Being new to Hillsborough and since my children have taken classes before at Gymboree, I decided to see if there were Gymboree classes in the area. My twin son and daughter have both participated in the parent and child classes at Gymboree with me while we lived in California. My son and daughter have also taken the gymnastics classes offered by Gymboree. I was able to find a Gymboree location in Hillsborugh, but while searching the internet for other suitable schools, I came across The Dance Connection which is also in Hillsborough.
While looking at the Dance Connection website I saw they offer many classes which are comparable to Gymboree classes. The Dance Connection offers such classes as Dancing Together which is a parent child class for ages 18-30 months, and Tumble Dance which is dance and gymnastics for ages 2 1/2-3.
Since my son and daughter have just turned 3, the Dance Connection has a large amount of class options for their age group. My daughter can take Nursery Dance this year, a ballet and creative movement class designed for 3 year olds. Or she can take Animal Dancers which is creative movement class with animal imagery. Since she loves animals, this may be a class for her.
My son is very fortunate that there is a great class which is taught by the owner of The Dance Connection David Kieffer, designed especially for boys called Tiger Dance. I was very impressed that this class is taught by a man and allows just boys into the class. This class to me is a fantastic way to introduce boys to dance. Tiger Dance is taught using inferences that boys love such as sports, animals and cars. My son will love this class and it will also help him with his coordination for T ball.
If I decide to have my son and daughter in the same class I could have them both take the Animal Dancers class, since it is for boys and girls. Or they could take Hippity Hop, a high energy non stop action class. This may be a good class for both of them to take since they are definitely both high energy and keep me running around non stop after them all day long!
I decided to take a drive by The Dance Connection, and since it is right here in Hillsborough off Route 206, it is very convenient to get to. I was very impressed by the facilities that The Dance Connection offers. They have 2 studios with large viewing windows in each studio so you can watch your child while in class and they can see you also, which gives them a secure feeling while they are still young. There is also a large dressing room and two bathrooms. I have never seen a Gymboree that offers a facility like this.
I was greeted by a staff member who was very helpful and knowledgeable about the classes offered at The Dance Connection and the classes that would be right for my children. I had several questions about class size and if the classes have a limit on the number of students permitted in them. It was nice to hear that The Dance Connection is concerned about keeping class size small so that the children not only learn a lot in class but form a unique bond with their teacher. This is something that is very important to me.
Another question I had was after my children reach school age what classes does The Dance Connection offer. It was great to hear about all the classes and different styles of dance which The Dance Connection offers, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre, and even Zumba for me.
Since The Dance Connection is a dance school that has programs and classes for children from ages 18 months to Adult, I will not have to worry about my children out growing the school like what would happen if we decided to go to Gymboree classes. I think we have found not only a new home in Hillsborough, but a new dance school to call home at The Dance Connection… bye Gymboree classes.