The best dance classes for kids in NYC

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). Fun exercises help little ones learn fundamental skills like muscle memory and rhythm awareness while encouraging creative movement. Kids seven and up wishing to continue their dance studies can audition for more advanced classes in late summer. Ages 3 and up.

Start newbie tappers off in Tap Fundamentals where they’ll learn basic steps and how to string them together to improvise their own combinations. They’ll also explore the history of the dance step and watch videos of tap’s greatest performers. Once they have the fundamentals down, kids can move on to more complex classes like Hoofers and Hitters and Shim Sham Crew where they’ll learn elements of early dances as well as contemporary forms. Ages 3½ and up.

Kids will learn the dramatic art of flamenco along with other dances. The Spanish dance program offers up classes in ballet, jazz, hip-hop, salsa and tap that will have little ones moving to the beat. The Los Pasitos: Early Childhood Program is great introduction to coordination and movement for the tiniest dancers aged 2 to 5. Older kids aged 6 to 18 can sign up for Encuentros: Open Class Program, which will cover various dance traditions. Cool factor: all classes include a brief history lesson on the dance form. Ages 2 and up.

All young swan princesses start in the Young Dancers Division, which is divided up into several programs, including Petit Dancers classes for toddlers and their caregivers and pre-ballet and tap for students aged 3 to 6. Some go on to the intensive preprofessional program (ages 7 to 19), where they'll study pointe, partner work and variations. Others continue to plié for fun in the primary and enrichment sessions (ages 6 to 12). Ages 18 months and up. 

The School at Steps' Young Dancers Program classes begin on January 29, 2018 for children ages 18 months–5 years! During these engaging sessions, kids can immerse themselves in the exciting world of dance and music. They'll learn more about body coordination, rhythmic awareness and imaginative exploration with the help of their instructors, and every class has a live musician. Don't miss “Mommy and me” classes for students 18 months–2 years as well as "Pre-Tap" and “For Boys Only" classes. Various ages.

Dance, theater and tumbling classes are available at affordable prices at this Brooklyn arts center. Offerings range from the toddler-centric Move and Groove to modern dance, ballet and hip-hop for tweens. More advanced dancers (aged 9 to 18) may be invited to participate in Dance Performance Workshops, in which they'll deepen their study of dance technique and work on original choreography. Ages 18 months and up.

This Brooklyn dance studio offers too many dance classes for us to count. One of their most unique, though, is Broadway Stars, where the students learn to sing, dance and act simultaneously. The school also offers creative movement for beginner dancers, plus hip-hop, modern, ballet and contemporary. Ages 18 months to 18.

If Bollywood’s infectious music gets your kids out on the floor, then why not sign them up for a cool bhangra class? Youngsters will learn how to follow the techniques, rhythms and steps that make this Indian dance form fun for all ages. The clapping, jumping and colorful costume makes this perfect for kiddos with energy to spare. Ages 2–9.