Preschool & Toddler Dance Classes (Ages 2 to 5)
JC Dance & Company runs preschool and toddler dance classes in Wheat Ridge for children ages 2 to 5. The classes are short, playful, and built around the way little kids actually learn, which is through music, games, and a lot of movement. Most families start their dancer here, and many keep dancing with us for years.
The classes for ages 2 to 5
Here is what we offer for this age group, with the day, time, and ages for each. The full weekly grid is on the class schedule.
Tutu Tots, Saturdays 9:00 to 9:45am, ages 2 to 3
Tiny Tutus Creative Movement, Wednesdays 4:00 to 4:45pm, ages 2 to 3
Tiny Tots Creative Movement, Tuesdays 9:00 to 9:45am, ages 2 to 4
Tumble Bugs, Tuesdays 10:00 to 10:45am, ages 3 to 5
Mini Stars Ballet/Tap Combo, Wednesdays 9:00 to 9:45am, ages 3 to 5
Twinkle Toes Song & Dance, Wednesdays 10:00 to 10:45am, ages 3 to 5
Mini Stars Tap & Ballet, Saturdays 9:45 to 10:30am, ages 4 to 6
Mini Stars Movement & Tumble, Mondays 4:00 to 4:45pm, ages 4 to 6
Hippity Hop & Tappity Tap, Thursdays 4:00 to 4:45pm, ages 4 to 6
Every class runs 45 minutes. If you have a young 2-year-old, the creative movement classes are the gentlest place to begin.
What a preschool class looks like
A class is about 45 minutes and moves quickly, because that is how long most children this age can stay with it. Class usually opens with a warm-up song the kids already know, so they start moving the moment they walk in. From there the teacher works in short pieces: a little ballet like marching, tiptoes, and big arms, then some tap or tumbling depending on the class, then a prop song with scarves or a parachute where everyone gets a turn. The activity changes every few minutes on purpose. If your child needs to stop and watch for a bit, that is normal, and we let them come back in when they are ready.
Is my child ready?
If your child can walk and likes music, they are ready. They do not need to follow directions perfectly or know any steps. For ages 2 to 3, the creative movement classes are the best fit, because they are slower and there is no pressure to get anything right. By ages 4 to 5, most children are ready for the combo classes that mix two styles, like ballet and tap or movement and tumbling. If you are not sure which class fits, book a free trial and we will help you place your child.
What to wear and bring
Keep it simple. Comfortable clothes your child can move in are all you need to start: a leotard and tights, or leggings and a fitted top. Hair pulled back helps them see. Soft ballet shoes are ideal for the ballet classes, and bare feet or grippy socks are fine for a first class while you decide. Tap classes use tap shoes eventually, but you will not need them to try a class. Bring a water bottle with your child's name on it. Tutu Tots dancers get a free tutu skirt to wear in class.
Questions parents ask
Can I stay and watch the class?
Yes. You are welcome to stay and watch from the waiting area in the lobby by the front desk. A lot of parents of our youngest dancers like to stay close, especially in the first few weeks while their child settles in.
What if my child cries or will not join in?
That happens, especially the first week or two, and it is not a problem. Little kids often watch from the edge before they join, and most warm up once the class feels familiar. You are welcome to try again the next week. We would rather your child ease in than be pushed.
Do we need dance shoes before the first class?
No. Come in comfortable clothes with bare feet or grippy socks for a trial. If your child keeps going, we will point you to the right shoes for their class.
How long are the classes?
Forty-five minutes. That is a comfortable length for this age, with enough changes of activity to hold their attention.
How do we start?
Every class starts with a free trial, so you can see how your child does before you commit.
Ready to try a class? Pick a day and time from the schedule and book a free trial. If you want help choosing the right class for your child's age, call the studio at 983-900-9690 or send us a message. When school breaks come around, many of these dancers also join our dance camps. You can see every class we offer on the classes page. Your first class is free.