Dance for preschool and elementary aged children is an active, fun and creative way to encourage physiological, emotional, and cognitive development in addition to promoting social skills and cooperative participation with a group. For the young child, movement is pre-verbal, and can be a valuable outlet for thoughts and emotions as a child develops and expands verbal skills. Participation in any of the Children's program classes will bring the fundamental concepts of codified and creative movement with a focus on developing spatial awareness and cooperation to all participants in an exciting and supportive setting.

Junior Teen Level
At this level, APDAY feels it is vital to a Student's progress and recommends attending dance class more than once a week. If a student is enrolled 2 ballet classes per week at this level she may be permitted to take the pre-pointe/pointe class at the discretion of the director. At this stage of a dancer's development it is recommended that students begin to make the choice between dancing recreationally and perusing an intensive program. APDAY will serve the needs of both the recreational dancer and intensive dancer at this level equally. APDAY will work closely with students and parents at this stage to ensure that the student is progressing on a track that is appropriate for each individual. Classes will be mixed and will address the needs of both recreational and pre professional students.
Senior Teen Level
At this stage APDAY will work with parents and students on a case by case basis to best place them on a recreational track or Pre-Professional Senior program. Students on the recreational track may take any combination of classes. Students who wish to focus their training by entering a Pre-Professional track will take 2 ballet classes and will choose at least 2 elective classes per week. Only students on a pre professional track will be eligible for Pointe classes at this level.

Dance is a joyful, kinetic experience for all ages that encourages skill building, cultural and social awareness, focus, creative thought and an appreciation for one’s self and the arts.  Our policy is to maintain a fun atmosphere for recreational, kinetic learning for all ages. APDAY encourages continued participation in the movement arts. Whether a student participates in adult dance classes, capoeira or the yoga program, APDAY strives to serve our adult student's fitness needs while fulfilling the need for an exciting artistic and spiritual outlet. Have an idea for the schedule? Let us know and we will do our best to make it happen!

APDAY will work on a case by case basis with students in need of financial assistance. The director will work with parents of students wishing to participate in the children’s or core youth programs on scholarship and will arrange classes on a subsidized scale. Students over the age of 15 who are in need of financial assistance may be invited to enter into the Senior scholarship program.  Students in the Senior scholarship program (ages 15 and up) will earn subsidized classes through a work-study program (to be determined by need). All students in the “Core Youth Program” who are in the scholarship/work study program are required to take at least one ballet class per week, maintain a certain level of academic achievement (report card review) and participate in the “appreciation program” to be eligible for the scholarship/work study program. Work Study activities may include but are not limited to: assisting with classes, basic administrative tasks and maintenance projects.

The APDAY Dance Appreciation Program is a complimentary program for any registered students who wish to participate. APDAY will host a monthly dance appreciation seminar for students and parents. The Dance appreciation seminar will host in studio events and organize supervised day trips for students and parents to attend professional dance concerts, performing arts events and master classes at the prominent New York City dance schools, museums and theaters. Participation in the Appreciation program is a service offered to APDAY students free of charge. On site events are open to the general public. Participants in off site events will pay cost for transportation, tickets, and offsite classes only. For students enrolled in the Senior program, APDAY Dance Appreciation will also host a Choreography/Guided Improvisation workshop every other Sunday during the Fall, Winter and Spring sessions, where students will learn about,  collaborate and share in the dance making process. Selected student choreography pieces may be showcased at the annual recital.

Competitive dance is not for all students. Some dancers never compete and advance in their training to impressive levels. Dance competitions can give students access to experience dance beyond the scope of their own studio, provides a regular performance opportunity and encourages students to strive for excellence through a goal based system of recognition. Because the performance of a dance piece is the central aspect of a dance competition, it naturally fosters and helps develop a student's confidence. It also improves a student's command of the stage, and enhances the overall education of the dancer by providing a performance outlet. Young dancers will learn how to work in a group and to set goals as a close knit community while rehearsing in preparation for a competition. Being part of a team encourages students to follow through with the commitment made to the group and sets strong precedent in building character. It teaches discipline and accountability. Attending dance competitions prepares dancers for challenges they will encounter in the future, whether they choose to pursue dance or another career. Most importantly, dance competitions can teach students how to set goals and persevere in the face of rejection.
 
APDAY uses competitions as an educational tool by encouraging students to watch and analyze other dancers and reflect on the experience as spectators and performers. By using competition to learn from other dancers and explore new perspectives, participation in the APDAY competitive program strives to inspire students to work harder in the studio. APDAY remains on the cutting edge of the competitive dance scene, participating in the most progressive and beneficial events as the needs of the APDAY customers evolve.
 
Students who participate in APDAY teams must be available to rehearse twice a week for 3 hours each day maximum (solos are additional). There will be an additional 1 hour mandatory session for all team members once a week. Participation in the “Advanced Placement” competitive teams is subject to an annual participation fee. Costumes, transportation and event registration will require additional payment. APDAY teams will participate in 3 regional dance competitions per year and 1 national event. All regional competitions will be located within driving distance of the school and will not require overnight travel. The national event will be located within driving distance of the school and may require overnight travel in the month of July.

AP Team members must participate in the Dance Appreciation Program, all designated AP Team volunteer and fundraising events, and meet the AP Team class requirements outlined below. Auditions will be held twice a year in the Summer and Fall, and will be announced prominently on the website, in the studio and via email

Students who will miss more than 5 AP Team sessions in one year need not apply and active team members who miss more than 5 sessions without the express approval of the team coordinator will be dismissed from the AP Team. All rehearsal times and event details will be posted before AP Team auditions to minimize the possibility of conflict.

AP Team class requirements APDAY requires all team members meet the following class prerequisites
Petite Ages 6 - 8: At least two classes per week
Junior 9 - 11: At least one Ballet class per week and at least two additional classes
Teen 12 - 14: Two Ballet classes per week, at least one modern/lyrical/contemporary class, and at least one additional class
Senior 15 - 19: Two Ballet classes per week, two modern/lyrical/contemporary classes, and at least one additional class

Contemporary/Modern/lyrical

Pageant Coaching

Jazz

Weddings

Bachelorettes

Tap

Ballet/Pointe

Musical Theater

You tell us and we will match you with the right teaching artist!

Throughout the year, the Parent Booster Club organizes support programs to help our dancers further their dance education. Booster Club activities may include carpools, chaperoning, spearheading fundraisers for students in need and will act as the governing parent association for the institution. Booster club meets once a month and will be announced at the beginning of the Fall session.