

Early Childhood Class Descriptions

  • SHOWTIME COMBO CLASSES

    SHOWTIME COMBO CLASSES offer a broad focus on theatre arts through a combination of Creative Dance styles & Pre-Ballet allowing young dancers to grow their love of dance.


    SHOWTIME Tots    Ages 1.5-3

    • 30 minute class combining Creative Dance class and Pre-Ballet in movement beginnings
    • One parent/adult attends the class if the dancer is not ready to separate
    • Non-performing Class

    SHOWTIME Combo 3-4   Ages 3-4

    • Pre-school combo class of Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Creative Movement
    • Must be potty trained
    • Performs Tap Dance in Winter Showcase
    • Performs Pre-Ballet/Novelty Dance in June Show

    SHOWTIME Combo 4-6  Ages 4-6

    • A fun class combining Ballet, Tap and Jazz
    • Performs Jazz Dance in Winter Showcase
    • Performs Tap Dance in June Show

    SHOWTIME Combo 5-7  Ages 5-7

    • A more structored class combining Ballet, Tap and Jazz
    • Performs Tap Dance in Winter Showcase
    • Performs Jazz Dance in June Show

  • EARLY CHILDHOOD BALLET CLASSES

    EARLY CHILDHOOD BALLET CLASSES are for the young child who wishes to learn about Ballet and gradually build technical skills. Little ones by age 7 progress into the School of Ballet preparing for the Preparatory Level in the School of Ballet. 


    PRE-SCHOOL Ballet  Ages 3-4, Pre-School

    • Pre-Ballet class with special themes designed to foster the use of imagination and creative expression through dance
    • Introduces the student to early skills of a Classical Ballet class
    • Gentle, loving environment
    • Begins the love of classical music
    • Performs Pre-Ballet Dance in the Winter Showcase
    • Performs Pre-Ballet Dance in June Show

    PRE-PRIMARY Ballet  Ages 4-6, Pre-Primary

    • Pre-Primary Ballet class with special Ballet story themes. 
    • This class is on the Ballet track leading to progression into the School of Ballet following the completion of Primary Ballet
    • Introduces the student to a foundation for ballet as well as facilitating development for other athletic activities and moving to classical music
    • Must have completed PRE-BALLET 3-4 or a SHOWTIME Combo class or be age 5
    • Performs Pre-Ballet Dance in the Winter Showcase
    • Performs Pre-Ballet Dance in June Show

    PRIMARY BALLET 5-7    Ages 5-7, Primary

    • Students will grow in confidence, imagination and focus as they begin to learn the etiquette and build skills
    • 2 classes/wk recommended
    • Final early childhood Ballet track that progresses into the School of Ballet Preparatory level when ready
    • Must have completed PRE-PRIMARY Ballet, unless age 7
    • Performs a Ballet dance in The Nutcracker Ballet; no audition required
    • Performs Ballet Dance in June Show

  • FUN WITH DANCE (FWD) CLASSES

    FUN WITH DANCE (FWD) CLASSES

    Learn to dance, 1-2 styles at a time!


    FORWARD DANCE COMPANY

    • Join our Early Childhood Dance Company for 4-7 year olds
    • Build performance skills in a variety of styles (Pop Jazz/Hip Hop/ Ballet/Tap/ Contemporary)
    • 30 minute Rehearsal Class add-on to any other Early Childhood Class ages 4+ 
    • Performs in Winter Showcase & June Show plus special invitations at community performances such as the Gala in Fall and at York Revs in the Spring/Summer

    MUSICAL THEATRE FWD

    • Triple threat performers gaining knowledge and experience in Singing, Dancing, Acting, and Imaginative fun for Ages 4-7
    • Performs Musical Theatre/Jazz Dance in Winter Showcase & June Show

    POM & CHEER TEAM FWD

    • A high-energy specialty class blending pom routines, dance team jazz, and cheer techniques for Ages 4-7
    • Learn Combinations, increase coordination and focus on the latest Dance Team Styles
    • Performs Pom Dance in Winter Showcase & June Show

    ACRO-TUMBLING 3-5

    • Learn Acro & Tumbling with champion gymnast, Kylah!
    • Focus is on proper execution of acrobatic skills and tumbling while working to build
    • Non-performing class

    ACRO-TUMBLING 5-7

    • Learn Acro & Tumbling with champion gymnast, Kylah!
    • Next level learning as students progress through the proper execution of acrobatic skills and tumbling while working to build flexibility, strength & conditioning
    • Non-performing class

    CIRQUE ADVENTURES 3-5 & 5-7

    • This continuation of Early Childhood Aerial Arts builds on the advancement of  interactive circuits, balance beam, and aerial silks
    • Open to all and boys especially enjoy this class
    • Non-performing class

    DANCEMIX ROTATING CLASS 3-6

    • Recreational class for 3-6 yr olds who want to give dance a try but not yet commit to performing
    • Dancers explore new styles—Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop & Pom-Cheer—in a fun class
    • Explore movement. Discover joy. Dance it all!
    • Non-performing class

CREATIVITY UNLEASHED!

Our Early Childhood Programs are a curated series of movement classes crafted to usher children into the captivating world of dance. Within each class, children will embark on a thrilling journey, fostering their skills within a rich and multi-sensory environment. The synergy of music, dance, and playful props will ignite and nourish your young dancer's passion for the art form.


What sets our programs apart is our deep love for dance but also in setting a solid foundation for both technical prowess and healthy development. Prepare to witness your child flourish as they embark on this exciting adventure in dance.

Dance Benefits Everyone!

Early Childhood

Students who regularly participate in dance:

  • Earn higher GPAs
  • Perform better in science, math, and writing
  • Earn higher test scores on SATs
  • Enroll in 4-year colleges

                                           National Endowment for the Arts


EARLY CHILDHOOD PERFOMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

NUTCRACKER or WINTER SHOWCASE & JUNE SHOW

FWD MUSICAL THEATRE

FWD POM SQUAD 1

FORWARD COMPANY