Business Details
26 Years
experience
Premier Dance Classes for All Ages in Sanford, ME
Jazz-Tappin Dance Academy has been a cornerstone of dance education in Sanford for 26 years, dedicated to nurturing students of all ages through comprehensive instruction in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, and acro. Founded in 2000 by award-winning instructor Kendra O'Connell, our academy combines technical excellence with creative expression, fostering confidence and discipline in every student. Our faculty includes certified professionals with decades of combined experience, including AcrobaticArts certified instructors and Dance Masters of America alumni. We prioritize age-appropriate curriculum, family-friendly scheduling, and innovative features like our closed-circuit TV system for parental observation.Our students have performed at prestigious venues including Disney World and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, earning accolades at regional and national competitions. With a commitment to accessibility, we offer flexible class blocks, sibling discounts, and transparent pricing while maintaining rigorous standards in costuming, choreography, and music selection. Our annual recital showcases student achievements, providing a platform for every dancer to shine. Through personalized instruction and a supportive environment, we cultivate not just technical skill but lifelong values of dedication and self-expression.
Services
Ballet
Tap
Jazz
Hip Hop
Lyrical
Acro
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- 26 years of excellence in Sanford dance education
- Closed-circuit TV system for real-time class observation
- Certified instructors with competition-winning expertise
- Award-winning alumni performing at national venues
- Family-friendly scheduling with block class options
Associations and certifications
- Dance Masters of America
- AcrobaticArts
What people say
Experienced instructors
Award-winning performances
Family-friendly environment
Confidence building
Age-appropriate routines
Services
Ballet
Our ballet program develops foundational technique through structured classes focusing on body placement, flexibility, and classical movements. Students progress from basic positions to complex combinations while building discipline and grace. Classes incorporate barre work, center exercises, and choreographed routines to enhance artistic expression and technical proficiency.
Tap
Tap classes emphasize musicality and precision, teaching students to create rhythmic patterns through footwork. From beginner shuffles to advanced syncopation, our curriculum builds coordination and performance skills. Certified instructors use progressive techniques to develop clear sounds and dynamic stage presence for all skill levels.
Acro
Acro dance combines technical dance with acrobatic skills like cartwheels, handsprings, and balances. Taught by AcrobaticArts certified instructors, classes focus on safe progression in flexibility, strength, and controlled movements while maintaining artistic expression through choreography.
Hip Hop
Hip hop classes teach contemporary street-style movements set to popular music. Students learn isolations, grooves, and choreography while developing personal style. Our age-appropriate approach ensures safe, energetic instruction that builds confidence and rhythmic awareness without inappropriate content.
Lyrical
Lyrical/contemporary classes blend emotional expression with technical precision. Students explore fluid movements, floor work, and storytelling through choreography that interprets music's emotional content while maintaining proper technique and body control.
People
Kendra O'Connell
Owner/Instructor
With 26 years of experience, Kendra O'Connell founded JTDA in 2000 after competing internationally. A certified Dance Masters of America instructor, she has studied with renowned artists and performed with Savion Glover, bringing global expertise to Sanford students.
Kelcie Duplessis
Dance Instructor
Kelcie brings two decades of dance expertise to JTDA, specializing in acro, jazz, and ballet. An AcrobaticArts certified instructor, she develops age-appropriate curriculum while fostering technical growth and creative expression in students of all levels.
Lizzy Fraser
Assistant Instructor
Lizzy combines 15 years of dance experience with early childhood education expertise. As a dedicated assistant, she supports classes for ages 3-13 while pursuing advanced degrees in special education, creating inclusive learning environments for young dancers.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, and acro classes for ages 3+ with progressive curricula tailored to different skill levels.
How does registration work?
Registration opens August 1st through our online parent portal. A $15 registration fee (or $10 for siblings) reserves your spot, with tuition autopay starting October 1st.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes! Our annual recital showcases all students' achievements, and advanced dancers have performed at venues like Disney World and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
What are your costume policies?
Each class receives one age-appropriate costume. A deposit is due with October tuition, with final payments due by December 1st.
Do you offer family discounts?
Yes! We provide multiple-class discounts and sibling registration discounts to accommodate families with multiple dancers.
How can parents observe classes?
Our closed-circuit TV system allows parents to watch classes live from the lobby, ensuring transparency and family engagement.
