Jazz-Tappin Dance Academy

- 5 York St, Sanford, ME 04073

For families across York County and the greater Sanford area looking for a high-quality, reputable, and positive environment for dance education, the Jazz-Tappin Dance Academy stands out as a true local institution. Celebrating over two decades of service to the Maine community, this established dance school is dedicated to instilling a love of movement, strong technical foundations, and critical life skills like confidence and discipline in students of all ages.

The Academy, affectionately known as JTDA, is driven by the vision and expertise of its certified director, Miss Kendra O’Connell. Miss Kendra brings a wealth of experience, having trained extensively and participated in prestigious teacher training programs like Dance Masters of America. Her deep commitment to continued education ensures that the students in Sanford receive instruction that is both classic in technique and current in style. This foundation of expert leadership is why so many Maine parents feel comfortable and confident enrolling their children here. The studio prides itself on offering fun, exciting classes that allow students’ self-confidence and abilities to soar, with a firm belief that every student matters, regardless of their skill level.

Jazz-Tappin Dance Academy understands that dance is more than just learning steps—it’s about fostering growth. As one local parent shared, their daughter “absolutely fell in LOVE with dance” after trying summer classes, praising Miss Kendra for being "warm and inviting" even with a very shy dancer. This welcoming atmosphere makes JTDA an excellent choice for children new to dance, offering a supportive place where they can develop rhythm, self-expression, and a healthy approach to physical activity. For those in Maine seeking a dedicated, professional, and friendly dance school that is clearly "Good for kids," JTDA offers a proven and beloved local option.

### Location and Accessibility

The Jazz-Tappin Dance Academy is conveniently located right in the heart of Sanford, making it easily accessible for families traveling from across southern Maine. Its location is designed to be a dedicated, secure, and professional space for dance instruction and rehearsals.

Address: 5 York St, Sanford, ME 04073, USA

The academy is committed to providing a welcoming environment for all members of the Maine community. This is reflected in its dedication to accessibility:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot

This focus on physical accessibility ensures that every aspiring dancer and attending family member can comfortably access the studio space. Furthermore, for the convenience of parents, the academy accepts Debit cards for payment, making tuition management straightforward.

### Services Offered

Jazz-Tappin Dance Academy offers a comprehensive range of classes designed to accommodate dancers at every age and stage of development, from the very first steps to advanced pre-professional training.

• Child's Dance Class: Foundational and age-appropriate classes starting with preschoolers, focusing on creative movement, coordination, and the basics of dance.
• Combination Classes: Popular multi-discipline classes such as Pre-School Ballet/Tap and Intermediate Jazz/Tap, which provide students with a well-rounded introduction to different genres.
• Tap Dance Instruction: A core specialty, offering in-depth Tap Dance classes for all levels, focusing on rhythm, musicality, and technique to train students to become skilled Tap Dancers.
• Ballet Instruction: The foundation of all dance forms, with classes ranging from Pre School Ballet, focusing on basic terminology, to Intermediate Ballet, emphasizing body placement, alignment, and strength.
• Contemporary Dance: Classes focusing on the expressive, flowing movement and technical elements of Lyrical and Contemporary styles for older and more advanced students.
• Acro Dance: Classes taught by an Acrobatic Arts certified instructor, focusing on skills like flexibility, strength, control, tricks, and tumbling.
• Specialized Training Programs: Including comprehensive Dance Education and advanced Teacher Training options for students looking to pursue dance professionally or continue their mastery.
• Summer Dance Camp: Offering an immersive, fun, and concentrated experience during the summer months to keep dancers engaged and progressing outside of the regular school year.
• Hip Hop: High-energy classes featuring today's "street style" movement, performed to age-appropriate music with no vulgar lyrics or movements, focusing on fun and self-expression.

### Features / Highlights

Jazz-Tappin Dance Academy has cultivated a reputation within the Maine dance community not just for its technical instruction but also for its commitment to the student experience and professional environment.

• Certified, Experienced Leadership: The studio is directed by Miss Kendra O'Connell, a certified Dance Masters of America teacher, ensuring a professional and recognized standard of Dance Education.
• Over 25 Years of Service: A long-standing, trusted presence in Sanford, showcasing consistency, dedication, and deep roots within the local Maine community.
• Performance Opportunities: Students have had unique opportunities to perform both locally in Maine and nationally at events such as the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and Disney World.
• Positive and Age-Appropriate Focus: A strong belief in age-appropriate routines, including lyrics, costuming, and movements across all genres, providing a safe and comfortable learning environment for all children.
• High-Quality Facilities and Technology: The studio provides a modern learning environment, including a closed-circuit TV system in the lobby, allowing parents to discreetly observe their child's dance class.
• Award-Winning Dancers: Students from JTDA have attended numerous regional and national competitions, earning high accolades including silver, gold, and platinum awards, as well as judges' awards for choreography and entertainment.

### Contact Information

Residents of Maine interested in enrolling in classes, learning more about the current schedule, or finding out about summer camps can easily reach the Academy using the following contact details:

• Studio Address: 5 York St, Sanford, ME 04073, USA
• Primary Phone: (207) 324-0787
• Mobile Phone: +1 207-324-0787

### What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Jazz-Tappin Dance Academy in Sanford, Maine, means selecting a studio that balances serious dance instruction with a genuinely warm and supportive atmosphere. For Maine families, the Academy is worth choosing for several compelling reasons. The most notable is the high caliber of instruction provided by Miss Kendra, whose own background as a certified and accomplished Tap Dancer ensures students are learning from a true expert who has performed and competed internationally.

Furthermore, the long-standing commitment to the local community—celebrating over a quarter-century in Sanford—speaks volumes about their stability and dedication. They are a school that has successfully guided students from their first "Pre School Ballet" steps all the way through a rigorous "Training Program."

As evidenced by the customer who hopes Miss Kendra will one day teach her own children, the relationships forged here are lasting. JTDA’s focus on the whole child—not just the dancer—fosters poise, confidence, and discipline, making it an ideal environment for nurturing young talent in a positive, creative, and physically accessible space. When looking for a local Maine dance school that truly cares and delivers results, Jazz-Tappin Dance Academy is the tried-and-true choice.

Jazz-Tappin Dance Academy

5 York St, Sanford, ME 04073, USA