Our teen classes are designed to engage our students in their specific areas of interest, and can work separately, together, or in conjunction with private voice, piano, or guitar lessons for a well-rounded educational experience.

Solstice Dance Academy: Ballet/Jazz for Older Beginners

Ages: Grades 6-12

Our Ballet/Jazz class for Older Beginners is designed specifically for students with an interest in dance with 0-2 years of experience. This class is ideal for teens who are interested in participating in school or community musical theater productions or for future musical theater majors with little formal dance training. Ballet training helps students to strengthen their arms, legs, and core, and is foundational to all dance styles, and jazz training enables students to develop coordination and strong rhythmic skills. Note: Dancers in this class will have the option to perform in SDA’s Performance Showcase in May.

Tuition: $620 for full dance season (31 weeks, September-May)

Solstice Dance Academy: Musical Theater Choreography Basics

Ages: Grades 6-12

Our 10-week Musical Theater Choreography Basics class was created for students in grades 6-12 who would like to feel more comfortable and knowledgeable for dance auditions and dance numbers for school and community musical theater productions. In this class, students will learn many of the basic steps used in musical theater choreography and will practice learning combinations similar to those used in a dance audition. If your teen is anxious about their dance skills, they should take this class!

Tuition: $300 for 10-week session (fall and winter only)

Solstice Dance Academy: Teen Dance Classes

Dance training is an integral part of performing arts education.  Body awareness, physical expressiveness, strength, grace, musicality, and physical confidence are essential skills for any aspiring performer.  Dance class is also a great place to make friends and become a part of a supportive community.

At Solstice Dance Academy, we offer a variety of teen dance classes in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Lyrical, and Contemporary styles. Click the link below to visit our website.

Computer-Based Music Creation and Production

Ages: Grades 9-adult (younger students with permission from the instructor)

Learn the basics of Computer-Based Music Creation and Production in this engaging, results-oriented 12-week course. Course will cover basics of digital vs. analog production (gear and signal flow), the ins and outs of the Digital Audio Workstation, virtual instruments and sample libraries, recording live vocals, guitars, drums, etc., using effects (ie. reverb and delay), mixing,  and bouncing down to a final file (mp3, wav, aiff, etc.)

Required materials: a minimum 256mb thumb drive, notebook, music notation paper.

Tuition: $375 for 10-week session (fall only)

Date/Time: Saturdays, 10-11:30am

September 14-November 16

Songwriting for Teens and Adults

Ages: Grades 6-adult

Learn the basics of songwriting in this fun, in-depth 10-week course. Course will cover basic chord progressions, lyric writing, melody writing, vocal harmony and countermelodies, vocal and instrumental motifs, creative ways to combat writer’s block, and more. Students will also study great pop hits from the mid-20th-century to the present day.

Students must choose to specialize in either guitar or piano. No prior experience on either instrument is required, but piano is recommended for those who do not play either instrument.

Required materials: acoustic guitar or piano keyboard, computer (no Chromebooks, please)

Tuition: $325 per 10 week session (winter only)

Date/Time: Tuesdays, 7-8pm

Winter 2025 Session: Tuesdays, January 7-March 11

Spring Mainstage Musical: Chicago (Teen Edition)

Ages:  Grades 6-12

All performers in grades 6-12 are invited to participate in our spring mainstage musical, Chicago (Teen Edition). Auditions are required for anyone wanting a lead role; all others may register to participate in the ensemble. Audition date TBA.

Rehearsals: Sundays and Tuesdays, 6-9pm starting March 31; additional rehearsals on 5/29 and 5/30. Note — not all participants will be called to every rehearsal. A detailed rehearsal schedule will be provided.

Performance Dates: May 31, 7pm and June 1, 5pm at The Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill

Tuition: $450 for two rehearsals weekly plus dress rehearsals and performances (spring only)