The Dance Extension

Hello, Connecticut residents! Are you or your child looking to explore the joyous world of dance, refine existing skills, or simply find a creative outlet that fosters confidence and discipline? Look no further than The Dance Extension in New London, a local gem that has been nurturing dancers of all ages and skill levels with passion and expertise. This esteemed studio is more than just a place to learn steps; it's a vibrant community where artistry, personal growth, and fun seamlessly intertwine. We're here to provide you with a comprehensive overview of The Dance Extension, highlighting what makes it such a cherished institution for families and individuals throughout the Connecticut region. From its dedicated instructors to its engaging class structures, prepare to discover why this dance studio is consistently praised by its students and their parents.

The Dance Extension is conveniently located at 290 S Frontage Road, New London, CT 06320, USA. This address places it within easy reach for residents of New London and surrounding communities in Southeastern Connecticut. While one review mentions the location as "shady," the South Frontage Road is a well-traveled artery, providing relatively straightforward access for those traveling by car. New London itself is a significant hub in the region, ensuring that the studio is accessible from various points within the state. For those coming from towns such as Waterford, Groton, or East Lyme, the journey to the studio is typically manageable. As with any location, it is always advisable to use GPS or mapping services for the most precise directions and to familiarize yourself with the area beforehand. The central positioning in New London makes The Dance Extension a practical and accessible choice for families seeking quality dance education in the area.

The Dance Extension offers a diverse array of dance programs and services, carefully designed to cater to a wide range of ages, interests, and skill levels. Their curriculum is structured to provide both foundational training and opportunities for advanced artistic development.

• Children's Dance Programs: Specifically tailored for younger dancers, these programs focus on introducing movement, rhythm, and basic dance techniques in a fun and engaging manner. Examples include:
  • Little Leapers 1 and 2 (ages 3-4): These classes emphasize playful activities, games, and creative movement to introduce stretching and fundamental dance concepts, often incorporating coloring pages as a calming pre-class activity.
  • Rising Stars: Designed for slightly older children (e.g., 6-year-olds), these classes balance structured learning with game-based activities to reinforce techniques while keeping the experience enjoyable and stimulating.
• Ballet Instruction: A core offering, providing rigorous training in classical ballet technique, emphasizing posture, grace, strength, and discipline, suitable for various age groups and experience levels.
• Other Dance Disciplines: While ballet is prominently mentioned, dance studios typically offer a range of styles. Prospective students should inquire about classes in jazz, tap, modern, hip-hop, or other genres to suit their interests.
• Performance Opportunities: Providing students with opportunities to showcase their skills and artistic growth through recitals, showcases, and other performance events, fostering confidence and stage presence.
• Creative Movement and Expression: Encouraging students to explore their creativity and express themselves through movement, fostering individuality and a love for dance.
• Experienced and Caring Instruction: Offering classes taught by dedicated and passionate instructors who connect with students in a "heartfelt and kind way," creating a supportive and inspiring learning environment.

What truly sets The Dance Extension apart and makes it a beloved institution for families in Connecticut are its distinctive features and highlights, as consistently praised by its student families.

• Exceptional and Engaging Instructors: The studio boasts a team of "phenomenal" teachers, including Miss Kiana, Miss Nancy, and Miss Maggie, who are frequently lauded for their ability to connect with students. Miss Kiana, in particular, is highlighted for her "heartfelt and kind way" of engaging with young dancers, making learning both effective and enjoyable.
• Innovative and Balanced Class Structure: Especially for younger children, the classes demonstrate a thoughtful blend of structured learning and playful activities. For instance, the "Rising Stars" class combines initial structured instruction with later game-based activities, ensuring children "have fun while learning" and practice techniques simultaneously. The "Little Leapers" classes even start with coloring pages to help children settle in and anticipate the class, showing attention to the unique needs of preschoolers.
• Focus on Holistic Development: Beyond just dance techniques, the studio contributes significantly to a child's overall development. Parents observe improvements in their children's self-discipline, focus, and confidence. The environment encourages growth not just as a dancer but as an individual.
• Welcoming and Nurturing Atmosphere: Despite a single comment about the external location, the internal atmosphere of the classes is consistently described as amazing, comfortable, and positive. This nurturing environment is crucial for fostering a love of dance and encouraging consistent participation, especially for "wild child" types who might otherwise struggle to engage.
• Parental Learning Opportunities: The studio's open and transparent approach allows parents to "learn a lot from watching and observing these classes," gaining insight into the teaching methodologies and their child's progress. This engagement fosters trust and strengthens the community aspect of the studio.
• Long-Term Student Retention: The fact that children continue their dance journey for multiple years, as evidenced by a daughter entering her "fourth year of being a student here," speaks volumes about the sustained quality, enjoyment, and positive impact of the programs offered at The Dance Extension.

For those in Connecticut interested in enrolling or learning more about classes, The Dance Extension is easily accessible.

Address: 290 S Frontage Rd, New London, CT 06320, USA

Phone: (860) 579-1154

Mobile Phone: +1 860-579-1154

For families and individuals across Connecticut, especially those in New London and the surrounding communities, The Dance Extension stands out as an exceptional choice for dance education. Its commitment to creating a positive, nurturing, and engaging learning environment is consistently echoed in the enthusiastic reviews from long-term students and their parents. The studio's ability to cater to different age groups, from the youngest "Little Leapers" to more advanced students, with innovative and fun-filled teaching methods, ensures that every dancer can thrive. The phenomenal instructors, like Miss Kiana, Miss Nancy, and Miss Maggie, go beyond teaching steps; they inspire confidence, foster discipline, and connect with students on a personal level, making the dance journey truly enriching. Despite a single minor comment regarding the external location, the overwhelming consensus points to an internal atmosphere of warmth and professionalism that far outweighs any external considerations. If you're looking for a place where your child can develop physically and emotionally, or where you can pursue your own passion for dance in a supportive community, The Dance Extension in New London, Connecticut, offers a truly rewarding experience. It's a place where talent is nurtured, friendships are forged, and the joy of dance comes alive.

The Dance Extension

290 S Frontage Rd, New London, CT 06320, USA