About Us
“When choosing a dance studio it’s very important to understand, that the training you receive; whether it be for fun and recreation or for a professional dance career in the future, may make the difference between success and failure.”
A front runner in Dance Education , The Dance Connection has been touching the lives of dancers since 1959. Instilling traditional values with a focus on strong technique, we offer cutting edge classes, taught with finger on the pulse passion & ideas for ages 2 thru adult, beginner thru professional, in all dance arts including: Ballet, Pointe,Tap,Jazz, Lyrical/Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Hip Hop, and Acrobatics.
We pride ourselves on being a Professional School with a family friendly, nurturing atmosphere, whose reputation for excellence , is recognized both nationally and internationally in today’s dance world. Having been featured in Dancer Magazine(cover story), as one “Americas 4 best dance schools”, as well as an article in Dance Teacher Magazine about our schools success, & creative ideas, we can assure you that your child will be receiving a quality, fun filled dance experience.
Home to National and International Champions, as well as Broadway and Television Stars, College Professors, and Fellow Dance Educators. Here is what you can expect at The Dance Connection:
*Professional dance instructors who are certified by test to teach
*Age appropriate curriculum, costumes, and choreography
*Fair pricing for tuition (family discounts, fundraisers, budget plans)
*4 large state of the art dance studios, with sprung wood floors, 2 waiting
areas and 3 changing rooms with bathrooms
*Fun exciting classes with a strong emphasis on technique
*Commendations from The Governor of CT & The Mayor of East Haven for
excellence in dance training.
*Flexible schedules to accommodate busy life styles.
“The children of today are the leaders of tomorrow.” In addition to training great dancers, we try to help our student become great people. Stressing the importance of individuality and diversity, we encourage responsibility, discipline, teamwork, self-esteem, pride, and perseverance, allowing each child to achieve their own personal best. We look forward to helping your child reach their dance goals and hope you’ll make the connection and give your child the dance experience of a lifetime.
Recreational Classes
Mommy(Daddy) & Me (Ages 18months-2.5 ) *Ready Teddy **Broadway Babies
Looking for some special bonding time with your little one? Designed with our youngest dancers in mind, parents actively participate in this fun filled class that focuses on creative movement, music & dance, developing gross motor skills, coordination, balance & social interactions. It's 60 minutes of twirling, hand clapping, marching, and Fun.
COMING SOON: Ready Teddy and Broadway Babies weekday Morning classes for ages 2-4. Each student will have their own Ballet Buddy Bear to dance with and Sing and Tap away to their favorite Broadway Tunes! Each Class is 30 minutes in length, and are scheduled back to back.
- Saturdays from 10am-11am
- Ready Teddy/Broadway Babies Schedule Coming Soon
Terrific Toddlers(ages 3-4.5)
Through creative movement, our Pre-school classes introduce the basics of Ballet, Jazz & Tap while continuing to develop coordination, balance, gross motor skills and social skills. A great way to introduce your child to dance. Grow their creativity and confidence in this 60 minute class, that is sure to put a smile on their face and some pep in their step.
- Tuesdays from 4:30pm-5:30pm(Age 3-4)
- Wednesdays from 4:30pm-5:30pm9 (Age 3-4)
- Saturdays from 11am-12pm (Age 3)
- Saturdays from 12pm-1pm (Age 4-5)
*Kinder-Dance (Ages 4-5) / **Classic Combo (Ages 5-8)
This class picks up and builds the Basic foundations begun in Terrific Toddler. Children are able to grasp simple combinations of steps and execute basic skills. Ballet, Tap & Jazz are introduced more and basic skills are reenforced.Help them empower their inner superstar in this fun filled class.
- **Mondays from 5pm-6pm (Age 5-8)
- **Tuesdays from 5:30pm-6:30pm (Age 5-8)
- *Wednesdays from 5:30pm-6:30pm (Age 4.5-6)
- *Saturdays from 12pm-1pm(Age 4-5)
- **Saturdays From 1:30pm-2:30pm (Age 6-8)
Classic Combo Ballet/Tap/Jazz (Age 6-8, 9 & up)
A fun filled class that reenforces the basics of each style, including Ballet, Tap, and Jazz,while participants explore movement , style and technique further. Rhythm, flexibility, and placement, are given special focus to help each dancer progress.
- Mondays from 5pm-6pm (Ages 5-8)
- Tuesdays from 6:30pm-7:30pm 6-8:30 (Ages 9 & Over)
- Saturdays from 1:30-2:30pm(Age 6-8)
Modern Movers Lyrical/Contemporary/Ballet (Open Age)
For those who love ballet, and want to explore lyrical and Contemporary. This class focuses on emotional connection and artistry, while re-enforcing Ballet basics. Balance, flexibility, and an intro to genre specific leaps and turns are introduced as well as floor work transitions. A great addition at every age.
- Saturdays from 1:30-2:30pm( Open Age )
Hip Hop/ **Boys Dance Crew
A fun high energy class that has it's roots in Jazz, but takes it's moves from the streets. Dancers will explore isolations, as well as foot patterns, grooves, and the basics of break dancing. Here is your kids chance to learn the moves of their favorite music videos, in these fun filled exciting dance classes. For Boys only class choose Boys Dance Crew.
- Hippidy-Hop (Ages 3-4) Schedule based on demand
- **Tuesdays from 5:30pm-6:30pm (Open Age) Boys Dance Crew
- Tuesdays from 6:30pm-7:30pm (Age 6-10)
- Saturdays from 9:30am-10:30am(Ages 5-9)
- Saturdays from 11:30am-12:30pm (Ages 9-Up)
- Saturdays from 12:30pm-1:30pm ( Advanced Invite Only)
Acrobatic Arts
Based in dance, this class works on 3 areas; Tumbling, Balance & Flexibility/Contortion. Dancers will not only learn tricks, but how to transition in and out of their tricks in a fluid and graceful manner.
- Tiny Tumblers Schedule Based on Demand(Ages 2-4)
- Fridays from 5:30pm-6:30pm(Int. Level Age 7-12)
- Fridays from 6:30pm-7:30pm (Advanced (Open Age)
- Fridays from 7:30pm-8:30pm (Int. 2 Level (Open Age)
- Saturdays from 3pm-4pm(Beginner/Intermediate Level Ages 5 & Up)
Jump & Turn Advanced & Intermediate
This class is designed to improve the skills necessary to execute proper turns, and develop strength and control for more height in jumps. Dancers will work on basic turns and jumps, and progress to more advanced combinations. These classes are based on level and ability, not age. Please ask to see which level you should takeThis is an Open class, technique only.
- Saturdays from 2pm-3pm (Advanced Level Dancers by invite only)
- Saturdays 2pm-3pm (Open Level)
Stretch & Strength
This class is designed to increase flexibility and improve core strength, in a safe manner. Dancers will learn safe ways to increase their stretch, as well as ways to improve strength in their abdominals and overall alignment. Each dancer will work at their own pace to accomplish their individual goals.
- Saturdays from 1pm-2pm (Advanced)
- Saturdays from 1pm-2pm(Open level)
Adult / Teen Classes
Why should kids have all the fun! Theses classes are designed for the older dancer who has always wanted to dance, wants to re-connect with their child hood passion or continue to develop their skills.Must have 5 or more to hold class.
- Tap Tuesdays 6 Week Sessions Starting October
- Adult Fitness Tuesdays 6 Week Sessions Starting October
Technique only Ballet/Contemporary/Jazz/Tap
There are quite a few technique only classes throughout the week. Please call for levels and times.
Dance Company
Ready to take your training to another level. Our Dance Company Classes allow serious dancers to train at a more advanced pace, as well as have the opportunity for more performances and competitions. Our Company classes are geared toward preparing children for the Professional World and College. Please contact our Director to discuss this option and whether or not this program is right for your child.Please refer to your individual schedules for times/days.
6 Week Triple Threat Work Shop
Great for students wishing to get a feel for theatre and commercial world. Children will work on Acting techniques, Camera Work, Cold Readings, Audition prep, as well as have vocal coaching, learn safe ways to hit those note without strain, diction and delivery. the course will conclude with an in-house showcase.
Private Lessons
TDC does offer Private lessons for our current student body, who wish to learn choreography, or get extra help in a certain subject. Please contact our office to set up times and check availability.
Choreography
TDC's faculty are available to Choreograph and Teach Special Events, Master Classes, Birthday Party's, Quinceanera's, and much more. So whether your looking for a fun activity for your daycare, a special dance for your wedding, a flash mob for your fundraiser or more, our Staff of Nationally, Internationally recognized Choreographers and Teachers can bring your event to life and help make it a success. Call for availability and pricing.
Have an Idea for a Class
We love suggestions from our clients, and are always willing to try something new. If you would like to add a class or have a suggestion, let us know and we will see if we can make it happen!