Dance classes in New York City for kids

Whether your little ones want to be ballerinas or the next great hip-hop dancers, these kids' dance classes in New York City will keep them on their toes—literally. With styles ranging from flamenco and African to modern dance and ballet, in both introductory and professional-track classes, the only skill necessary for these dance classes in New York City is the willingness to get moving.

RECOMMENDED: Kids' classes: NYC's ultimate guide to the best programs

The Ailey School
No auditions are necessary for introductory classes at the junior division of this nationally renowned dance company, including First Steps (for kids ages three to six) and Bounding Boys (for boys ages four to six). Kids seven and up wishing to continue their dance studies can audition for more advanced classes in late summer. 405 W 55th St at Ninth Ave (212-405-9000, theaileyschool.edu). Annual session begins Sept 4. Nine months $910--$3,620, plus $50 registration fee and $20 application or audition fee. Ages 3 to 17.

American Tap Dance Center
Kids don't just learn how to do running flaps here; they're also immersed in the rich history of tap, from the Nicholas Brothers to contemporary tap dancers like Michelle Dorrance and Derick K. Grant (whom you may even catch rehearsing at the studios). 154 Christopher St between Greenwich and Washington Sts (646-230-9564, atdf.org). Fall session begins Sept 17. Thirty-three classes $895; tuition assistance available through the Gregory Hines Youth Scholarship Fund. Ages 3 and up.

Ballet Academy East
All young swan princesses start in pre-ballet classes. Some go on to the preprofessional program, while others continue to pli for fun in the enrichment sessions. 1651 Third Ave between 92nd and 93rd Sts (212-410-9140, balletacademyeast.com). Fall session begins Sept 24. Seventeen classes $595 and up. Ages 2 and up.

Ballet Hispanico
You can't get much more dramatic than the sweeping arms and quick-moving feet of the flamenco routines taught in this Spanish dance program. Choose from ballet, jazz, salsa, traditional Spanish dance or hip-hop—all of which are taught at different levels. Classes also include a brief history lesson on the expressive art form. 167 W 89th St between Columbus and Amsterdam Aves (212-362-6710, ballethispanico.org). Fall session begins Sept 10. Thirty-six classes $900. Ages 6 and up.

Broadway Dance Center
This yearlong program includes classes in all forms of dance, from creative movement and jazz to African and contemporary, and includes a year-end recital in a city theater. Mini workshops are also available for kids (and parents) who want a shorter-term commitment. 322 W 45th St between Eighth and Ninth Aves (212-582-9304, broadwaydancecenter.com). Fall session begins Sept 22. Thirty-two classes $727--$4,120. Ages 3 and up.

Brooklyn Arts Exchange
Dance, theater and tumbling classes are available at nearly-budget prices. Offerings range from the toddler-centric Move and Groove to modern dance, ballet, and hip-hop for tweens. 421 Fifth Ave at 8th St, Park Slope, Brooklyn (718-832-0018, bax.org). Fall session begins Sept 10. Thirteen classes $209--$580, plus $35 annual family registration fee; single class $10. Ages 1 and up.

Dancewave
With three Park Slope locations, this Brooklyn-based school offers too many dance classes for us to count. One of their most unique, though, is a musical theater course, where the choreography is inspired by Broadway musicals. The school also offers creative movement, hip-hop, modern, ballet and African dance. *The Dancewave Center, 45 Fourth Ave at Dean St, Park Slope, Brooklyn (718-522-4696, dancewave.org) *Salsa Salsa Dance Studio, 55 Fourth Ave between Bergen and Dean Sts, Park Slope, Brooklyn. *Old First Reformed Church, 729 Carroll St at Seventh Ave, Park Slope, Brooklyn. Fall session begins Sept 10. Sixteen weeks $300 and up. Ages 1 and up.

DionneKamara Dance
Tummy time takes on a whole new meaning for infants in classes promoting cognitive, social and physical development through music. Creepers, walkers and toddlers learn to incorporate dance into their daily routines, while kids five and up enhance technical dance skills through multisensory activities . Chelsea Studios/TheatreworksUSA, 151 W 26th St between Sixth and Seventh Aves (646-784-2643, dionnekamaradance.com). Classes ongoing. Ten-class card $225, drop-in class $25. Ages 8 weeks and up.

Downtown Dance Factory
This Tribeca studio has a bourgeoning boys' hip-hop program that's drawn in more than 100 young men in its three years of existence. Other classes, from ballet and tap to jazz and lyrical, range from those aimed at the preschool set to invitation-only technique sessions for experienced students. 291 Broadway between Duane and Reade Sts, fourth and fifth floors (212-962-1800, downtowndancefactory.com). Fall session begins Sept 24. Nineteen classes $650 and up. Ages 2 and up.

In Grandma's Attic
For almost two decades, this creative studio has concentrated as much on the imaginative aspects of performance as on dance technique. In the Fairies in Fantasy class, wee ballerinas listen to a classic fairy tale, then bring it to life through improvisational dance, costumes and props. As children get older, program creator Deborah Bailay writes original stories and ballets for the children to perform. The Superheroes of the Ballet class is specifically for boys. Various locations in Manhattan (212-726-2362, ingrandmasattic.com). Fall session begins Sept 9. Fourteen classes $500 and up, twelve classes $440, ten classes $380. Ages 2 to 13.

Long Island City School of Ballet
Several levels of ballet (including a parent-child class for two-year-olds) allow young twinkle toes to learn and build their skills from the ground up and eventually audition for Ballet for Young Audiences' Nutcracker. Off-the-beaten-path options include Sports Dance, a program that uses athletic movements like jumping and bending to teach the fundamentals, and Imagine Dance, where a different story serves as inspiration for the dances in each class. Hip-hop, tap and jazz are also on the menu. 44-02 23rd St between 44th Rd and 44th Ave, studio 216, Long Island City, Queens (718-781-1169, licsb.com). Fall session begins Sept 9. Twenty classes $450, plus $25 registration fee. Ages 2 and up.

NYC Bhangra
Youngsters learn the pulsating rhythm and dynamic steps of Indian dances like bhangra and giddha—all of which incorporate clapping, hopping and colorful costumes. Ripley Grier Studios, 520 Eighth Ave between 36th and 37th Sts (nycbhangra.com, 212-372-8001). Fall session begins Aug 13. Twelve classes $325 and up. Ages 4 and up.

The School at Peridance
Kids as young as 18 months can develop their motor skills while learning the moves of various dance styles, including ballet, jazz, salsa and hip-hop. 126 E 13th St between Third and Fourth Aves (212-505-0886, peridance.com). Fall session begins Sept 10. Eighteen classes $748--$1,860, single class $10 and up. Ages 1 and up.