Dance Academy

Dance is more than just movement—it's a passion we share with students of all ages and levels. The Westfield Area YMCA Dance Academy offers a spectrum of styles, ensuring there's a beat for every foot!

We develop skilled, well-rounded and confident dancers

Our goal is to provide high-quality instruction in a warm and nurturing environment. Students learn and develop proper technique and are encouraged to be creative and artistic. A demonstration is held in December and there is a performance in June.

Dance Classes

Children and their caregivers delve into dance and creative movement using props and themes for exploration.

2-3 yr

Children explore dance through creative movement and enhance motor skills with props and themes. Students are required to complete this class before Mini-level.

3-5 yr

Proper ballet technique and alignment are learned with musicality and terminology. In tap, develop coordination, rhythm, and basic tap vocabulary.

4-6 yr, 7-9 yr

Explore jazz styles with a focus on basic techniques like isolation, turns, and jumps. In tap, develop coordination, rhythm, and basic tap vocabulary.

6-9 yr

Explore different jazz styles and techniques such as isolations, turns, and jumps. In Hip-Hop, develop a unique style while learning the fundamental moves.

4-6 yr, 7-9 yr, 10-14 yr

Commercial dance, also known as "new style," is the type of hip hop seen in music videos, TV, and films. Blends elements from jazz, hip hop, street dance, and musical theater.

11-14 yr

Learn terminology and strengthen technique through barre and center work. Modern dance elements such as contractions, skips, and leaps are explored and tailored to each level.

11-14 yr

Unique choreography and acrobatic elements are combined with classical dance techniques. Enhances flexibility, balance, strength, control, and discipline within a dance framework.

4-6 yr, 7-10 yr

Technical elements of modern are learned to display emotional moods and illustration of song lyrics in this style of dance.

8-10 yr

Enhance stage presence and performance with singing, acting, and dancing. Learn classical vocal methods, build improvisational skills, and Broadway choreography.

8-13 yr