Small Steps School of Dance

- 172 U.S. Rte 1, Scarborough, ME 04074

In the heart of Scarborough, Maine, a beloved local institution has been helping young dancers take their first steps and grow their passion for over two decades. Small Steps School of Dance, a proud women-owned business, is more than just a place to learn choreography; it’s a nurturing and welcoming community where children and families feel like they belong. Led by the kind, loving, and incredibly patient Miss Betsy, the school is built on the philosophy that dance should be a fun, creative, and stress-free experience that instills a lifelong love for movement and music.

From the moment a toddler takes their first dance class to when a youth dancer hones their skills, Small Steps School of Dance provides a developmentally appropriate and encouraging environment. The focus here is on building confidence and self-esteem, not just technical proficiency. This approach, as described by a long-time parent, is what makes the school so special. It's a place where kids are in "great hands" and where a love for dance and music is a direct result of the positive energy and care from the instructors.

The studio’s commitment to its students is a testament to its enduring success. It's the kind of place where a "once you become a part of Small Steps you really are becoming a part of her awesome family" mentality prevails. This deep sense of community and connection is what keeps families coming back year after year, with many students dancing from childhood through their teenage years, and even returning as alumni to support the next generation at the annual recitals.

Small Steps School of Dance is conveniently located at 172 U.S. Rte 1, Scarborough, ME 04074, USA. Its position on a major road makes it easily accessible for families from Scarborough and surrounding communities in Southern Maine. The central location is ideal for busy parents, simplifying the logistics of getting children to and from their classes.

The studio is also committed to ensuring that its facilities are accessible to everyone. The location features a wheelchair-accessible car park, demonstrating a dedication to accommodating all members of the community. This focus on inclusivity aligns perfectly with the school’s mission to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for all.

Small Steps School of Dance offers a wide variety of classes designed to cater to dancers of all ages and levels, from their very first introduction to dance through to more advanced training.

• Preschool and Toddler Dance Classes: The school specializes in dance education for its youngest students, with programs like Toddler Dance Classes, Preschool Dance Classes, and Ballet Ages 3-5. These classes focus on creative movement and are a perfect way to introduce children to the joy of dancing.

• Combination Classes: Many of the classes are Combination Classes, or "Combo Classes," which blend different dance styles into a single lesson. This allows students to gain experience in multiple disciplines without committing to numerous classes. For instance, a class might combine ballet and tap, providing a well-rounded foundation.

• Beginner and Intermediate Classes: The curriculum includes a clear progression for students, with structured Beginner's Classes and Intermediate Classes that build upon fundamental skills. This ensures that every student, regardless of their starting point, can grow at a comfortable pace.

• Youth and Recreational Dance Classes: A wide array of classes are available for older children and teens, including Youth Classes in styles such as Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Hip Hop. These recreational dance classes provide a fun way for students to stay active and develop their skills without the pressure of an overly competitive environment.

• Annual Dance Recital: A major highlight of the school year is the Annual Dance Recital. This provides all students with a special opportunity to perform on stage, celebrating their hard work and progress in front of family and friends.

• Online Dance Options: The school also provides flexibility for its students with Online Dance options, allowing families to adapt to their schedules and continue their dance education from the comfort of their homes.

The variety and flexibility of the services ensure that every family can find a class that fits their needs and schedule.

Small Steps School of Dance is beloved by its community for a number of key features that set it apart from other dance studios.

• Nurturing and Loving Atmosphere: The studio is renowned for its caring environment. The instructors, particularly Miss Betsy, are praised for being kind, loving, and incredibly patient with the children, ensuring they feel safe and confident. This focus on emotional well-being is as important as the dance instruction itself.

• Family-Centric Community: This is more than a school; it's a family. The testimonials from real parents highlight the deep, lasting connections formed at Small Steps. The school's events, like the recitals, are treated as family gatherings, which fosters a strong sense of belonging.

• Women-Owned Business: As a women-owned business, Small Steps School of Dance is a testament to the power of a passionate and dedicated female leader in the community. This identity reinforces the caring and supportive nature of the studio's leadership.

• Focus on Foundational Skills: The school's curriculum, from Creative Movement Classes to Ballet and Tap, is designed to give young dancers a solid foundation in a variety of styles. This early exposure to different forms of dance helps them discover their own preferences and build versatile skills.

• "Good for Kids": This simple yet powerful highlight underscores the school's primary strength. It is a place where children are not only taught dance but are also encouraged to grow as individuals, building confidence, discipline, and a genuine love for the arts.

To learn more about class schedules, or to enroll your child in a dance lesson at Small Steps School of Dance, you can use the following information.

Address: 172 U.S. Rte 1, Scarborough, ME 04074, USA

Phone: (207) 229-5138

For parents in Maine seeking a dance school, Small Steps School of Dance in Scarborough is an exceptional choice, and its value is best articulated through the experiences of its own community. The most compelling reason to choose this studio is the extraordinary bond that forms between the instructors and the students. The reviews from real customers consistently highlight the incredible patience and kindness of the instructors, particularly Miss Betsy. A parent who enrolled their daughter for over a decade attests to her ability to instill a genuine love for both dance and music, a sentiment that goes far beyond the typical expectations of a dance class.

This studio is not about high-pressure competition or rigid perfection; it’s about a stress-free, fun, and developmentally appropriate approach to dance. The focus on making dance an enjoyable experience for children is evident in every class, from the creative movement for toddlers to the beginner classes for older kids. This philosophy helps children build confidence and creativity, which are invaluable life skills. The "small steps" approach ensures that no child feels overwhelmed, allowing them to progress at their own pace and feel a sense of accomplishment with every new skill.

Finally, the sense of family is what truly sets Small Steps apart. When a family joins the school, they are welcomed into a community that is supportive and long-lasting. The annual recitals are not just performances; they are joyous celebrations of the children's hard work and the community's collective support. For any parent looking for a dance school that will not only teach their child how to dance but also provide a positive and lasting impact on their character and confidence, Small Steps School of Dance is the perfect home.

Small Steps School of Dance

172 U.S. Rte 1, Scarborough, ME 04074, USA