"Dance is art; paint your dream and follow it."
-Steven Thompson
Photo courtesy of Jenni Mahnaz Photography
Photo courtesy of Jenni Mahnaz Photography
Tap
Tap is an exciting and energetic dance style that transforms movement into music through rhythmic footwork. Dancers learn to create clear, precise sounds while developing timing, coordination, musicality, balance, and performance skills.
At Spendwood, students are introduced to both Broadway Tap, which emphasizes dance and theatrical performance, and Rhythm Tap, which focuses on musicality and the rich traditions of jazz. Our progressive curriculum helps dancers build a strong technical foundation while encouraging creativity and confidence.
Tap classes are 30 minutes in length and are offered for students ages 3 through adult. Instruction follows a graded, progressive system that includes barre work, center exercises, rhythmic drills, and choreographed combinations, allowing students to advance their skills at an appropriate pace.
Jazz
Jazz is a dynamic and energetic dance style that blends strong technique with expressive movement and performance. Rooted in African American culture and influenced by jazz music, this ever-evolving style incorporates turns, leaps, kicks, flexibility, and high-energy choreography performed to today’s popular and age-appropriate music.
At Spendwood, jazz dancers develop strength, coordination, musicality, flexibility, and stage presence while learning proper technique in a fun, supportive environment. Our progressive, graded curriculum allows students to build confidence and advance their skills at a pace that matches their experience and ability.
Jazz classes are 30 minutes in length and are offered for students ages 5 through adult, with classes available for a variety of skill levels.
Photo courtesy of Jenni Mahnaz Photography
Ballet
Ballet is the foundation of many dance styles and is known for its grace, discipline, and technical precision. Students develop proper posture, balance, flexibility, strength, coordination, and musicality while learning classical movements and terminology in a supportive, encouraging environment.
At Spendwood, ballet classes begin at age 3 and continue through adulthood, with instruction tailored to each dancer’s age and skill level. As students progress, they build strong technical foundations, artistry, and confidence that benefit all areas of dance.
Classes begin at 30 minutes in length for our youngest dancers and gradually increase as technique and training advance, typically beginning around ages 8–10. Whether dancing for recreation or pursuing more advanced training, ballet provides the essential skills for a lifelong appreciation of dance.
En Pointe
Pointe is an advanced level of classical ballet in which dancers perform on the tips of their toes while wearing specially designed pointe shoes. This highly technical discipline requires exceptional strength, balance, proper alignment, and a strong foundation in classical ballet.
Because of the physical demands of pointe work, dancers must demonstrate the necessary technique, strength, and maturity before beginning pointe training. At Spendwood, students are carefully evaluated by their instructors and are typically not considered for pointe before age 12. Most dancers also complete a year or more of pre-pointe conditioning to develop the strength and stability needed in their feet, ankles, legs, and core.
Advancement to pointe is based on individual readiness rather than age alone. Our priority is ensuring each dancer progresses safely and successfully, and not every ballet student will be a candidate for pointe work.
Parent/Tot
This introductory dance class is designed for children ages 2 to 3 and includes active participation from a parent or caregiver. Through creative movement, music, and imaginative play, young dancers will develop listening skills, coordination, balance, rhythm, and the ability to follow directions in a fun, nurturing environment.
This positive first dance experience helps build confidence while strengthening the bond between child and caregiver. The class also provides a wonderful foundation for a smooth transition into independent dance classes beginning at age 3.
Hip Hop
Hip Hop is a high-energy, upbeat dance style that combines rhythm, musicality, and expressive movement. Students will learn foundational Hip Hop techniques, including grooves, footwork, isolations, and choreography, while dancing to age-appropriate, contemporary music in a fun and encouraging environment.
Rooted in the vibrant Hip Hop culture that emerged in New York City during the 1970s, this style celebrates creativity, confidence, and individuality. Our classes focus on building coordination, strength, performance quality, and self-expression while helping dancers develop their own unique style.
Hip Hop classes are offered in 30-minute sessions for students ages 5 and up. While previous jazz training is helpful, it is not required, and dancers of all experience levels are welcome.
Lyrical and Contemporary
Lyrical dance blends the technical foundations of ballet and jazz with expressive movement inspired by music and storytelling. Danced to music with lyrics, this style encourages students to interpret emotion through movement, drawing from feelings such as joy, love, sadness, or anger. The focus is on personal expression, fluidity, and connecting movement to meaning.
Contemporary dance builds on a fusion of styles including ballet, jazz, modern, and lyrical techniques. Dancers explore creativity and versatility while learning to move with control, flow, and intention. This style emphasizes the connection between mind and body, encouraging dancers to express ideas and emotions through dynamic, unrestricted movement.
At Spendwood, these classes help students develop strength, flexibility, artistry, and performance quality in a supportive environment.
Classes are 30 minutes in length and offered for students ages 5 through adult, with instruction available for a variety of levels.
Photo courtesy of Denis Nally Photography
Ballroom
This program introduces students to a variety of partner dance styles, including Ballroom, Social Dance, and Latin rhythms. Dancers will learn fundamental steps, timing, coordination, and partnership skills while building confidence and poise in a fun and engaging environment.
Youth Ballroom classes begin at age 7 and are 30 minutes in length, focusing on foundational technique and social dance basics. Adult classes are 60 minutes and expand on style, connection, and technique across multiple partner dance forms.
We also offer private instruction, including personalized wedding dance lessons for brides and grooms or entire wedding parties, designed to create a memorable and comfortable first dance experience.