Top Dance Classes For Kids In Las Vegas

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

Las Vegas is the performance capital of the world, with a myriad of professional dance and acrobatic troupes appearing on stages throughout town. With shows such as Cirque du Soleil's "O," "La Reve," "Mystere," "Love" and with all of the talent in this city, it's no surprise that many children want to learn to dance or perform musical theater. It's a good thing we have some excellent schools and studios that will shape children into becoming the best performers they can possibly be, encouraging their creativity and ability while ensuring their safety along the way. Whether they hope to gain confidence, be a cheerleader, perform in a show or dance professionally, the means to gain experience and skill is here.

Dance Connection Studio
7501 N. Cimarron Road, Suite 103
Las Vegas, NV 89131
(702) 515-1624
www.danceconnectionstudio.com

Children start out by learning the basics at Dance Connection Studio. The studio uses props such as tiaras, wands, scarves, tutus, tambourines, etc. to encourage their expressive creativity to soar. Once they have gained some self-confidence and basic dance moves, including rhythm, they can build on these skills by adding basic ballet and tap moves, as well as tumbling and musical theater. Building upon previously learned blocks, children can choose to progress in their dance interests – tap, theater, ballet, hip-hop/jazz, tumbling or competitive dance and cheerleading – and are encouraged, step-by-step, toward confidence in performance and ability.

Long Life Dance Company
2900 E. Patrick Lane, Suite 4B
Las Vegas, NV 89120
(702) 806-6960
www.longlifefitanddance.com

Founders of Long Life Fit, James and Louisa Long, started their company to nurture kids in the performing arts by offering classes in various disciplines in their studio. They promote fitness and learning, helping children learn the skills they no longer learn in school while helping them develop in body and mind. Louisa's strong background in dance has made her an exceptional teacher, and she encourages children to experiment, learn and grow with different dance styles and programs. Classes are available from beginner to experienced students, from boxing to Zumba and dance. The staff is dedicated and well-trained and the fitness facility encourages families to participate using the equipment available.

Dance Center Las Vegas
3686 E. Sunset Road, Suite 105
Las Vegas, NV 89120
(702) 434-8800
www.dancecenterlv.com/classes/kids

Dance Center is unique in that it allows children to start learning ballet, jazz and ballroom dance in a combination class when they are young. This sets the foundation for learning discipline, following directions and gaining poise. Jazz allows more freedom of movement, with footwork and rhythm. In Ballroom and Latin, they learn the basics of Samba, Salsa and Merengue in a fun way. Ballet is encouraged as a foundation for all other forms of expression. Creative Movement allows little ones (three to four years of age) to experiment with props and movement. The kids' Competitive Ballroom & Latin class for 10- to 14-year-old dancers is by invitation only and concentrates on the competitive side of dance, perfecting the craft and learning more intricate movements.

Las Vegas School of Dance and Music
8665 W. Flamingo Road, Suite 112
Las Vegas, NV 89147
(702) 489-2300
www.lvdanceandmusic.com

Las Vegas School of Dance and Music offers instruction in ballet, tap, hip hop, preschool and other dance styles. Your child can also learn to play the piano, guitar, violins or drums as well as have the opportunity to take voice lessons. This saves you driving time between lessons, allowing you to book various classes for different children at the same time. This studio holds a small recital in December and a full production recital in July. The emphasis is on learning and growing as a performer, no matter your child's choice of instrument or dance. The school has a "floating" dance floor, resting on high-density foam, to save injury by absorbing the shock and impact of dance movement. This prevents fatigue and injury to students. Even the floor is professionally designed (a composite "marley" floor used by the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the Royal Academy of Dancing in London and Riverdance performances). This allows for a controlled slide without being slippery, for the sake of safety. Children may enroll as early as three years of age to begin to learn the fundamentals of dance, progressing each session and building upon prior knowledge. If older students wish, they have the option to take part in competitions, festivals or to take exams.

Studio One's Summerlin Dance Academy
Summerlin Location
1181 S. Buffalo Drive, Suite 130
Las Vegas, NV 89117
(702) 838-5131
www.summerlindance.com

At Summerlin Dance Academy, students of all ages will gain a firm foundation and excellent instruction in a variety of styles of dance, from the very beginner "Princess" classes to the combo classes and Broadway Babies. This has been ranked the #1 dance studio in Nevada and is in the top 25 in the U.S. (per the Federation of Dance Competitions). Hip Hop to contemporary, tap to jazz and many more classes are offered from beginning students to advanced and competitive levels. Children can learn the basics of ballet and tap, or may choose to try Irish dance steps, musical theater, break dance, acting, contortion and stretching or vocal lessons. The instructors are all well seasoned and trained as performers and instructors, and students may start learning once they reach the age of two. There are two studios – the first one in Summerlin and another in Southwest Las Vegas – where the family-friendly atmosphere makes it a pleasure for all. Most of the dance studios have viewing windows to watch your child in action, plus a flat-screen TV that broadcasts video from each room. The emphasis at Studio One is on health and safety to prevent the spread of germs using "Green Cleaning" techniques, free of harsh chemicals and toxins.

Sharon Damon is a preschool specialist, avid reader, passionate writer and creative baker/ cook. She has been a cooking instructor at a local Rec Center in Henderson, NV since 2011, and has written for Examiner and other publications since 2010. She knows her way around the keyboard and the kitchen! Sharon moved from a small city in Canada to Las Vegas 6 years ago, to marry the love of her life, and has since been swept up in the whirlwind known as Sin City. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.