Westport's Academy of Dance

Westport Academy of Dance instructors are now offering Dance classes for adults! Classes will be added on an ongoing basis with offerings in various disciplines across all levels.

Theatrical dancing that combines the songs of Broadway musicals with the movement of classic jazz styles. These upbeat classes teach Broadway-style jazz choreography and show-stopping stage presence with a focus on learning song-and-dance numbers from a variety of musical productions - past and present. With emphasis placed on learning performance skills such as connecting with the audience and telling a story through dance, musical theatre dancing is less of a particular style, and more of a description of dancing that is rooted in the diverse history of Broadway. Relying heavily on a knowledge of ballet, tap, and jazz, musical theater dancers are actors as well — stage presence and confidence in one’s performance is highlighted here.

A high-energy discipline that infuses the latest styles of street dancing, breaking, popping, and locking. Hip Hop encourages students to step outside of the box by bringing their own individual funk and personality to their movement. Focusing on rhythm, coordination, and musicality, dancers are challenged to think on their feet while enjoying a lively, spirited class environment. Freestyle movement is encouraged, as each Hip Hop dancer needs only a natural sense of rhythm and practice to become skilled in the style. Cultivating strength and stamina, Hip Hop dancers develop focus, endurance, and agility while having fun.

An expressive style of dance that abandons the rigid, centered aspect of classical forms of dance - modern utilizes unconventional steps from styles around the world. With an emphasis on movement quality, classes focus on alignment, line, musicality, and interpretation - where dancers are encouraged to explore their individual dance style as they move freely and naturally through space. Modern dance involves the whole body and is not just an intellectual and physical endeavor — it is a creative one as well. Incorporating suspension and release, fall and recovery, the use of momentum, and connecting breath with body, to be a modern dancer is to create movement that matches one’s feeling and purpose.

Sound producing, syncopated, rhythmic steps in motion - Tap is a lively, challenging discipline that fosters a dancer’s musicality as much as their technical skills. Dancers gain a wide range of skills including style and balance through the study of Tap dance. Incorporating both rhythm and theatre tap, classes focus on building flexibility of the knee and ankles, coordination, sound clarity, and speed of movement. Developing their own personal style, tapping turns the performer into not just a dancer, but also a percussive musician.

Ever-evolving, jazz dance is a rhythmic and dynamic experience. With a thorough grounding in jazz terminology and technique, classes give dancers endless opportunities to grow as performers. Musicality, athleticism, alignment, and style are inherent to this exciting discipline — all are present as a dancer explores the vast array of jazz styles, including classical, musical theater, jazz funk, and lyrical/contemporary. Mastering the body as an instrument, jazz ranges from percussive syncopation to fluid, graceful movement and combines many elements to create an art form steeped in history while never failing to reinvent itself among changing influences.

The relationship between dance partners is like none other — there must be strength, support, and trust. The importance of each nuance is never undervalued here — it is the unspoken language of movement between dancers. Captivating and inspiring, the graceful ease of the pas de deux is what many young dancers aspire to achieve. To learn how to partner is to truly understand how much work goes into creating the illusion of effortlessness. The art of partnering is achieved through refining ballet technique, increasing core strength, learning weight transfer with balance, coordinated movement, and embracing that magical connection between dancers.

One of the most iconic elements of ballet… pointe technique is what allows a ballet dancer to feel and appear weightless and graceful. Pointe work is both artistic and mechanical, allowing dancers to take the discipline of ballet to another level. Creating a continuous and elegant line along the entire leg and allowing for agility and lightness during steps, the dancer’s technique is expanded through pointe, enabling one to create the illusion of incredible lightness and to project an increased sense of daring. Often thought of as the epitome of ballet, dancing en pointe is a dramatic and technical feat as well as an extension of artistic expression.

The foundation of most modern-day dance forms, ballet requires strong technique, athleticism, and grace. This beautiful and demanding technique is a necessity for all young aspiring dancers. Classes focus on posture, balance, coordination, rhythm, and flow of physical energy while emphasizing traditional ballet structure, terminology, and etiquette. As dancers learn and grow as technicians they will be exposed not only to classical ballet, but neo-classical and contemporary styles, creating well-rounded performers. Developing musical awareness, strength, flexibility, and confidence - the time-honored discipline of ballet can feel both empowering and ethereal for the dancer.

Before introducing the traditional structure of a classical ballet class, it is important to cultivate the natural abilities of a child. Assisting young dancers in identifying basic forms of movement through imaginative games, songs, and rhythmical patterns, Creative Movement is designed to encourage freedom of expression while giving an introduction to traditional ballet steps and terminology. Students will begin to experience the concepts of body, energy, space, and time as well as being encouraged to follow directions and dance as part of a group. Promoting concentration, observation, and self-confidence - this class for the young dancer is designed to address each child’s developmental needs while stimulating their imagination.

Offering classical ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, modern, and hip hop to all ages and levels at Westport’s Academy of Dance.

Get moving with your little one and explore dance and music through exciting activities and exercises to engage toddlers’ natural love of the arts. Young movers will begin to learn basic dance and music skills through age appropriate and imaginative activities, and of course props! The class will touch on bi weekly themes like animals, shapes and nature, always ending with a dance party. Join us for music, dance and more with your little one!

Our Fall 2025 Mommy/Daddy & Me session begins Thursday, 9/11! This class is designed for parents and their young children to participate in dance together.