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Youth Enrichment
Grow Through Discovery at the Ridgewood Y
Our youth enrichment programming provides an inspiring environment where kids can explore their creative talents and express themselves in meaningful ways. Designed to nurture growth, these programs offer a safe and supportive space for children to discover new passions and build essential skills. Through engaging classes and activities, participants develop confidence, self-awareness, and resilience.
Creative Cooks
Little Chefs, Big Flavors!
Do you have a budding chef in the family? A child with a preference for cooking shows over cartoons? Time to sign them up for Creative Cooks! Join us in the kitchen to learn how to chop, mix, plate, and create tasty dishes while also learning about food science and the importance of proper nutrition.
Children will get hands-on experience by trying their chef skills with recipes like quesadillas, mac + cheese, banana bread, cookies, and more. Basic kitchen skills will be taught and practiced in a safe, and practical way.
Program levels:
Ages 8-10
Ages 11-14
Program typically runs during Winter, Spring I, Spring II, Fall I, and Fall II sessions.
Dance
Celebrate Creativity and Explore the Arts
The Ridgewood Y Dance Program is the perfect place for children to learn how to express themselves through creative movement and dance while building self-confidence and self-esteem.
Not only is an early introduction to the creative arts beneficial for self-expression and emotional development, but children will also improve motor skills including balance, coordination, proprioception, and flexibility, setting the stage for a lifetime of healthy physical activity.
We offer instruction for children ages 3-13. Disciplines include ballet, tap, and jazz.
Sessions run in 8-week blocks and can be booked consecutively once the new session opens for enrollment.Advancement/enrollment level is based on aptitude and skill development and is at the discretion of the dance teacher. Dancer’s age may not necessarily align with the suggested class age.
Program typically runs during Winter, Spring I, Spring II, Fall I, and Fall II sessions.
Ballet
Our ballet program starts by fostering an appreciation for movement and music and progresses by introducing classical ballet fundamentals and techniques. As dancers develop, barre and center work is added to advance ballet movement and skills, and help dancers find their own individual artistic style.
Twinkle Toes
(ages 3-4)
Beginners start to develop their basic skills by learning the fundamentals of dance and body motion. Creativity is explored by having fun with movement, music, games, and props.
Ballet slippers are encouraged but not required.
Ballet I
(ages 5-7)
New students and Twinkle Toes graduates are introduced to classical ballet fundamentals and basic dance terminology. Students will learn short choreography and begin to string together moves and improve spatial awareness, recall, attention, and stamina.
Ballet slippers are required.
Ballet II
(ages 7-10)
Ballet 1 grads and new students will continue to learn classical ballet techniques and dance terminology. Traditional barre and center work are introduced to develop coordination, strength, flexibility, and grace.
Ballet slippers are required.
Ballet III
(ages 8-13)
Dancers will continue to work on the barre for improved technique, flexibility, and alignment, while center work and floor combinations help to develop artistry, agility, and skill execution. At this stage, dancers are encouraged to self-interpret dance steps to express individual style and create combinations of their own.
Ballet slippers are required.
Jazz + Tap
Our jazz and tap program starts by introducing the basics of these rhythmic styles and progresses up to personalized choreography with an emphasis on developing personal expression. Beginners will learn the fundamentals of both jazz and tap in one combined class, and graduate to more advanced classes in jazz and/or tap.
Jazz/Tap I
(ages 5-7)
New students and Twinkle Toes graduates are introduced to the fundamentals of jazz and tap including movements, rhythms, and terminology.
Ballet or jazz shoes AND tap shoes are required.
Tap II
(ages 8-13)
More advanced tap movements are introduced as well as timing, artistry, and various tap styles. Dancers are encouraged to express and develop their own unique approaches by creating their own combinations.
Tap shoes are required.
Jazz II
(ages 8-13)
More advanced jazz movements are introduced as well as timing, artistry, and various jazz styles. Dancers are encouraged to express and develop their own unique approaches by creating their own combinations.
Ballet or jazz shoes are required.
Spanish
Expand Your World While You Discover It
Program levels:
Ages 4-5
Ages 6-10
Program typically runs during Winter, Spring I, Spring II, Fall I, and Fall II sessions.
Songs for Seeds
NOW AT THE RIDGEWOOD Y!
Named “Best Kids’ Music Class” by New York Magazine and “Most Magical Music Class” by Red Tricycle, songs for seeds is a weekly interactive class that encourages children, newborn to 5 years old, to sing, dance and play along with their grown-up AND very own rockstar teacher.
In each songs for seeds class your child will hear music from a different region of the world, be exposed to a variety of rhythm patterns and be given the opportunity and space to experiment with singing and playing real instruments. We reinforce their knowledge of colors and shapes, focus on single digit numbers and practice counting. Additionally, we highlight animal recognition through animated impressions of their sounds and movements. Most importantly, in songs for seeds, we play and have fun. Get ready for your favorite time of the week!
FALL I SESSION BEGINS SEPTEMBER 2025 | REGISTRATION OPENS JULY 28
| Session | Registration opens | Session begins | Session ends |
|---|---|---|---|
Winter | December 9 2024 | January 6 2025 | March 2 2025 |
Spring I | February 3 | March 3 | April 27 |
Spring II | March 31 | April 28 | June 22 |
Summer | May 26 | June 23 | August 17 |
Fall I | July 28 | September 8 | November 2 |
Fall II | October 6 | November 3 | December 28 |
Winter (2026) | December 8 | January 5 2026 | March 1 2026 |
Programs typically run in 8-week session blocks.
Registration remains open two weeks into each session. Late registration costs will be prorated.
Not all programs run during each session. To view individual program availability, please visit the program registration page or click the button below.
For questions and more information, please contact Cara Apsley at [email protected]
Financial Aid
We believe the opportunity to gain personal growth from our programming should be accessible to everyone regardless of financial situation or socioeconomic status. Our Membership for All program ensures that nobody is turned away because of inability to pay.
Download our application here.
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