Top Dance Classes For Kids In Connecticut

The Daily Meal Staff|July 4, 2014 7:00 am EST

Children as young as 18 months have opportunities to learn the fundamentals and love of dance at some of Connecticut's best dance studios. Dance studios across the state attract students based on their reputations, class offerings and instructor skill set. Young girls and boys can select from jazz, ballet, hip hop, tap, pointe, modern and Irish dancing, just to name a few. Students of all levels of experience have a place at one of these dance studios.

Gloria Jean's Studio Of Dance
336 Washington Ave.
North Haven, CT 06473
(203) 239-5486

574 Campbell Ave.
West Haven, CT 06516
(203) 933-2333
www.gloriajeansod.com

For over 50 years, Gloria Jean's Studio of Dance has been one of the most sought-out dance studios for children in Connecticut. It has two locations in West Haven and North Haven, Connecticut. Classes available include ballet, hip hop, jazz, modern, pointe and even gymnastics. Classes are conveniently available on both weekdays and Saturdays. Children can begin taking dance classes at age three.

Connecticut Dance School
42 Halley Court
Fairfield, CT 06825
(203) 384-2492
www.ctdanceschool.org

Connecticut Dance School focuses on technique and discipline, while maintaining a love for dance. It offers classes teaching ballet, modern dance, jazz, Flamenco and choreography, and also features pilates and yoga. Children can begin as students as early as age three. Classes are designed to match students' age and to develop their skills through 10 levels of classes. Children ages three and four begin in pre-ballet, transition into introductory ballet from age five to seven and then lower level ballet for eight- to nine-year-olds. Pointe begins at age 10 and 11 to teach technique before students take stages of advanced ballet from age 12 to 17. Adult- and boys-only ballet classes are also available.

Connecticut Concert Ballet
280 Garden Grove Road
Manchester, CT 06040
(860) 643-4796
www.ctconcertballet.org

This dance studio attracts various skill levels, from those who have a love for dance to students who want to make dance their lifelong career. Connecticut Concert Ballet was awarded a 2013 Best of Hartford award. Jazz, ballet, pointe and modern dance classes are available. Select from two locations in either Manchester or Windsor. Scholarships are available for boy students. This studio has a strict dress code that students are expected to follow so that instructors can see parts of the dancer's body to effectively give feedback (i.e. knees, hips and neck).

Shamrock Dance Studio
75 East St.
Plainville, CT 06062
(860) 410-1180
www.shamrockdancestudio.com

Sheila Stevens opened her own family-run business in 1977 so that her daughter could enjoy Irish dancing. Today Sheila and her daughter Shannon Barry own and operate Shamrock Dance Studio in Plainville and West Hartford. Their mission is to instill self confidence, poise and the love for dance and music. Beginners typically start at age four through 12. Group and private Irish dance lessons are available. Students participate in Hartford's St. Patrick's Day parade, a show in March and a recital in May.

Dance Unlimited
2600 State St.
Hamden, CT 06514
(203) 776-3444

19 S. Main St.
Branford, CT 06405
(203) 488-9844
www.danceunlimitedcrew.com

Director Gloria Gambardella Bracala has created a child-friendly dance studio at Dance Unlimited. Children as young as 18 months can join Diaper Dancer classes to begin learning the movement of dance with clapping, dancing and use of bean bags. Boys and girls are welcome at this facility as they transition through preschool, beginner and intermediate dance classes. Styles taught at Dance Unlimited include tap, jazz, ballet and hip hop. Tumbling and acrobatics are an additional option at this dance studio. Choose from two of the locations in Branford and Hamden.

Kimberly Ord is a freelance writer and lifetime resident of Connecticut. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.