The CYC Dance Program features a variety of dance classes for youth. Ballet is the foundation of the program, and thus the majority of classes reflect opportunities for classical training. Tap, jazz, conditioning and hip-hop classes are also offered; these classes also teach selected standard classical techniques as part of their curriculum.

CYC offers dance classes for boys and girls, pre-school through teenage students. CYC dance training includes a blend of Vaganova, Chechetti and Royal Academy of Dance backgrounds.

A cornerstone of dance is performance, and the CYC Dance Program has two major productions each year. There is an annual Spring Showcase which features technique demonstrations and excerpts from a chosen classical ballet; also, an annual production of The Nutcracker is performed each December. Our past Nutcracker performance was held at the Del Valle Theater in Walnut Creek, and featured a cast of almost 90 performers. All students are encouraged to perform and take part in the creative process of presentation.

Annual summer dance camps are offered for all ages, with curricula focusing on classical ballet. Students are also exposed to various forms of dance such as Flamenco and Spanish dance, jazz, hip hop and musical theatre. The advanced Level 5 dancers comprise the Student Dance Company (SDC). The SDC is for dancers who have been promoted to pointe work. The SDC sets down a rigorous set of requirements for its students to insure that they will be well-prepared and trained for whatever may lie ahead in their dance careers. SDC members train to further their love and respect for the art of dance through performance and artistic expression.

The CYC Dance Program was rejuvenated and set in its current growing path in late 2005 when former Pacific Northwest Ballet dancer Margaret Kenrick joined the staff. Kenrick also teaches at various other dance studios in the Bay Area. Kenrick brought Katrena Cohea on board in early 2006 to expand the program and offer more creative movement, pre-ballet and advanced ballet classes. Currently, Cohea is the Head Dance Instructor and teaches the majority of classes offered. Nikki Andreatta is the resident jazz and hip-hop teacher, and Sarah Lichty is a seasonal dance instructor in all areas. Our teachers have numerous years of classical ballet training as well as extensive training in jazz, hip-hop and lyrical dance. Also, all our teachers currently continue their dance education at local dance studios.

CYC offers recreational dance classes five days a week. The classes consist of:

Pre-Ballet I & II, Ballet I, II, III, IV and V, Beginning through Advanced Jazz, Hip-Hop, Boys Dance, Magical Movement, Creative Movement, Ballet & Tap Combo, Princesses & Pirates, and Conditioning.

During performance times throughout the year, we offer rehearsal classes which provide time for the dance instructors to work with the dancers on either The Nutcracker or The Spring Showcase performance.