Youth Dance Classes in Gladwin for 3rd – 5th Graders
Confidence, Creativity, and Connection
Through Dance
Our Youth Dance program welcomes students in 3rd through 5th grade to experience the excitement of dance in a supportive, age-appropriate setting. Through classes in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, and tumbling, dancers build essential skills while gaining confidence, coordination, and friendships. At Gail Wildfong School of Dance, we’re dedicated to helping each child develop their abilities, express their individuality, and feel part of something special. Our studio is a place where kids can move, grow, and shine—both on and off the dance floor.
Get more information about our classes and schedule on the next page!
Step into Confidence, Creativity,
and Connection
At Gail Wildfong School of Dance, we focus on helping young dancers develop strength, balance, and coordination through age-appropriate movements. Whether they’re perfecting ballet posture, tapping out rhythms, or learning jazz steps, each class improves body awareness and motor control. As kids progress, they gain better control of their movements, setting a strong foundation for future growth in dance and beyond.
We believe in building confidence through encouragement and individual attention. As children take on new dance challenges—like perfecting their first cartwheel or mastering a jazz routine—they experience a sense of achievement. With every new step, they gain self-esteem and see how practice, effort, and persistence lead to success.
Gail Wildfong School of Dance is more than a studio; it’s a place where kids form lasting friendships and learn the value of teamwork. Through group performances and cooperative activities, dancers learn how to communicate, support each other, and work together towards a shared goal. These connections foster a sense of belonging, creating a warm, family-like atmosphere where every child can thrive.
Growing Confidence, Skills, and Friendships
Does your child love to move and express themselves? Our Youth Dance program is designed for 3rd to 5th graders who are ready to explore new dance styles while developing important life skills along the way. At Gail Wildfong School of Dance, our classes go beyond steps and routines—we create an environment where kids learn respect, focus, and perseverance in a fun, age-appropriate setting. As they practice ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, and tumbling, dancers gain self-discipline, grow their confidence, and build friendships that last beyond the studio walls. Every class offers a chance to move, connect, and experience the joy of dance in a community that feels like family.
This combination class introduces 3rd to 5th graders to the core styles of ballet, tap, and jazz in an engaging and supportive setting. Ballet provides the foundation for all dance, helping students develop posture, grace, and strength through the structured Cecchetti method. Tap brings rhythm, coordination, and timing to life, giving kids the chance to explore sounds and patterns with their feet. Jazz adds upbeat movement, style, and expression to the mix, all set to age-appropriate, high-energy music.
For dancers in 4th grade and above, our Musical Theatre class brings the excitement of Broadway to the dance studio. In this 45-minute class, students blend jazz technique with theatrical movement, learning to tell stories through dance, expression, and character work. Using fun, age-appropriate Broadway music, dancers explore lip-syncing, acting, and stage presence—all while building confidence and having a blast. It’s a great way for kids to let their personalities shine while growing their dance skills in a creative, energetic class.
Our Acro class is designed for students in 4th grade and up who want to build strength, flexibility, and body control while learning exciting tumbling skills. In this class, dancers practice foundational moves like forward rolls, cartwheels, walkovers, aerials, and handsprings, all taught in a safe, supportive environment. Along the way, they develop balance, muscle coordination, and confidence as they master new skills step by step. This class is a great complement to other dance styles and gives kids the chance to challenge themselves in a fun, encouraging space.
Our Jazz class offers an energetic, fast-paced style that blends the structure of ballet with upbeat, expressive movement. This 45-minute class is available for dancers from kindergarten through 12th grade, with students grouped by age to keep instruction age-appropriate and engaging. For 3rd to 5th graders, jazz is a favorite—giving them the chance to learn sharp, stylized moves to fun, current music while building flexibility, strength, and performance skills. It’s a class that keeps them moving, smiling, and growing as dancers.
Our Hip Hop class brings high-energy movement and freestyle-inspired choreography to the studio, all set to age-appropriate music that kids love. This 45-minute class is designed for students in 4th grade and up, giving them a chance to explore rhythm, style, and creativity in a supportive, upbeat environment. We also offer an All Boys Hip Hop class, providing a fun, comfortable space where boys can build skills and confidence through movement.
This 45-minute Tap Technique class is perfect for dancers in 4th grade and up who want to focus on building strong tap skills without the pressure of a recital routine. In this class, students work on rhythm, timing, footwork, and precision, allowing them to refine their technique at either a junior or senior level. It’s a great option for kids who love the challenge of tapping and want to deepen their skills in a fun, focused setting.
Our 45-minute Jazz Technique class is designed for dancers in 4th grade and up who want to strengthen their jazz skills outside of recital choreography. This class focuses on stretching, progressions, turns, leaps, and overall technique—helping students improve flexibility, control, and precision. It’s an excellent choice for kids who want to sharpen their abilities and challenge themselves in a supportive, no-pressure setting.
For students in 4th grade and up, our Cecchetti Ballet Technique class focuses on building a strong technical base for all dance styles. Dancers practice barre work, center floor, and across-the-floor progressions while learning proper French terminology. This 60-minute, non-recital class allows focused skill development, and students may participate in ballet exams to celebrate progress and achievement.
Why Families Choose Gail Wildfong School
of Dance
We make dance fit your family’s schedule. With a variety of classes offered across multiple styles and age groups, it’s easy to find the right class at the right time—so your child can dance, learn, and have fun without adding stress to your week.
At Gail Wildfong School of Dance, every student is cared for like family. Our experienced instructors create a safe, supportive environment where dancers feel seen, respected, and challenged in positive ways. We use age-appropriate music, modest costumes, and proper technique to protect both body and spirit.
For over 40 years, our studio has been a place where friendships flourish and families feel connected. From the studio to the stage, dancers build bonds that last—learning teamwork, respect, and the joy of belonging to a close-knit dance community that celebrates every dancer’s journey.
How Our Youth Dance Classes Stand Out from Traditional Activities
Dance at Gail Wildfong School of Dance offers much more than movement—it gives 3rd to 5th graders a safe, creative, and community-focused space to grow inside and out. See how our Youth Dance program compares to standard recreational sports, gyms, and other activities for this age group.
Most sports and gyms focus primarily on physical activity, often missing the chance to nurture creativity, emotional expression, or personal growth.
Many sports are centered on competition, where the pressure to win can overshadow the fun of participation.
Large teams or group classes often leave kids waiting for their turn, with little personalized coaching or feedback.
While sports promote teamwork, they may not always emphasize respect, self-discipline, or creative expression equally.
We combine dance technique with emotional expression, creativity, and teamwork—nurturing the body, heart, and mind.
We focus on individual progress, teamwork, and personal milestones, creating a positive space where every child feels supported and valued.
Our instructors know every dancer by name, offering personal attention to help each child grow at their own pace.
Our Youth Dance classes reinforce respect, patience, discipline, and active listening—skills that serve children well in school, at home, and beyond.
Inspiring Confidence Through Variety and Expression
Our Youth Dance program introduces 3rd to 5th graders to a wide range of dance styles, including ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, and tumbling. Each class blends movement, rhythm, and creative exercises that keep kids engaged and excited to learn. By exploring different techniques in a fun, age-appropriate way, dancers develop coordination, rhythm, balance, and body awareness—while also discovering their own unique style of expression.
At Gail Wildfong School of Dance, we create an environment where children feel supported, encouraged, and part of a community that celebrates every step of progress. By season’s end, students have the chance to showcase their hard work and joy on stage during our annual group recital, sharing their achievements with family, friends, and peers.
A Complete Dance Journey for 3rd - 5th Graders
Our Youth Dance classes offer students in 3rd to 5th grade a well-rounded experience across several styles—ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, and tumbling. Each class is thoughtfully designed to help dancers build strength, flexibility, coordination, and self-expression in a way that feels exciting and approachable for their age.
Through carefully balanced instruction, dancers gain technical skills while also developing creativity, musicality, and confidence. From perfecting tap rhythms and jazz combinations to exploring freestyle in hip hop and learning new tumbling tricks, every class gives students a chance to challenge themselves and discover what they enjoy most.
By the end of the season, dancers take the stage together in a group performance, where they proudly showcase their growth, teamwork, and love for dance in front of family and friends.
Encouraging Growth, Friendship, and Self-Expression
At Gail Wildfong School of Dance, our Youth Dance classes for 3rd to 5th graders offer more than learning steps—they provide a positive space where children can grow in confidence, improve coordination, and express themselves creatively. We believe dance should be a joyful outlet that helps children discover what makes them feel strong, capable, and proud, both in the studio and beyond.
Our age-appropriate classes also introduce important life lessons like patience, teamwork, discipline, and perseverance, all in a nurturing, family-centered environment where every dancer feels seen and valued. With personalized attention from caring instructors, each child is supported on their dance journey, celebrating every small and big milestone.
The season concludes with a heartwarming recital, where dancers proudly share their accomplishments on stage, creating memories and moments of pride that stay with them for years to come.
Celebrating Dance Experiences That Stay With Them
At Gail Wildfong School of Dance, we believe the joy of dance reaches far beyond the classroom. In our Youth Dance classes for 3rd to 5th graders, children experience more than steps and routines—they discover a passion for movement that carries into every part of their lives.
Through creative activities, rhythm games, and exciting performance opportunities, students build more than dance skills. They develop friendships, gain self-confidence, and experience the thrill of expressing themselves in a supportive environment. These shared moments on the dance floor become cherished memories that spark a lifelong appreciation for movement, teamwork, and the joy of self-expression.
Whether it’s the excitement of their first group performance or the pride of mastering a new skill, these experiences help shape confident, creative individuals who carry the magic of dance with them wherever they go.
Real Stories from Gail Wildfong School of Dance Parents and Dancers
There’s nothing more meaningful than hearing directly from the families in our dance community. From first classes to recital day, parents and dancers share how Gail Wildfong School of Dance has become a trusted, joyful part of their lives. These heartfelt reviews reflect the friendships, confidence, and lasting memories built inside our studio. We are honored to be part of their stories and proud to share their words with you.
All 3 of my children have danced at Gail’s. They have tried it all, from basic classes, to competitive dancing, and now doing solos. The teachers are talented, informative, and make it fun for the young ladies and gentleman to learn. So many class options to chose from. Gain new skills and friends along the way!
My daughter and my granddaughter have both attended Gail Wildfing school of dance. Both have learned so much and enjoyed every bit if it! the instructors are amazing! 5 🌟
For the past 13 years, the GWSD studio has been a second home to me. Every time I walk in I always feel so welcome by everyone. 🩰
GWSD dancers: The dancers that I have danced with have not only become my friends but my sisters. We have grown up in the dance world and to see a lot of them continuing their journey in dance just makes me happy. ❤️
GWSD teachers: The dance teachers are truly like no other. I really can’t VERBALIZE the LOVE and CARE I have for every single one of them. Whenever I was struggling with a dance move they would help me to improve it or whenever I was struggling with something outside the studio I would go to them to talk and they would always show support and no judgement whatsoever. ❤️
Come be part of the GWSD family!!
GWSD is an awesome dance studio. The teachers are amazing. They are caring and devoted to each child. I would recommend GWSD to any child who dreams and encourages them to follow their dreams.
The teachers and staff care about our children and encourage them to be the best they can be and they do so with dignity. One class act!
I danced here from kindergarten through my senior year!! Now my daughters dance here! I’d recommend it to everyone!!
Great teachers! Great kids! My daughter is starting her 8th year and has grown so much through dance.
My daughter has been dancing here since 2013. She absolutely LOVES every part of dance, along with the friendships she is making!
Get more information about our classes and schedule on the next page!
FAQs
Dance offers children much more than physical activity. In our Youth Dance classes for 3rd to 5th graders, students develop important life skills like focus, teamwork, discipline, and perseverance—all in a supportive, family-centered environment. As they learn new skills and perform on stage, their confidence grows, and they experience the joy of achieving personal goals, both as dancers and individuals.
Youth Dance classes include a combination of ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, and tumbling. Each class blends age-appropriate technique with creative activities, helping students build coordination, rhythm, strength, and flexibility while having fun. This variety keeps kids engaged and allows them to experience different styles, movements, and ways to express themselves.
At Gail Wildfong School of Dance, we focus on more than routines—we create a space where every child feels valued, supported, and part of our dance family. We use age-appropriate music, modest costumes, and personalized instruction to help students grow at their own pace while developing skills they can carry into every area of life.
Your encouragement makes a big difference! Help your dancer stay motivated by keeping a regular class schedule, celebrating their progress, and showing interest in what they’re learning. Watching them practice, listening to their favorite dance music together, or attending performances helps build excitement and confidence.
Extra Benefits That Make Dance Even
More Meaningful
Dance gives kids a healthy, active outlet away from screens, helping them stay engaged, moving, and present in the moment.
By participating in dance, kids learn the value of regular physical activity, setting the stage for a lifetime of healthy habits.
Dance offers a creative way for kids to express feelings, release energy, and process emotions through movement and music.
Learning routines and steps supports memory, attention, and focus—skills that benefit children in school and daily life.
Get more information about our classes and schedule on the next page!