If you're looking for a dance class for your budding Baryshnikov or Pavlova, you're in luck. If you live in the Upper West Side, you're spoiled for choice when it comes to dance classes. Whether you're searching for ballet classes, jazz or Broadway-inspired classes or hip-hop classes, the Upper West Side has got something to offer your tiny dancer. Here are our top picks.
Budding ballerinas twirl their tutus at The School at Steps on Broadway, a warm, welcoming dance studio that is home to New York's most celebrated and noted dancers. Steps isn't slick and glossy; it's casual, friendly and a welcoming space like the Upper West Side itself. In the young kids' classes, giggles are encouraged as much as plies.
Steps isn't all about ballet, either - there's an Isadora Duncan class for little ones taught by the artistic director of the Isadora Duncan Dance Company. And if your kid loves to moonwalk, hip-hop classes might be a better fit (modern, tap, jazz and theater dance classes are also offered.) For serious tween and teen dancers, there are technique and pre-professional classes offered (auditions are necessary and the programs are intense).
There's nothing cuter than the diaper set dancing to the beat. Kids as young as two years old are movers and shakers at the Lucy Moses School, a division of the Kaufman Center. There is a dance movement class for boys only (ages four and five) and a dress up and dance class where kiddies learn to move in costume (two and three years old.) And you'll find classes for older kids, too, including a Jazz and Broadway class (ages 9 to 13) and serious ballet classes.
Manhattan Movement & Arts Center
Baryshnikov wannabes sashay their way their over to Manhattan Movement & Arts Center (MMAC,) home to the prestigious Manhattan Youth Ballet. Influenced by French classical ballet technique, kids have graduated from this ballet school to dance with American Ballet Theatre and other celebrated dance classes. But there's more to MMAC than pointed toes. Also offered are innovative classes in hip hop, jazz and a cool class called Capoeira - Afro Brazilian Martial Arts for kids five to 12 years old.
Manhattan Motion Dance Studios
Tweens and teens get jazzed by the hip-hop classes offered at Manhattan Motion Dance Studios, a four-story walkup dance space that is as much about movement as community. Classes are offered at different levels for kids' ages nine to 13 years old.
The Best Dance Classes for Kids on the Upper West Side
Steps at Broadway is located at 2121 Broadway, at 74th St.
Lucy Moses School is located at 129 W. 67th St., at Columbus Ave.
MMAC is located at 248 West 60th St., at Amsterdam Ave.
Manhattan Motion Dance Studios is located at 215 West 76th St., at Broadway.
