Dance

Winter

3-18 Yr Olds

The Zeeland Rec dance program includes opportunities for new or experienced 3-18 yr olds in Fundamentals, Ballet, Contemporary, Creative Movement, Jazz, Jazz Funk, Pointe, Secondary, Tap and more! We're honored to provide excellent dance training that improves coordination, develops artistic creativity and creates lasting friendships. Come join the fun... all are welcome!


dance classes for new(er) dancers

 3 Yr Olds+

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. 5 Yr Olds: Register based on age at the start of the program. K-5th Gr: Register based on 2024-25 grade level

Recital Information: All dancers that participate in our Fall & Winter dance classes are invited to participate in our end-of-year recital in June! Participating in the recital is optional, requires separate registration and includes additional fees. All details below! Note: Winter Dance Fundamentals and Dance Fusion enrollees may participate in the recital, but enrolling for the entire year is preferred. All returning leveled dance class participants need to sign up for the full year in order to dance with their class in recital. 

dance classes for returning dancers

3-18 Yr Olds

The Zeeland Rec dance program includes opportunities for new or experienced 3-18 yr olds in Fundamentals, Ballet, Contemporary, Creative Movement, Jazz, Jazz Funk, Pointe, Secondary, Tap and more! We're honored to provide excellent dance training that improves coordination, develops artistic creativity and creates lasting friendships. Come join the fun... all are welcome!

Recital Information: All dancers that participate in our Fall & Winter dance classes are invited to participate in our end-of-year recital in June! Participating in the recital is optional, requires separate registration and includes additional fees. All details below! Note: Winter Dance Fundamentals and Dance Fusion enrollees may participate in the recital, but enrolling for the entire year is preferred. All returning leveled dance class participants need to sign up for the full year in order to dance with their class in recital. 


Reminder to Current Dancers: Zeeland Rec Dance levels 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: If you're an experienced dancer 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? Contact Katelyn Parker,. Leisure Coordinator, at kparker@zps.org or (616) 748-3240  

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 1 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 2-5 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 1 in order to be evaluated for proper placement.

Contemporary Technique: Designed for returning dancers seeking an additional weekly class with a modern and contemporary technical focus.  Dancers will build their modern and contemporary vocabulary by studying a variety of technique styles such as Horton, Graham, Cunningham, Countertechnique, and Flying Low.  Dancers will also build artistry by participating in improvisational exercises both as individuals and building into contact improv with their peers.

Creative Movement Dance (5 Yr Olds-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.

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. 

Dance Fusion: Geared towards middle school students interested in exploring dance for the first time, or experienced dancers brushing up on basics in preparation for dance class during the school day or just for fun.  This class will cover ballet, contemporary, and jazz technique and have a performance opportunity in the June recital.

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.

Jazz-Tap Company: The Jazz-Tap Company a division of the Zeeland Youth Dance Company that specializes in jazz and tap technique.  This is an auditioned ensemble that provides opportunities for experienced dancers in 6th-12th grades to learn and perform jazz and tap choreography throughout the community. Jazz-Tap Company members show a strong love of tap and jazz dance, an appreciation of the historical and cultural context of these dance styles, and a passion for sharing dance with others. 

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.

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

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.  

Pre-Primary, Primary, 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

NEW DANCERS: DANCE FUNDAMENTALS CLASSES

3-18 Yr Olds

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. 5 Yr Olds: Register based on age at the start of the program. K-5th Gr: Register based on 2024-25 grade level

Recital Information: All dancers that participate in our Fall & Winter dance classes are invited to participate in our end-of-year recital in June! Participating in the recital is optional, requires separate registration and includes additional fees. All details below! Note: Winter Dance Fundamentals and Dance Fusion enrollees may participate in the recital, but enrolling for the entire year is preferred. All returning leveled dance class participants need to sign up for the full year in order to dance with their class in recital. 

  • Register for Winter Classes Here (Nov 22 Deadline)
  • Register for Spring Recital Here (Nov 22 Deadline)
  • Dates: Dec 2-June 7
  • Costs: $194-$245 (depends on class)
  • Class Descriptions: Click the “Dance Class Descriptions” tab below
  • Dance Fundamentals (3-5 Yrs): Mon | 3:45pm
  • Dance Fundamentals (3-5 Yrs): Tue | 9am (must have been enrolled in Fall)
  • Dance Fundamentals (3-5 Yrs): Tue | 10am (for new dancers this Winter)
  • Dance Fundamentals (3-5 Yrs): Tue | 2pm
  • Dance Fundamentals (3-5 Yrs): Wed | 4pm
  • Dance Fundamentals (3-5 Yrs): Thur | 4pm
  • Dance Fundamentals (3-5 Yrs): Sat | 9am
  • Dance Fundamentals (5 Yrs-KG): Wed | 5:30pm
  • Dance Fundamentals (5 Yrs-KG): Sat | 9:45am
  • Dance Fundamentals (1st-2nd Gr): Thur | 4:45pm
  • Dance Fundamentals (3rd-5th Gr): Sat | 11:15am
  • Creative Movement (5 Yrs-2nd Gr): Tue | 5:45pm
  • Contemporary Technique (7th-12th Gr): Thur | 6:15pm
  • Jazz Funk Fundamentals (6th-12th Gr): Wed | 3pm
  • Pom Fundamentals (3rd-8th Gr): Tue | 4:30pm
  • Tap Fundamentals (5 Yrs-3rd Gr): Tue | 6:30pm
  • Tap Fundamentals / Tap 1 (1st-3rd Gr): Thur | 5:30pm
  • Tap Fundamentals (4th-7th Gr): Thur | 7:15pm
  • Winter Dance Class Calendar
  • Dance Weekly Schedule/Themes
  • Studio Locations and Directions
  • Shoe and Dancewear Guidelines

DANCE CLASSES for returning dancers

3-18 Yr Olds

The Zeeland Rec dance program includes opportunities for new or experienced 3-18 yr olds in Fundamentals, Ballet, Contemporary, Creative Movement, Jazz, Jazz Funk, Pointe, Secondary, Tap and more! We're honored to provide excellent dance training that improves coordination, develops artistic creativity and creates lasting friendships. Come join the fun... all are welcome!

Recital Information: All dancers that participate in our Fall & Winter dance classes are invited to participate in our end-of-year recital in June! Participating in the recital is optional, requires separate registration and includes additional fees. All details below! Note: Winter Dance Fundamentals and Dance Fusion enrollees may participate in the recital, but enrolling for the entire year is preferred. All returning leveled dance class participants need to sign up for the full year in order to dance with their class in recital. 

  • Register for Winter Classes Here (Nov 22 Deadline)
  • Register for Spring Recital Here (Nov 22 Deadline)
  • Dates: Dec 2-June 7
  • Costs: $194-$293 (depends on class)
  • Class Descriptions: Click the “Dance Class Descriptions” tab below
  • Ballet Tech 1: Sat | 11am
  • Ballet Tech 2: Fri | 3pm
  • Ballet Tech 3: Thur | 3pm
  • Ballet Tech 4: Mon | 3pm
  • Ballet Tech 5: Wed | 3pm
  • Contemporary Technique (7th-12th Gr): Thur | 6:15pm
  • Creative Movement (5 Yrs-2nd Gr): Tue | 5:45pm
  • Creative Movement (3rd-5th Gr): Tue | 5pm
  • Dance Fusion: Thur | 3pm
  • Jazz Funk Fundamentals (6th-12th Gr): Wed | 3pm
  • Jazz Funk 1: Tue | 6pm
  • Jazz Funk 2: Tue | 3pm
  • Jazz Tap Company: Wed | 6pm
  • Jazz Tech 1: Sat | 12pm
  • Jazz Tech 1/2: Tue | 7:15pm
  • Jazz Tech 2: Wed | 8pm
  • Junior Company: Mon | 4:30pm 
  • Pom Fundamentals (3rd-8th Gr): Tue | 4:30pm
  • Pre-Pointe: Sat | 8:30am
  • Pointe 1: Thur | 4:30pm
  • Pointe 2: Wed | 4:30pm
  • Pre-Primary 1: Wed | 3:45pm
  • Pre-Primary 1: Wed | 4:45pm
  • Primary 1: Tue | 5pm
  • Primary 2: Wed | 6:15pm
  • Primary 3: Sat | 10am
  • Primary 4: Thur | 6:15pm
  • Primary 5: Wed | 5pm
  • Primary 6: Tue | 6pm
  • Primary 7: Thur | 4:15pm
  • Secondary 1: Fri | 4:30pm
  • Secondary 2: Thur | 5pm
  • Secondary 3: Tue | 3pm
  • Secondary 4: Tue | 3pm
  • Secondary 5: Wed | 6:30pm
  • Secondary 6: Tue | 7:15pm
  • Secondary 7: Thur | 7pm
  • Tap Fundamentals (5 Yrs-3rd Gr): Tue | 6:30pm
  • Tap Fundamentals / Tap 1 (1st-3rd Gr): Thur | 5:30pm
  • Tap Fundamentals (4th-7th Gr): Thur | 7:15pm
  • Tap 2: Thur | 5:30pm
  • Tap 3: Wed | 4:30pm
  • Tap 4: Wed | 7:30pm
  • Tap 5: Wed | 5:15pm
  • ZYDC: Mon | 5:40pm
  • ZDC: Mon | 7:30pm
  • Winter Dance Class Calendar
  • Dance Weekly Schedule/Themes
  • Studio Locations and Directions
  • Shoe and Dancewear Guidelines

dance & movement with my grown-up!

2-3 Yrs + Guardian

Join us to bond with your little one while they learn basic dance steps and terminology through songs, stories and play! On top of that, your little ones will also blossom while building self-confidence! Parents/guardians will participate actively in the class, so this is the perfect program for children who may still need a little more time before separating from a parent or caregiver. Ballet shoes and leotards are recommended for children, but not required. Enroll based on age at start date. 

  • Register Here
  • Cost: $59r/$73nr 
  • Instructor: Cydney Sheneman
  • Session 2: Wed | Dec 4-Jan 29 (skip Dec 25, Jan 1)
  • Session 3: Wed | Feb 5-Mar 19
  • Session 4: Wed | Apr 16-May 28
  • Time: 10:00am-10:45am
  • Location: Zeeland Recreation - Shoreline Sprinkling Studio


KID'S DANCE DAY

3 Yr Olds-6th Gr

Join the Zeeland Dance Company for a Spring themed day of fun! Participants will learn dance techniques, dance routines, play movement games, and do a dance related craft! That same evening, dancers are invited back to perform at 6pm in our “Uplifted” Dance Concert, hosted by our 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. Participants must be potty trained and 3 years old as of December 1. 

  • Register Here
  • Registration Deadline: Mon, Feb 10
  • Cost: $43r/$58nr
  • Instructors: Cydney Sheneman + Rachel Plaggemars + Zeeland Dance Company Dancers
  • Date: Sat, Mar 1
  • Time: 9:30am-12:30pm
  • Location: Cityside Middle School - Lokers Auditorium
  • Uplifted Performance Info: 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. 
    • Tickets: $5 | Go on Sale on Tue, Jan 14 HERE
    • Date: Sat, Mar 1
    • Time: 6pm
    • Location: Cityside Middle School - Lokers Auditorium


All dancers that participate in our Fall & Winter dance classes are invited to participate in our end-of-year recital in June! Participating in the recital is optional, requires separate registration and includes additional fees. All details below!

Note: Winter Dance Fundamentals and Dance Fusion enrollees may participate in the recital, but enrolling for the entire year is preferred. All returning leveled dance class participants need to sign up for the full year in order to dance with their class in recital. 

  • Register Here
  • Registration Deadline: Fri, Nov 22 (exception: Dance Fundamentals classes)
  • Dance Fundamentals Registration Deadline: Sat, Jan 11
  • Show Dates: June 12, 13, 14
  • Blocking Dates: June 7 & 9 (Schedule TBD)
  • Dress Rehearsals: June 10 & 11 (Schedule TBD)

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 Katelyn Parker, Leisure Coordinator, at kparker@zps.org

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.

Dance Instructors

External LinkRachel Plaggemars

Rachel earned her BA in dance performance and choreography with an emphasis in education from Hope College. Ms. Plaggemars emphasizes ballet training as a foundation for well-rounded dancers and has loved watching her students grow technically and artistically through the program

External LinkCydney Sheneman

Cydney graduated from Hope College with her BA in dance and religion education. Cydney enjoys helping students to not only learn a variety of dance genres and styles, but to also create their own works of movement art

External LinkAnnika Lamer

Annika is currently majoring in Hospitality, Tourism, and Management with a minor in Dance at Grand Valley State University. Annika’s dance training was at Zeeland Recreation from the age of 3 through her senior year of high school, as well as, a teacher’s assistant at Zeeland Recreation for 6 years.  She loves watching her students grow and develop into strong confident well-rounded dancers.

External LinkTiffany Stegink

Tiffany Stegink is studying Early Childhood Education with a minor in dance at Grand Valley State University. Tiffany trained at Zeeland Recreation from first grade through her senior year. She enjoys seeing dancers develop a passion for dance and watching them grow not only technically, but artistically. 

written 2024

Thursday 7pm

Friday 5:30pm

Friday 7pm

Saturday 10am

Saturday 12pm

KALEIDOSCOPE 2023

Thursday 7pm

Friday 7pm

Saturday 10am

Saturday 12pm

 

Photo Credit - Andrew Weller