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Dance academy

Dance. Dream. Shine.

At Lakeland Hills Family YMCA Dance Academy, every dancer has a place to move, learn, grow, and belong.

Our welcoming program gives children and teens opportunities to explore movement, develop technique, build confidence, and create meaningful friendships. Whether your child is stepping into a dance class for the first time or continuing to strengthen their skills, our instructors celebrate individual achievement while helping every dancer feel supported and included.

Choose from ballet, tap, acro, gymnastics, hip hop, jazz, lyrical, Broadway, Bollywood, creative movement, and more.

WHY DANCE AT THE Y?

  • Dance Academy is about more than learning choreography. It is a place where dancers can:
  • Build confidence and celebrate achievement
  • Develop coordination, strength, flexibility, and technique
  • Express their creativity and discover new interests
  • Make friends and experience a strong sense of belonging
  • Stay active while having fun
  • Learn teamwork, dedication, and performance skills

2026–2027 DANCE SEASON

Classes are in session from September through May.

Families register for the full dance year, providing dancers with consistency, opportunities to progress, and time to build strong relationships with their instructors and classmates.

Tuition | $12.25 Per Class

Tuition is billed monthly based on the number of scheduled classes held during each month.

Families who need to discontinue a class must notify Lakeland Hills Family YMCA by the 15th of the preceding month.

Registration opens August 17. Classes begin September 14.

EXPLORE OUR CLASSES

BEGINNER ACRO/GYMNASTICS

A playful introduction to acro and gymnastics that helps young dancers develop balance, coordination, body awareness, and confidence through age-appropriate movement.

ACRO

A dynamic combination of dance and gymnastics. Dancers build strength, flexibility, balance, and technique while learning skills through safe, progressive instruction.

BEGINNER BALLET

Young dancers are introduced to basic ballet positions, movement, coordination, musicality, and classroom skills in an encouraging environment.

Children participating in a dance class, showcasing tap dance techniques, in a studio setting with ballet barres in the background.

BALLET AND TAP COMBO

Young dancers are introduced to basic ballet positions, movement, coordination, musicality, and classroom skills in an encouraging environment.

BEGINNER HIP HOP AND CREATIVE MOVEMENT

This class teaches traditional techniques to popular pop music. It is a high-energy class that all. An energetic and expressive style that combines sharp, stylish movements with rhythm and personality. Jazz shoes are optional.

HIP HOP AND JAZZ

A high-energy class combining hip hop style with jazz technique. Dancers develop rhythm, coordination, musicality, confidence, and performance skills through age-appropriate choreography.

DANCE GROOVES

Dancers explore upbeat combinations, popular movement styles, rhythm, and personal expression while building confidence and having fun.

HIP HOP 11 +

An energetic class created for older dancers who want to strengthen their technique, learn choreography, and develop their own performance style.

BROADWAY

Dancers bring music and characters to life through musical-theater-inspired choreography, expression, and performance.

BOLLYWOOD

A lively class inspired by the expressive movement, rhythm, energy, and storytelling found in Bollywood dance.

LYRICAL BALLET

A graceful combination of ballet technique and expressive lyrical movement. Dancers develop control, musicality, flexibility, and emotional expression.

TIK TOK MOVES

A fun, age-appropriate class featuring popular dance trends and energetic choreography. Dancers build confidence, coordination, and performance skills without needing a TikTok account.

PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

Holiday Performance

Dancers may choose to participate in an optional Holiday Performance in December. A separate performance fee will apply.

May Recital

The Dance Academy season concludes with a recital in May, giving dancers an exciting opportunity to celebrate their growth and share their achievements with family and friends. A separate performance fee will apply.

Participation details, rehearsal information, costumes, and performance fees will be shared with registered families.

MEET SARAH

Program Manager, Dance Academy

Sarah Gulbin

Hi, I’m Sarah! I’m proud to lead Dance Academy at Lakeland Hills Family YMCA.

I began dancing at age two and started teaching after continuing my dance education through college. With experience in acro, ballet, tap, and jazz, I am passionate about creating a fun, inclusive, and supportive environment where dancers of all experience levels can develop skills, build confidence, and enjoy the process.

Dance Academy is a community where every dancer can feel encouraged, form friendships, and be celebrated for their individual progress. Whether your child is beginning their dance journey or continuing their training, we want them to leave each class feeling accomplished, connected, and excited to return.

We cannot wait to dance with you!

READY TO DANCE?

Discover your passion and find your place at Lakeland Hills Family YMCA Dance Academy.

Questions? Contact Sarah Gulbin HERE

Lakeland Hills Family YMCA
100 Fanny Road
Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046

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