There are so many reasons to take a tap class: building stamina, improving coordination, toning muscle, strengthening memory. But for a lot of adults the main reason is, “I just always wanted to learn to tap.” Now is your chance! This course is designed for the person who has always wanted to learn this form of dance but only now has the time or motivation to do so. No previous experience required; in fact this class starts at the very beginning with the most basic of tap components. Enjoy learning, making new friends, and having fun in a safe environment led by a very patient teacher who will have you Shuffling Off to Buffalo within just a few workshops!

Here’s a liberating truth: dance has no age limit. Whether you’re 20 or 80, it’s never too late to start dancing!

Move, groove, and thrive with Jon Gourdine, former principal soloist with the acclaimed Garth Fagan Dance (Tony Award-winning choreographer of The Lion King), for a dynamic, high-energy, joyful dance series designed for everyone ready to move, connect, and have fun. This workshop explores contemporary and modern dance fundamentals while building strength, learning choreography, and creating a warm, welcoming community.

Each class begins with a dynamic warm-up to build core dance techniques, then dives into choreography to let you express yourself and find your rhythm. You’ll dance to an exciting mix of jazz, blues, pop, and contemporary music—all in your dance shoes.

We welcome dancers of all backgrounds, from beginner to intermediate. You’ll start with floor work, then move through standing exercises, finishing with choreography that’s both freeing and energizing. Embrace movement with weighted dynamics, activate your full range of motion, and let the music guide you!

This low-pressure, performance-free workshop encourages you to explore the creative process, challenge yourself, and enjoy extended choreography sequences. Perfect for anyone who wants to dance without commitment, gain confidence, and make new friends. 

Curious? Ready to move? Join us for this creative dance experience where all are welcome!

Led by 3Below’s Production Manager and Resident Designer, this class will give students the opportunity to participate in workshops devoted to artisanship and design. Stagecraft workshops will give students the opportunity to work with the tools and techniques of theatrical production in a practical way.

Theatre Design workshops will introduce you to the craft, theory, and art of designing for theatre and dance presentations, exploring artistic, historical, and cultural elements of theatre design. Theoretical knowledge will be balanced with experiential learning, obtained through practical experiences at 3Below.

Students will have opportunities to participate in designing and building the costumes, properties, and scenery for the other Schoolhouse Showcases, and will have the opportunity to run lights and sound for these showcases.

UPDATED WITH NEW SHOWCASE INFO

So you want to “be in a play”? 

Adult Ensemble is a weekly gathering where you’ll enjoy all of the benefits of being part of a theatre cast, like the tight knit community of people with shared interests and something to look forward to each week, along with learning about many aspects of the theatre.

The ensemble will be introduced to the show, work the choreography, learn the music and work with the instructors to prepare for a showcase to present to an audience of family and friends.

Adult Ensemble members will audition for and be cast in a showcase production. Rehearsals will consist of exploring the themes presented in the text, learning the music, the choreography, and the staging for the production. 

This Adult Ensemble will include a journey on the yellow brick road as we use the text, music, and lyrics of The Wizard of Oz, The Wiz, and Wicked to showcase our skills. 

Come explore your creative talents as well as meet other people in a fun framework to explore the rich diversity and talents of the local community.

Did you take tap as a kid? Maybe you did a couple of tap musicals in your college years? Do you still find yourself tapping your way from the fridge to the stove on your kitchen hardwood floor? Then you should get back into tap! This class will start with the basics and move to combinations you’ll see in many Broadway tap musicals. By the end, you’ll know how to do proper Time Steps as well as combos choreographers frequently borrow from original Broadway productions like 42nd St, Crazy For You, Young Frankenstein, Mary Poppins, Newsies, Anything Goes, Singin’ In The Rain, and many more.

Minimal previous basic tap education is required. At the first class we’ll review step vs. touch, hop vs. leap vs. jump, toe vs. ball, and brush up on shuffles, flaps, ball change, and other basic elements but from there we’ll move on to beginning/intermediate combinations with more components. Consider taking Beginning Tap first if you’re rusty on these elements.

A Tasting Menu for Teen Theatre Enthusiasts! 

In this class for Teens, students will have the opportunity to get a taste of multiple aspects of theatre arts by enjoying one class each in a number of subjects.

We’ll start by covering Basic Stage Skills where you’ll learn the language of theater and then move into week after week of introductory workshops on a variety of theatre subjects, much like a tasting menu. Featured subjects may include Acting Basics, Singing Basics, Tap Basics, Broadway Dance, Creative Dramatics/Improvisation, Production Design, Lighting Design, Page To Stage (scene study), and more. The goal is to help students discover untapped interests in any of the many fields of theatre.

This is an opportunity for students to explore their creative talents as well as meet other people in a fun framework to explore the rich diversity and talents of the local community.

If your little one is putting on plays in the living room, belting out show tunes in the bathtub, and proving they’ve been bitten by the theatre bug, our Fairytale Musical Theatre is the place to put all of that energy to good use. In this class, students will get to learn songs, dances, and scenes as we put together a showcase of memorable theater moments from favorite Broadway musicals based on fairy tales like Cinderella, Peter Pan, The Wizard of Oz, The Princess and The Pea, Beauty and the Beast, and more. Students will build their performing arts skills as well as learn about sharing the stage with others, creating an ensemble, and the importance of give-and-take in the theatre.

If your little one is putting on plays in the living room, belting out show tunes in the bathtub, and proving they’ve been bitten by the theatre bug, our Fairytale Musical Theatre is the place to put all of that energy to good use. In this class, students will get to learn songs, dances, and scenes as we put together a showcase of memorable theater moments from favorite Broadway musicals based on fairy tales like Cinderella, Peter Pan, The Wizard of Oz, The Princess and The Pea, Beauty and the Beast, and more. Students will build their performing arts skills as well as learn about sharing the stage with others, creating an ensemble, and the importance of give-and-take in the theatre.

Contemporary Dance for Kids: Inspiring Creativity, Confidence, and Connection

Give your child the joy of movement, expression, and growth through contemporary dance—a vibrant, expressive style that blends modern, jazz, lyrical, and classical ballet. This isn’t just a fun way to move; it’s a transformative experience packed with benefits that extend far beyond the studio.

In these classes, young dancers use their emotions to craft unique, personal routines, building creativity, teamwork, and self-confidence. A former principal soloist with Garth Fagan Dance (the Tony Award-Winning choreographer of The Lion King) Jon will guide your child through the exploration of  movement in a way that boosts physical fitness, emotional resilience, and self-expression.

Why Join Contemporary Dance Classes?

• Builds Confidence: As children conquer new moves, tackle challenges, and perform, they gain a sense of accomplishment that extends into school, friendships, and beyond.
• Supports Mental Well-being: Dance is a positive outlet, helping kids manage stress, improve mood, and enhance focus. They learn to channel emotions constructively, building emotional resilience.
• Fosters Self-Expression: With the freedom to explore and interpret movement, kids can express their unique ideas and feelings in a safe, creative space.
• Enhances Physical Strength and Flexibility: Dance routines build strength, flexibility, and coordination, laying a strong foundation for lifelong physical health.
• Promotes Relaxation: Dance offers a joyful escape from daily pressures, helping kids reduce stress and experience the “flow” state where they’re fully immersed in the rhythm.
• Improves Spatial Awareness: Moving through routines helps children develop spatial awareness, balance, and coordination—skills they’ll carry into everyday life.
• Inspires Creativity: Contemporary dance encourages kids to think outside the box, improvise, and express their individuality through original movements and choreography.

Let your child discover the power of movement and creativity! Enroll them in our contemporary dance classes where they’ll find confidence, friendships, and the joy of dance in a supportive, inspiring environment.