
Our youth dance program empowers students to create, perform, and explore movement as a form of artistic expression. In our supportive, non-competitive environment, dancers are inspired to reach their full potential as collaborative, creative thinkers and expressive, skilled movers.
Our progressive curriculum incorporates safe, research-based approaches to movement and teaching, integrated social-emotional learning practices, essential elements of dance history, and exposure to the many ways one can remain engaged with dance throughout life. Our primary goal is to inspire joy and foster a sense of belonging in every child!
Note about student interest and our studio:
Our studio is contemporary in focus—shaping our approach, curriculum, and movement styles. We offer ballet to support strength, body awareness, and artistic versatility, but do not provide the volume of training required for a ballet career. We recommend pairing ballet with contemporary modern and other styles to support a well-rounded, versatile dancer.
Dance Year 25/26
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Sunday
Creative Modern (Ages 6-7, grades 1-2) | 10:15-11:15am
Monday
Jazz Open Level (Ages 11-17) | 4:45-6:00pm *TDI Requirements
Dance Conditioning (Ages 11-17) | 6:00-7:15pm *TDI Requirements
Tuesday
Contemporary Modern 2 (3+ years’ experience, ages 11-17, grades 6-12) | 5:30-6:45pm *TDI Requirements
Wednesday
Creative Ballet (Ages 6-7, grades 1-2) | 4:15-5:15pm
Ballet 3 (3+ years’ experience, ages 11-17, grades 6-12) | 5:15-6:30pm *TDI requirements
Thursday
Contemporary Modern 1 (New - 2 years’ experience, ages 8-13, grades 3-8) | 4:30-5:30pm
Tap 1 (New-2 years’ experience, ages 9-14, grades 4-9) | 5:30-6:30pm
Friday
Dance Lab | 4:30-5:30pm *Included for free with TDI
Saturday
Ballet 1 (New-1-year experience, ages 8–13, grades 3-8) | 1:45-2:45pm
*Creative ballet does not count as a yearBallet 2 (2-3 years’ experience, ages 9-14, grades 4-9) | 2:45-3:45pm
*Creative ballet does not count as a year -
BALLET
These classes are designed with a progressive curriculum that instils body positivity, the importance of student voice, and understanding of safe training practices in an age-appropriate way. As students move through the program, there is an increasing focus on technical understanding, performance quality, safe movement practices, and contemporary approaches to the art form.
DANCE LAB
A student-designed class focused on choreography, improvisation, performance, leadership, and more. Students will help select guest artists, create original work, and even design schedules that include recovery days. This class empowers dancers to take an active role in shaping their experience—exploring new ideas and building both personal and artistic skills
DANCE CONDITIONING
Dance Lab encourages creativity, collaboration, and artistic growth. This class is designed to strengthen and support the dancer’s body through focused exercises that build endurance, flexibility, alignment, and core stability. Using a combination of somatic practices, strength training, and movement drills, dancers will improve their overall physical conditioning, reduce injury risk, and enhance performance in technique classes.
CONTEMPORARY MODERN
These classes are designed to blend the movement and ideological contributions of early modern and post-modern dance with the understanding of contemporary approaches and forms. This progressive curriculum increases in complexity as they improve understanding of quality of movement, phrasing, floorwork and inversions, and choreographic design
CREATIVE DANCE
These classes are designed for our preschool and kindergarten dancers (and caregivers in Dance with Me) We believe young dancers benefit from learning about their bodies and having time to explore their creativity before entering a more codified forms and helps them grasp those forms more easily later.
CREATIVE DANCE FOR ALL LEARNERS
Creative Dance for All Learners dance is designed to accommodate individuals with diverse physical, cognitive, and developmental abilities. These classes focus on promoting creativity, confidence, and physical well-being in a supportive and inclusive environment. Through movements, use of props, and sensory experiences, participants are empowered to explore music, rhythm, and movement in ways that are accessible and enjoyable for them. Whether seated or standing, creative dance encourages self-expression, social interaction, and a sense of belonging for all participants, regardless of their abilities. This is an independent class, unless otherwise agreed upon. If you have questions about if this class is right for your dancer, please reach out!
CREATIVE BALLET AND MODERN
These classes are designed to introduce ballet and modern concepts and vocabulary to young dancers. Dancers will increase understanding of their bodies in space, how to express ideas through movement, and how to work with others in their class.
JAZZ
Students will explore the evolution of jazz dance, from its early roots to its impact on Broadway and popular dance today. Originating in African American communities and rooted in African dance traditions, jazz has long been a powerful form of cultural expression. Energetic, expressive, and a celebration of individuality, this class offers a fun and engaging way to connect with the rich history and vibrant spirit of jazz.
TAP
Tap dance is a percussive dance style that originated in African American communities in the United States during the late 19th century. In our program, students will learn tap vocabulary, explore the ways tap has been used for artistic expression throughout its history, and will have the opportunity to add their creative voice through improvisation.
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Dance classes follow a gender-neutral dress code.
All dancers should have hair pulled back away from the face.
No jewelry, tutus, or costume pieces.
BALLET 1 & 2
Navy leotard, tank or t-shirt; black footless tights, leggings or bike shorts; ballet shoes. Black ballet skirt optional.BALLET 3
Black leotard, tank or t-shirt; black footless tights, leggings or bike shorts; ballet shoes. Black ballet skirt optional.CONDITIONING
Any comfortable clothes. Layers recommended.
CONTEMPORARY MODERN 1
Navy leotard, tank or t-shirt; black footless tights, leggings or bike shorts; bare feet.CONTEMPORARY MODERN 2
Black leotard, tank or t-shirt; black footless tights, leggings or bike shorts; bare feet or optional socks.
CREATIVE DANCE
Solid color leotard, tank or t-shirt; black footless tights, leggings or bike shorts; bare feet.CREATIVE MODERN
Burgundy leotard, tank or t-shirt; black footless tights, leggings or bike shorts; bare feet.CREATIVE BALLET
Burgundy leotard, tank or t-shirt; black footless tights, leggings or bike shorts; ballet shoes. Black ballet skirt optional.DANCE LAB
Dancer’s choice.JAZZ
Black leotard, tank or t-shirt; black footless tights, leggings or bike shorts; Black jazz shoesTAP
Black or Navy leotard, tank top or t-shirt; Black sweatpants, joggers, leggings, or shorts, tap shoes. -
At the heart of the Teen Dance Institute is our commitment to inclusive excellence in dance education. We combine professional-level training with innovative, student-centered approaches that make learning exciting, engaging, and meaningful.
This is a unique opportunity for students to dive into the creative process, build the benefits of commitment, and grow within a strong, supportive community—where social connection is built alongside technical training.
We are not a conservatory. There are no auditions.
Requirements
Dancers must enroll in 2 technique classes plus 1 conditioning class.Dance Lab is free of charge, but registration is required to participate.
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Pricing
We’re committed to keeping high-quality dance education accessible. This year, we did not raise our prices and even lowered our showcase fee, making us more affordable than comparable studios.Save 10% when you register for multiple classes (must register for all at the same time; discount cannot be applied retroactively).
Early Bird Bonus! Register by June 30 to receive an additional 10% off registration (multi-class discount still applies).
Coupon Code: EB2025We understand that cost can still be a barrier.
Applyhere for Tuition Assistance
You can apply for tuition assistance in any amount that works for your family’s needs,
Need a different payment plan? Email us at youth@localmotionproject.orgI hour: $1080
4 Payments:Registration: $270+$50 (registration fee)
Sept.1 $270
Oct.1 $270
Nov.1 $270 + $50 (showcase fee)
75 Min: $1260
Registration: $315+$50 (registration fee)
Sept.1 $315
Oct.1 $315
Nov.1 $315+$50 (showcase fee)
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Refund Policy for Dance Registration
We understand that plans can change, and we strive to be as flexible as possible while maintaining the integrity of our programs.
Full Refund: Available if cancellation is requested at least 30 days before the first class.
Partial Refund (75%): If requested between first class and September 30th
No Refunds: After September 30th, unless there are extenuating circumstances (e.g., medical issues) — in which case we may offer a credit for future classes or a partial refund at our discretion.
Non-Refundable Fees: Registration or credit card processing fees are non-refundable.
Cancelled Classes: If a class or session is canceled by Local Motion Project, you will receive a full refund or the option to apply the balance as credit.
Holiday Policy
We hold classes on most holidays and use them as opportunities for creative and educational exploration. If your family observes a cultural or religious holiday and cannot attend, please notify us in advance — we are happy to arrange a makeup class or offer a refund for that session.
Make-Up Class Policy
Missed a class? No problem—make-up classes are available within the same session, based on space and level availability.Make-ups must be scheduled in advance.
Dancers can attend the same level or one below (with approval).
No refunds or credits for missed classes.
Consistent attendance helps dancers grow and stay connected. Reach out if you need help scheduling a make-up!
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CLOSURES:
Thanksgiving Break – November 26–30, 2025
Winter Break – December 20, 2025 – January 2, 2026
Spring Break – March 30 – April 5, 2026
Holiday Policy
We hold classes on most holidays and use them as opportunities for creative and educational exploration. If your family observes a cultural or religious holiday and cannot attend, please notify us in advance or makeup or refund. -
The National Honor Society for Dance Arts™ (NHSDA) is a program of the National Dance Education Organization
Mission
To recognize outstanding artistic merit, leadership, and academic achievement in students studying dance in public and private schools in K-12 education, dance studios, cultural/community centers, performing arts organizations, and post-secondary education.
To foster an appreciation for dance as a true art form and one worthy of recognition and prestige.
Student Benefits
Recognition of their artistic merit, academic achievement, and leadership throughout their educational experience (Junior High – Collegiate).
Certificates at each level of induction, opportunity to receive the gold Honor Pin and wear the blue and white Honor Cord and/or Medallion at graduation.
Mentorship from Chapter Sponsor and networking with peers.
Leadership and development opportunities within their NHSDA Chapter, as they can assist the Chapter Sponsor with hapter administration, record keeping, fundraising, and event planning.
Learn More: NHSDA
SuMMER CAMP 2025
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July 14-18 Elements of Dance ages 5-9 9:00-4:00 $475
Join us for an exciting journey into movement, choreography, and creating art that will take center stage at our final showcase at the end of the week.
Each day includes a walk to John Carlyle Park for lunch and some refreshing water fun in the water feature.
It is recommended that campers have completed full-day kindergarten and/or are capable of active full-day engagement.
August 4-8, 11-15 Dance Extravaganza! ages 7-11 9:00-4:00
$950
Week 1: Mornings will focus on exploring a variety of dance styles, including contemporary, jazz, and ballet. In the afternoons, campers will use these skills to create their own original choreography.
Week 2: Each day will start with an engaging movement class, followed by time dedicated to creating dance for film, including editing and directing. Campers will collaborate to produce a dance film that they can take home.
These two-weeks will conclude with a showcase on the final day, featuring live choreography, the dance film, and any other creative elements developed during camp.
Tuition Assistance: Apply HERE
You can apply for tuition assistance in any amount that works for your family’s needs -
Dance Sampler Camp(ages 7-11) 9:00-4:00 Chinquapin Recreation Center
6/16-6/20 (no class 6/19), 6/23-6/27, 7/7-7/11, 7/28-8/1Explore a variety of styles of dance this summer which will include contemporary, jazz, ballet, and more. We will learn about where these styles came from and how they have changed. We will take what we learned to make our down dances using our own ideas and creativity!
Production Camp (ages 11-14) 9:00-4:00
Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center
7/21-7/25Create, produce, and promote your own dance show! Work collaboratively to make original dances, staging decisions, and marketing choices. You will be involved in everything from choreography to designing the program to create the videos and more. All levels of experience are welcome!
Alexandria City offers summer camp assistance Apply Here