Ballet Class is perfect for young dancers of any skill level. This class will be tailored to meet each student's abilities while challenging them through classical barre exercises, across-the-floor combinations, and creative play. Students will develop a foundational understanding of Ballet technique, including the formal positions, patterns of movement, épaulement, and modes of expression. Students will demonstrate their knowledge of technical, qualitative, and performance skills in a final sharing which celebrates the learning process, and the creative community. Dance studios are open-air

Under the instruction of experienced dance educators and professional dancers and choreographers, students learn a combination of old and new styles, such as pop, lock, break, and vogue. In addition to working on technique, students collaborate to create dynamic dance pieces while exploring the history of hip-hop. Dancers infuse challenging choreography with their own creative style, culminating in an exciting dance performance at the end of the session. Dance studios are open-air and exposed to the inspiration of Usdan’s wooded campus. To ensure that our classes best serve the group, our

Under the instruction of experienced dance educators and professional dancers and choreographers, students learn a combination of old and new styles, such as pop, lock, break, and vogue. In addition to working on technique, students collaborate to create dynamic dance pieces while exploring the history of hip-hop. Dancers infuse challenging choreography with their own creative style, culminating in an exciting dance performance at the end of the session. Dance studios are open-air and exposed to the inspiration of Usdan’s wooded campus. To ensure that our classes best serve the group, our

Jackie has been a part of the Usdan family since 2017! This will be Jackie's third year as the Chair of the Dance Department. Prior to being Chair, Jackie served as one of Usdan's Hip Hop teachers for 6 years. Jackie is a Long Island native that has been fully immersed in dance from the age of seven. She has taught in public schools, judged dance competitions, performed with recording artists, and contemporary dance companies, and you might just catch her in a commercial. Her experiences have allowed her to not only advance her skills as a dancer, but also as a well-rounded performing artist

An exploratory dance experience, offering a fun and supportive environment to try a variety of dance games and styles. In open-air studios that are exposed to the beauty of Usdan’s wooded campus, students are taught by experienced dance educators and professional dancers and choreographers with a variety of expertise. Dance forms explored in this Major depend on the expertise of the teacher(s) and may include ballet, jazz, contemporary, and/or tap. All levels are welcome. “What I liked most was that I got to be myself.” —Ahuva

Learn new and original choreography from legendary Broadway shows under the guidance of experienced dance educators and professional dancers and choreographers. In this energetic class, students study various dance forms drawn from musical theater and jazz traditions. Dance studios are open-air and exposed to the beauty of Usdan’s wooded campus. Depending on student interest, the class may culminate in a performance showcasing what dancers have been working on. To ensure that our classes best serve the group, our enrollment form includes questions about dance background. All levels are welcome

For students interested in creating their own dances, Usdan’s Choreography Major provides an opportunity to work individually or in groups, guided by an experienced choreographer. Past classes have crafted works for the studio, for the stage, and even for the picnic tables! All styles — from modern to contemporary, salsa to Hip-Hop, ballet to jazz, Tap to African — are welcome. Students often build strong bonds with one another as they work toward creating their showcase at the end of the session. Dance studios are open-air and exposed to the beauty of Usdan’s wooded campus. To ensure that our

Tap focuses on rhythm, coordination, and musicality while exploring its expansive history. In this class, dancers develop their movement repertory while building confidence, ensemble skills, and discipline. Experienced tap-dance educators and professional dancers and choreographers teach specific styles and traditions, ranging from Broadway to rhythm tap. Students practice movement skills, improvisation, and choreography in open-air studios that are exposed to the beauty of Usdan’s wooded campus. Depending on student interest, the class may culminate in a performance showcasing what dancers

Dance instruction is rigorous but caring. Studios are spacious and mirrored, with soft floors and generous skylights that give an open-air effect. In culminating performances for the entire community, including friends and family, each class presents a new piece of choreography on Usdan’s main stage.