Youth Enrichment

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

Expand Your World While You Discover It

Set your little explorer off on the right path with our Spanish Language Program. These classes are designed to teach kids Spanish as well as introduce them to cultural elements from Spanish-speaking countries. Learning another language is not only a practical life skill, but it also encourages openness to new experiences and fosters an appreciation and acceptance of other cultures.
 
Our Spanish Language Program utilizes TPR (Total Physical Response) and TPRS (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling) methodologies to help students make easy connections to new words, phrases, and sentences in a second language by using movement, music, stories, and more.
 
The program is open to children ages 4-10, with two different classes based on age. Both classes are beginner/intermediate level, and lessons are based on the aptitude of the current students. Sessions run in 8-week blocks and can be booked consecutively once the new session opens for enrollment.

Program levels:
Ages 4-5
Ages 6-10

Program typically runs during Winter, Spring I, Spring II, Fall I, and Fall II sessions.

View Registration Info

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!

View Songs for Seeds Website

FALL I SESSION BEGINS SEPTEMBER 2025 | REGISTRATION OPENS JULY 28

SessionRegistration opensSession beginsSession 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.

View programs

For questions and more information, please contact Danielle Devine 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.

Want to stay up to date on the latest program offerings? Sign up to receive updates about upcoming sessions and registration windows.

By submitting your email address, you agree to receive newsletters from the Ridgewood YMCA that are relevant to your interests. We will not share your address with anyone. You may unsubscribe at any time by clicking on the UNSUBSCRIBE link in the newsletter.

Expand to view class descriptions

BODY SCULPT
Shape and define lean muscles through targeted exercises that blend dumbells, resistance bands, and bodyweight movements. This energizing workout focuses on sculpting and toning, helping you build strength and flexibility. Every session is designed to leave you feeling strong, balanced, and revitalized, creating lean, graceful muscle definition from head to toe.

CIRCUITS
Boost strength, endurance, and agility with this high-energy, full-body circuit workout! Rotate through timed stations featuring strength reps, cardio bursts, and functional movements to keep your heart rate up and muscles engaged. With minimal rest between exercises, you’ll build power and push your limits.

CORE + MORE
Build strength and sculpt your upper body with targeted exercises designed to tone your core, chest, shoulders, back, biceps, and triceps. From various core exercises to weighted upper body exercises, this class delivers a dynamic workout that builds muscle, boosts posture, and leaves you feeling powerful.

HIIT SQUAD
Experience High-Intensity Interval Training taken to the next level. These dynamic classes combine functional and athletic movements using the TRX, treadmill, bikes, kettlebells, and more. Get ready for an intense, full-body workout that builds strength, endurance, and agility.

METCON
Challenge yourself with CrossFit-style circuits that combine strength, conditioning, and plyometric exercises. These workouts engage all three metabolic systems to enhance muscular power, strength, and endurance. Each month, you’ll repeat the same workout, allowing you to track your progress and compete against your own time and reps!

PLYOFIT BOOT CAMP
Get ready to sweat with this all-levels high-energy, full-body workout! PlyoFit combines cardio drills, bodyweight exercises, dumbbell strength work, and multi-station circuits for a high-intensity routine that builds strength, endurance, and power.

SMALL GROUP FUNCTIONAL TRAINING
Improve your strength, stability, and mobility through functional movements designed to enhance everyday performance. A small class size ensures you receive 1-on-1 guidance to ensure proper form and maximum results. Push your limits, prevent injury, and build a stronger, more capable body in this challenging yet supportive environment.

STRENGTH TRAINING
Get ready to build strength from head to toe in this full-body workout using barbells and dumbbells. Move to the beat of energizing music as you challenge your muscles, break a sweat, and push your limits. This class is designed to keep you motivated while improving strength, endurance, and overall fitness.

SUNRISE CIRCUITS
Boost strength, endurance, and agility with this high-energy, full-body circuit workout! Rotate through 4 rounds of 8 exercises, featuring strength reps, cardio bursts, and functional movements to keep your heart rate up and muscles engaged. Using sandbags, gliders, and stability balls, you’ll challenge every muscle. With minimal rest between exercises, you’ll build power and push your limits—and if your morning is packed, you can head out early and still get a complete workout.

TOTAL BODY CONDITIONING
This high-energy class provides an invigorating full-body challenge, with intensity tailored by the instructor. You’ll engage in dynamic high-rep strength exercises using a variety of equipment—dumbells, stability balls, steps, disks, and resistance bands—to build muscle, enhance balance, and boost endurance. No two sessions are the same, keeping your workouts fresh, engaging, and effective.

UPGRADE BOOTCAMP
Push your limits and unleash your potential with Travis Sample’s Upgrade BootCamp! This high-energy, full-body workout combines strength training, cardio, and functional movements to challenge every muscle and boost your endurance. Whether you’re sprinting, lifting, or powering through circuits, you’ll leave feeling stronger, fitter, and ready to conquer anything.

WEEKEND RE-BOOT
Kickstart your weekend with this all-levels bootcamp-style class that blends strength and cardio for a full-body reset. Using a mix of dumbbells, resistance bands, and bodyweight moves, you’ll sweat, recharge, and leave feeling strong and energized.

WOMEN’S BARBELL CLUB
Develop the strength and technique you need to approach the bar with confidence! Led by experienced female lifters, this class will focus on basic power and Olympic lifts as well as accessory exercises to build strength and power.
Woman-identifying and gender expansive individuals welcome.

HEAVY BAG
A high-intensity workout centered on striking a heavy bag, this class blends dynamic boxing moves to boost upper body strength, sharpen technique, and supercharge endurance. With punch combinations, body movements, and proper form guided by an instructor, it delivers a full-body challenge perfect for beginners and seasoned boxers alike, all while torching calories and channeling the spirit of a boxer in training.

KICKBOXING
An upbeat, full-body workout set to music, combining powerful punches and kicks with dynamic conditioning. Build strength, boost energy, and leave feeling empowered.

MIXED MARTIAL ARTS FOR SELF DEFENSE
Mixed Martial Arts for Self-Defense incorporates techniques from boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, grappling, and karate with the goal of producing skillful, accomplished, and well-rounded students proficient in the art of self-defense.
All new students must be at least 18 years old, sign a liability waiver, and purchase a white karate gi online (with a white belt) prior to beginning any class.

TAI CHI
Experience the calming power of Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese martial art that nurtures body, mind, and spirit. This “meditation in motion” focuses on gentle, flowing movements that relieve stress, promote relaxation, and enhance balance and coordination. Suitable for all levels, Tai Chi encourages mindfulness and inner peace while building strength, flexibility, and mental clarity, offering profound health benefits for overall well-being.

TAI CHI FOR ARTHRITIS
Tai Chi for Arthritis is an ideal, low-impact exercise for those looking to support joint health and improve strength, flexibility, and balance. Designed with controlled, slow movements and focused breathing, this class is especially beneficial for those with arthritis or other joint concerns. Tai Chi can aid in chronic pain management, enhance mobility, and promote relaxation, providing both physical and mental well-being.

UPGRADE BOXING
Experience Travis Sample’s signature high-energy boxing class, featuring dynamic drills, heavy bag and one-on-one mitt work, and high-intensity interval training. Perfect for all fitness levels.

CYCLE
Prepare for a high-energy workout in our cycling studio! This fast-paced ride lets you climb steep hills, sprint on straightaways, and power through challenging intervals—all set to motivating, heart-pumping music. Transform your fitness and push your limits in every session!

RIDE WITH DDB FITNESS
Get ready to RIDE! Known for her eclectic playlists and smart programming, Danielle Devine-Baum creates cycling workouts that challenge your body and ignite your spirit. With over 15 years of experience teaching in NYC and virtually, Danielle brings unmatched energy and expertise to every class, leaving you energized and ready to come back for more.

DYNAMIC YOGA
Dynamic yoga focuses on flowing movements and breathwork. It is a more vigorous style of yoga than traditional Hatha yoga, and it can be a great way to improve your cardiovascular health, strength, and flexibility.

GENTLE YOGA
This form of Hatha yoga practice involves breath, body, and mind, with poses not as strenuous as in a traditional yoga class.

HATHA YOGA
Hatha yoga is a traditional style of yoga that focuses on aligning the body, breath, and mind through deliberate movement and controlled breathing. This practice incorporates a series of postures, or asanas, held for extended moments to build strength, flexibility, and balance while promoting relaxation and mindfulness. Experience the transformative power of moving meditation.

HATHA FOR HEALTHY BONES
This practice combines traditional Hatha yoga postures with an emphasis on weight-bearing postures to promote bone density, improve balance, and increase flexibility. Suitable for all levels, this class is ideal for those looking to support long-term bone health while enjoying a balanced, focused, and restorative yoga experience.

IYENGAR YOGA
Iyengar yoga offers a structured and precise approach to building strength, flexibility, and inner calm. The class begins with foundational postures—standing, sitting, and lying down—and gradually introduces inversions, deeper backbends, and breathing techniques as the practice develops. Emphasizing proper alignment and posture, the Iyengar method utilizes props like blocks, straps, and bolsters to support practitioners of all levels, ensuring each pose is accessible and safely executed. This methodical approach encourages focused awareness, helping students cultivate both physical discipline and mental clarity, resulting in a balanced, mindful, and transformative experience.

MEDITATION + RESTORATIVE YOGA
This is our gentlest yoga class. Designed for those who wish to find healing, recovery physically and emotionally, and to learn to release chronic tension and stress. 

YOGA
This class will guide you through foundational poses, gentle stretches, and mindful breathing techniques to cultivate flexibility, strength, and balance. Whether you are new to yoga or have an established practice, each sequence is structured to allow you to move with intention, adapting to your own pace and ability.

YOGALATES
Yogalates combines the balance, stamina, strength, flexibility, and awareness of yoga with Pilates techniques to improve posture, core strength, and stability.

BALLS + BANDS
Balls + Bands is a dynamic 45-minute class designed to sculpt, strengthen, and stretch your entire body. Using resistance bands and stability balls, this class enhances core stability, improves flexibility, and tones muscles with controlled, low-impact movements. Expect a mix of balance challenges, deep muscle engagement, and fluid sequences that leave you feeling strong, centered, and energized.

MAT PILATES
Mat Pilates is a core-centered exercise method designed to build strength, flexibility, and body awareness through a series of controlled movements. This form of Pilates focuses on engaging deep stabilizing muscles, especially in the core, while also incorporating the arms, legs, and back for a full-body workout. Rooted in the original exercises created by Joseph Pilates, it is performed on a mat without specialized equipment, making it accessible yet highly effective for developing stability, improving posture, and enhancing balance and coordination.

YOGALATES
Yogalates combines the balance, stamina, strength, flexibility, and awareness of yoga with Pilates techniques to improve posture, core strength, and stability.

BARRE
Barre combines the grace and precision of classical dance with strength-building moves inspired by yoga and Pilates. In addition to the barre, the class incorporates resistance bands, gliding discs, and exercise balls to add variety, challenge, and support for each movement. This dynamic mix of equipment helps enhance flexibility, balance, and core strength, creating a full-body workout that tones muscles and improves posture.

SOULBODY BARRE
Experience the power of Soul Body’s signature method and flow that is smart, functional, and more athletic, yet mindful in its approach. Shape, tone, and strengthen the body in this results-driven program brings that “boutique barre experience” to group fitness.

STRETCH
Improve flexibility, relieve tension, and leave feeling both relaxed and revitalized. Through a series of gentle yet effective stretching exercises, you’ll increase your range of motion, enhance circulation, and release stress held in the body. Perfect for all fitness levels, this class offers a blend of relaxing stretches and invigorating movements that help you reset and recharge. Join us to restore balance, boost flexibility, and leave feeling refreshed from head to toe.

LABLAST® FITNESS
LaBlast® Fitness is a fun, partner-free dance workout created by world-renowned dancer Louis van Amstel, known for his work on Dancing with the Stars. Suitable for all levels, LaBlast® guides you through a variety of ballroom dance styles set to popular music from pop and rock to hip-hop and country. With options for adding plyometric moves, weights, or keeping it low-impact, LaBlast® lets you choose your intensity while toning your body, improving rhythm, and enjoying a fantastic workout. As Louis says, “If you can clap it, you can dance it!”

ZUMBA®
Zumba® is a high-energy, dance-fitness party designed for everybody and every body! This class combines low and high-intensity moves for an interval-style, calorie-burning workout set to Latin and World rhythms, making exercise feel like a celebration. You’ll enjoy a total-body workout that includes cardio, muscle conditioning, balance, and flexibility—leaving you energized, uplifted, and ready for more!

AQUA EX
Aqua exercise combines shallow and deep-water movements to provide a full-body workout with minimal impact on the joints. Using the natural resistance of water alongside specialized equipment like foam dumbbells and pool noodles, each session targets core stability, muscle strength, and coordination. Ideal for all fitness levels, Aqua exercise offers a challenging yet gentle way to build strength, boost stamina, and increase mobility in a supportive, low-impact environment.

AQUA ZUMBA®
Enjoy Zumba® on land? Try your favorite dance workout in the water for a great low-impact workout!

DEEP WATER RUNNING
Deep Water Fitness is a low-impact, joint-friendly workout that builds strength and cardiovascular health through the natural resistance of water. With the support of a flotation device, participants engage in underwater running drills, core exercises, and resistance movements for a full-body workout that boosts endurance, balance, and flexibility. Fun, effective, and suitable for all fitness levels!