Hey Future Dance Parents
Start Here!
From dress codes and class schedules to who we are and how we’re different,
we know you likely have a few questions left before signing your child up for
Dance Moves of Charleston.
Guess what? We have the answers!
Get to know us below.
Why Choose Us
As James Island’s premier dance studio for kids ages two to teens, we pride ourselves in creating a nurturing, body-positive, and inclusive environment for first-time and pre-professional dancers alike to thrive.
Through technical training, non-competitive camps and classes, and exciting performance opportunities, we look forward to honing the skills—and developing the confidence—of your young dancer-at-heart.
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Our classes are designed for dancers starting at age 2 through seniors in high school.
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In our 20 years of experience, we’ve learned that kids feel more confident and participate more when parents are not in the room. Fewer distractions mean greater focus and fun for everyone! Because of this, only dancers and instructors are allowed beyond the main entrance at the glass doors. We love sharing your dancer’s progress at our annual recitals in June!
We now have cameras in every studio room for parents to view their dancer’s class. We have partnered with a reputable company called SpotTV that services hundreds of dance studios and childcare centers around the country. Click here to learn more!
If you’d like to schedule a studio tour, we’d love to introduce you to our staff, discuss our safety protocols, help size your dancer for dancewear, and show you around our studio spaces! Click here to schedule.
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All dancers registered for classes during our school-year season have the option of participating in our annual recital, usually held in June.
Dancers ages 10 and older are able to join the Dance Moves Youth Company, which offers multiple performance opportunities throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Dancers must be fully potty trained to participate in our classes and camps. Exception: Dancers in our Together Time with Tots (also called “Dance with Me”) classes do not need to be potty trained.
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Classes during our school-year season require a seasonal registration fee ($35 first child, $30 second, $25 third) plus the first month’s tuition upon enrollment. After that, tuition is due on the 1st of each month (September through May).
Summer classes and camps are charged for in full upon enrollment.
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Each dancer may take up to two makeup classes per class per semester. Make-up classes must be pre-scheduled through our office and occur within the same semester as the missed class. Missed make-up classes will still count toward the 2 maximum make-up class policy. We do not prorate for scheduled or unscheduled missed classes or absences.
3 Policies You
Should Know
Erin Kerr, Daughter Grace (Age 13)
Dance Moves Youth Company has played a tremendous role in the shaping of my teenage daughter during pivotal developmental years. Not only has she grown stronger as a dancer, but this team of young women and instructors have become family. They push each other to try harder, are quick to laugh and slow to judge, they show up for practices and performances and even carve out time for fun. Youth Company has taught my daughter the importance of self expression and self care. As a parent, I also love the emphasis placed on teamwork and artform over competition titles and lost family time. I recommend this to all dancers and am ever grateful for this community of well-rounded individivuals.
Class Descriptions
Classes for Preschoolers
All dancers must be fully potty trained with the exception of the
“Together Time with Tots” class.
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Mom, Dad, or caretaker and their dancer will be guided through our Preschool Dance curriculum in this interactive class. A fun way to move and bond with your little one. Children must be walking.
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This 30 minute class is perfect for first time dance class goers who love to move and groove! Dancers will learn introductory skills that will prepare them for our classes designed for ages 2-3.
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An energetic Ballet-based dance class focusing on gross motor skills such as marching, kicking, turning and leaping. Your child will learn introductory Ballet terminology and positions, and practice patience while taking turns doing exercises across the floor. A wide variety of music and props are incorporated into each fun class.
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This class incorporates our Preschool Dance curriculum with beginner tumbling skills. Children will learn forward rolls, log rolls, levers, donkey kicks and more on our safety mats with hands-on assistance from our instructors.
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An energetic Hip Hop-based dance class focusing on gross motor skills such as jumping, kicking, turning, and leaping. Your child will learn introductory Hip Hop moves to kid-friendly beats, and practice patience while taking turns in the classroom.
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A combo class that explores both beginner Ballet and Tap dance each week. Students will refine motor skills such as skipping, kicking, turning, and leaping. Half of class time will focus on Ballet positions, terminology and exercises across the floor, while the other half is devoted to basic Tap steps and terminology.
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A combo class exploring all three dance genres each week. Students will learn introductory Ballet technique at the barre and in center, Jazz styles ranging from Broadway to Hip Hop, and Tap steps focusing on musicality and rhythm
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A combo class that explores both beginner Tap and beginner Hip Hop dance every week. This lively class incorporates rhythm and coordination while also developing muscle & cardio strength.
Classes for Ages 5-18
Dancers must be at least 5 years old in order to enroll in leveled classes. Level advancement upon teacher approval.
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Technique classes focusing on the primary to advanced elements of classical Ballet. Class includes barre and center exercises concentrating on proper positions of feet and arms, stance, and alignment. Emphasis is on developing strength, flexibility, and retaining combinations of familiar steps with and without teacher demonstration. Ballet terminology and classroom etiquette are introduced and reinforced.
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Teacher Placement is required and must be enrolled in at least 2 Ballet classes per week. The central focus is on strengthening feet, ankles, and legs and preparing dancers for pointe shoes or advancing pointe work in higher-level classes. Class includes methodical progressions at the barre, center work, and classical Ballet repertory.
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Technique classes focusing on the primary to advanced elements of Modern dance. Class includes warm up, stretches, floorwork, across the floor sections, improvisational exercises, and learning phrase work. Emphasis is on body alignment, head/tail connection, core strength, and spatial awareness.
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Lyrical dance draws from styles of Ballet, Jazz, and contemporary and incorporates emotional expression and storytelling through movement. Class includes warm up, stretches, moves across the floor, and combinations set to the newest age-appropriate ballads. Emphasis is on body alignment, developing coordination and strength, and musicality.
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Dancers will explore proper alignment, jumps, and turns in Jazz dance technique with upbeat songs and choreography. Class includes warm up, stretches, moves across the floor and combinations with emphasis on developing coordination, strength, flexibility, and performance dynamics.
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A high-energy class focusing on the latest Hip Hop moves including freezes and isolations. Class includes a funky warm up, stretches, moves across the floor and combinations with emphasis on developing muscle and cardio strength. Students are encouraged to freestyle and add their own personality/style to dance moves.
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This lively class incorporates rhythm and coordination as dancers learn to produce clear tap sounds. Higher-level classes continue to develop dexterity and articulation of the foot and ankle while learning more complex patterns and rhythms.
Ready to Get Started?
Still have questions? Contact Us!