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92NY’s Goldman Center for Children and Family provides an exceptional array of programs designed to support children at every stage of their development.
What does the Children’s Dance Program offer?
At 92NY Harkness School of Dance, our Children’s Dance Program offers a wide range of classes designed to nurture creativity, build confidence, and support strong technical development at every stage. From first time movers to advancing young dancers, students can explore ballet, modern, tap, hip hop, jazz, creative movement and more in a warm and inclusive environment.
Guided by NYC’s leading dance artists and educators, children develop coordination, musicality, and discipline while forming meaningful friendships and discovering the joy of self expression through dance.
Do you offer trial classes?
Yes, we offer trial classes during the first two weeks of each semester. Most classes are eligible for a $20 trial, except for classes labeled teacher placement.
If you decide to register for the full semester, the $20 trial fee will be applied toward your tuition.
Trial students should arrive 15 minutes early to complete payment at the Dance Center Desk on the 2nd Floor of the North Building.
Is there a dress code?
Yes, proper attire and footwear are required for all classes. Dancewear can be purchased at Capezio, either in store or online, as well as on Amazon.
What are the Children’s Showcases?
Our Children’s showcases are an opportunity for your dancer to shine on stage and show all the progress they have made throughout the year. We have multiple showcases throughout the year so please see below for details on each:
School of Dance Performances
Early Childhood Showcase:
Harkness Dance Center’s Early Childhood Dance Showcase is a celebratory end-of-year recital held each May for dancers approximately ages 3–4. Each class performs a short dance, allowing every dancer to experience being on stage in a supportive setting. Dancers wear special costumes, adding to the excitement and sense of occasion, while the focus remains on developing confidence and experiencing the joy of performing. Families are invited to cheer on their dancers and celebrate their growth in a warm, welcoming environment designed especially for our youngest performers.
Student Choreography Showcase:
Harkness Dance Center’s Student Choreography Showcase is an end-of-semester works-in-progress performance held annually at the conclusion of the fall semester. The showcase features dancers ages 5–18 enrolled in Student Inventor and Choreography Lab classes, which are both part of our choreography-focused track that is grounded in the Dance Education Laboratory (DEL) model and unique to Harkness Dance Center. During the performance, students share what they have been working on in class which includes student-created choreography as well as glimpses into the choreographic process. Dancers have opportunities to speak about their ideas, challenges, and successes, offering families insight into how choreography is imagined, developed, and refined.
Children’s Dance Recital:
Harkness Dance Center’s Children’s Dance Recital are end of year performances held each May for dancers ages 5 and up. Two performances take place on a single day, and students may be cast in one or both shows. Each class presents choreography learned throughout the semester, giving dancers the opportunity to perform on stage and celebrate their progress. With guidance and support from our renowned faculty, students build confidence while experiencing the excitement of performing in a professional theater setting! Families are invited to cheer on their dancers and celebrate a year of growth, creativity, and artistry together!
Are there costumes for the showcases?
For both the Early Childhood Showcase and Children’s Dance Recital, costumes will be provided. A costume fee will be included in the Spring Semester registration cost.
During the first week of Spring Semester classes, a School of Dance team member will visit classes to take dancer measurements for costumes. If your child requires different accommodations, please notify us as soon as possible.
What are the differences between your Trainee Programs?
PTP: Professional Trainee Program
The Harkness Dance Center Pre-Professional Program is designed for advanced students seeking a focused bridge to collegiate and professional dance pathways. Building upon Harkness’s Open School offerings and existing Junior Trainee program, this selective training track provides increased technical rigor, performance opportunities, and mentorship to support dancers as they prepare for the next stage of their training and careers.
JTP: Junior Trainee Program
The Junior Trainee Program supports motivated young dancers as they deepen their training and prepare for more advanced pathways. Positioned between the Open School and Pre-Professional programs, Junior Trainees receive focused instruction, performance opportunities, and mentorship that nurture both technical development and artistic confidence.
Do you have scholarship opportunities for dance classes?
Yes, we have scholarship opportunities available for all children’s and adult dance classes.
