Darien School of Dance LLC

For Connecticut residents seeking a dance school where young movers and seasoned enthusiasts alike can flourish, the Darien School of Dance LLC stands as a cornerstone of artistic development in Fairfield County. Founded in 2010 by Brigita Fulton at the YWCA Darien/Norwalk, this esteemed institution is dedicated to immersing students in the beauty of classical ballet and a diverse range of dance styles. More than just a place for lessons, the Darien School of Dance cultivates a lifelong appreciation for the arts, emphasizing holistic development in an educational, safe, and friendly environment.

The philosophy at the Darien School of Dance is centered on student growth. Mrs. Fulton believes that the beauty, athleticism, and joy of classical ballet can be enjoyed by all ages, and that starting dance at an early age develops essential physical, mental, and emotional skills. The school is proud to include the American Ballet Theatre® National Training Curriculum, an 8-level program renowned for combining high-quality artistic training with the basics of dancer health and child development. This ensures that students receive a comprehensive, age-appropriate, and outcome-based curriculum, providing the highest quality ballet training available.

The positive experiences of local Connecticut families truly highlight the school's impact. As one parent shared, "The class is high energy and gives me the extra level of exercise I am looking for." Another noted, "Teachers are nice and know what they are doing and my child has fun!" Brigita herself is praised for being "very personable and works well with the kids," with the studio being described as a "beautiful new studio" where "they make you feel like family." Further testimonials confirm, "My daughter loves her class and is getting a good base knowledge of dance while having a great time," and that "Everyone is wonderful and always helpful. Talented instructors. Warm, welcoming, friendly atmosphere. Beautiful, comfortable and safe studio. Lots of variety." These heartfelt reviews underscore the Darien School of Dance's commitment to excellence and its success in creating a nurturing environment for all its students.

The Darien School of Dance LLC is conveniently located at 49 Old Kings Hwy N, Darien, CT 06820, USA. This prime location near the hub of downtown Darien, next to the Goodwives Shopping Plaza, makes it exceptionally accessible for families and individuals residing throughout Darien and surrounding towns in Fairfield County, including Norwalk, Stamford, New Canaan, Greenwich, and Wilton. Its proximity to I-95 ensures a straightforward commute for many, allowing for easy drop-offs and pickups.

The studio's presence within the YWCA Darien/Norwalk provides additional amenities and a professional setting. Parents can enjoy the convenience of viewing classes on a widescreen TV in the YWCA lobby, offering a comfortable waiting area while their children engage in their lessons. Ample parking is typically available, further enhancing the accessibility for New Haven and Fairfield County residents. This strategic and well-equipped location contributes significantly to the school's ability to serve a diverse clientele seeking a professional yet friendly dance experience in a safe and comfortable environment.

The Darien School of Dance offers a diverse and comprehensive curriculum designed to cater to various ages and skill levels, with a strong foundation in classical ballet and a commitment to holistic dancer development. Their services include:

• Mom & Me (2-young 3 yrs): A fun-filled class for younger children and their parents or caregivers, fostering early physical and mental growth, coordination, balance, and social skills through creative dance, music, props, stories, and games.
• Pre-Ballet (3 yrs, 4 yrs): Utilizing the ABT Curriculum Pre-Primary, these classes help preschoolers explore creative movement, develop physical and social skills, channel energy, promote creativity, muscle development, self-control, and build confidence and positive self-esteem.
• Kinderballet (Kindergarteners, 1st-2nd graders): Primary ballet based on the ABT Curriculum Primary Level, combining elements of classical ballet, pre-ballet, and creative movement with actual ballet exercises, emphasizing proper placement, posture, and an extensive ballet vocabulary.
• Classical Ballet (Ages 8 yrs & up): Following the ABT Curriculum, these classes focus on classic ballet fundamentals, vocabulary, and basic positions of the arms and feet, developing poise, balance, strong muscles, core strength, and coordination in a non-competitive atmosphere.
• Ballet Tap Combo: Offered for Kindergarteners/1st grade and 4-year-olds, these classes combine ballet and tap instruction, with performance opportunities in recitals.
• Tap: Classes concentrating on tap techniques, developing rhythm, coordination, syncopation, and speed.
• Jazz / Hip Hop: Age-appropriate classes for 1st grade and up, including jazz and hip hop techniques with relevant music and movements.
• Lyrical: A 90-minute class for teenagers combining ballet technique with jazz and contemporary disciplines, emphasizing creative expression.
• Ballet Jazz Combo: A 60-minute class open to grades 3-5, combining classical ballet with age-appropriate jazz.
• Contemporary Ballet Jazz Combo: A two-hour class for teens with some experience, blending ballet and jazz with contemporary elements.
• Early Learning Program (ELP) (4-5 Years): A class welcoming students with diverse abilities, designed to promote enthusiasm for dance and movement in a supportive environment, with or without a supportive adult present.
• Performance Opportunities: Students have opportunities to perform in recitals and other showcases, including "The Nutcracker," fostering stage experience and confidence.
• Small Class Sizes and Individualized Attention: The school maintains small class sizes to ensure each student receives personalized guidance from experienced teachers, with weekly lesson plans and monthly goals established for optimal learning.

The Darien School of Dance is distinguished in the Connecticut performing arts scene by several key features and highlights that make it a preferred choice for local families:

• American Ballet Theatre® National Training Curriculum: A significant highlight is their affiliation with and implementation of this prestigious 8-level program. This ensures students receive a world-class ballet education that is developmentally appropriate, focusing on artistic training, dancer health, and child development. This rigorous curriculum sets a high standard for quality instruction.
• Holistic Student Development Philosophy: The school's mission goes beyond just dance steps. Brigita Fulton's belief that "starting dance at an early age develops physical, mental and emotional skills while encouraging a life long love of dance and learning" is evident in their nurturing approach. They aim for the holistic development of each student, building creativity, self-expression, discipline, perseverance, and confidence.
• Experienced and Highly Trained Teachers: The staff are not only "nice and know what they are doing" but are also highly trained, with backgrounds in early childhood education and extensive dance experience. Their dedication to fostering a love of dance is paramount, creating a warm, welcoming, and friendly atmosphere.
• Safe, Professional, and Family-Oriented Environment: Testimonials consistently praise the "beautiful new studio," the "great relaxed atmosphere," and the feeling of being "like family." The commitment to a "safe" and "comfortable" studio, where parents can view classes on a widescreen TV in the lobby, adds to the positive experience.
• Diverse Curriculum for All Ages: From "Mom & Me" classes for toddlers to "Classical Ballet" for teens and adults, and including genres like Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Lyrical, the school offers a wide variety of options to suit different interests and age groups. This broad appeal ensures a continuous learning path for students.
• Non-Competitive Atmosphere: While providing high-quality training, the Darien School of Dance emphasizes a non-competitive environment. This focus allows students to concentrate on their personal growth and the joy of dance, rather than external pressures.
• Individualized Attention: With small class sizes and personalized attention from experienced teachers, students maximize their time in class, receiving tailored guidance and support to help them achieve their dance goals. Weekly lesson plans and monthly goals ensure consistent progress.

For more information about the Darien School of Dance LLC, including detailed class schedules for Fall 2025 / Spring 2026, registration details, and to learn more about their programs, please use the following contact information:

Address: 49 Old Kings Hwy N, Darien, CT 06820, USA

Phone: (203) 912-4804

Mobile Phone: +1 203-912-4804

You can also visit their official website, darienschoolofdance.com, for the most current information, including class descriptions, faculty bios, and testimonials. The website also provides details on how to register for upcoming sessions. It is highly recommended to explore their online resources or contact them directly to discuss your specific dance interests and find the perfect class placement.

For local Connecticut residents, especially those in Fairfield County, the Darien School of Dance LLC is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination for dance education. Its commitment to the prestigious American Ballet Theatre® National Training Curriculum ensures that students receive a world-class foundation in classical ballet, coupled with a focus on overall dancer health and development. What truly makes this school ideal for our community is its nurturing and supportive environment, where "talented instructors" are "nice and know what they are doing," making every child feel "loved and confident."

The wide variety of classes, from "Mom & Me" for the youngest dancers to advanced ballet and other styles for teens and adults, means there's a place for everyone, regardless of age or experience. Its convenient location near downtown Darien, next to the Goodwives Shopping Plaza and easily accessible off I-95, further enhances its appeal. Opting for the Darien School of Dance means choosing a place where professional excellence meets a warm, family-like atmosphere, fostering not just skilled dancers but confident, well-rounded individuals who will cherish their love for dance for a lifetime, right here in our Connecticut community.

Darien School of Dance LLC

49 Old Kings Hwy N, Darien, CT 06820, USA