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 Academy name is 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

  • Pre-Ballet Classes

    Pre-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  Level 2 Pre-School

    • Pre-Ballet class with a theme such as "Barbie Ballet"
    • Introduces the student to early skills of a classical ballet class and imaginative movement 
    • Gentle, loving environment
    • Be introduced to classical music
    • Performs Pre-Ballet Dance in the Winter Showcase
    • Performs Pre-Ballet Dance in June Show

    PRE-PRIMARY Ballet  Ages 4-6  Level 3, Pre-Primary

    • Pre-Ballet class with a theme such as Storybook. 
    • This class is on the ballet track leading to progression into the School of Ballet following the completion of Primary Ballet 5-7
    • 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 3-5 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  Level 4, Primary

    • Students will grow in confidence, imagination and focus as they begin to learn the etiquette and build skills of ballet 2/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

  • SHOWTIME Combo Classes

    SHOWTIME Combo Classes offer a broad focus on theatre arts through a combination of dance styles 

    -- Ballet, Tap, Jazz -- allowing young dancers to grow their love of dance.


    SHOWTIME Tots    Ages 18 mo-Age 3  Level 1 Tot

    • 30 minute class combining ballet, tap and jazz/creative movement
    • One parent/adult attends the class if the dancer is not ready to separate
    • Non-performing Class

    SHOWTIME Combo II   Ages 3-4  Level 2, Pre-School

    • Pre-school combo class of ballet, tap, jazz and creative movement
    • Must be potty trained
    • Performs Tap Dance in Winter Showcase
    • Performs Jazz/Novelty Dance in June Show

    SHOWTIME Combo III/IV  Ages 5-7  Level 3/4, Primary

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

  • FWD (Fun With Dance) Classes

    FUN WITH DANCE  CLASSES

    FWD - stands for "Fun With Dance". These classes focus on 1-2 unique styles of movement preparing students for the School of Commercial Dance or grow into our other programs.


    N E W !    

    FUN WITH DANCE  COMPANY     Ages 4-7

    • This is our Early Childhood Dance Company! 
    • 30 minute rehearsal add on class to any other Early Childhood Class ages 4+ 
    • Build performance skills in a variety of styles (Pop Jazz/Hip Hop/ Ballet/Tap/ Contemporary)
    • 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.

    FWD POM SQUAD & CHEER  1   Ages 4-7  Level 3/4

    • Specialty dance class using Pompoms and Pop Jazz Combinations with a focus on Dance Team Styles & Cheer
    • Performs Pom Dance in Winter Showcase & June Show

    FWD HIP HOP   Ages 4-7   Level 2/3/4

    • FWD Hip Hop is a specialty Hip Hop class created for our youngest boys and girls
    • Introduces new and basic hip hop movements and is a fun way to learn a new style of dance
    • Dancer must be enrolled in a FWD Hip Hop class in addition to being on this team
    • Performs Hip Hop Dance in Winter Showcase & June Show

    FWD POP COMBO     Ages 4-7   Level 2/3/4

    • Pop Combo combination class of tap, jazz and hip hop
    • Performs Tap Dance in Winter Showcase
    • Performs Jazz Dance in June Show

    FWD MUSICAL THEATRE     Ages 4-7   Level 2/3/4

    • Triple threat performer class of Singing, Dancing, Acting, and Imaginative fun
    • Performs Musical Theatre/Jazz Dance in Winter Showcase & June Show

    FWD ACRO 3-5     Ages 3-5   Level 2

    • Learn Acro with champion gymnast Kylah!
    • Learn and progress skills including proper execution of acrobatic skills and tumbling while working to build flexibility, strength & conditioning
    • Non-performing class

    FWD ACRO 5-7     Ages 5-7   Level 3-4

    • Learn Acro with champion gymnast Kylah!
    • Learn and progress skills including proper execution of acrobatic skills and tumbling while working to build flexibility, strength & conditioning
    • Non-performing class

    FWD CIRQUE     Ages 3-6   Level 2/3 

    • FWD Cirque class includes interactive circuits, balance beam,  juggling, basic tumbling and aerial silks
    • Non-performing class

CREATIVITY UNLEASHED!

Step into the enchanting realm of learning to Dance. Our Early Childhood Programs are a curated series of movement classes meticulously crafted to usher children into the captivating world of creative and expressive 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, captivating visuals, and playful props will ignite and nourish your young dancer's passion for the art form.


What sets our programs apart is its distinctive conceptual approach to dance education, which not only fuels a deep love for dance but also lays a solid foundation for both technical prowess and cognitive development. Prepare to witness your child flourish as they embark on this exciting dance adventure.

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

FWD CREW

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