Dance Programs at the YMCA

UMLY School of Dance Education*
Ages 2 - 18+
From Sep through May, the School of Dance Education at the Upper Main Line YMCA offers a variety of dance classes. Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, Tap – and more.
Learn more. 

Dance Company*
Ages 8 - 18
We offer two competitive dance teams – Junior and Senior Dance Company – who perform in festivals and competitions from Sep through May.
Learn more. 

*Academy Dance Courses require the participant to be a YMCA of Greater Brandywine member to participate. 

Our academy dance programs are a longer-term commitment than monthly classes and are only available at our Upper Main Line YMCA. A few of our offerings include:

Tiny Dance
Ages 3 - 4
Have a little one interested in dance? This introductory dance class helps children develop coordination, balance and self-esteem while discovering the fun of movement and learning simple ballet steps.

Dance Explorers
Ages 4 - 5
A continuation of our Tiny Dance program, dancers build upon their ballet vocabulary. Tap dance is introduced to increase rhythmical understanding and coordination.

Ballet 1
Ages 7 - 8
Did you know that ballet is the foundation of all dance forms? Students in this class learn basic ballet exercises and combinations for the barre and center floor while gaining an understanding of dance class structure.

Ballet 2
Ages 7 - 9
You have mastered the arm and foot positions taught in Ballet 1, now you will build upon those skills as you learn more ballet terminology and are introduced to longer combinations of movement.

View All Ballet Classes

Tap 1/2
Ages 6 - 9
Tap 1/2 is a beginner tap that class that introduces the basic steps of tap dance, with simple dance combinations.

Tap 3
Ages 9 - 15
Students who have taken at least 4 years of Tap and mastered time steps and other fundamentals of Tap.
View All Tap Classes

Advanced Ballet & Pointe
Ages 12 - 18
Take your ballet to the next level! This class is for the experienced ballet dancer who has completed at least four years of ballet training. The program emphasizes growth, technique, endurance, flexibility and complex combinations. Registration in Advanced Ballet/Pointe must be approved by The Dance Director prior to registration.

Silver Swans
Age 55+
It's never too late to Shine! Silver Swans classes have been specifically designed for the over 55s, but whatever your age, if you are looking for a new way to keep fit and active our Ballet classes will put a spring in your step. Whether you have never danced before, or want to get back into the swing of it, our classes have something for everyone. The Royal Academy Of Dance (RAD) developed this program based on research into dance practice for older learners. This class is taught by Silver Swans Licensee Claire Jones.