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Dance Connection

4.8 ★★★★★ 60 Google reviews · Ballet school in Islip, New York

Free trial Adult classes Kids & teens Pointe Private lessons

Plan your first class

  • Free trial / first class new students can usually try a class free or at a discount — call ahead or check their schedule to book your first one
  • Ages classes for ages 3–10 — check the schedule for the right level for your dancer
  • Adult classes classes for grown-ups, including absolute beginners — it's never too late to start at the barre
  • Pointe pointe and pre-pointe work for dancers who are ready — the pre-pointe strengthening comes first
  • Recitals end-of-year performances and shows — ask about costume and performance fees when you enroll
  • Summer intensive holiday and summer intensive programs — these fill early, so ask about dates and auditions
  • Private lessons one-on-one coaching available — ask about rates and availability
  • Today see hours ·
  • Phone (631) 224-7134
  • Website & schedule lidanceconnection.com — enroll and see the live class schedule

Hours

Monday 2–9 PM
Tuesday 10:15–11:45 AM, 2–9:15 PM
Wednesday 2–9:15 PM
Thursday 2–9:15 PM
Friday 2–7:30 PM
Saturday 9 AM–1:30 PM
Sunday Closed

Studio hours shift for holidays, recitals, and term schedules — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The programs they offer

Ballet programs on the schedule at Dance Connection, confirmed in families' own reviews and the studio's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

💃 Adult Ballet 2 mentions

“I am excited to be getting back after about 13 years to ballet in an adult class this summer!”

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🌸 Kids Ballet 25 mentions

“My daughter just reached her 4th year at Dance Connection and I love to see how much she enjoy being part of it because Dance Connection team makes her feel that way.”

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💛 Adaptive Ballet

“They have been great with both my kids, one of whom is on the autism spectrum.”

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☀️ Summer Intensives

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What families & students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 60 Google reviews — with their own words as proof.

🧸 wonderful with young kids 5 mentions

“My daughter has been attending dance connection for 6 years and I just signed my son up. We love it there!”

🎭 beautiful recitals & performances 6 mentions

“Mrs Kristen has a lot of patience and for recitals she offers extra lessons for those that don’t feel too confident with their moves.”

🗓️ well-run & communicative 7 mentions

“This place is very professional but also cares about the success of their students and their happiness.”

From the reviews

I love love love taking my daughter there, very nice people very friendly. My daughter loves it! EDIT: 7 years coming here and I still don’t change my mind on how wonderful the staff and teachers are..!! Now my daughter is in their Teaching Training Program,.

★★★★★ — Ninoshka, Sep 2022

My son has been dancing hip hop for the past year and loves it here. He just felt so welcome since the first day. Recommend it 100%. Great staff.

★★★★★ — Ana, Jan 2021

My daughter is 6 and this was her first year at dance connection. Last year we were new to the neighborhood and tried somewhere else and were disappointed. A friend of ours highly this studio. We love it! This place is very professional but also cares about the success of their students and their happiness.

★★★★★ — Marisa, Jun 2024

My daughter just reached her 4th year at Dance Connection and I love to see how much she enjoy being part of it because Dance Connection team makes her feel that way. She also had enjoyed every Recital and that is also a very Amazing Performing they do.

★★★★★ — Katia, Jun 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 60 reviews →

Adult ballet at Dance Connection

Dance Connection runs classes for grown-ups — confirmed on their own site. If you've never taken ballet, or you're coming back to it after years away, this is for you — and a good studio genuinely welcomes a nervous first-timer. A few things worth asking before you go. First, which class to start in — look for one labeled "absolute beginner" or "adult beginner" rather than an open or "all levels" class, so you learn the fundamentals at the right pace. Second, drop-in or term — many adult programs let you pay per class to try it, then move to a term or monthly package once you're hooked. Third, what to wear — comfortable clothes you can move in, plus socks or bare feet, are plenty for a first class; you won't need a leotard or ballet shoes to walk in the door. It's never too late for first position.

See their adult schedule

Your first ballet class at Dance Connection

Nervous about walking into your first class? Almost everyone is — and a good studio expects beginners, whether your dancer is five or you're returning at fifty. Here's what to know. What to wear: comfortable clothes you can move in, with socks or bare feet; a leotard and tights are nice if you have them, but not required, and pointe shoes are years down the road — never day one. What to expect: class usually starts at the barre with slow, simple movements to warm up, then moves to the center — follow along, copy the teacher, and don't worry about getting it "right" the first time. Arrive early: come 10–15 minutes ahead to change, find a spot, and let the teacher know it's a first class so they can keep an eye out. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.

Ballet is for every age and every body. If you're returning from an injury or have a health concern, mention it to the teacher before class so they can offer modifications.

Where to find Dance Connection

181 Freeman Ave, Islip, NY11751

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and student reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this studio? Claim your listing — it's free.