Join us for a Kids' Winter Dance from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 20 in the ballroom at the East Boulder Community Center. More information
About the Dance Program
We empower all youth no matter age, ability or background, to live an active and healthy lifestyle.
Winter Showcase 2024
How to sign up for dance
Find a dance class
Look at the dance section of the Recreation Guide.
Register online
Use online registration to secure your spot.
Concert vs. Non-Concert Classes
While browsing our class offerings for youth, you will see classes labeled as either "Concert" or "Non-Concert." While both types of classes are centered around creating a fun and energetic learning environment for all dancers, Concert and Non-Concert classes have some key differences that should be considered before enrolling.
Concert Classes:
Session Dates: Sept 3 - Dec 21
Dress Rehearsal: Dec 15
Recital: Dec 20
Our Concert Classes are a truly unforgettable experience! This 15-week session will conclude with a recital, offering dancers a unique performance opportunity. Plus, dancers will get to keep their costumes as a special memento!
Concert classes are a great choice for dancers of all experience levels who are able to commit to a full 15-week session of working hard to prepare for a performance for their friends and family in an end-of-session recital! Please be aware that there is an additional concert fee for each concert class that a dancer registers for. This is used for costs associated with the concert, as well as your dancer's costume (which they get to keep)!
Non-Concert Classes:
Session 1 Dates: Sept 3 - Oct 26
Session 2 Dates: Oct 28 - Dec 21
Perfect for families with busy schedules, our Non-Concert Classes offer a flexible and exciting way to learn dance. These shorter sessions provide high-quality instruction without the commitment of a recital, making them ideal for dancers balancing multiple extracurriculars or wanting to try dance without overcommitting.
Each Non-Concert class will still have a "Parent Watch-Day" on the last class of the session to show off all the new skills that the dancers have learned!
Whether your dancer chooses Concert or Non-Concert classes, they are sure to have a blast while growing their dance skills in a supportive and fun environment. Dancers are also welcome to mix and match Concert and Non-Concert classes to create a schedule that works best for them. As always, feel free to contact your dance leads with any questions, and we can't wait to dance with you this fall!
Where is the Iris Studio?
The Iris Studio is located at 3198 Broadway in the same parking lot as the North Boulder Recreation Center. The entrance to the dance studio is on the North side of the building: up the accessible ramp. For more information regarding class locations, please contact your dance leads!
Policies and General Dance Information
- We believe in the child’s right to learn in privacy. Therefore, all classes are closed to parents. Setting this expectation before the first class helps the transition on our first fun day of learning.
- Please have your dancer use the restroom before class begins. Instructors and assistants cannot leave the classroom, so if your child needs to go potty during class a parent will need to be present to take them. Leaving class can be disruptive to your child’s learning experience, and that of the other dancers in the class room.
- Water bottles are required for each dancer. Please make sure their name is on it. Water breaks are provided each class, and we will not allow students to leave classroom during this time. Forgot yours? There is water for sale at the vending machines in each recreation center.
- Missed Classes: If your child is sick, please keep them at home. There are no make-ups for missed classes.
- Inclement weather policy: In the event of inclement weather, The City of Boulder weather hotline number is: (303) 441-4300, if inclement weather occurs and city facilities are delayed or closed, classes during that period will be cancelled.
- Photography in class: By signing the Risk and Waiver of Liability at registration, you agree to the photographs and model release. Photographs of classes or individuals may be taken in class by COB staff and used for marketing and promoting the dance program. Please alert the instructor if you wish you or your child not be photographed during class.
- Everyone is encouraged to have all dance apparel on the first day of class.
Ballet: leotard and tights and soft leather ballet shoes. Socks only are not permitted for dancer safety.
Jazz: Leotard and tights, fitted tank top, leggings or fitted shorts. Leather jazz shoes or ballet shoes recommended. Socks only are not permitted for dancer safety.
Tap: A fitted tank top/tee, leggings or fitted shorts. Tap shoes are required. Adult dancers may wear dance-appropriate warm-ups.
- Hip Hop: A fitted tank top/tee, leggings or fitted shorts. Clean-soled sneakers are required (please do not wear shoes worn outside into class, for the safety of other students and protection of our dance floors). Bare feet or socks are not permitted for dancer safety.
Hair and Jewelry: Participants with long hair should wear it off the face and neck (in a bun, for example). Dangly earrings, necklaces and bracelets are discouraged.
There are many options available to you! Boulder Body Wear can fit you for all your dancing needs and City of Boulder participants receive a 15% discount. Be sure to mention you are participating in our program!
If you prefer to purchase online, keep in mind you will not be able to try on important items (such as dance shoes) when purchasing apparel this way. Here are some sites we recommend:
Parent Observation Policy
The City of Boulder Dance Program is committed to providing an enriching and focused learning environment for young dancers. One noteworthy aspect of our program is the policy that prohibits parents from observing their child's dance classes. Our decision to restrict parent observation is rooted in a desire to create a positive, focused, and nurturing learning environment for our young dancers. By prioritizing concentration, independence, safety, and professionalism, we aim to cultivate not only skilled dancers, but also confident and expressive individuals on their artistic journey.
In particular, this policy aims to:
- Foster Concentration: Concentration is critical in dance, and allowing parents to observe can inadvertently create distractions which affect both students and instructors [1]. By limiting external influences, we ensure that our dancers can fully immerse themselves in the learning process [2], allowing them to absorb instructions and refine their skills without interruption.
- Encourage Independence: Independence is a key aspect of personal and artistic growth. Our policy of no parent observation aims to encourage young dancers to take ownership of their dance education. When parents are not present, students are more likely to make decisions that contribute to their development [3], fostering a sense of responsibility for their own progress.
- Alleviate Performance Anxiety: Performance anxiety is a common challenge for dancers. The knowledge that parents are watching can create unnecessary pressure, and by eliminating constant observation students can focus on their personal growth and artistic expression without the burden of external expectations [4]. This contributes to a more positive and nurturing learning environment.
- Cultivate Professionalism and Program Culture: Dance class is a serious educational setting where the primary focus is on learning and improvement. The no-observation policy communicates to both students and parents that the Dance Program is dedicated to maintaining a professional atmosphere within the studio. This commitment strengthens the overall culture of our program and emphasizes our dedication to providing a high-quality dance education [5].
- Provide a Safe Space: Students may be more hesitant to explore movements or try new techniques if they feel constantly observed by their parents [6]. The City of Boulder Dance Program is committed to creating a safe and supportive space for self-expression and vulnerability. Our policy ensures that students can take risks and push their boundaries in a private and secure setting.
- While these points are drawn from general psychological and educational principles, the specific policies of the City of Boulder Dance Program are informed by a combination of practical experience, educational philosophy, and common practice among dance educators. The integration of these principles into dance education aligns with established psychological and educational theories on effective learning environments.
References:
- Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1985). Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in human behavior. Springer.
- Dux, P. E., Asplund, C. L., & Marois, R. (2009). An attentional blink for sequentially presented targets: Evidence in favor of resource depletion accounts. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 16(1), 141–146.
- Edmondson, A. (1999). Psychological safety and learning behavior in work teams. Administrative Science Quarterly, 44(2), 350–383.
- Hanton, S., Mellalieu, S. D., & Hall, R. (2004). Self-confidence and anxiety interpretation: A qualitative investigation. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 5(4), 477–495.
- Pashler, H., McDaniel, M., Rohrer, D., & Bjork, R. (2008). Learning styles: Concepts and evidence. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 9(3), 105–119.
- Bergin, C. (1999). Influences on classroom interest. Educational Psychologist, 34(2), 87–98.