The Dance Extension

For families and individuals across Connecticut looking for a dance education that goes beyond just steps, The Dance Extension in Quaker Hill stands as a cherished and enduring local institution. Celebrating over 34 seasons, this studio has built a profound legacy, not only in teaching a wide array of dance styles but also in instilling crucial life skills like discipline, self-confidence, and a spirit of community service. For those of us in southeastern Connecticut, finding a place that combines expert instruction with a warm, family-focused atmosphere is invaluable. The Dance Extension embodies this commitment, offering a vibrant space where young learners and seasoned dancers alike can discover the joy of movement, express their creativity, and become part of a supportive artistic family.

The Dance Extension is conveniently located at 8 Chapman Ave, Quaker Hill, CT 06375, USA. This accessible address places it within a hub that is easily reachable for residents across southeastern Connecticut, including those from New London, Waterford, East Lyme, Montville, and Groton. The studio benefits from its location in the New London Shopping Center (Staples Plaza), which often provides ample parking and clear visibility. For those traveling by car, the studio is just minutes from I-95, making it a practical choice for families commuting from various parts of the region. They also mention having a second New London Studio at 290 South Frontage Rd (in the same building as Town Fair Tire), which further enhances accessibility for the wider southeastern Connecticut community. This strategic positioning ensures that quality dance education is well within reach for numerous local families.

The Dance Extension offers a comprehensive and diverse range of dance programs and classes designed to cater to a broad spectrum of ages, skill levels, and interests. Their curriculum is structured to provide both foundational technique and opportunities for creative expression across various genres. Here's an overview of the services they provide:

• Ballet: Core to many dance programs, ballet classes at The Dance Extension focus on classical technique, poise, strength, and flexibility, forming the foundation for many other dance styles.
• Modern: Exploring contemporary movement, this genre encourages freedom of expression, improvisation, and a deeper connection to emotional storytelling through dance.
• Tap: Emphasizing rhythm and percussive footwork, tap classes are popular for developing musicality, coordination, and intricate sound production.
• Jazz: Dynamic and energetic, jazz classes encompass various styles, from Broadway to contemporary jazz, focusing on strong technique, turns, leaps, and expressive movement.
• Hip Hop: Popular for its urban style and vibrant energy, hip hop classes teach contemporary street dance forms, emphasizing rhythm, precision, and personal flair.
• Pointe: An advanced form of ballet for more experienced and technically prepared students, involving dancing on the tips of the toes.
• "Little Leapers" & Themed Classes for Young Children: Specifically designed for very young dancers (e.g., ages 2-7), these classes, like "Magnificent Moana," "Ariel & Friends," "Tiny Toes: Unicorn Dreams Theme," "Frozen Friends," and "Sparkles & Rainbow Bows (JoJo Siwa Hip Hop)," introduce dance fundamentals through imaginative play, storytelling, and beloved characters, making learning fun and engaging.
• Adult Classes: Offering opportunities for adults to engage in dance, whether for fitness, recreation, or to revisit a past passion.
• Summer Programs and Intensives: Providing focused training and exploration during the summer months, such as their "Summer Intensive" and "Summer in Motion" themed classes for children.
• Performance Opportunities: Through their Concert Companies, including "Kids in Motion" and the "Community Dance Ensemble," students have numerous opportunities to perform for audiences throughout southeastern Connecticut.
• Community Dance Ensemble (CDE): A resident concert company for students aged 8+, dedicated to performing for community service, including nursing homes, hospitals, and charity benefits. This group actively fundraises for various causes.

What truly sets The Dance Extension apart and makes it a beloved establishment in our Connecticut community are its distinctive features and a deep commitment to its students. Over 34 years in operation speaks volumes about its quality and impact.

• Long-Standing Reputation & Experience (34+ Seasons): With over three decades of operation, The Dance Extension has a proven track record of providing consistent, high-quality dance education. This longevity fosters trust and demonstrates a deep understanding of dance pedagogy.
• Friendly and Knowledgeable Staff: Customer reviews consistently praise the "Friendly and knowledgeable staff," highlighting a welcoming and professional atmosphere. This contributes significantly to a positive learning environment for all ages.
• Excellent for Young Learners: One reviewer specifically noted it's a "Good place for the little learners!" This suggests that the studio excels in engaging and nurturing very young children, making their introduction to dance enjoyable and effective. Their themed classes for young children further support this.
• Emphasis on Life Skills: Beyond dance technique, The Dance Extension's mission explicitly states its commitment to teaching "important life skills including discipline, self-confidence, dedication, respect for others, and learning to work together." Testimonials from parents and alumni confirm this holistic approach, noting how dance helped overcome shyness and build confidence.
• Positive, Caring, Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The studio prides itself on providing classes in a "positive, caring, family friendly atmosphere with plenty of individual attention." This nurturing environment is crucial for fostering a love of dance and ensuring student well-being.
• Experienced Faculty: The faculty boasts "decades of teaching experience," and their passion for teaching is evident, leaving students "refreshed, motivated and open to new ideas & creativity."
• Community Service Through Dance: A unique highlight is their "Community Dance Ensemble" (CDE), which actively uses dance to serve others. This group performs at nursing homes, hospitals, and charity events, and raises funds for various causes (e.g., American Red Cross, Toys for Tots, Gemma Moran United Way Food Bank). They have even performed at Walt Disney World Resort and the Shriners Hospital, demonstrating a commitment to giving back to the community and providing unique experiences for students.
• Commitment to Age-Appropriate Content: The studio strives to set "a high standard in the field of dance education with age appropriate movement, music & costuming selections for our students," which is a significant factor for parents.
• Developing Well-Rounded Individuals: The mission highlights that graduates enter adulthood not only with an appreciation for performing arts but also with "diligence, determination, persistence, confidence, tenacity, modesty, sound work ethics, and an ability to be quick-thinking."
• Performance Quality: While direct competitive results aren't detailed, the review from a competition judge stating "they did an awesome job" for a competition performance indicates a high standard of presentation and execution.

For those in Connecticut interested in enrolling in classes or learning more about The Dance Extension, here is their contact information:

• Address: 8 Chapman Ave, Quaker Hill, CT 06375, USA
• Phone: (860) 579-1154
• Website: www.danceextension.com (highly recommended for current class schedules, program details, and registration information)

In conclusion, for residents across Connecticut, particularly in the southeastern region, The Dance Extension in Quaker Hill offers a truly exceptional and well-rounded dance education experience. Its convenient location and dual studio presence make it highly accessible for families in our communities. What makes this studio especially suitable for locals is its deep-rooted philosophy of nurturing not just skilled dancers but also confident, disciplined, and community-minded individuals. With over 34 seasons of experience, a friendly and knowledgeable staff, and a wide array of age-appropriate classes from "Little Leapers" to advanced techniques, The Dance Extension caters to every stage of a dancer's journey. Furthermore, their unique "Community Dance Ensemble" provides invaluable opportunities for students to utilize their talents for social good, making a tangible difference in our local area. If you're seeking a dance home that blends professional instruction with a supportive, family-like atmosphere and a commitment to holistic development right here in Connecticut, The Dance Extension is an outstanding choice.

The Dance Extension

8 Chapman Ave, Quaker Hill, CT 06375, USA