Dancers & Dreamers Dance Program (Ages 2–5 Years)

Early Childhood Dance at Balance Dance Studios

Where imagination leads — and confidence, coordination, and independence follow.

At Balance Dance Studios, we believe early childhood dance should feel joyful, supportive, and intentional.
Dancers & Dreamers is our early childhood dance program designed to nurture your child’s physical, social, and emotional development through movement, music, and imaginative play.

For many families, this is a child’s first classroom experience. Our classes are thoughtfully structured to help young dancers feel safe, successful, and excited to return each week—while building strong foundations that support lifelong confidence and movement.

Find the right class for your child or try a class first to explore the experience.

Balance Dance Studios’ Dancers & Dreamers program offers early childhood dance classes for toddlers, preschoolers, and young children ages 18 months through 6 years. Our dance classes focus on confidence, coordination, creative movement, and social development through age-appropriate ballet, tap, hip hop, acro, and parent-and-me dance instruction. Families looking for a welcoming, developmentally focused dance studio in South Austin often choose Dancers & Dreamers as their child’s first dance experience.

Is Dancers & Dreamers Right for Your Child?

This program is especially great for:

Children new to group classes or structured learning
Energetic children who thrive with positive movement outlets
Children learning independence and separation from caregivers
Families looking for consistency, care, and long-term growth

Every child is unique. Our goal is to help each dancer find a class where they feel supported, confident, and excited to learn.

Why Dance in Early Childhood?

Dance offers meaningful benefits during early childhood—when bodies, brains, and confidence are developing rapidly.

Builds Strong Motor Skills
Balance, coordination, strength, rhythm, and body awareness developed now support lifelong physical confidence.
Supports Social & Emotional Growth
Children practice listening, following directions, taking turns, and participating in a group environment.
Encourages Confidence & Self-Expression
Movement gives young children a way to communicate, explore emotions, and feel proud of what their bodies can do.
Balances Structure & Play Classes blend predictable routines with imaginative exploration so learning feels safe and fun.

How to Register for Classes

1. Browse the classes in the dropdown toggles below. 2. Click ‘Register’ on your desired class. 3. Need Help? Contact us. Text 512-270-6027 Call 512-215-8727 Email at info@balancedancestudios.com

Non-Performance

Recital Classes

Nutcracker

Nutcracker & Recital

Is This Your Child’s First Dance Class?

We’ve made it easy to take the first step with a free trial class designed to help your child feel comfortable, supported, and excited to move.

Get Started with a Free Trial Class

Not sure which class to try? Our team is happy to help guide you!

Classes Designed for Fun, Growth, and Development

Classic Combo (Pre-Ballet & Tap)

Ages 3–6
Foundational | Rhythmic | Structured
Best for: dancers who enjoy routine and variety

A wonderful introduction to structured movement while exploring two dance styles in one class. Dancers build rhythm, coordination, body awareness, and confidence through ballet and tap foundations—learning to count, move in time, and follow classroom etiquette in a playful, encouraging environment.

Pre-Hip Hop / Acro

Ages 3–6
Foundational | Energetic | Exploratory
Best for: big movers and high-energy dancers

Designed for children who love to move big and move often. This class develops strength, control, and creative movement through beginner acrobatics, rolls, jumps, and rhythmic exploration—while building teamwork, resilience, and classroom habits.

Pre-Ballet

Ages 4–6
Foundational | Imaginative | Structured
Best for: dancers who enjoy stories, music, and focused learning

Pre-Ballet introduces classical ballet positions and movement using child-friendly themes, music, and props. Dancers develop posture, balance, coordination, and self-confidence in a nurturing, structured setting.

Creative Movement

Ages 2–3
Foundational | Expressive | Hybrid (Structured + Exploratory)
Best for: first-time dancers easing into group learning

An imaginative class where young dancers explore movement through storytelling, music, and play—while gently being introduced to classroom structure. Dancers build confidence, rhythm, and body awareness while discovering the joy of creative expression.

Dance With Me (Parent & Me)

Ages 18 Months–2 Years
Foundational | Playful | Exploratory
Best for: toddlers who want to move alongside a caregiver

Designed for our youngest dancers and their grown-ups, this class creates a joyful first experience in the studio through movement, music, and connection. With a focus on bonding, exploration, and early motor development, Dance With Me supports social-emotional growth in a safe, supportive environment.

If your child has a hard time detaching in Creative Movement, we recommend starting here.

Dance Class Structure

What’s the difference between a “structured” class and an “exploratory” class?

In dance classes, especially for young children, the way a class is structured can vary greatly based on the teachers style and the genre of class. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand what you may see in classes based on genre and instructor.

What to Expect in a Structured Class

Structured classes focus on foundational skills like balance, posture, and coordination. Dancers work both in place and across the floor, following consistent routines that support focus, discipline, and classroom etiquette.

This format is great for children who enjoy routine, follow instructions well, and feel confident practicing familiar movements.

What to Expect in an Exploratory Class Format

Exploratory classes offer dynamic, full-body movement through play, creativity, and imagination. Dancers move freely around the space, using jumps, rolls, and rhythm-based activities to build coordination, expression, and confidence.

This format is ideal for children who thrive with creativity, enjoy big movement, and do best in a more flexible, playful environment.

Both formats support motor skill development, social-emotional growth, and creative expression—just in different ways. We’re here to help you find the best environment for your dancer to feel confident, curious, and excited to learn.

Not Sure Where to Start?

Trying a class is a great way to explore the studio, meet the instructor, and see how your child responds, without pressure or long-term commitment.

Schedule a Free Trial Class

Dancers & Dreamers FAQ

Parents often ask the following questions when searching for toddler and preschool dance classes.

What ages are appropriate for Dancers & Dreamers?
Dancers & Dreamers is designed for children ages 18 months through 6 years, with classes tailored to developmental stages and learning styles.

What if my child is shy or has trouble separating?
This is very common. Our instructors are experienced in helping children transition into class gently and confidently. If needed, we may recommend starting with Dance With Me.

Can parents watch class?
Parents are welcome to view classes from the lobby viewing monitors. This helps children build independence while still allowing families to observe progress.

What should my child wear?
Each class has simple attire guidelines focused on comfort, safety, and ease of movement. Our front desk team is happy to help with recommendations.

Can we try different classes?
Absolutely. We encourage families to explore different styles to find the best fit for their child.

What should my child wear to class?

We want your dancer to feel confident and comfortable while moving. Each class has slightly different attire recommendations to support your child’s safety, ease of movement, and ability to participate fully.

Below is a simple guide by class:

Classic Combo (Pre-Ballet & Tap)

Girls: Pink or black leotard (plain or studio-branded), tights, ballet shoes, and tap shoes. Boys: Ballet and tap shoes, black leggings, and a plain or studio-branded white or black fitted shirt.

Pre-Ballet

Girls: Pink or black leotard (plain or studio-branded), tights, and ballet shoes. Boys: Ballet shoes, black leggings, and a plain studio-branded white or black fitted shirt.

Pre-Hip Hop/Acro

Preferred: Bike-tard (one-piece fitted dancewear) or leotard and leggings Alternative: Leggings and a plain fitted top that stays tucked in while moving.

Creative Movement & Dance with Me

Girls: Leotard and transition tights with bare feet, or fitted dance/activewear.
Boys: Leggings and a plain fitted top, worn barefoot.

Need help finding the right gear?
We’re happy to offer guidance on where to find leotards, shoes, and studio-branded options that meet our dress code. Just ask at the front desk or send us an email—we’re here to help!

How often should my child attend dance class?
We suggest enrolling in one class per week to start, which gives young dancers a consistent schedule for building skills without feeling overwhelmed. As they progress, you may choose to add more classes if your child is ready for more practice and is showing a strong interest in dance. We recommend staying consistent with class attendance in order to help establish routine and the progressions of class.

What if we miss a class? Can we make it up?
We understand that life happens! Please email our admin team to discuss makeup options or to find the best way to keep your child on track with their dance learning journey.

Are parents allowed to watch the class?
We know it’s exciting to see your child dance! For young dancers to develop focus and independence, we ask parents to let children explore the class on their own; however you can view every class from our viewing TVs in the lobby. We periodically invite parents to watch or participate in special showcases or dress-up days, giving you the chance to celebrate their progress! Parents can view the class from the viewing TVs in the lobby.

Families across South Austin searching for dance classes for toddlers, preschool dance programs, parent and me dance classes, and early childhood ballet and creative movement classes choose Balance Dance Studios for nurturing, confidence-building dance education from the very beginning.

Looking for more dance opportunities at Balance Dance Studios?

We also offer recreational dance classes for kids ages 6–18, competitive dance companies, summer dance camps, and adult dance and fitness classes. Explore our full class offerings to find the right fit for your dancer at every stage.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Choosing the right first dance class can feel like a big decision, and that’s exactly why we offer free trial classes for our Dancers & Dreamers program.

A trial class gives your child the chance to explore the studio, meet the instructor, and experience the class in a calm, supportive environment, while giving you confidence that you’ve found the right fit.