Academy of Dance - Tyler Junior College

Academy of Dance - Tyler Junior College
Academy of
Dance
The mission of the TJC Academy of Dance is to offer quality training in multiple genres of dance by experienced and qualified faculty for students ages three through adult in our recreational programs, special needs classes, conditioning classes, and Pre-Professional Division. Through rigorous training and performance opportunities, dancers will gain valuable knowledge and skills that nurture the body, inspire creativity, focus on the mind, and foster the love of movement. Our dedicated commitment to collaborate with the community through outreach, classes, and performances, ensures that we highly value this versatile and innovative art form as a lifelong cultural education opportunity for all.
The TJC Academy of Dance offers recreational and Pre-Professional level training in Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop and Musical Theater to students of all ages and levels. Emphasis in all classes is placed upon correct body alignment, discipline, strength development, coordination and flexibility through knowledge of proper technique, terminology, musical awareness and artistry. Additionally, Pre-Professional dancers have their training supplemented with a comprehensive Dance Conditioning program in coordination with Sarah Burton, founder of Studio B Pilates here in Tyler.
We are exceptionally proud of our alumni! Graduates from our Pre-Professional program consistently receive scholarships as they continue their education in major universities around the country. Notable alumni have gone on to dance in professional dance companies such as ABT, Alvin Ailey School of Dance, Atlanta Ballet, Chamberlain Ballet, Charlotte Ballet, Finnish National Ballet, Point Park University, Sacramento Ballet, Texas A&M, Texas Ballet Theater and University of Oklahoma.
2026 Summer Dance Camps
Register Now
Get ready for a summer full of movement, creativity, and nonstop fun! Choose from a variety of summer dance camps for ages 3 to 12, running June 1 through August 7.
Fall 2026 registration begins in July.
For more details, click the “Register Now” button or call 903-510-2900 with any questions.
My First Ballet Camp (Ages 3-4)
My First Combo Camp (Ages 4-5)
Ballet Basics (Ages 6+)
Cool Combo Dance Camp (Ages 6-8)
World of Dance Camp (Ages 9-12)
Recreational dance for ages 3 and up
Recreational Division
The TJC Academy of Dance’s recreational program provides high-quality dance education in a supportive and engaging environment, without the intensity of a pre-professional track. While students still benefit from strong technical instruction and artistic development, the focus is on fostering a love for movement, creativity, and personal growth. This program is ideal for dancers who want to enjoy the fun and expression of dance in a more relaxed and age-appropriate setting.
Recreational Dance Class Guide
All 3 year olds and younger 4 year olds are encouraged to start with Pre-Ballet 1. This class teaches ballet basics and meets developmental needs of littles with social and spatial awareness, creative play for gross motor skills; and even lessons in counting, colors, shapes and anatomy.
For students who have already taken two semesters of Pre-Ballet 1 or who will turn 5 before May 2026, we have two class options: Pre-Ballet 2 OR Combo 2. Pre-Ballet 2 is an ageappropriate continuation of coursework in skills and ballet basics. Combo 2 offers similar skill work, but technique work is split between ballet and tap. Combo students will need both ballet slippers & tap shoes.
For students who have already taken two semesters of Pre-Ballet 2 or Combo 2 or who will turn 6 before May 2026, we have two class options: Pre-Ballet 3 OR Combo 3. Pre-Ballet 3 is an age-appropriate continuation of coursework in skills and ballet basics with a stronger focus on technique and positioning. Combo 3 offers similar skill work, but technique work is split between ballet and tap. Combo students will need both ballet slippers & tap shoes. Additionally, for homeschool dancers aged 5+ we offer Homeschool Dance new for this year! Ballet basics, exploratory movement and technique will take place over 60 minutes.
For students who have already taken two semesters of Pre-Ballet 3 or Combo 3 or who will turn 7 before May 2026, we have two class options: Pre-Ballet 4 OR Combo 4. Pre-Ballet 4 is an age-appropriate continuation of coursework in skills and ballet basics with a stronger focus on technique and positioning. Combo 4 offers similar skill work, but technique work is split between ballet and tap. Combo students will need both ballet slippers & tap shoes.
For students who have already taken two semesters of Pre-Ballet 4 or Combo 4 or who will turn 8 before May 2026, we have two class options: Intro to Ballet 1 OR Combo 5. Intro to Ballet 1 is recommended for students who wish to join the Pre-Professional Division- it is a longer class with more focus on technique. Combo 5 offers the same technique work with more advanced skills than Combo 4. Combo students will need both ballet slippers & tap shoes. Hip Hop is also available for boys and girls, ages 7-12.
After Intro to Ballet 1, students who are interested, may audition for our Pre-Professional Division. However, for everyone else, we offer plenty of recreational classes for students who want to dance for fun and continue to learn basic technique. This age group has several options: Recreational Ballet (ballet basics), Recreational Modern (modern basics), Combo 5 (ballet, tap & jazz), Musical Theater & Hip Hop.
For students with different abilities and special needs, we offer the inclusive
Differently Abled Dance
class, open to all ages. This class works closely with our teacher, Ms. Anne, her assistants and parents to create a safe environment that introduces ballet, tap, and jazz technique, in addition to working on gross motor skills, music recognition, social skills & more.
For more information, please contact Academy Director: Carolyn Hanna,
chan3@tjc.edu
, 903-510-2900.
2026 Pre-Pro Summer Intensives
Registration Opens Soon!
Designed for serious young dancers who are ready to take their training to the next level or are already part of our Pre-Professional Program. Students will deepen their technical skills, strengthen their artistry and build the discipline, precision required for a professional dance career. Dancers will receive personalized attention from our experienced faculty and special guest instructors in a high-energy environment that challenges and inspires growth.
Future students register for Level 1 – 2
Week 1: June 8-11
with Ms. Karsyn, Ms. Joslyn, and Ms. Sarah
Week 2: June 14-17
with Ms. Karsyn and Ms. Shurrell
Week 3: June 22-25
with Ms. Thereza and Ms.
Carolyn
Week 4: July 13-16
with Ms. Thereza and Ms. Shurrell
Week 5: July 20-24
with Ms. Carolyn and Ms. Joslyn
Week 1 Schedule
Level 1 – 2:
2 – 3:30 p.m. Ballet
3:45 – 5:15 p.m. Modern
5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Dance Conditioning
Level 3 – 6:
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Ballet
12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Pointe Conditioning
2 – 3:30 p.m. Modern
4 – 5 p.m. Dance Conditioning
Week 2 – 5 Schedule
Level 1 – 2:
1 – 2:30 p.m. Ballet
2:45 – 4:15 p.m. Modern
Level 3 – 6:
10 – 11:30 a.m. Ballet
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Pointe Conditioning
1 – 2:30 p.m. Modern
Pre-professional dance training
Pre-Professional Division
The pre-professional program, housed in the Academy of Dance, is a rigorous training and performing program designed to prepare students for a professional dance career or to obtain a higher education in dance. Through multiple weekly classes and additional performance opportunities, students gain first-hand knowledge of the physical and mental strength needed for their future goals. The TJC Academy of Dance pre-professional program is the only program in East Texas to provide the training and performing opportunities needed for students to continue their dance education and career beyond TJC. These classes are exclusively for members of our Pre-Professional Division, which requires invitation and/or level placement.
Pre-Professional Division Weekly Class Requirements
Ballet: Ballet 1 Pre-Pro
Modern: Modern 1 Pre-Pro
DC: Dance Conditioning 1
Optional: Recreational Modern
Ballet: Ballet 2 Pre-Pro
Modern: Modern 2 Pre-Pro
DC: Dance Conditioning 2
Optional: Jazz/Open Movement, Level 1 Pre-Pro Classes
Ballet: Ballet 3 Pre-Pro
Modern: Modern 3 Pre-Pro
DC: Dance Conditioning 3
Optional: Jazz/Open Movement, Level 1-2 Pre-Pro Classes
Ballet: Ballet 4 Pre-Pro , Ballet 4 & 5 Pre-Pro, choose 1 Lower Level ballet class (regular attendance required, but non-registered), Pointe class*
Modern: Modern 4 Pre-Pro
DC: Dance Conditioning 4
Optional: Jazz/Open Movement, Level 1-3 Pre-Pro Classes
Ballet: Ballet 4&5 Pre-Pro, choose two Ballet 5&6 classes, Pointe class*
Modern: Modern 5 Pre-Pro (Modern 5 & 6 Tues by invitation only)
DC:Dance Conditioning 5 & 6, Optional
Optional: Jazz/Open Movement, Level 1-4 Pre-Pro Classes
Ballet: Choose two Ballet 5 & 6 classes, Ballet 6 Pre-Pro Wednesdays, two Pointe classes* & Variations*
Modern: Modern 6 Pre-Pro, Modern 5 & 6 Pre-Pro
DC:Dance Conditioning 5 & 6, Optional
Optional: Jazz/Open Movement, Level 1-4 Pre-Pro Classes
A minimum of 80% attendance in weekly classes is mandatory. Dancers may make up absences in additional on or lower-level classes or be placed on probation.
Dancers must participate in Nutcracker, Spring Show and Academy Showcase. A maximum of two absences from rehearsals are allowed per show.
For more information, please contact Pre-Professional Division Director: Shurrell Wiebe,
swie@tjc.edu
, 903-705-2882.
Upcoming Events
Schedules, Dress Codes & Class Guides
Recreational Dance Schedule and Class Guide
(PDF)
Recreational Program Dress Code
(PDF)
Pre-Professional Dance Schedule & Weekly Requirements
(PDF)
Pre-Professional Program Dress Code
(PDF)
Support Dance at TJC
TJC Academy of Dance Guild
Support Dance through the Academy of Dance Guild
The Academy of Dance Guild members serve as advocates for dance and ballet in our Tyler community. Our mission is to raise awareness and support for our Academy through various efforts, special events and fundraising drives. All Guild members will enjoy special presentations from guest choreographers and musicians, while also receiving exclusive invitations to “behind the scenes” looks at upcoming performances. We plan to gather socially a few times a year and of course encourage others to join us in attending the TJC Academy of Dance performances!
Guild Annual Membership Levels
Guild Member: $100
Two Guild Members in one household: $160 Guild
Relevé Member: $250*
Two Guild Relevé Members in one household: $400
*Relevé Members provide additional support through their dues for director-specific projects, performances, guest artists and teachers, as well as programming and additional scholarships for dancers. Members at this level also receive advance ticket sales to all performances and invitations to post-performance receptions.
Join the TJC Academy of Dance Guild
TJC Dance Endowment
With the support of the TJC Foundation a Dance Endowment was created to fund scholarships for students enrolled in the Pre-Professional Division housed in the TJC Academy of Dance. The endowment goal of $500,000 from various funding sources across East Texas will be able to fund 10-15 students each year. All students deserve the opportunity to work towards their future goals and become the best version of themselves.
Support the TJC Dance Endowment
Dance Degree Program
Major in Dance at TJC
Interested in being a Dance major? College-level Dance will challenge you mentally and physically, giving you amazing performance experiences while you learn the art and history of dance.
Find out more about TJC’s Dance Department.
Earn a Degree in Dance at TJC
FAQs
You may register and pay for classes on our website at the button below or by calling
903-510-2483
Registar & Pay Here
Classes are held in the Ornelas Center for Band, Apache Belles & Dance.
All Dance classes begin in the fall and progress through the spring session. You should not register for a higher level in the spring session.
For beginner and lower-level classes, new students should enroll according to the age requirements specified in the class descriptions. New students with previous training and any student with questions regarding proper class placement should call Carolyn Hanna at
903-510-2483
or email
chan3@tjc.edu
for information and the director’s approval before enrolling.
Class Descriptions
There are minimum and maximum enrollment quotas for each class. Enrollments are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Enroll early to guarantee entry, as classes will be closed when enrollment quotas are met. Late enrollments after the session begins will only be accepted on a space-available basis.
If a class does not meet the minimum enrollment quota, the class will be canceled. You will have the option to transfer into another dance class or receive an 80% refund.
Parking permits for classes in the Ornelas Center for Band, Apache Belles & Dance are mailed out when registrations are received.
The Ornelas Center requires a green ID admittance card for dance classes. These will be given out during the first week of classes to students whose names appear on our class roster. If you have not yet enrolled, you will not receive a new ID card, and will not be allowed to enter OHPE.
Missed classes may be made up in a comparable or lower-level class at any time; ask your instructor which class to attend. Make-up classes cannot be “rolled over” into a future semester. Making up missed classes is optional. There are no refunds for missed classes, regardless of the circumstances./
Students who discontinue attending enrolled classes may not transfer their enrollment to another student and will not be given a refund.
Suppose a class is canceled due to the instructor’s illness/absence or threatening weather. In that case, it will be at the instructor’s discretion to schedule an extra makeup class or to have students attend another class already in session.
Students may not substitute optional classes for required classes nor substitute classes from another level without the approval of the instructor/director.
Students who enroll in three classes will receive a $50 discount./
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