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Best Dance Classes for Kids in the Philly Area

Ballet classes spark a love for dance at BalletSunMi. Photo courtesy of the school
Ballet classes spark a love for dance at BalletSunMi. Photo courtesy of the school
9/11/22 - By Jacqueline Stansbury

Dance studios and classes come in a variety of styles for all ages. Some focus on fun and fitness while others trend toward competition and professional training. Many offer classes starting with grown-up & me for the youngest dancers, and expand their variety as children get older and more skilled. Whether the aspiring dancer is into ballet, ballroom, jazz, tap, modern, or hip hop, this list has something for everyone from Center City to the 'burbs.

For more ideas for keeping those kids busy and engaged, check out our Guide to Classes in Philadelphia, where you'll find something for every budding dancer, athlete, artist, and more.

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Kids of all ages can learn hip hop at Movemakers Philly. Photo courtesy of the studio
Kids of all ages can learn hip hop at Movemakers Philly. Photo courtesy of the studio

Dance Classes for Kids in Philadelphia

BalletSunMi

Center City
BalletSunMi offers children's and adult ballet classes in Philadelphia with the mission of investing in each individual student's physical, mental, and emotional well-being, while growing kinetic integration through dance. Classes are focused on creating friendship, cooperation, and the art of patience using the language of dance. READ MORE

DanceSport Kids at Danza Academy of Social Dance

Center City and Exton
It's never too early to learn ballroom dancing—just ask the teachers at Danza Academy. The dance school offers DanceSport Kids for children ages 5-12 as an introduction to creative movement and dance. Students learn the beginnings of the waltz, foxtrot, swing, tango, polka, and much more. There's also a competitive circuit for interested children.  READ MORE

Equilibrium Dance Academy

South Philly
Starting as young as 3 years old, little ones can develop a love of dance through creative movement. Tap, jazz, ballet, contemporary, hip hop, and musical theater are also offered. Sessions are offered throughout the summer as well. READ MORE

The Living Arts Dance Studios

Center City
Creative movement, music, theater, Horton, West African dance, ballet, jazz, and tap are just some of the opportunities that await dance students at The Living Arts Dance Studios. In addition to in-studio classes, traveling classes and summer camps are available. Classes start as young as 2. READ MORE

Motion N Dance

Philadelphia
Motion N Dance has a Little Stars Program for young ones ages 3-5 and Recreational Classes for children 6-18. Kids with more experience can audition for the Master Program Levels and Innovation Dance Project Company. READ MORE

MoveMakers Philly

Rittenhouse and Queen Village
For kiddos who love to pop and lock and breakdance, MoveMakers is the move. This hip-hop studio with two locations offers everything from classes to an after school program and summer camps for aspiring movemakers of all ages. READ MORE

The Philadelphia Dance Academy

Old City and Ardmore
The Philadelphia Dance Academy offers something for dancers at every age, from the early childhood Dance Together Toddler & Caregiver Classes, all the way through teen, adult, and pre-professional classes. While ballet is the Academy's focus--including a ballet program specifically for boys--the school also offers theater and contemporary dance. READ MORE

The Rock School for Dance Education

Avenue of the Arts
Located in South Philly, The Rock School for Dance Education is a non-profit ballet school offering ballet, hip-hop, and pre-gymnastic classes for ages 2 through adults. Children learn the fundamentals of dance in PreK and recreational classes. Aspiring dancers can participate in Rock Academics. READ MORE

Top Hat Dance Studio

Northeast Philly
Top Hat Dance Studio offers group dance classes as well as private lessons. In addition, this studio holds birthday parties, provides Mommy & Me classes as well as special needs classes, and hosts an annual Special Needs Prom in May. READ MORE

Wissahickon Dance Academy

Germantown
WDA offers classes from pre-ballet through pre-professional and adult, as well as jazz, tap, hip hop, modern, character, and yoga. Dance camps are available for children aged 7 and up in ballet, tap, hip hop, modern, and jazz. More experienced dancers can sign up for intensive training, which focuses on the Vaganova syllabus. READ MORE
Get your little one dancing with a class at Start a Movement. Photo by Liz Baill
Get your little one dancing with a class at Start a Movement. Photo by Liz Baill

Dance Classes for Kids in the Suburbs

Ballet 180

Wayne
With an Early Childhood Program, Elementary Program, Professional Training Program, Teen Adult/Pre-Professional Electives, and Boys Program, Ballet 180 covers it all. Dance classes start at age 2.  READ MORE

The Dance Center

West Chester
The Dance Center curriculum teaches everything from ballet, hip hop, and jazz, to stage makeup and pilates for kids from preschool through college. Classes are divided into groups by age and skill level. Summer camp is not for beginners; campers should have at least a year of dance training before attending. READ MORE

Dancexpress

Narberth
With two spacious studios, Dancexpress provides dancers the chance to explore dance genres such as ballet, jazz, tap, and hip hop. Even the littlest dancers can participate in Baby Dance and Creative Movement classes starting at age 2. Summer camps and special workshops are offered as well. READ MORE

Main Line School of Music and Dance

Ardmore and Springfield
Known as the largest music and dance school in Delaware County, Main Line School of Music and Dance has two locations, one in Ardmore and one in Springfield. This business offers dance classes, instrument and voice lessons, and karate. Makin' Music classes for young ones are also available. READ MORE

Movements in Motion Dance Studio

Havertown
Starting with Tiny Tots at age 2 through Acro for ages 12+, Movements in Motion Dance Studio provides a well-rounded curriculum while fostering an appreciation for the art. Dance enthusiasts can participate in the competition team which makes appearances at workshops, conventions, and local events. READ MORE

Philadelphia Studio Ballet

Haverford
Philadelphia Studio Ballet focuses on developing strong technical dancers. Mommy & Me classes start at 18 months old. Older students can participate in Primary Division, Pre-Professional Ballet, and Teen Divison. Serious dancers can join Company or Competition Team. READ MORE

Start a Movement

Narberth
Pick from hip hop, ballet, modern, contemporary, tap, musical theater, and even acro at Start a Movement. Classes are offered for everyone from the tiniest toddling dancers to dancers seeking the competition circuit.  READ MORE

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About the Author

Jacqueline Stansbury
A native Angeleno, Jackie enjoys revisiting her childhood as a mom and writer for Mommy Poppins. She did a lot of cool stuff as a kid and has newfound respect for her own mom who made that happen without the internet! Today in Los Angeles, some things are gone, some have changed and some, like the grunion, remain exactly the same. In her former life, Jackie was a development executive on the Fox Studios lot where she rounded up writer/director lists and covered screenplays. Mommy Poppins is much more fun. Jackie's kids, Benjamin and Juliet, agree.
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