South Shore Conservatory Dance Department is an inclusive, non-competitive, technique-based dance school for learners of all ages. Our highly credentialed dance faculty offer the highest level of instruction while also creating a warm, welcoming, low stress environment.
South Shore Conservatory Dance Department offers a full range of dance and movement classes for children ages 3 and up. Providing a positive and nurturing atmosphere, our faculty creates an individualized experience for each student. Whether they are exploring dance as recreation or wishing to pursue their training to the pre-professional level, a curriculum is delivered, consisting of a comprehensive set of age-appropriate levels.
Early Childhood Dance
Creative Movement Preschool/ Pre K
Preschool/PreK
This class provides an introduction to dance while helping children develop important skills such as listening, taking turns and following sequenced movements, all in a supportive environment that encourages both individual and social growth. Activities will focus on enhancing gross motor skills and rhythm awareness. Through storytelling, imagination, and creativity, music, books, and movement, we aim to inspire and nurture a love for dance.
- Tuesday 3:15-4 pm, Duxbury
- Saturday 9:15-10 am, Duxbury
- Thursday 2:15-3 pm, Hingham
Kinderdance
Kindergarten
Kinderdance is a dynamic and engaging dance class designed for young children as a precursor to a formal ballet class. This high-energy program blends creative movement, playful activities, and age-appropriate dance techniques, allowing children to express themselves through imaginative play, games and fun, all within a supportive and structured environment.
- Saturday, 9-10, Duxbury
- Thursday, 4-5, Hingham
Ballet FUNdamentals
1st Grade
Ballet Fundamentals introduces the basics of ballet, focusing on the foundational positions of the feet and arms while exploring body awareness, spatial awareness, and movement sequencing. Activities include skipping, galloping, and using imagery to make learning fun as students begin to explore turning and jumping. At this level, the core principles of classical ballet start to take root.
- Thursday, 5-6, Hingham
- Saturday, 10-11, Duxbury
Youth Ballet Classes
Ballet Level 1
2nd & 3rd Grade
Students will be introduced to storytelling and character dances, and deepening their understanding of ballet terminology. They will learn additional technical terms and expand their vocabulary of ballet steps.
Please reach out to dance@sscmusic.org for more information.
Ballet Level 2
4th Grade
Previous dance experience is recommended for this level. Students will begin at the barre and progress through center practice, adagio, and allegro. With the fun yet structured approach of the class, students will experience a true sense of accomplishment. Dancers at this level are encouraged to take a Lyrical class to further improve their flexibility and expand their repertoire.
- Monday 4-5:15 pm, Duxbury
- Tuesday 4:45-6 pm, Hingham
Ballet Level 3
5th Grade
Dancers will develop a deeper understanding of the origin of movement, with more complex sequencing and an emphasis on demi-pointe work to prepare for pointe in higher levels. A commitment of 2 ballet classes per week is suggested, along with a strong recommendation to take Lyrical to become a more well-rounded dancer. Significant dance experience is required for this level.
- Monday 4- 5:15 pm, Duxbury
- Thursday 4-5 pm, Duxbury with PBT
Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) is an innovative body-conditioning and strengthening program that has been designed to enhance students' technique by focusing on training the muscle memory required in each exercise in all forms of dance. With the use of an exercise ball, (provided) PBT focuses on core strength, weight placement and alignment of the body. PBT is not only a program to improve technique in dancers, it is now being appreciated and incorporated in training by all forms of dancers, athletes, physiotherapists and even footballers!* This class will also include cross training, cardio, and use of light weights. This class will also focus on learning variations from various Ballets
Please note: Enrollment in Levels 2+ will be after an in-person placement evaluation only.
Level 4
6th Grade
Level 4 requires more commitment in terms of actual hours spent in the studio. At this level of training, we are preparing the body and mind for the first Pointe Shoes. In order to move along at a good pace, a minimum of two Ballet classes are suggested each week. Without adequate hours spent developing the skill set required in this discipline at this level, will make for a slower progression and delay in age appropriate repertoire. Adding Lyrical and Contemporary will strengthen and help progress.
- Monday 5:15- 6:45 pm, Duxbury
- Thursday 4-5 pm, Duxbury with PBT
Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) is an innovative body-conditioning and strengthening program that has been designed to enhance students' technique by focusing on training the muscle memory required in each exercise in all forms of dance. With the use of an exercise ball, (provided) PBT focuses on core strength, weight placement and alignment of the body. PBT is not only a program to improve technique in dancers, it is now being appreciated and incorporated in training by all forms of dancers, athletes, physiotherapists and even footballers!* This class will also include cross training, cardio, and use of light weights. This class will also focus on learning variations from various Ballets
Please note: Enrollment in Levels 2+ will be after an in-person placement evaluation only.
Level 5
7th Grade
Pointe work will begin at this level for dancers who have passed a full pointe readiness evaluation by their Ballet teachers. Level 5 dancers will tackle more complex repertoire, with a focus on longer enchainements, exciting turns across the floor, and refining technique, strength, and flexibility.
(unavailable for 2025-2026 academic year)
Ballet Level 6
7th Grade and higher
- Monday 6:45-8:15, Duxbury (& Pointe)
- Wednesday 4-6, Duxbury (with Leaps & Turns and Pointe, Variations)
- Thursday 5-6:30, Duxbury
- Thursday 6:30-7:15, Duxbury, Strength & Body Conditioning
Advanced Ballet
Grades 9 and up
A class purposely for pre-professional dancers aiming to enter a full-time dance program at the college level for dedicated students seeking a greater challenge and a deeper understanding of classical ballet. This program focuses on refining technique, expanding knowledge of advanced steps, and exploring classical ballet repertoire, offering dancers the opportunity to enhance their skill, artistry, and performance quality.
By audition/invitation only. Please reach out to dance@sscmusic.org for more information.
Youth Dance Classes and Private Lessons
Lyrical
Lyrical Level 2+ Prerequisite: Ballet class at the appropriate level Lyrical is a fusion style dance form. Elements of Modern, Jazz, Contemporary and Ballet are blended with an emphasis on displaying emotion in an abstract way. It's a place for innovation, creativity and stylized movement. Lyrical dance may be performed to music with lyrics, to inspire movements and expression.
- Monday 5:15-6:15 pm, Duxbury, Level 2 (2nd year)
- Monday 6:45-7:45 pm, Duxbury, Level 4
- Thursday 5-6 pm, Duxbury, Level 3
Contemporary/Choreography
Choreography Level 4+ Prerequisite: Ballet class at the appropriate level. Choreography offers a creative approach to exploring various styles and techniques within the contemporary format, allowing dancers to use these methods to create their own choreography. Pieces from this class will be featured in performance opportunities throughout the year.
- Tuesday 4-5:30 pm, Duxbury, Level 4+
Hip Hop
Age 6-10 yrs
A high-energy class designed for beginners or dancers with some experience. Each session focuses on learning the fundamentals, rhythms, and basic steps of Hip Hop, Breakdance, Funk, and Freestyling. This class encourages dancers to build coordination and confidence with attention to tempo and style. No prerequisite required.
- Tuesday 4-5 pm, Duxbury, age 6-10
- Wednesday 4-5 pm, Hingham, age 6-10
Improvisation/Intro to Choreography
Age 7+
This class is designed for students with a creative spirit, offering an outlet for self-expression through music and movement. It provides a supportive environment for young dancers who seek the freedom to explore and create without necessarily having a classical foundation. No prerequisite required.
Please reach out to dance@sscmusic.org for more information.
Private Lessons
- Thursday 3:15-4 pm, Duxbury
- Thursday 4-5 pm, Duxbury
Adult Dance Classes
Adult/Recreational Ballet
Beginner teens Ages 15 to Adults
Challenge your body and brain with a lovely workout grounded in Classical Ballet Technique. Adult Ballet classes are for EVERYbody. This class welcomes all, whether you are a beginner, have some experience, or are looking to resurrect your interest. We invite you to engage in our classical ballet class at SSC, where we foster a supportive, creative environment and a safe space where your passion and motivation can thrive!
The class will begin at the barre, progress through center practice, turns, allegro, and finish across the floor. Accompanied by traditional classical music, you will learn technique, terminology, and flourish as the dancer you are. There will be a flexible dress code. Leotard and tights are optional. Split soled ballet shoes suggested.
17-week semesters
- Tuesday 6-7 pm, Hingham
- Thursday 6:30 - 7:30 pm, Duxbury
Adult Hip Hop
(18+)
A high-energy class designed for beginners or dancers with some experience. Each session focuses on learning the fundamentals, rhythms, and basic steps of Hip Hop, Breakdance, Funk, and Freestyling. This class encourages dancers to build coordination and confidence with attention to tempo and style. No prerequisite required.
- Wednesday 5-6, Hingham (semesters)
Adult Contemporary
(18+)
Adult Contemporary is a creative class designed for adults who want to explore self-expression through the art of contemporary dance.
Please reach out to dance@sscmusic.org for more information.
Private Lessons
- Thursday 3:15-4 pm, Duxbury
- Thursday 4-5 pm, Duxbury