Shirley McPhail School of Dance

SMSDance Troupe + Company is a performance and competition team made up of SMSD dancers ages 8 through 18. Under the direction of Teresa Pearce, Connor Neill, and Mersadyz Elizardo, Troupe SMSDance offers dancers a platform to showcase their talents at various events year-round. Additionally, Troupe performs their own captivating winter and spring shows, and they are featured performers in the SMSD end of year recital. Joining Troupe presents an excellent chance to be part of a team and participate in performances throughout the year!

Cotillion provides training in basic etiquette, communication skills, and social dance education. Learn good manners and partner dance while having fun!

It’s never too late to join a dance class – our youngest adult is 18, and our oldest is 94! We offer adult dance classes for beginning-advanced levels in tap, plus ballet, contemporary, hip hop, and ballroom !

A non-traditional, emotionally-driven exploration of motion that uses basic fundamentals of suspension, dynamics, fluidity, and freedom of expression. Dancers must be enrolled in a ballet class in addition to the contemporary class.

This class introduces many styles of urban street dance and teaches students how to find the rhythm and groove of different styles of music. Classes encourage students to step outside of the box by bringing their own individual style and personality to the movements. This course also incorporates isolations and stretching exercises to enhance the student’s physical fitness.

This class teaches skills for those interested in trying out for drill team or just to improve in their dance technique. Dancers will work on a precision form of jazz & kick technique, placement, musicality, strength and flexibility.

Lyrical dance is a style that blends elements of ballet and jazz with an emphasis on expressing emotion and storytelling through movement. It often features smooth, flowing movements that mirror the rhythm and lyrics of the music, creating a narrative or emotional experience. Students must be enrolled in a weekly ballet class in addition to the lyrical class.

A stylized theatrical form of dancing that promotes good posture, strength, technique, and rhythm.

Type of dance characterized by using the sounds of metal taps affixed to the heel and toe of shoes striking the floor as a form of percussion, coupled with both characteristic and interpretative body movements. This develops coordination, rhythm and timing and strengthens the feet and legs.

Students learn the basics of ballet barre and center work, and they are exposed to French terminology that forms the basic universal language of ballet. Emphasis is on proper placement, correct body alignment, and development of poise and grace.

Designed for dancers with three years of combo class experience. This class will continue with ballet and tap, while introducing jazz.

Designed for the new, young student these classes combine ballet, tap and tumbling and introduce dancers to the joy of rhythm, movement, and coordination. Combo classes are offered to first, second and third year dance students. Once dancers are 3 years old and potty trained they can join combo classes.

A creative movement class for 2-3 year olds. This class introduces ballet basics, mat, singing, games, and more! Please note this is NOT a mommy & me class. Twinkle tots do not perform in the recital.

Beg Combo is a beginner combination class suitable for children aged 3-5 years, introducing fundamental dance steps and coordination.

Twinkle Tots is a class designed for young children aged 2-3 years, focusing on introductory movement and fun activities.

Combo I/II is a dance class for children aged 5-7 years, combining elements of different dance styles for a comprehensive experience.

Musical Theater is a class for children aged 6-10 years, exploring dance and performance techniques inspired by musical theater productions.

Adult Beg Tap is a beginner level tap dance class for individuals aged 18 years and older, offering an introduction to tap technique.

Ballroom class series are offered in 7-week increments. In addition to these series, we’ll also host special dance night events for extra fun and social dancing!

Ballroom class series are offered in 7-week increments. In addition to these series, we’ll also host special dance night events for extra fun and social dancing!

Ballroom class series are offered in 7-week increments. In addition to these series, we’ll also host special dance night events for extra fun and social dancing!

Ballroom class series are offered in 7-week increments. In addition to these series, we’ll also host special dance night events for extra fun and social dancing!

This class is for dancers in their fourth and fifth year of dance. This class will build on the techniques and foundation of ballet, tap, and jazz. This class is meant to be taken over a two year time span.

The mission of Cotillion Austin-Style is to provide training in basic etiquette, communication skills, and social dance to boys and girls 10-13 years old. SMSD Cotillion students learn how to treat themselves and others with dignity and respect, resulting in better relationships in and outside of the family circle. We have 40+ years of experience in developing confidence through education in dance and manners!

Drill Prep is a 9 WEEK SESSION class for students aged 11-14 years, likely focusing on dance technique and performance readiness.