Youth Program classes start on Mon. Sep. 14th 2026, and end on Sun. June 13th 2027
About the Youth Program
Our Youth Program is an inclusive and rich tap dance education that supports the growth of tap dance as an art form —
Our Youth Program is an inclusive and rich tap dance education that supports the growth of tap dance as an art form by providing access to comprehensive training for all ages that celebrates the history, artistry and cultural contributions of the masters, as well as contemporary explorations.
— by providing access to comprehensive training for all ages that celebrates the history, artistry and cultural contributions of the masters, as well as contemporary explorations.
We present a variety of artists in our tap dance community (including students and professional artists) in performance in a variety of settings in the NYC community and beyond with the goal of inspiring, educating, and creating new generations of audiences who appreciate and support tap dance.
We provide scholarship assistance to multi-generational students who wish to participate in our educational programs and need support to do so, as we want to make participation in our programs open and inclusive to all.
In our Youth Program as well as our organization as a whole, we strive to support diversity and equity.
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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.
Each class meets once a week, with the exception of the Youth Ensemble and Junior Ensemble who meet for an additional rehearsal session each week.
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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.
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Students with no prior tap experience can register for Young Rhythm Makers (ages 3–6) 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.
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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.
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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.
