Recreational

Full-year recreational dance classes for ages 6–12, with opportunities to learn, perform, and grow without the commitment of competitive dance.

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Dance Discovery’s Recreational Program gives dancers ages 6–12 the opportunity to build strong dance foundations in a supportive, non-competitive environment. Dancers develop technique, musicality, coordination, self-discipline, posture, confidence, and performance skills while continuing to enjoy the experience of dance.

Recreational dancers can choose from ballet, jazz, hip hop, and acro, with classes available for different ages and levels. Dancers may take one class or explore more than one discipline depending on their interests, goals, and schedule.

Recreational dancers, with the exception of acro, perform in two professional stage performances during the season: our Winter Recital in January and Year End Recital in June.

HIP HOP
Registration Now Closed

JAZZ
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BALLET
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ACRO
Registration Now Closed

DANCE TRAINING WITHOUT THE
COMPETITIVE COMMITMENT

Not every dancer wants or needs to compete to receive meaningful dance training.

Dance Discovery’s Recreational Program is designed for dancers who want to improve their technique, learn choreography, perform on stage, and enjoy being part of a dance community without the additional training hours and competition schedule of a competitive program.

Recreational dance can also be a great starting point for beginners. Previous competitive experience is not required, and dancers can continue recreationally for the enjoyment and benefits of dance or build foundations that may prepare them for competitive opportunities in the future.

CHOOSING A RECREATIONAL DANCE CLASS

Not sure which style to choose? Each dance discipline develops different skills and offers a different movement experience.

Ballet builds technique, posture, alignment, strength, coordination, and flexibility, providing a strong foundation that supports many other dance styles.

Jazz is energetic and dynamic, incorporating skills such as jumps, turns, kicks, floor work, and isolations while developing strength, flexibility, coordination, and performance quality.

Hip Hop introduces dancers to energetic and expressive movement, including elements such as freestyle, popping, locking, and breaking, while building rhythm, coordination, and musicality.

Acro combines dance training with balancing, flexibility, strength, and tumbling skills. Dance Discovery’s Recreational Acro program is technique-focused and does not participate in stage performances.

Families who would like to learn more about each style can explore our Dance Disciplines page.

RECREATIONAL FAQs

Yes. Recreational dance can be a great entry point for children beginning dance training. Appropriate class placement depends on the dancer’s age, previous experience, and the discipline they would like to study.

No. Children do not need to begin dance as preschoolers to benefit from training. Recreational classes provide opportunities for school-aged dancers to develop technique, coordination, musicality, confidence, and performance skills at an appropriate level.

Have an older beginner? Read our guide to starting dance later.

Recreational dancers receive structured dance training and performance opportunities without the additional training hours and competition schedule required by a competitive program. It is a good fit for dancers who enjoy learning and performing but want greater flexibility for other activities and commitments.

Not sure which pathway is right for your dancer? Read our guide to recreational vs. competitive dance.

Yes. Dancers may take more than one recreational class, and different disciplines can complement one another. The best combination depends on your dancer’s interests, goals, age, and weekly schedule. Multi-class pricing is available for dancers enrolled in additional classes.

Ballet provides a valuable technical foundation that can support training in other dance styles, but whether your child should take ballet depends on their interests and longer-term goals. Our instructors can help families determine an appropriate combination of classes.

Yes. Recreational dancers, with the exception of acro, participate in both our Winter Recital in January and Year End Recital in June. These performances allow dancers to share what they have learned with family and friends on a professional stage.

Yes. Recreational training can help dancers develop the technique, classroom habits, performance experience, and confidence that support future competitive training. Dancers interested in taking the next step can speak with Dance Discovery about whether our Performance or Company programs may be appropriate for them.

If your child is enjoying dance, progressing in their current class, and asking for more, they may be ready to add another class or explore a new dance style. Other signs can include consistent attendance, growing confidence, an ability to follow instruction, and an interest in spending more time developing their skills.

Every dancer develops at a different pace, so adding more classes should reflect your child’s interest, readiness, and goals rather than simply their age or experience level.

Wondering if the time is right? Learn how to tell if your child is ready for more dance classes →