FIRST STEPS DIVISION
ages 2-6
The First Steps Division
Igniting the joy of movement in the tiniest dancers!
The First Steps Division is dedicated to helping the tiniest dancers ignite a passion for movement and storytelling. Students will learn the basics of ballet, jazz, and tap in an environment that encourages play, curiosity, and discovery. Interpretive dance and creative movement games teach young dancers poise, along with the fundamentals of pattern recognition and coordination. Throughout the semester, students will develop crucial motor skills, learn to express themselves creatively, and build connections with peers. We offer a variety of classes to best introduce dancers of all ages to our curriculum.
New York State and New York City Child Welfare laws mandate that parents or caregivers of children up until age 6 must be on the premises when the children are in class and/or in the building. Children ages 0-24 months must have a parent or caregiver in the studio with them.
DANCE WITH ME – Dance with me is designed to engage both the dancer and a parent or guardian. This class, created for children age 2-4, provides an empowering and inclusive space where families can support children in connecting, learning, and having fun through dance.
DISCOVER – “Discover” is a class created for dancers age 3-4 that introduces the fundamentals of dance in various styles. The class structure focuses on building foundational skills and exploring artistry while helping prepare the dancer for the next steps in their dance journey
EXPLORE – “Explore” expands the dancer’s knowledge of tap, ballet, and jazz and allows students to focus on the proper technique needed in more advanced classes. Dancers age 5-6 will focus on strengthening their dance abilities while embracing creative movement and artistry.
Each program is grouped by age at the season start date (September 8, 2025).
- Dance with Me: Ages 2 – 4
- Discover Classes: Ages 3 – 4
- Explore Classes: Ages 5 – 6
DETAILS
AGES
2-6
Based on dancer’s age on September 8, 2025
OPEN ENROLLMENT
CALENDAR YEAR
Semester 1:
September 8, 2025 to January 25, 2026
Semester 2:
January 26, 2026 to June 7, 2026
FIRST STEPS INFORMATION
2025/26 CLASS SCHEDULE
| DAY | TIME | FACULTY | ||
| DANCE WITH ME | ||||
| Saturday | 9:30-10:15am | Lili Calahan | ||
| DAY | TIME | FACULTY | ||
| DISCOVER BALLET | ||||
| Tuesday | 3:45-4:30pm | Martha Chapman | ||
| Sunday | 11:00-11:45am | Lili Calahan | ||
| DISCOVER TAP | ||||
| Thursday | 4:00-4:45pm | Devan Corcoran | ||
| DISCOVER JAZZ | ||||
| Saturday | 10:00-10:45am | Taylor Stufflebean | ||
| DISCOVER HIP HOP | ||||
| Sunday | 12:00-12:45pm | Hannah Gundermann | ||
| DAY | TIME | FACULTY | ||
| EXPLORE BALLET | ||||
| Friday | 4:00-4:45pm | Rebecca Tsivkin | ||
| Sunday | 12:00-12:45pm | Lili Calahan | ||
| EXPLORE TAP | ||||
| Wednesday | 4:00-4:45pm | Devan Corcoran | ||
| EXPLORE JAZZ | ||||
| Thursday | 5:00-5:45pm | Devan Corcoran | ||
| Saturday | 10:30-11:15am | Lili Calahan | ||
| EXPLORE HIP HOP | ||||
| Sunday | 11:00-11:45am | Hannah Gundermann | ||
DRESS CODE
Our dress code is designed to prepare our students for success in class. It allows them to fully focus on their work in the studio, while providing instructors with a clear perspective on their alignment. Arriving in proper attire creates an atmosphere of professionalism and community while providing an opportunity to demonstrate respect for faculty and craft.
Click here to download a pdf of the dress code.
HAIR
Dancers’ hair should be worn in a classical bun or pinned, clipped, and tied securely away
from the face. No loose or dangling jewelry is allowed in class.
WHERE TO BUY
Steps on Broadway partners with all of the dance manufactures here in NYC and each offers a generous discount to Academy students. You can find the required styles at On Stage Dancewear, Bloch, Capezio, and in the Steps Shop on the 3rd Floor.
BALLET
Option 1:
- Bloch CL5602 – Pastel Blue Leotard
- Pink or flesh tone tights
- Pink or flesh tone ballet slippers
- Optional: Black wrap sweater
- Bloch CZ0999 or Capezio CC850C
- Optional: Pastel blue pull-on skirt
- Bloch CR5110
- No sparkle or sequin skirts. No tutus.
Option 2:
- First Steps T-Shirt
- Black shorts or pants
- Black socks
- Black ballet slippers
TAP/JAZZ
Option 1:
- Bloch CL5602 – Pastel Blue Leotard
- Black shorts, pants, or leggings
- Black socks
- (Tap) Black tap shoes
- (Jazz) Black jazz shoes
- (Hip Hop) Clean sneakers
Option 2:
- First Steps T-Shirt
- Black shorts or pants, or leggings
- Black socks
- (Tap) Black tap shoes
- (Jazz) Black jazz shoes
- (Hip Hop) Clean sneakers
HANDBOOK
2025/2026 Handbook will be available soon.
REGISTRATION & TUITION
2025/2026 Tuition
$731 per class per semester
Registration Requirements
- All classes will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis
- Annual Registration Fee: $80 (valid Sept – Aug)
- All registrations will be done online. We will not be accepting mailed forms or checks.
- From the home page of the Parent Portal, click Register for Classes
- Select the program you are interested in
- First Steps (Ages 2-6)
- Check the box next to each class to enroll then press Submit at the bottom of thepage
- Finish registration and payment to receive a confirmation email
- If you are in need of a monthly payment plan, please email sara@stepsnyc.com to request one
Registration is not considered final until payment has been processed.
Refunds
Prior to first day of semester – 90% Refund of Tuition
After semester begins – No Refunds Granted
