Registration for our 2023/2024 season opens Wednesday, August 9th at 9am!
Want more information? Contact us!
REGISTRATION FOR OUR 2023/2024 SEASON OPENS WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9TH AT 9AM!
You can register for classes by logging into the parent portal, or by selecting a particular class below (click “Register” on the left side), and then follow the registration prompts.
Please register your dancer for classes within their age group. The number in the title of each class does not refer to a level; its simply a way for us to identify the many classes offered in each style! We will closely monitor rosters as dancers enroll to be sure that every dancer finds their way to the class(es) that fit them best!
If a class fills up, please be sure to register on the waitlist – we’ll do our best to accommodate every dancer who registers prior to the start of the season!
Thank you all! We can’t wait to dance with you!
~Bethany Haslam, The Dance Center of Old Lyme
Pre-Ballet Class
(Ages 3-5)
Our Pre-Ballet Class offers children a strong foundation in beginner ballet skills in a fun, imaginative and supportive environment. Incorporating games, songs and props, we encourage our preschool students to explore their creativity, develop an understanding of dance terminology and learn the basics of movement.
Ballet shoes are needed for this class. (Our favorites: Capezio 205C Daisy Ballet Shoe in Ballet Pink; Capezio 212C No-Tie Lily Ballet Shoe in Ballet Pink)
Primary Classes:
Ballet / Tap, Jazz / Hip Hop
Building on the fundamental teachings of our Pre-Ballet class, our Primary Level 1 & 2 classes promote creativity and musicality in a more structured environment, building the young dancer’s confidence in class and encouraging a love for the art of dance and movement.
Our Ballet / Tap class introduces young dancers to early ballet skills, including proper technique, posture and ballet vocabulary, as well as fundamental tap skills, which help develop coordination, balance and an understanding of rhythm. Ballet shoes & Tap shoes are needed for this class.
Our Jazz/Hip Hop combo class introduces young dancers to fundamental jazz movement skills, technique and terminology, while exploring their creativity and connection to upbeat pop and hip hop music with basic hip hop skills. Jazz shoes are needed for this class.
Our favorite BALLET SHOES for kids: Capezio 205C Daisy Ballet Shoe in Ballet Pink or Black; Bloch Childrens Belle Leather Ballet Shoes in Ballet Pink or Black; Capezio 212C Lily Ballet Shoe in Ballet Pink or Black (just suggestions, not required!)
Our favorite TAP SHOES for kids: Capezio 3800C Mary Jane Tap Shoe in Tan/Carmel (just suggestions, not required!)
Our favorite JAZZ and HIP HOP SHOES for kids: Capezio E-Series Jazz Slip On in Tan/Carmel; Bloch Jazz Leather Slip On Jazz Shoes in Tan/Carmel (just suggestions, not required!)
Ballet / Pointe / Pointe Prep
Our ballet classes teach the fundamentals of classical ballet technique and ballet terminology, emphasizing posture, strength, flexibility and control, as well as poise and grace. Recognizing that ballet technique is the foundation for all other forms of dance, we encourage all of our students to participate in at least one ballet class. We are also pleased to offer a “Pointe Prep” Ballet class, designed for students who wish to advance their ballet technique in preparation for dancing en pointe (Students may advance to pointe work throughout the year at the discretion of their instructor, who will make individualized decisions based on an overall evaluation of each dancer’s physical development, core stability, flexibility, strength and a number of other factors to ensure each dancer’s safety and readiness for this advanced training).
Tap
Our tap classes are designed to teach rhythm and tap terminology, and promote balance, strength and coordination, in a fun and exciting environment. Tap students learn a variety of new steps, choreography, patterns and combinations, and explore the many tap styles, including Broadway, rhythmic and funk tap.
Jazz
Our jazz classes focus on a diverse range of jazz dance techniques and terminology, using a variety of popular music styles. Jazz students work to build strength and flexibility, while perfecting turns, leaps and jumps, and learning complex choreography. Jazz classes incorporate a variety of styles, including contemporary, funk, classical jazz and musical theatre.
Hip-Hop
A dynamic, high-energy class that teaches hip-hop movements and choreography to hip-hop, pop and other upbeat music. This exciting class encourages students to let loose and have fun while promoting creativity, confidence and coordination. No prior dance experience required.
Contemporary & Lyrical
Our Contemporary and Lyrical classes bring together elements of traditional modern, jazz and ballet dance styles, encouraging dancers to connect their minds and bodies through expressive and fluid dance movements.
Tuition & Fees for 2023-2024
45- and 50- Minute Weekly Class (Sept. – May)
7 Tuition Installment Payments of $59
(Due the 1st of each month Sept. – Nov. & Jan. – April; No tuition installment due in December or May)
60-Minute Weekly Class (Sept. – May)
7 Tuition Installment Payments of $75
(Due the 1st of each month Sept. – Nov. & Jan. – April; No tuition installment due in December or May)
PLUS Recital Costume/Tights Fee of $75 per Class (Due December 1, 2023)
(Includes 1 Recital Costume/Tights, CT Sales Tax at 6.35% & Shipping/Handling)
PLUS Annual Registration Fee of $30 per Family (Due Upon Enrollment)
MULTI-CLASS DISCOUNTS* & SIBLING DISCOUNTS**
Register for…
2 Classes…Receive a 10% tuition discount!
3 Classes…Receive a 12% tuition discount!
4 Classes…Receive a 15% tuition discount!
5+ Classes…Receive a 17% tuition discount!
*Multi-Class Discount is based on number of classes per student, not per family
**Sibling Discount (5%) applies to sibling(s) with lower total tuition
Studio Policies & Information
- Dance classes meet weekly, starting Monday, September 11, 2023, and ending with our annual spring dance recital in May 2024.
- Tuition payments are due on the 1st of each payment month (Sept. – Nov. & Jan. – April). Classes are held in December and May, but there are no tuition installment payments due in December or May. Installment amounts are calculated based on an annual tuition fee for the full season (Sept. – May), divided into 7 equal payments, rather than the number of classes in a particular month or installment period. Payments for tuition, recital costume/tights and registration fees are non-refundable, except in limited circumstances, at the sole discretion of the Director.
- Please visit our Parent Portal here to log into your parent portal account, register for classes, update contact information, make payments by credit card (Visa/Mastercard only), etc.
- For cash or check payments, please use the drop box in the studio lobby, or send by mail to: The Dance Center of Old Lyme, P.O. Box 801, Old Lyme, CT 06371. A $30 fee will be charged for checks returned for insufficient funds.
- A parent/guardian must agree to and sign all required waivers, releases of liability and assumption of risk documents (available in our parent portal) prior to each dancer’s first class.
- Dancers are encouraged to wear appropriate dance attire and footwear, and to secure long hair in a ponytail or bun, for all classes. We do not require a particular dress code or specific color or style of dance shoe. Dancers should wear lightweight, comfortable clothing that allows for movement and floor work. Please refrain from wearing jeans, denim, khakis, street shoes, overly baggy clothing and jewelry in class and on the dance floors.
- We reserve the right to suspend any dancer from class, the recital and other activities at or sponsored by The Dance Center of Old Lyme if payments are not received within 30 days after the due date. Past due balances are subject to a $15 late fee for each payment not received within 30 days after the due date.
- Classes with low enrollment may be cancelled, combined or rescheduled at the sole discretion of the Director. In that event, an alternate class will be offered, or a tuition refund will be given.
- Our annual spring dance recital is a celebration of our dancers’ accomplishments throughout the season. Participation in the recital is optional, but we strongly encourage all dancers to take part in this fun and exciting event! Each dancer will perform with their classmates in a tasteful, age-appropriate costume, purchased from a variety of nationwide dance costume retailers. Due to recent supply chain issues, costumes are ordered 5-6 months prior to the show. Please notify the Director in writing no later than November 15, 2023, if your dancer(s) will not be participating in the recital. Recital costume/tights payments are due December 1, 2023, and are non-refundable. Recital tickets will be available for purchase in April 2024 (info released in early spring).
- If your dancer misses class due to illness or a schedule conflict, please contact the Director to arrange for a make-up class. Tuition payments are not refunded for missed classes, except in limited circumstances at the sole discretion of the Director.
- If your dancer must withdraw from a class during the season, please notify the Director in writing. Tuition payments are not refunded for early withdrawal, except in limited circumstances at the sole discretion of the Director.
our reviews say it all…
A wonderful, nurturing environment where every student is encouraged and respected. The teachers are top notch.and help their students to challenge themselves to the next level. A very welcoming studio!
- Catherine W. 
Fantastic! My kids love dancing with Bethany and learn a lot.
- Tamara S.
Thank you to The Dance Center of Old Lyme and Bethany for her incredible talent, dedication to these dancers and fostering the love of dance within our community!
- Nicole B.
Thank you [to] The Dance Center of Old Lyme for bringing such light to our Scarlett’s life! You gave your dancers and their families such a gift and we are so grateful!
- Erin S.