First Steps dancer, young girl running towards the camera across a dance studio in a pink leotard, tutu, and tights

FIRST STEPS DIVISION

ages 2-6

Enroll your tiny dancer in FIRST STEPS, where experienced, dedicated teachers foster the imagination natural to young children while introducing them to the world of dance. Interpretive movement and creative games teach young dancers poise, along with the fundamentals of movement and coordination. Our youngest students will develop motor skills, discover creative expression, and engage in socialization. A variety of classes are available to best introduce dancers of all ages to the world of dance. 

New York State and New York City Child Welfare laws mandate that parents or caregivers of children up until age 6 must be on the premises when the children are in class and/or in the building. Children ages 0-24 months must have a parent or caregiver in the studio with them.

DANCE WITH ME – Dance with me is designed to engage both the dancer and a parent or guardian. This class, created for children age 2-4, provides an empowering and inclusive space where families can support children in connecting, learning, and having fun through dance.

DISCOVER – “Discover” is a class created for dancers age 3-4 that introduces the fundamentals of dance in various styles. The class structure focuses on building foundational skills and exploring artistry while helping prepare the dancer for the next steps in their dance journey

EXPLORE – “Explore” expands the dancer’s knowledge of tap, ballet, and jazz and allows students to focus on the proper technique needed in more advanced classes. Dancers age 5-6 will focus on strengthening their dance abilities while embracing creative movement and artistry.

FIRST STEPS HIP HOP – Designed for children ages 3.5-5 to learn basic Hip-Hop movement and style in a playful and supportive environment. Catchy music and imaginative games help these young dancers to develop their coordination, balance, and rhythm.  

DETAILS

AGES
2-6

OPEN ENROLLMENT

CALENDAR YEAR

Semester 1:
Sept. 7, 2024-Jan. 26, 2025

Semester 2:
Jan. 27, 2025- June 8, 2025

FIRST STEPS INFORMATION

CLASS SCHEDULE

DAY TIME FACULTY
DANCE WITH ME
Saturday 9:30-10:15am Lili Calahan
DAY TIME FACULTY
DISCOVER BALLET
Tuesday 4:00-4:45pm Martha Chapman
Sunday 11:00-11:45am Lili Calahan
DISCOVER TAP
Thursday 4:00-4:45pm Devan Corcoran
DISCOVER JAZZ
Monday (Begins 2nd Semester) 4:00-4:45pm Gabi Roller
Saturday 10:30-11:15am Lili Calahan
DAY TIME FACULTY
FIRST STEPS HIP HOP
Sunday 11:00-11:45am Hannah Gundermann
DAY TIME FACULTY
EXPLORE TAP
Wednesday 4:00-4:45pm Devan Corcoran
EXPLORE JAZZ
Thursday 5:00-5:45pm Devan Corcoran
Saturday 11:30am-12:15pm Lili Calahan
EXPLORE BALLET
Friday 4:00-4:45pm Rebecca Tsivkin
Sunday 12:00-12:45pm Lili Calahan

DRESS CODE

Our dress code is designed to prepare our students for success in class. It allows them to fully focus on their work in the studio, while providing instructors with a clear perspective on their alignment. Arriving in proper attire creates an atmosphere of professionalism and community while providing an opportunity to demonstrate respect for faculty and craft.

Click here to download a pdf of the dress code.

HAIR

Dancers’ hair should be worn in a classical bun or pinned, clipped, and tied securely away
from the face. No loose or dangling jewelry is allowed in class.

WHERE TO BUY

Steps on Broadway partners with all of the dance manufactures here in NYC and each offers a generous discount to Academy students. You can find the required styles at On Stage Dancewear, Bloch, Capezio, and in the Steps Shop on the 3rd Floor.

BALLET

Option 1:

  • Bloch CL5602 – Pastel Blue Leotard
  • Pink or flesh tone tights
  • Pink or flesh tone ballet slippers
  • Optional: Black wrap sweater
    • Bloch CZ0999 or Capezio CC850C
  • Optional: Pastel blue pull-on skirt
    • Bloch CR5110
  • No sparkle or sequin skirts. No tutus.

Option 2:

  • First Steps T-Shirt
  • Black shorts or pants
  • Black socks
  • Black ballet slippers

TAP/JAZZ

Option 1: 

  • Bloch CL5602 – Pastel Blue Leotard
  • Black shorts, pants, or leggings
  • Black socks
  • (Tap) Black tap shoes
  • (Jazz) Black jazz shoes
  • (Hip Hop) Clean sneakers

Option 2:

  • First Steps T-Shirt
  • Black shorts or pants, or leggings
  • Black socks
  • (Tap) Black tap shoes
  • (Jazz) Black jazz shoes
  • (Hip Hop) Clean sneakers

REGISTRATION & TUITION

2024-2025 Tuition

$714 per class per semester

→ Financial Aid Information

Registration Requirements

  1. All classes will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis
  2. Annual Registration Fee: $75 (valid Sept – Aug)
  3. All registrations will be done online. We will not be accepting mailed forms or checks.

Register Here!

  1. From the home page of the Parent Portal, click Register for Classes
  2. Select the program you are interested in
  3. First Steps (Ages 2-6)
  4. Check the box next to each class to enroll then press Submit at the bottom of thepage
  5. Finish registration and payment to receive a confirmation email
  6. If you are in need of a monthly payment plan, please email sara@stepsnyc.com to request one

Registration is not considered final until payment has been processed.

Refunds
Tuition Policy: Tuition is charged as a full season (by semester for First Steps). Please see below for our refund schedule:
Semester 1:
Prior to October 1, 2024 – 90% Refund of Tuition (less classes taken) After October 1, 2024 – No Refunds Granted

Semester 2:
Prior to March 1, 2025 – 90% Refund of Tuition (less classes taken) After March 1, 2025 – No Refunds Granted