Dance education supports the development of the whole child—enhancing physical coordination, emotional well-being, social connection, and cognitive growth.
Whether you're brand new to dance or returning after time away, our program offers something for everyone. Classes are available from beginner through advanced levels in Ballet, Pointe, Contemporary, Modern, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Adaptive Dance, Adult Dance and Silver Swans.
Each class is thoughtfully designed to teach proper technique while encouraging confidence, creativity, and growth in every dancer. All students participate in our annual Spring Dance Recital, a celebration of their hard work and progress.
Please note: A one-time registration fee is required for all students enrolled in the UMLY School of Dance
Dance Training
Dance Performances
Dance Company
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From Pre-School Dance to Silver Swans, the Upper Main Line School of Dance Education has something for every level.
UMLY Dance Company
Dancers ages 8 and up, who have followed a progressive dance training program may join our Upper Main Line YMCA (UMLY) Junior or Senior Dance Company. Ballet training is a requirement for both dance companies.
The UMLY Dance Company nurtures the whole dancer in a supportive environment that values individuality, artistic growth, strong technique, and personal development. We encourage a love for dance, build confidence, and support connections that enrich each dancer's experience both in and out of the studio
Specialty Performances
The UMLY School of Dance offers a number of additional performances throughout the year, including:
The Nutcracker (ages 3-18)
6ABC Thanksgiving Day Parade (ages 9-adult)
*Families are encouraged to participate!*
NEW! Disney World Parade (ages 9-18)
It's Never Too Late to Shine!
Ballet classes for over 55s
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’ve never danced before or want to get back into the swing of it, our classes have something for everyone.
The RAD developed this programme based on research into dance practice for older learners – classes are only taught by Silver Swans. Licensees us.royalacademyofdance.org
Meet the UMLY Dance Staff
Claire Jones
Dance Director
Upper Main Line YMCA Dance Camp Director
Claire is in her sixteenth year at the Upper Main Line YMCA School of Dance, where she serves as the Director of Dance Education and oversees both the Junior and Senior Dance Companies. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and a Master of Education in Dance, and is currently completing her Ed.D. dissertation in Educational Leadership. Claire has performed professionally with both modern and ballet companies and brings over 25 years of teaching and choreographic experience. Her career has included international work as a master ballet teacher in Beirut, Lebanon. She is certified in Adaptive Dance through the Boston Ballet and in Silver Swans through the Royal Ballet of London.
Julia Baran
Dance Instructor
Julia has danced at the UMLY School of Dance since she was two years old. She is an Early Education major with a Dance minor at West Chester University and is currently in the University Dance Company at West Chester University. Her favorite styles are tap and jazz.
Felicity Layton
Dance Instructor
Felicity has been dancing for over 20 years and has studied Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Pointe, Hiphop, Contemporary, Modern and African Diasporic styles. She has performed at many places such as Disney World, Lincoln Arts Center in New York and the Cherry Blossom Festival in D.C. Felicity has studied under many acclaimed teachers at Temple University for Dance and as been teaching ever since.
Natalie Weinmann
Dance Instructor
Natalie has been teaching with the UMLY School of Dance Education since 2019. She is a recent graduate of Millersville University where she was a member of Expressions Dance and taught Broadway Jazz. Natalie has also served as Choreographer for UMLY Performing Arts.
Sarah Burton Romero
Dance Instructor
Sarah teaches the Adult Tap class and is one of the choreographers for the UMLY Performing Arts Theater Company. Sarah works as a speech pathologist, specializing in adult communication, swallowing and voice disorders, and lives in Berwyn with her husband and 3 children.
Cristin Schmidt
Dance Instructor
Cristin has had a passion for dance and instruction since a very early age. Miss Cristin majored in Dance at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania and was part of the IUP Dance Theater Company and in the Colorguard with the Legendary IUP Marching Band. Miss Cristin has worked at local YMCAs teaching dance and spreading her passion with students since 2014. Miss Cristin and her husband live in Delaware with there 2 little boys!