Youth Recreational Dance (Ages 3 - 16)
YMCA DANCE PRECIOUS GEMS
Our Youth Recreational Dance program emphasizes teaching students the fundamentals in a fun, accessible manner, building a foundation that will allow students to move on to the Youth Progressive Dance program if desired. We are committed to providing encouragement in a nurturing space where students can experience a sense of pride in their accomplishments.
To provide for a successful and positive learning experience, please use the following guidelines when registering your child for dance class: If your child has less than 1 year of experience, register for the class in which they are at the higher age range. If your child has 1 to 2 years experience, you may opt for the class in which they are at the lower age range. Students should expect to remain in a given class for a minimum of 1 to 2 years before moving to the next age group.
Amethyst Ballet/Tap (Ages 6 - 9)
In this class, students learn and build on basic terminology while developing fundamental ballet and tap skills. Activities that improve flexibility and strength are included. Students will have fun and gain confidence as they achieve the foundation for a more focused dance education. Students in the younger age range registering for this class should have at least 1 to 2 years experience.
Attire: leotard of any color (male students may wear leotard or fitted solid T-shirt), tights or leggings, ballet shoes. Skirts are optional. Longer hair should be pulled back. in a ponytail or with a headband. Black tap shoes.
LOOKING AHEAD: There will be some changes to the structure of our classes leading up to our annual recital in
Spring 2026 for dancers who wish to participate!
Registration Information
Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fall 1 Member Registration | 8/4/25 @ 06:00 AM |
8/10/25 | Online / Front Desk | $ 64.00 | - |
Fall 1 Open Registration | 8/11/25 @ 06:00 AM |
9/15/25 | Online / Front Desk | $ 64.00 | $ 96.00 |
Available Sessions
Date(s) | ||
---|---|---|
08/25/25 - 10/06/25
The Loft - Mo - 5:40 pm - 6:40 pm
|
Register Closes 09/15/2025 |
Dance Explorers (Ages 3 - 4)
Before becoming a “precious gem,” this introductory dance movement class is where our youngest students begin. The class includes simple stretching, development of gross motor skills and pre-ballet activities. The use of fun imagery and positive feedback in a nurturing environment is emphasized. Students should participate in this class for a minimum of 9 to 12 months before registering in a precious gem combination class, depending on age and progress.
Attire: leotard of any color (male students may wear leotard or fitted solid T-shirt), tights or leggings, pink or flesh tone ballet shoes. Skirts are optional. Long hair should be pulled back in a ponytail or with a headband.
LOOKING AHEAD: There will be some changes to the structure of our classes leading up to our annual recital in Spring 2026 for dancers who wish to participate!
Registration Information
Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Summer 2 Open Registration | 6/30/25 @ 06:00 AM |
7/21/25 | Online / Front Desk | $ 40.00 | $ 60.00 |
Fall 1 Member Registration | 8/4/25 @ 06:00 AM |
8/10/25 | Online / Front Desk | $ 50.00 | - |
Fall 1 Open Registration | 8/11/25 @ 06:00 AM |
9/15/25 | Online / Front Desk | $ 50.00 | $ 75.00 |
Available Sessions
Date(s) | Special Rate | ||
---|---|---|---|
08/25/25 - 10/06/25
Dance Studio - Mo - 5:40 pm - 6:10 pm
|
$44 - $66 | Waiting List | |
08/26/25 - 10/07/25
Dance Studio - Tu - 4:15 pm - 4:45 pm
|
Register Closes 09/09/2025 |
Dance for Musical Theatre (Ages 7 to 11)
This class is for enthusiasts of musical theatre who want to learn basic and beyond dance skills that might be utilized in community theatre or school productions. Students will learn short combinations that will be incorporated into choreography to beloved musical theatre songs. Singing along is welcome and encouraged!
Attire: Comfortable sports attire or dance clothes. Black slip-on jazz shoes are recommended, but not required until Spring (for the annual recital).
Registration Information
Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fall 1 Member Registration | 8/4/25 @ 06:00 AM |
8/10/25 | Online / Front Desk | $ 64.00 | - |
Fall 1 Open Registration | 8/11/25 @ 06:00 AM |
9/9/25 | Online / Front Desk | $ 64.00 | $ 94.00 |
Available Sessions
Date(s) | ||
---|---|---|
08/26/25 - 10/07/25
Dance Studio - Tu - 6:25 pm - 7:10 pm
|
Register Closes 09/09/2025 |
Emerald Ballet/Tap (Ages 4 - 5)
As the first step of the precious gems progression, this class introduces basic ballet and tap skills and includes activities that develop strength and coordination in a fun, nurturing environment. Movement games that encourage self-expression and promote a positive, joyful dance experience are built into the class. Participation in Dance Explorers for at least 9 to 12 months prior to registering for Emerald is strongly recommended for students aged 4 with no dance experience.
Attire: leotard of any color (male students may wear leotard or fitted solid T-shirt), tights or leggings, ballet shoes. Skirts are optional. Longer hair should be pulled back in a ponytail or headband. Black tap shoes.
LOOKING AHEAD: There will be some changes to the structure of our classes leading up to our annual recital in
Spring 2026 for dancers who wish to participate!
Registration Information
Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Summer 2 Open Registration | 6/30/25 @ 06:00 AM |
7/19/25 | Online / Front Desk | $ 46.00 | $ 70.00 |
Fall 1 Member Registration | 8/4/25 @ 06:00 AM |
8/10/25 | Online / Front Desk | $ 64.00 | - |
Fall 1 Open Registration | 8/11/25 @ 06:00 AM |
9/13/25 | Online / Front Desk | $ 64.00 | $ 94.00 |
Happy Tappy Toes (Ages 3-4 )
This is a fun class for our very young dancers who want to make some noise as they learn introductory tap skills and work on gross motor movements. Students should participate in this class for a minimum of 9 to 12 months before registering in a precious gem combination class depending on age and progress.
Attire: leotard, tights or leggings or loose fitting clothing, black tap shoes
LOOKING AHEAD: There will be some changes to the structure of our classes leading up to our annual recital in
Spring 2026 for dancers who wish to participate!
Registration Information
Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Summer 2 Open Registration | 6/30/25 @ 06:00 AM |
7/21/25 | Online / Front Desk | $ 40.00 | $ 60.00 |
Fall 1 Member Registration | 8/4/25 @ 06:00 AM |
8/10/25 | Online / Front Desk | $ 44.00 | - |
Fall 1 Open Registration | 8/11/25 @ 06:00 AM |
9/15/25 | Online / Front Desk | $ 44.00 | $ 66.00 |
Available Sessions
Date(s) | ||
---|---|---|
08/25/25 - 10/06/25
Dance Studio - Mo - 5:00 pm - 5:30 pm
|
Register Closes 09/01/2025 |
Onyx Ballet (Ages 10 - 14)
This class is for students with little to no dance experience or those starting out at an age beyond the elementary school age. Focus is on development of fundamental ballet skills. Students will learn basic terminology and work to improve flexibility and strength in a supportive environment. The class will progress as appropriate for students, with individual challenges for those who demonstrate the ability.
Attire: leotard of any color (male students may wear leotard or fitted solid T-shirt), tights or leggings, ballet shoes. Skirts are optional. Longer hair should be pulled back into a bun if possible. All other hair should be pulled back in a ponytail or with a head band unless very short. Buns are required for long hair.
LOOKING AHEAD: All dancers who wish to participate in our annual dance recital, at the end of the Spring Session, must register for BOTH the Winter 1 & Winter 2 Session and the Spring Session.
Registration Information
Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Summer 2 Open Registration | 6/30/25 @ 06:00 AM |
7/26/25 | Online / Front Desk | $ 46.00 | $ 70.00 |
Fall 1 Member Registration | 8/4/25 @ 06:00 AM |
8/10/25 | Online / Front Desk | $ 64.00 | - |
Fall 1 Open Registration | 8/11/25 @ 06:00 AM |
9/13/25 | Online / Front Desk | $ 64.00 | $ 94.00 |
Available Sessions
Date(s) | ||
---|---|---|
08/30/25 - 10/11/25
Dance Studio - Sa - 10:25 am - 11:10 am
|
Register Closes 09/06/2025 |
Onyx Jazz (Ages 10 - 14)
This class is for students with limited experience in jazz and those with some experience in other dance styles. Students will learn and build on fundamental skills while performing fun combinations to upbeat music. The class is a great class for “older” beginners.
Attire: leotard of any color (male students may wear leotard or fitted solid T-shirt), tights, leggings or jazz pants, black jazz shoes. Longer hair should be pulled back in a ponytail or with a headband.
LOOKING AHEAD: There will be some changes to the structure of our classes leading up to our annual recital in
Spring 2026 for dancers who wish to participate!
Registration Information
Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Summer 2 Open Registration | 6/30/25 @ 06:00 AM |
7/26/25 | Online / Front Desk | $ 46.00 | $ 70.00 |
Fall 1 Member Registration | 8/4/25 @ 06:00 AM |
8/10/25 | Online / Front Desk | $ 64.00 | - |
Fall 1 Open Registration | 8/11/25 @ 06:00 AM |
9/13/25 | Online / Front Desk | $ 64.00 | $ 94.00 |
Available Sessions
Date(s) | ||
---|---|---|
08/30/25 - 10/11/25
Dance Studio - Sa - 11:15 am - 12:00 pm
|
Register Closes 09/13/2025 |
Pearl Ballet/Tap (Ages 8-10)
This class is for students who have progressed through the precious gems series, or who have had at least 2 to 3 years of dance experience, and demonstrate consistency in dance skills. Dance vocabulary will be expanded and more focus will be placed on understanding correct demonstration of technique, particularly with foundational material.
Attire: leotard of any color (male students may wear leotard or fitted solid T-shirt), tights or leggings, ballet shoes. Skirts are optional. Longer hair should be pulled back. in a ponytail or with a headband. Black tap shoes.
LOOKING AHEAD: All dancers who wish to participate in our annual dance recital, at the end of the Spring Session, must register for BOTH the Winter 1 & Winter 2 Session and the Spring Session.
Registration Information
Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Summer 2 Open Registration | 6/30/25 @ 06:00 AM |
7/21/25 | Online / Front Desk | $ 54.00 | $ 80.00 |
Fall 1 Member Registration | 8/4/25 @ 06:00 AM |
8/10/25 | Online / Front Desk | $ 64.00 | - |
Fall 1 Open Registration | 8/11/25 @ 06:00 AM |
9/15/25 | Online / Front Desk | $ 64.00 | $ 96.00 |
Available Sessions
Date(s) | ||
---|---|---|
08/25/25 - 10/06/25
Dance Studio - Mo - 6:15 pm - 7:15 pm
|
Register Closes 08/28/2025 |