Upper Main Line YMCA School of Dance

“Not every dancer will turn their love of the art form into a career, but every one of them will take the lessons they have learned in their training, choreography and performances to improve the quality of their life."

The UMLY School of Dance Education offers a comprehensive dance curriculum for ages 2 - adult. Beginner through advanced levels are offered in Ballet, Pointe, Contemporary, Modern, Tap, Jazz and Hip Hop and Adaptive Dance. All classes perform in a spring dance recital.

Silver Swans classes were developed by the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) for those 55+ based on research into dance practices for older learners. Whether you have never danced before, or want to get back into the swing of it, our classes have something for everyone.

Dance Education enhances a student's physical development, emotional well-being, social awareness and cognitive development. Each dance class at the Upper Main Line YMCA is carefully developed to teach correct dance technique and enhance the overall development of the dancer. Dancers ages 10 and up, who have followed a progressive dance training program may join our Junior Dance Company or audition for our Senior Dance Company. Ballet training is a requirement for both dance companies.

Dance Training

Dancer pose during performance at the Upper Main Line YMCA.

Dance Performances

Dance Company

Upper Main Line YMCA Dance Company

The Upper Main Line YMCA (UMLY) Junior and Senior Dance Companies welcome dancers ages eight and older to learn more about our program. We understand that well-rounded children and young adults juggle many activities and commitments. Our dance programs foster the whole dancer in a supportive and caring environment that cares about the individual and the people they will become. We help our dancers enjoy the art of dance and the camaraderie of a team.

In addition to their many accomplishments outside of the studio, this past year, our UMLY Dance Company celebrated a first-place win in their division at Elevate Dance Competition and first and second places, as well as a special judges award for flawless technique, at the Ignite Dance Competition.

Learn More

Claire Jones

Dance Director

610-647-9622, ext. 2003

Email Claire

This is Claire’s eleventh year at the Upper Main Line YMCA School of Dance, she has both a Bachelor of Fine Arts, in dance and a Master of Education, in dance. She has danced professionally for both modern and ballet companies and has taught and choreographed for the past 25 years, including in Beirut, Lebanon, where she spent several years as a master ballet teacher. Most recently, Ms. Claire was certified to teach Adaptive Dance by the Boston Ballet. Ms. Claire oversees the Junior and Senior Dance Companies, as well as the UMLY School of Dance and is looking forward to a great year of dance and performances!