Dance City & the Arts

For families and aspiring dancers across Connecticut, particularly in the vibrant Southington area and surrounding towns, Dance City & the Arts stands as an acclaimed and deeply cherished institution. More than just a place to learn routines, this award-winning dance studio has cultivated a reputation for providing a truly supportive, professional, and innovative environment where students can flourish, develop strong technical skills, and build a lifelong love for movement. From the foundational elegance of classical ballet to the energetic beats of hip hop, and even unique programs like the Angelina Ballerina™ Dance Academy, Dance City & the Arts offers a comprehensive and nurturing hub for artistic expression right here in our local community.

Celebrating over two decades of dedication to dance education, Dance City & the Arts, directed by Julie Rizzo, prides itself on its commitment to teaching excellence and fostering strong, independent leaders. It has garnered significant recognition, including "America's Top Performing Arts Education Center in Connecticut" by the National Performing Arts Council, "Best Dance Studio" by the Southington Observers Reader's Choice Awards for eight consecutive years, and the Children's Empowerment Award. As one delighted parent shared, "My daughter loves going to her Ballet class," and others praise the "nice people" and "great dances and dancers." This consistent positive feedback underscores Dance City & the Arts' success in creating an engaging and rewarding experience for its community members, solidifying its place as a premier destination for dance in New York.

Dance City & the Arts is conveniently located at 168 Center St Ste B2, Southington, CT 06489, USA. This central address places it squarely in the heart of Southington, a thriving town in Hartford County, making it highly accessible for residents throughout the region. Center Street is a prominent local thoroughfare, ensuring that the studio is easy to find and reach from various parts of Southington itself, as well as surrounding towns like Plantsville, Cheshire, Wolcott, and Plainville.

In September 2023, Dance City & the Arts celebrated its 25th anniversary and a major move to this new, "SPECTACULAR" studio space. This updated facility on Center Street offers a modern and vibrant environment conducive to learning and artistic development. Its central location within a well-established community hub contributes to its overall accessibility and convenience for families in Connecticut. The ease of access and central location ensure that Dance City & the Arts is a practical and appealing choice for anyone in this part of Connecticut looking to engage in dance and performing arts activities.

Dance City & the Arts offers an extensive and diverse array of dance programs and services designed to cater to a wide range of ages, skill levels, and interests. Their curriculum is structured to provide comprehensive training while fostering a deep love for dance and the arts.

• Angelina Ballerina™ Dance Academy: Dance City & the Arts is an official Angelina Ballerina™ Dance Academy, offering classes for young children (starting at age three). This curriculum, designed by internationally renowned master teachers and child development experts, provides a quality dance education in a caring and fun environment based on the beloved character, inspiring young stars.

• Comprehensive Dance Disciplines: The school provides high-quality instruction in numerous dance styles for various age groups, from three years old to adults. These include:

  • Ballet/Pointe: Classical ballet technique, essential for grace, precision, and building a strong foundation. Pointe classes are offered as an extension for eligible students.

  • Jazz: Energetic classes focusing on style, flexibility, and dynamic movement, often incorporating modern and popular music.

  • Tap: Classes that emphasize rhythm, musicality, and intricate footwork, transforming dancers into percussive artists.

  • Hip Hop: High-energy classes exploring street dance styles, focusing on coordination, rhythm, and expressive movement.

  • Contemporary/Lyrical/Modern: Expressive dance forms that blend elements of ballet, jazz, and modern techniques, emphasizing fluidity, emotional storytelling, and improvisation.

  • Acrobatics & Tumbling: Classes that combine classical dance technique with acrobatic elements, focusing on flexibility, strength, and balance through tumbling and dance.

  • Production Number: An excellent performance opportunity where students learn an exciting full-length dance piece using choreographic techniques, formations, and lifts, serving as a closing number for the year-end performance.

• Competitive Program: Dance City & the Arts offers a highly successful Competition Team. These teams train year-round, receive extensive training in various dance styles, and have garnered numerous accolades, including high platinum awards, scholarships, and the Broadway Bound Award for multiple consecutive years. Auditions conclude their two-week summer program.

• Adult Classes: Opportunities for adults to engage in dance for fitness, fun, and artistic expression, with classes such as Ballet, Jazz, and Tap.

• Father/Daughter and Mother/Daughter Dances: Special 12-week sessions beginning in February where students and their parents learn a customized dance, honoring their special relationship in a fun and entertaining experience.

• Summer Programs: The studio offers summer dance programs, including a two-week intensive that concludes with auditions for interested competition team members.

• Technique Packages: Structured tuition packages are available, such as Gold, Platinum, and Platinum Plus, offering discounts for multiple classes and encouraging comprehensive training, with required technique classes for team members.

Dance City & the Arts distinguishes itself through a range of outstanding features and highlights that contribute to its exceptional reputation and positive impact on the Connecticut dance community.

• Award-Winning Excellence: The studio has received numerous prestigious awards, including "America's Top Performing Arts Education Center in Connecticut" and "Best Dance Studio" in Southington for eight consecutive years. This recognition underscores their consistent quality and leadership in dance education.

• State-of-the-Art Facility: Boasting a 5,000 square feet facility with three spacious dance studios, including one the size of a stage, Dance City & the Arts provides an optimal learning environment. The unique hardwood floors, built without cement sub-flooring, are praised by master teachers for reducing fatigue and injury. Cathedral ceilings, 40 windows, and viewing monitors for each studio enhance the ambiance and parent convenience.

• Highly Qualified and University-Trained Teachers: The staff includes university-trained dance teachers, many with childhood education majors, ensuring high-quality instruction and a deep understanding of child development. They are described as creative, talented, enthusiastic, and encouraging.

• Nurturing and Supportive Atmosphere: A core principle is providing a "fun, appropriate manner" of instruction in a "caring and fun environment," utilizing positive reinforcement. This focus on emotional and physical development, combined with the "Character Counts Program," promotes good character and fosters creativity.

• Exceptional Competitive Program: The Competition Team has achieved remarkable success, earning high platinum awards and scholarships. Their focus on personal best, teamwork, and fun, alongside rigorous training, prepares dancers for significant achievements.

• Strong Community and Family Focus: Testimonials highlight the "caring and support" provided, with families feeling "proud to be a part of such a special dance studio." The studio actively includes families, as seen in the popularity of Father/Daughter and Mother/Daughter dances.

• Innovative Teaching Concepts: Dance City & the Arts embraces modern, vibrant approaches to teaching, sparking and instilling creativity in all students.

• Transparent Communication and Pricing: The clear presentation of tuition packages, including discounts and detailed information on fees, demonstrates their professionalism and commitment to clear communication with families.

For those in the Connecticut area interested in connecting with Dance City & the Arts, here is their contact information:

Address: 168 Center St Ste B2, Southington, CT 06489, USA

Phone: (860) 628-4433

Mobile Phone: +1 860-628-4433

For locals throughout Connecticut, particularly in Southington and the surrounding communities, Dance City & the Arts is an exceptional and highly recommended choice for dance education. Its long-standing reputation, numerous awards, and state-of-the-art facility underscore its commitment to excellence. The strong emphasis on a nurturing, positive environment, coupled with highly qualified and caring teachers, ensures that students not only master dance techniques but also develop confidence, discipline, and a lifelong love for the arts.

Whether you're looking for a delightful introduction to dance for a preschooler through the Angelina Ballerina program, comprehensive training in a variety of styles, or an elite competitive experience, Dance City & the Arts offers programs tailored to every age and skill level. The vibrant community feel, combined with unique offerings like Father/Daughter dances and unparalleled performance opportunities, makes it much more than just a dance studio—it's a place where families thrive and artistic dreams are realized right here in our Connecticut community.

This video provides a brief introduction to a dance facility, showcasing its purpose and environment, which is relevant to understanding what Dance City & the Arts offers. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Jon3Hg0z24)

Dance City & the Arts

168 Center St Ste B2, Southington, CT 06489, USA