About the Youth Program

  • The TDC Youth Program runs from mid-September to mid June each year. There are generally two performances per year, our winter holiday performance in December and our end of year concert in June. TDC follows the NYC Public Schools holiday vacation schedule, with some exceptions.

  • Classes are offered for children with no experience through levels that accommodate advanced teens. Classes in the Youth Program are either 1 hour or 1 hour and 15 minutes in length. TDC follows a curriculum that explores tap technique, jazz music, tap history and culture, and our tap community.

  • Students with no prior tap experience can register for Young Rhythm Makers (ages 4.5–6) or Tap Fundamentals 1 (ages 6 and up) without an assessment. For new students who have prior tap experience, we require scheduling a free assessment to determine the correct level placement for the student. This can be scheduled by reaching out to our office at 646-921-9705 or contacting info@tapdancecentral.org. All registration is done through our office, not online.

  • Scholarships are available on a case by case basis via application, based on need and merit. Please contact Susan Hebach at shebach@tapdancecentral.org for more information.

  • For advanced teens who are seeking a pre-professional training and additional performance opportunities, we have our TDC Youth Ensemble, the resident youth company of TDC. There are 3 levels of the youth ensemble (ages 13–18) and a Jr. Ensemble (ages 10–14). Entry to these groups is by audition or invitation. Please contact shebach@tapdancecentral.org for more information.

Group of women in white shirts and black pants performing a dance on stage with stage lights overhead.
Two women with long hair sitting on chairs on a stage, laughing and joking with each other, wearing red tops and black pants.
Two young girls dancing on stage, smiling and holding hands, with a dark background and stage lighting.