Pre-School Program
Puppy Pals
Program at a Glance
| Program | Ages | Age Cut-Off Date | Genres Offered | Performances |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teeny Tiny | 2-3 | October 31 | Tap, Ballet, Acro | Year-End Recital |
| Petite | 4 | December 31 | Ballet, Tap, Pop (Jazz/Hip Hop Combo), Acro | Year-End Recital |
| Future Stars | 5 | December 31 | Ballet, Tap, Pop (Jazz/Hip Hop Combo), Acro | Year-End Recital + Local Dance Festival |
Our Approach
We follow evidence-based frameworks (Intellidance® and DiscoverDance), along with our custom Puppy Pals Preschool Program. In this program, Buddy the Bernese Mountain Dog and his dancing friends lead dancers through monthly adventures that bring dance concepts to life. Each month, dancers explore a new theme — such as Safari Animals, Rapunzel, Arctic Animals, or On the Farm (and so much more – each month is a new adventure) — while focusing on specific movement concepts like size, levels, speed, or energy. Themes vary by genre, so children enrolled in multiple styles experience fresh activities each week.
Classes follow a consistent structure to help dancers feel secure while engaging in new learning experiences:
- Welcome & Warm-Up
- Anticipatory Activity / Movement Game
- Skill Development (Ballet, Tap, Jazz/Hip Hop, or Acro)
- Exploration and Creative Movement (theme-based with Buddy and friends)
- Across the Floor / Group Dance
- Prop & Instrument Play
Teeny Tiny (Ages 2–3)
Dancers must be 2 years old by October 31.
Our youngest independent dancers begin to practice listening, following directions, and exploring their bodies in space through playful themes and Puppy Pals adventures.
Skills include: walking and running with smoother patterns, jumping with two feet, tip-toe, balancing with support, copying basic dance moves, steady beat play, and following two-step instructions.
- Genres Offered:
- $Teeny Tiny Tappers (Tap)
- $ Teeny Tiny Tutus & Ties (Ballet)
- $Teeny Tiny Tumblers (Acro)
Petite (Age 4)
Dancers must be 4 years old by December 31.
Petites expand their coordination and rhythm skills while exploring pathways, body shapes, and creative expression. At this level, dancers are introduced to the basics of foundational, codified dance technique — learning simple terminology and what each movement means. These early lessons in vocabulary and form prepare them for more detailed technical work in Future Stars.
Skills include: tip-toe travel, jumping forward with both feet, standing on one foot for a few seconds, walking a line, clapping to a beat, responding to rhythmic patterns, and using words like beside, behind, or in front.
- Genres Offered:
- $Petite Ballet
- $Petite Tap
- $Petite Pop (Jazz/Hip Hop Combo)
- $Petite Acro
Future Stars (Age 5)
Dancers must be 5 years old by December 31.
Future Stars are ready for more structured learning while still enjoying the imaginative themes with Buddy and his friends. At this level, dancers begin refining the foundations of dance technique — focusing on control, alignment, and intentional movement across genres. They continue to learn through play, but with greater emphasis on precision, body awareness, and performance quality.
This level also includes an additional performance opportunity in the spring, as Future Stars dancers participate in a local friendly dance festival in addition to the year-end recital.
Skills include: balancing on one foot for up to 10 seconds, performing clean directional changes, demonstrating clear body shapes, maintaining posture and coordination, and working confidently in lines, circles, and formations.
- Genres Offered:
- $Future Stars Ballet
- $Future Stars Tap
- $ Future Stars Pop (Jazz/Hip Hop Combo)
- $Future Stars Acro
Why Repetition Matters
Core dance skills — such as pliés, tendus, and tap patterns — are repeated throughout the year to build a strong technical foundation. The music, themes, and Puppy Pals adventures change monthly to keep classes fresh and engaging.
More Than Dance
Through our preschool program, dancers also develop:
- Motor coordination and strength
- Musicality and rhythm
- Sequencing and spatial awareness
- Cooperation, turn-taking, and independence
- Sensory processing through props and instruments
FAQs
Do you offer trial classes?
Yes — free trials are available in age-appropriate programs (subject to space).
What’s the dress code?
Dress code can be found here:
Dress Code
How long is the program?
Our full season program runs September to June. If you are looking for sessional classes, we suggest looking at our sessional dance program or Fine Arts Club
Are parents in class?
All preschool programs are unparented. Our instructors help dancers transition confidently into independent learning.
If you are looking for a parent assisted program, we suggest checking out our Grown Up & Me sessional classes.