Happy Feet!

Early Childhood Academy

Dance Classes for Age 1.5-7

INTRODUCE YOUR LITTLE STAR TO
THE WORLD OF DANCE

Happy Feet Academy logo with blue sandals, stars, and musical notes on a white background

Young children will learn to dance and grow as they develop their balance, coordination, and strength while sparking creativity and preparing for the big stage.


We offer each little dancer a relaxed, encouraging environment. The carefully crafted curriculum provides the best in dance education, igniting each child’s own special magic. Every class nurtures confidence, making new friends,coordination and of course, solid dance beginnings. Our trained and experienced staff love what they do as they carry on the program after founder, Shana Garling.


The Happy Feet Academy INTRO TO BALLET classes are Ballet-focused classes, created to promote the enjoyment of ballet along with the love of beautiful classical music. Our FUN WITH DANCE classes are just that  having fun and learning early childhood dance skills. 


Lessons are presented in a graduated format in a variety of styles from tap to hip hop, musical theatre, tumbling & acro to jazz and pom/cheer and more.

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS & INFO

Intro to Ballet Classes

Our pre-ballet training begins as early as age 3. Children explore dance adventures where young movers twirl, leap, and explore the magic of classical dance while discovering the beauty of classical music often to a special theme or famous ballet story.

Discover Ballet logo in blue and black with “Ages 3-4” text
Young ballet dancer in a pink tutu, posing with one arm raised on a white background

Discover Ballet is a playful and

imaginative intro to movement, rhythm,

and pre-ballet concepts.
"Princess Pre-Ballet"

JOIN DISCOVER BALLET MONDAYS DRESS CODE
PrePrimary Ballet logo with blue script and block lettering, “Ages 4-6” below
Young ballerina in a lavender tutu and tights posing with arms raised, smiling on a white background

A Pre-Primary Ballet class with special themes; Introduces the student to early foundational ballet as well as activities for physical development for while fostering a love for dance and classical music.

"Barbie Ballet"

JOIN PRE-PRIMARY BALLET MONDAYS JOIN PRE-PRIMARY BALLET THURSDAYS DRESS CODE
Primary Ballet logo with navy and light blue text; Ages 5-7 underneath
Young ballet dancer in a lavender tutu posing on one foot with arms extended

Primary Ballet is the final foundational stage before formal ballet levels begin as the children gain readiness for a more structured classes.

JOIN COMBO 5-7 SATURDAYS DRESS CODE

Fun With Dance Classes

Our Fun With Dance classes are the perfect mix of fun and foundational learning! Through music and movement, children build coordination, balance, rhythm, listening skills, and confidence in an encouraging environment.


Only at Dance It Forward, each style introduces new skills — from graceful ballet and energetic jazz moves to rhythmic tap steps, musical theatre and imaginative creative dance and more!

Smiling toddler in pink leotard sitting on studio floor under “HAPPY FEET TOTS” banner

HAPPY FEET TOTS Ages 1.5-3 

30 minute dance class of Creative Movement and Pre-Ballet beginnings. One parent/adult attends the class if the dancer is not ready to separate. Non-performing class.

JOIN TOTS TUESDAYS JOIN TOTS WEDNESDAYS DRESS CODE
Young ballet dancer in a pink tutu posing in a studio with “HAPPY FEET 3-4” text.

HAPPY FEET COMBO Ages 3-4 

Pre-school combo class of

Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Musical Theatre.

JOIN COMBO 3-4 SATURDAYS JOIN COMBO 3-4 TUESDAYS JOIN COMBO 3-4 WEDNESDAYS DRESS CODE
Young ballerina in pink dress posing in a dance studio beside “Happy Feet 4-5” text.

HAPPY FEET COMBO Ages 4-5 

Next level combo dance class

for 4-5 year olds of

Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Musical Theatre.

JOIN COMBO 4-5 MONDAYS JOIN COMBO 4-5 WEDNESDAYS DRESS CODE
Happy Feet 5-7 dance class graphic with a smiling child posing in pink leotard and ballet shoes

HAPPY FEET COMBO Ages 5-7 

A more structured class combining

Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Musical Theatre

increasing complexity of skills.

JOIN COMBO 5-7 SATURDAYS JOIN COMBO 5-7 TUESDAYS JOIN COMBO 5-7 WEDNESDAYS DRESS CODE
Pom squad and cheer 4–7 poster with a girl holding blue pom-poms on a neon pink and black background

POM SQAUD & CHEER Ages 4-7 

A high-energy experience that blends

Pom, Dance Team Jazz and Cheer techniques; learn combos; increase coordination and have a grand time!

JOIN POM CHEER THURSDAYS DRESS CODE
Hip hop dance class promo with a smiling dancer on a studio floor, titled “Hip Hop Hurray 4-7”

 HIP HOP HORRAY Age 4-7

K-Pop, Hip Hop & Jazz combine to create this fast and popular class to age-appropriate music; newest styles!

JOIN HIP HOP MONDAYS JOIN HIP HOP WEDNESDAYS DRESS CODE
Young dancer in turquoise tutu holding a giant trophy, with text: “Each June Show dancer receives a giant trophy!”

DANCE COMPANY

FOR THE VERY YOUNG DANCER

Blue giraffes dancing above the words “Forward Company” on a white background
Blue mascot posing with smiling kids at a stadium barrier under a bright sky.
  • Open to all Early Childhood Students Ages 4-7
  • Join our Early Childhood Dance Company & be a leader!
  • Build performance skills in a variety of styles from Hip Hop to Jazz and more!
  • Performs in June Show plus special invitations to dance at community performances like York Revolution.

Non-Performing Classes

Our non-performing classes are Recreational Classes designed to take the pressure off performing or to focus on Aerial Arts or Acro. We also offer a dance class - DanceMix that combines a wide variety of styles to give multiple classes a try.

Aerial performer in blue silks with “Aerial Adventures” text on a purple stage backdrop

AERIAL ADVENTURES Age 4-7

This thrilling class builds on the advancement of interactive circuits, balance beam and aerial silks. 

Non-performing class.

JOIN AERIAL ADVENTURES THURSDAYS DRESS CODE
Child doing a backbend pose on a purple-lit gym floor with “Acro” text and doodled hearts and stars

ACRO & TUMBLING Ages 3-5 & 5-7

Learn Acro & Tumbling with champion gymnast, Kylah; focus on proper execution & work on overall fitness.

Non-performing class.

JOIN ACRO 3-5 MONDAYS JOIN ACRO 5-7 MONDAYS DRESS CODE
Dance Mix rotating class poster with a dancer on a purple background, ages 3–6.

DANCEMIX ROTATING CLASS Ages 3-6

Recreational class for kids to give dance a try

but not yet ready to commit to performing.

Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop & Pom/Cheer. 

Non-performing class.

JOIN DANCEMIX 3-6 MONDAYS DRESS CODE

SPECIAL INFORMATION FOR PARENTS OF
EARLY CHILDHOOD STUDENTS


We provide early childhood dance education in a secure, nurturing, and stimulating environment. Our curriculum addresses the physical, emotional, and intellectual needs of our preschool students.


The first few weeks serve as an introductory phase to help students become comfortable with their overall dance experience. Through age-appropriate music, movement exercises, ballet, use of props, and creative games, we begin to foster coordination, listening skills, musical awareness, and imagination.


Remember, preschool dance is about helping children tap into their imaginations and express themselves creatively, rather than solely learning steps. So don't worry if your child doesn't pirouette around the house right away—it's all part of their dance adventure.


The process of separating from parents is an important milestone for preschool children attending dance class. As children grow, they learn to develop an interest in class activities, feel comfortable with their peers, and understand that parents will always come back for them.

We understand that some children may initially resist attending class, but it's usually short-lived. Here are some helpful suggestions:

  • Focus on the positive aspects of the dance class experience.
  • Ensure your child is engaged in an activity or under the teacher's care before you leave.
  • Keep goodbyes brief and avoid prolonged farewells.


If your child expresses distress or does not want to participate, please don't panic. Pushing children beyond their comfort zones may create negative associations with dance. We encourage you to try again in future months, allowing your child to grow at their own pace. You may always transfer to a Tots Classes for ages 1.5-3 so that you may join your dancer in the classroom. 


Helpful Hints

  • Take your dancer to the restroom prior to class.
  • Arrive 5-10 minutes prior to your class time.
  • Students line-up at the door and do not enter the classroom until the teacher invites students in.
  • Once your teacher welcomes the dancers into the class, you may confidently leave them and either wait in the lobby or in your car. Feel free to even run an errand as long as you are back at the end of class.