Zeeland Rec Dance

New Dancers: Dance Fundamentals Classes

3 Yr Olds-5th Gr

Join us to receive excellent dance training, improve coordination, develop artistic creativity, make lasting friendships and have fun! These classes are for first-time dancers, newer dancers, or returning dancers who want to improve their fundamentals prior to our genre-specific classes. Participants will develop strong techniques that will help them in all dance genres as they get older (Ballet, Jazz, Jazz Funk, Tap, etc). All of our dance classes have a year-end Spring Recital performance in June. Performing in the recital is optional. Please be aware that there are additional fees in order to perform. Please see the “Spring Recital” tab below for full details. All participants must be potty-trained.

• Fall Class Dates: Sept 12-Dec 17 
• Recital Info: All of our dance classes have a year-end Spring Recital performance in June. Performing in the recital is optional. Please be aware that there are additional fees in order to perform. Please see the “Spring Recital” tab below for full details
• Register for Winter Classes Here
• Class Descriptions: For a thorough description of each class, please see the “Dance Class Descriptions” tab below
• Winter Class Dates: Feb 6-June 8
• Winter Costs: Varies (Click "Register" Link Above for Pricing)
• Winter Registration Deadline: Jan 7
• Spring Recital: June 15, 16, 17 | This is optional for dancers to participate in | More details will come later in the Fall
• Registration for Spring Recital: Opens on Dec 1 | Jan 14 Deadline
• Studio Locations and Directions
• Shoe and Dancewear Guidelines
• Weekly Class Schedule
• Fall/Winter Calendar
• Dance Fundamentals (3-5 Yr Olds): Mon | 2pm
• Dance Fundamentals (3-5 Yr Olds): Mon | 5:30pm 
• Dance Fundamentals (3-5 Yr Olds): Tues | 9am | Must Enroll in Fall and Winter
• Dance Fundamentals (3-5 Yr Olds): Fri | 5:00pm
• Dance Fundamentals (3-5 Yr Olds): Sat | 10am 
• Dance Fundamentals (KG-2nd Gr): Sat | 11am  
• Dance Fundamentals (3rd-6th Gr): Fri | 4:30pm
• Creative Movement (5 Yr Olds-2nd Gr): Tue | 6:15pm 
• Creative Movement (3rd-6th Gr): Tue | 4:45pm
• Tap Fundamentals (5 Yr Olds-KG): Tue | 7pm
• Tap Fundamentals (1st-3rd Gr): Tue | 5:30pm
• Tap Fundamentals (4th-6th Gr): Wed | 6:30pm 
• Jazz Funk Fundamentals (6th-12th Gr): Wed | 3pm 
• Musical Theater winter only (6th-12th Gr): Mon | 3pm
• Pom (3rd-12th Gr): Tue | 7:15pm  
  • Pom requires experience in dance, cheer or gymnastics to enroll

WEEKLY DANCE CLASSES

3-18 Yr Olds

Our dance classes develop strong techniques in Ballet, Jazz, Jazz Funk (Hip Hop) and Tap. These weekly classes are geared towards students who have been previously enrolled in our dance classes. Participants will continue building upon principals such as proper alignment, placement, turn-out and core control. Dancers will also learn fun choreography, gain strength, increase flexibility, improve coordination, develop artistic creativity, make lasting friendships and have fun! Enroll based on 2022-23 grade level. 

• Fall Late Registration: Deadline for Fall classes was Sept 2. Call 616-748-3230 to inquire about waitlist options
• Fall Class Dates: Sept 12-Dec 17 
• Register for Winter Classes Here
• Winter Class Dates: Feb 6-June 8
• Winter Class Costs: Varies (Click "Register" Link Above for Pricing)
• Winter Registration Deadline: Jan 7 
• Spring Recital: June 15, 16, 17 | This is optional for dancers to participate in | More details will come later in the Fall
• Fall/Winter Dance Calendar
• Fall/Winter Weekly Class List/Schedule
• Studio Locations and Directions
• Dancewear and Shoe Requirements
• Recital Enrollment Opens: Dec 1
• Recital Enrollment Closes: Jan 14
• Costume Measuring Day: Jan 14 @ Shoreline Studio
• Placement Week: May 22-25 | Classes will have a varied schedule
• Recital: June 15, 16, 17

Please use the below information as a guideline when determining the appropriate class for your child. Final placement in all classes is determined by the instructor.

Dance Fundamentals Classes (3 Yr Olds+): Designed for new dancers or returning dancers. Dancers will move to a variety of music, learn basic dance vocabulary and explore many dance principals through the use of fun imagery and well-rounded combinations. Dancer must be potty-trained. 

Pre-Primary, Primary and Secondary: These classes are for returning dance students. Dancers will continue building proper alignment, placement, turn-out and core control fundamentals. Dancers will also gain strength, flexibility and coordination while learning fun practice combinations and choreography.

Tap Fundamentals (5 Yr Olds+): Designed for new dancers or returning dancers. Dancers will learn basic tap movements that serve as the building blocks for more difficult tap movements. Dancers will also work on rhythm and musicality while also exploring basic music theory. Dancer must be potty-trained. 

Tap Leveled Classes: Geared towards returning dancers. Dancers will work on rhythm, musicality and increasing speed while also working with weight-bearing and non-weight bearing tap vocabulary.

Ballet Technique Classes: Designed for returning dancers seeking an additional weekly class with a ballet focus. Dancers will grow their ballet vocabulary and build strength and flexibility. Besides moving through the components of a classical ballet lesson, dancers will be instructed in floor barre and other innovative techniques to encourage the use of the proper muscles in turn-out, extension, placement and alignment. Ballet Tech D is for dancers who are currently in 3rd grade with two or more years of recent and continuous experience (permission not necessary).  Placement in Ballet Tech A-C is by recommendation of the instructor only. For all of our Ballet Tech classes, please allow for adjustments in placement to be made as needed. Experienced dancers new to our program should enroll in Ballet Tech D in order to be evaluated for proper placement.

Pointe (Enroll with Instructor Permission Only): Dancers must be dual enrolled in Ballet Tech A in order to enroll in Pointe class.

Jazz Technique (5th gr +): This class is an opportunity for your dancer to increase the frequency and intensity of their training. Dancers will refine their technique in elements such as turns, jumps, and stylized movement.

Creative Movement Dance (5yr-6th gr) : This class is geared towards those interested in using their imaginations to explore elements of dance: time, space, and energy. The class will incorporate Anne Green Gilbert's educational methods, including the BrainDance. Dancers will learn how to collaborate to create their own unique compositions for the spring recital. This class is an excellent fit for dancers who love dancing but are looking for more freedoms than what they can get in the structure of a traditional dance class.

Jazz Funk (6th gr +):  Jazz Funk is a style of jazz dance that is the studio-based version of hip hop dance forms. New dancers in 6th grade and up should enroll in Jazz Funk Fundamentals.

Musical Theater (6th gr +): This class is geared toward kids who love to sing and dance and want to explore the unique storytelling opportunities that musical theater provides through both choral and dance arts. Dancers will both sing and dance through choreography.

Pom (3rd gr + ): A recent year of dance, cheer, or gymnastics is required prior to enrolling in the class. This class is for students that want a fun introduction to dance team-style Pom. Dancers will gain arm stretch and power in movement. At the same time, cheerleaders and gymnasts will benefit from the movement quality that Pom as a dance form brings to their sport.  

Reminder to Current Dancers: Zeeland Rec Dance level dancers up once a year prior to the fall session. All dancers who completed the previous semester of dance classes will receive a placement letter for the upcoming school year at the beginning of August.

Those With Dance Experience But New to Zeeland Rec Dance: Welcome to Zeeland Rec Dance! If you're an experienced dance student new to our dance program, please enroll in a Dance Fundamentals class for evaluation to determine placement in an upper level class. Or, for an additional fee, new students may schedule a private evaluation in order to determine placement. Please call our office at 748-3230 to schedule an appointment. Questions? Contact Corrie Hilt at cmckiern@zps.org  

Kids Dance Day 

5 Yr Olds-6th Gr

The Zeeland Dance Company is hosting a holiday themed day of fun! Dancers will learn techniques and routines, play movement games and do a dance related craft! That same evening, dancers are invited back to perform at 6pm in “Uplifted”, a concert hosted by the Zeeland Youth Dance Company! All proceeds from “Uplifted” go towards our K.L.A.S.S. program, which provides free Zeeland Rec programs to children who are in financial need. No experience required. Children must be potty trained and 3 years old as of Sept 1, 2022

• Register Here
• Registration Deadline: Thur, Dec 1
• Instructors: Cydney Sheneman, Rachel Plaggmars, Zeeland Dance Company Members
• Date: Sat, Dec 10
• 5 Yr Olds-KG: 9am-12pm | $25r/$40nr
• 1st-6th Gr: 9am-1pm | $29r/$44 nr
• Location: Cityside Middle School - Lokers Auditorium
• Uplifted Dance Performance:
  • Buy Tickets Here (Tickets Go On Sale on Nov 16)
  • Date: Sat, Dec 10 @ 6pm
  • Cost: $5               
  • Concert Location: Lokers Auditorium

“Uplifted” Dance Performance:

This performance will highlight our Zeeland Youth Dance Company members + participants from our “Kid’s Dance Day” program for 5 yr olds-6th graders that takes place earlier on the same day. All proceeds will go towards our K.L.A.S.S. program, which provides free Zeeland Rec programs to children in financial need.

• Buy Tickets Here (Tickets Go On Sale on Tue, Nov 15)
• Date: Sat, Dec 10 @ 6pm
• Cost: $5               
• Concert Location: Lokers Auditorium

Pumpkin Fest Parade 

3-18 Yr Olds

Kick off fall by representing the Zeeland Recreation Dance program in the Pumpkin Fest Parade! 3-5 year olds will sit on the dance float, while 6-18 year olds will walk with the Zeeland Youth Dance Company during the parade. The parade starts at 3pm in downtown Zeeland. Shirts will be provided. Open to all who are currently enrolled in our dance program. 

• Register Here
• ​​​​​​​Cost: $7
• Instructors: Zeeland Recreation Dance Instructors
• Date: Sat, Oct 8
• Time: Parade starts at 3pm
• Location: Exact times and lineup details will be communicated via email

Zeeland Youth Dance Company (ZYDC)

5th-12th Gr

The Zeeland Youth Dance Company is an auditioned ensemble that provides opportunities for experienced dancers in grades 5-12 to learn and perform choreography throughout the community. ZYDC members show a strong love of dance, and a passion for sharing dance with others. Learn more here.

Spring Recital 2023

All dancers who are registered in our Fall & Winter dance classes are invited to perform in our Spring Recital! Full details will be communicated to dance families later in the Fall. 

• Rehearsal Dates: June 10-14
• Shows: June 15, 16, 17
• Registration Opens: Dec 1
• Registration Closes: Jan 14
• Costume Measuring Day: Jan 14
• Costume Pick Up Day: May 20 | 10am-1pm
• How to Measure for a Dance Costume
• Tights: Flesh toned

 Hair & Makeup Tutorials

• Makeup For Shows
• Makeup Tutorial
• Bun Tutorial
• Examples of various hair textures and lengths for show day looks

EXPERIENCED DANCER BUT NEW TO ZEELAND REC DANCE? 

If you are an experienced dancer but our new to our dance program, please enroll in a Dance Fundamentals class for evaluation to determine placement in an upper level class. Or, for an additional fee, new students may schedule a private evaluation in order to determine placement. Please call our office at 616-748-3230 to schedule an appointment. Questions? Please contact Corrie Hilt, Leisure Coordinator, at cmckiern@zps.org