Dance

NEW DANCERS: DANCE FUNDAMENTALS CLASSES

3-18 Yr Olds

Join us to receive excellent dance training, improve coordination, develop artistic creativity, make lasting friendships and have fun! These classes are for first-time dancers, newer dancers, or returning dancers who want to improve their fundamentals prior to our genre-specific classes. 5 Yr Olds: Register based on age at the start of the program. K-5th Gr: Register based on 2024-25 grade level

Recital Information: All dance class participants that participate in Fall, Winter and Spring classes will be invited to participate in our end-of-year recital in June! Participating in the recital is optional and includes additional fees. All recital information will be released in November with a registration process. Registration will open in November and close on Feb 17. Note: Winter/Spring Fundamentals and Fusion enrollees may participate in the recital, but enrolling for the entire year is preferred. All returning leveled dance class participants need to sign up for the full year in order to dance with their class in recital. 

• Register for Fall Classes Here (Aug 17 Deadline)
• Register for Winter Classes Here (Nov 9 Deadline)
• Fall Class Dates: Sept 9-Oct 19 
• Fall Class Costs: $59-$80 (depends on class)
• Winter Class Dates: Dec 2-June 7
• Winter Class Costs: $194-$250 (depends on class)
• Spring Dance Recital: Feb 17 Registration Deadline
• Class Descriptions: Click the “Dance Class Descriptions” tab below
• Studio Locations and Directions
• Shoe and Dancewear Guidelines
• Weekly Schedule: Coming Soon
• Class Calendar: Coming Soon
• Dance Fundamentals (3-5 Yrs): Mon | 3:00pm
• Dance Fundamentals (3-5 Yrs): Mon | 3:45pm
• Dance Fundamentals (3-5 Yrs): Tue | 9:00am | Must enroll in both Fall & Winter | New winter Tue AM dancers should take the 10am class
• Dance Fundamentals (3-5 Yrs): Tue | 10:00am | Only offered in Winter
• Dance Fundamentals (3-5 Yrs): Tue | 2:00pm
• Dance Fundamentals (3-5 Yrs): Wed | 4:00pm
• Dance Fundamentals (3-5 Yrs): Thur | 4:00pm
• Dance Fundamentals (3-5 Yrs): Sat | 9:00am
• Dance Fundamentals (5 Yrs-KG): Wed | 5:30pm
• Dance Fundamentals (5 Yrs-KG): Sat | 9:45am
• Dance Fundamentals (1st-2nd Gr): Thur | 4:45pm
• Dance Fundamentals (3rd-5th Gr): Sat | 11:15am
• Contemporary Technique (7th-12th Gr): Thur | 6:15pm
• Creative Movement (5 Yrs-2nd Gr): Tue | 5:45pm
• Creative Movement (3rd-5th Gr): Tue | 5:00pm
• Jazz Funk Fundamentals (6th-12th Gr): Wed | 3:00pm
• Pom Fundamentals/1 (3rd-8th Gr): Tue | 4:30pm
• Tap Fundamentals (5 Yrs-KG): Tue | 6:30pm
• Tap Fundamentals (1st-3rd Gr): Wed | 7:00pm
• Tap Fundamentals (4th-7th Gr): Thur | 7:15pm

WEEKLY DANCE CLASSES

3-18 Yr Olds

The Zeeland Rec dance program includes opportunities for new or experienced 3-18 yr olds in Fundamentals, Ballet, Contemporary, Creative Movement, Jazz, Jazz Funk, Pointe, Secondary, Tap and more! We're honored to provide excellent dance training that improves coordination, develops artistic creativity and creates lasting friendships. Come join the fun... all are welcome!

Recital Information: All dance class participants that participate in Fall, Winter and Spring classes will be invited to participate in our end-of-year recital in June! Participating in the recital is optional and includes additional fees. All recital information will be released in November with a registration process. Registration will open in November and close on Feb 17. Note: Winter/Spring Fundamentals and Fusion enrollees may participate in the recital, but enrolling for the entire year is preferred. All returning leveled dance class participants need to sign up for the full year in order to dance with their class in recital. 

• Register for Fall Classes Here (Aug 17 Deadline)
• Register for Winter Classes Here (Nov 9 Deadline)
• Fall Class Dates: Sept 9-Oct 19 
• Fall Class Costs: $59-$80 (depends on class)
• Winter Class Dates: Dec 2-June 7
• Winter Class Costs: $194-$250 (depends on class)
• Spring Dance Recital: Feb 17 Registration Deadline
• Class Descriptions: Click the “Dance Class Descriptions” tab below
• Studio Locations and Directions
• Dancewear and Shoe Requirements
• Weekly Schedule: Coming Soon
• Class Calendar: Coming Soon
• Ballet Tech 1: Sat | 11:00am
• Ballet Tech 2: Fri | 3:00pm
• Ballet Tech 3: Thur | 3:00pm
• Ballet Tech 4: Mon | 3:00pm
• Ballet Tech 5: Wed | 3:00pm
• Contemporary Technique (7th-12th Gr): Thur | 6:30pm
• Creative Movement (5 Yrs-2nd Gr): Tue | 5:45pm
• Creative Movement (3rd-5th Gr): Tue | 5:00pm
• Dance Fusion: Thur | 3:00pm
• Jazz Funk Fundamentals (6th-12th Gr):Wed | 3:00pm
• Jazz Funk 1: Tue | 6:00pm
• Jazz Funk 2: Tue | 7:00pm
• Jazz Tap Company: Wed | 6:00pm
• Jazz Tech 1/2: Tue | 7:15pm
• Jazz Tech 1: Sat | 12:00pm
• Jazz Tech 2: Wed | 8:00pm
• Junior Company: Mon | 4:30pm
• Pre-Pointe: Sat | 8:30am
• Pointe 1: Thur | 4:30pm
• Pointe 2:Wed | 4:30pm
• Pom Fundamentals/1 (3rd-8th Gr): Tue | 4:30pm
• Pom 2: Tue | 5:15pm
• Pre-Primary 1: Wed | 4:45pm
• Pre-Primary 1: Wed | 3:45pm
• Pre-Primary 2: Sat | 10:30am
• Primary 1: Tue | 5:00pm
• Primary 2: Wed | 6:15pm
• Primary 3: Sat | 10:00pm
• Primary 4: Thur | 6:15pm
• Primary 5: Wed | 5:00pm
• Primary 6: Tue | 6:00pm
• Primary 7: Thur | 4:15pm
• Secondary 1: Fri | 4:30pm
• Secondary 2: Thur | 5:00pm
• Secondary 3: Tue | 3:00pm
• Secondary 4: Tue | 3:00pm
• Secondary 5: Wed | 6:30pm
• Secondary 6: Tue | 7:15pm
• Secondary 7: Thur | 7:00pm
• Tap Fundamentals (1st-3rd Gr): Wed | 7:00pm
• Tap Fundamentals (4th-7th Gr): Thur | 7:15pm
• Tap 1: Thur | 7:00pm
• Tap 2: Thur | 5:30pm
• Tap 3: Wed | 4:30pm
• Tap 4: Wed | 7:30pm
• Tap 5: Wed | 5:15pm
• ZYDC: Mon | 5:30pm

• ZDC: Mon | 7:30pm

Zeeland Youth Dance Company (ZYDC)

5th-12th Gr

The Zeeland Youth Dance Company is an auditioned ensemble that provides opportunities for experienced dancers in grades 5-12 to learn and perform choreography throughout the community. ZYDC members show a strong love of dance, and a passion for sharing dance with others. Learn more here.

dance & movement with my grown-up!

2-3 Yrs + Guardian

Join us to bond with your little one while they learn basic dance steps and terminology through songs, stories and play! On top of that, your little ones will also blossom while building self-confidence! Parents/guardians will participate actively in the class, so this is the perfect program for children who may still need a little more time before separating from a parent or caregiver. Ballet shoes and leotards are recommended for children, but not required. Enroll based on age at start date. 

• Register Here (Registration Opens Fri, July 26)
• Cost: $59r/$73nr 
• Instructor: Cydney Sheneman
• Session 1: Wed | Sept 11-Oct 23
• Session 2: Wed | Dec 4-Jan 29 (skip Dec 25, Jan 1)
• Session 3: Wed | Feb 5-Mar 19
• Session 4: Wed | Apr 16-May 28
• Time: 10:00am-10:45am
• Location: Zeeland Recreation - Shoreline Sprinkling Studio

PUMPKINFEST PARADE

3-18 Yr Olds

Kick off fall by representing the Zeeland Rec Dance program in the Pumpkin Fest Parade! 3-5 year olds will sit on the dance float, while 6-18 year olds will walk with the Zeeland Youth Dance Company during the parade. The parade starts at 3pm in downtown Zeeland. Shirts will be provided. This program is open to all who are currently enrolled in our dance program.

• Register Here (Registration Opens Fri, July 26)
• Cost: $9
• Date: Sat, Oct 5
• Time: Parade Starts @ 3pm | All details will be communicated via email
• Location: All details will be communicated via email

KID'S DANCE DAY

3 Yr Olds-6th Gr

Join the Zeeland Dance Company for a Spring themed day of fun! Participants will learn dance techniques, dance routines, play movement games, and do a dance related craft! That same evening, dancers are invited back to perform at 6pm in our “Uplifted” Dance Concert, hosted by our Zeeland Youth Dance Company! All proceeds from “Uplifted” go towards our K.L.A.S.S. program, which provides free Zeeland Rec programs to children who are in financial need. No experience required. Participants must be potty trained and 3 years old as of December 1. 

• Register Here (Registration Opens Fri, July 26)
• Registration Deadline: Mon, Feb 10
• Cost: $43r/$58nr
• Instructors: Cydney Sheneman + Rachel Plaggmars + Zeeland Dance Company Dancers
• Date: Sat, March 1
• Time: 9:30am-12:30pm
• Location: Cityside Middle School - Lokers Auditorium
• Uplifted Performance Info: This performance will highlight our Zeeland Youth Dance Company members + participants from our “Kid’s Dance Day” program for 5 yr olds-6th graders that takes place earlier on the same day. All proceeds will go towards our K.L.A.S.S. program, which provides free Zeeland Rec programs to children in financial need. 
  • Tickets: $5 | Go on Sale on Tue, Jan 14 HERE
  • Date: Sat, March 1
  • Time: 6pm
  • Location: Cityside Middle School - Lokers Auditorium

EXPERIENCED DANCER BUT NEW TO ZEELAND REC DANCE? 

If you are an experienced dancer but our new to our dance program, please enroll in a Dance Fundamentals class for evaluation to determine placement in an upper level class. Or, for an additional fee, new students may schedule a private evaluation in order to determine placement. Please call our office at 616-748-3230 to schedule an appointment. Questions? Please contact Corrie Hilt, Leisure Coordinator, at chilt@zps.org

Please use the below information as a guideline when determining the appropriate class for your child. Final placement in all classes is determined by the instructor.

Dance Fundamentals Classes (3 Yr Olds+): Designed for new dancers or returning dancers. Dancers will move to a variety of music, learn basic dance vocabulary and explore many dance principals through the use of fun imagery and well-rounded combinations. Dancer must be potty-trained. 

Pre-Primary, Primary and Secondary: These classes are for returning dance students. Dancers will continue building proper alignment, placement, turn-out and core control fundamentals. Dancers will also gain strength, flexibility and coordination while learning fun practice combinations and choreography.

Tap Fundamentals (5 Yr Olds+): Designed for new dancers or returning dancers. Dancers will learn basic tap movements that serve as the building blocks for more difficult tap movements. Dancers will also work on rhythm and musicality while also exploring basic music theory. Dancer must be potty-trained. 

Tap Leveled Classes: Geared towards returning dancers. Dancers will work on rhythm, musicality and increasing speed while also working with weight-bearing and non-weight bearing tap vocabulary.

Ballet Technique Classes: Designed for returning dancers seeking an additional weekly class with a ballet focus. Dancers will grow their ballet vocabulary and build strength and flexibility. Besides moving through the components of a classical ballet lesson, dancers will be instructed in floor barre and other innovative techniques to encourage the use of the proper muscles in turn-out, extension, placement and alignment. Ballet Tech D is for dancers who are currently in 3rd grade with two or more years of recent and continuous experience (permission not necessary).  Placement in Ballet Tech A-C is by recommendation of the instructor only. For all of our Ballet Tech classes, please allow for adjustments in placement to be made as needed. Experienced dancers new to our program should enroll in Ballet Tech D in order to be evaluated for proper placement.

Pointe (Enroll with Instructor Permission Only): Dancers must be dual enrolled in Ballet Tech A in order to enroll in Pointe class.

Jazz Technique (5th gr +): This class is an opportunity for your dancer to increase the frequency and intensity of their training. Dancers will refine their technique in elements such as turns, jumps, and stylized movement.

Creative Movement Dance (5yr-6th gr) : This class is geared towards those interested in using their imaginations to explore elements of dance: time, space, and energy. The class will incorporate Anne Green Gilbert's educational methods, including the BrainDance. Dancers will learn how to collaborate to create their own unique compositions for the spring recital. This class is an excellent fit for dancers who love dancing but are looking for more freedoms than what they can get in the structure of a traditional dance class.

Jazz Funk (6th gr +):  Jazz Funk is a style of jazz dance that is the studio-based version of hip hop dance forms. New dancers in 6th grade and up should enroll in Jazz Funk Fundamentals.

Musical Theater (6th gr +): This class is geared toward kids who love to sing and dance and want to explore the unique storytelling opportunities that musical theater provides through both choral and dance arts. Dancers will both sing and dance through choreography.

Pom (3rd gr + ): A recent year of dance, cheer, or gymnastics is required prior to enrolling in the class. This class is for students that want a fun introduction to dance team-style Pom. Dancers will gain arm stretch and power in movement. At the same time, cheerleaders and gymnasts will benefit from the movement quality that Pom as a dance form brings to their sport.  

Reminder to Current Dancers: Zeeland Rec Dance level dancers up once a year prior to the fall session. All dancers who completed the previous semester of dance classes will receive a placement letter for the upcoming school year at the beginning of August.

Those With Dance Experience But New to Zeeland Rec Dance: Welcome to Zeeland Rec Dance! If you're an experienced dance student new to our dance program, please enroll in a Dance Fundamentals class for evaluation to determine placement in an upper level class. Or, for an additional fee, new students may schedule a private evaluation in order to determine placement. Please call our office at 748-3230 to schedule an appointment. Questions? Contact Corrie Hilt at chilt@zps.org  

Dance Instructors

Rachel Plaggemars

Rachel earned her BA in dance performance and choreography with an emphasis in education from Hope College. Ms. Plaggemars emphasizes ballet training as a foundation for well-rounded dancers and has loved watching her students grow technically and artistically through the program

Cydney Sheneman

Cydney graduated from Hope College with her BA in dance and religion education. Cydney enjoys helping students to not only learn a variety of dance genres and styles, but to also create their own works of movement art

Annika Lamer

Annika is currently majoring in Hospitality, Tourism, and Management with a minor in Dance at Grand Valley State University. Annika’s dance training was at Zeeland Recreation from the age of 3 through her senior year of high school, as well as, a teacher’s assistant at Zeeland Recreation for 6 years.  She loves watching her students grow and develop into strong confident well-rounded dancers.

Tiffany Stegink

Tiffany Stegink is studying Early Childhood Education with a minor in dance at Grand Valley State University. Tiffany trained at Zeeland Recreation from first grade through her senior year. She enjoys seeing dancers develop a passion for dance and watching them grow not only technically, but artistically. 

written 2024

Thursday 7pm

Friday 5:30pm

Friday 7pm

Saturday 10am

Saturday 12pm

KALEIDOSCOPE 2023

Thursday 7pm

Friday 7pm

Saturday 10am

Saturday 12pm

• Dance Photos

Photo Credit - Andrew Weller

Disney Dance Workshops

3-10 Yr Olds

Ready for a magical day? Join us for dancing, crafts, music and snacks themed by some of our favorite Disney characters! Participants are encouraged to wear costumes (not required). Get ready for your Disney dreams to come true!

• Register Here
• Cost: $25r/$40nr
• Instructors: Cydney Sheneman & Tiffany Stegink
• Encanto (3-6 Yr Olds): Fri, July 26 | 3-4 Yrs: 9am-10:15am | 5-6 Yrs: 10:30-11:45am
• Wish (3-10 Yr Olds): Fri, Aug 2 | 3-4 Yrs: 9am-10:15am | 5-6 Yrs: 10:30-11:45am | 7-10 Yrs: 12-1:15pm
• Rapunzel (3-6 Yr Olds): Fri, Aug 9 | 3-4 Yrs: 9am-10:15am | 5-6 Yrs: 10:30-11:45am
• Location: Zeeland Rec Shoreline Studio

Wacky Wednesdays with Ms Cydney

3-14 Yr Olds

Join the Wednesday night fun for a variety of themes throughout summer. Each class will have dancing, crafts, music and snacks fitting our nightly theme! Participants are encouraged to wear costumes (not required). Wednesday nights are sure to be a blast!

• Register Here
• Cost: $25r/$40nr
• Instructor: Cydney Sheneman
• Class Location: Zeeland Recreation Shoreline Studio
• Princess Theme (3-5 Yr Olds): Wed, July 31 | 4:45-6:00pm
• Taylor Swift Theme (6-9 Yr Olds): Wed, July 31 | 6:15-7:30pm
• Taylor Swift Theme (10-14  Yr Olds): Wed, July 31 | 7:45-9:00pm

Dance Intensive 

4th-12th Gr

Join us for a two-week dance intensive camp that will cover various genres of dance like Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Improv and more. Dance intensive will not perform in the Zeeland Rec summer dance showcase. Instead, a parent showcase will be held in the Shoreline Studio on Thur, Aug 1 for dance intensive participants.

Notes: 4th Gr: ½ Day (able to pick AM or PM); 5th-12th Gr: Full Day; In the past we have allowed participants to participate in only one week due to a scheduling conflict. We will continue to allow this if a participant can complete week one. However, participating in only week two, but not week one is not allowed.  No price adjustments will be made.

• Instructor: Cydney Sheneman & Rachel Plaggemars
• Dates: July 22-25 + July 29-Aug 1
• Daily Schedule:
  • 8:00am-9:30am: Ballet
  • 9:30am-10:30am: Jazz
  • 10:30am-11:00am: Elective 
  • 11:00am-11:30am: Lunch
  • 11:30am-12:15pm: Tap
  • 12:15pm-1:15pm: Improv Choreography
  • 1:15pm-2:00pm: Modern/Contemporary
• Parent Showcase: Thur, Aug 1
• Location: Zeeland Rec - Shoreline Studio

New Dancers: Dance Fundamentals Classes

3 Yr Olds-5th Gr

Join us to receive excellent dance training, improve coordination, develop artistic creativity, make lasting friendships and have fun! These classes are for first-time dancers, newer dancers, or returning dancers who want to improve their fundamentals prior to our genre-specific classes. Participants will develop techniques that will help them in all dance genres as they get older (Ballet, Jazz, Jazz Funk, Tap, etc). All participants must be potty-trained. 5 Yr Olds: Register based on age at the start of the program. K-5th Gr: Register based on 2024-25 grade level

• Summer Class Dates: July 13-Aug 9
• Class Descriptions: See the “Dance Class Descriptions” tab below
• Studio Locations and Directions
• Dancewear and Shoe Requirements
• Fundamentals (3-5 Yr Olds): Sat | July 13-Aug 3 | 8:45-9:30am
• Fundamentals (3-5 Yr Olds): Sat | July 13-Aug 3 | 9:30-10:15am
• Fundamentals (3-5 Yr Olds): Mon | July 15-Aug 5 | 5:00-5:45pm
• Fundamentals (3-5 Yr Olds): Tue | July 16-Aug 6 | 5:00-5:45pm
• Fundamentals (3-5 Yr Olds): Wed | July 17-Aug 7 | 2:30-3:15pm
• Fundamentals (5 Yrs-KG): Mon | July 15-Aug 15 | 4:15-5:00pm
• Fundamentals (1st-2nd Gr): Wed | July 17-Aug 7 | 4:30-5:15pm
• Fundamentals (3rd-5th Gr): Wed | July 17-Aug 7 | 5:15-6:00pm
• Creative Movement (1st-5th Gr): Mon | July 15-Aug 5 | 3:30-4:15pm
• Jazz Funk (6-10 Yr Olds): Mon | July 15-Aug 5 | 5:45-6:30pm
• Pom (3rd-6th Gr): Sat | July 13-Aug 3 | 10:15-11:00am 
• Tap Fundamentals (5 Yrs-4th Gr): Tue | July 16-Aug 6 | 3:30-4:15pm
• Summer Dance Showcase: Join us to watch all your child(ren) have learned at our Summer Dance classes! No additional registration is needed to perform. 
  • Date: Fri, Aug 9
  • Location: Lokers Auditorium
  • Mon & Tue Classes: Perform @ 5pm

  • Wed, Thur, Sat Classes: Perform @ 6:30pm

WEEKLY DANCE CLASSES

3-18 Yr Olds

Join us to receive excellent dance training, learn fun choreography, improve coordination, develop artistic creativity, make lasting friendships and have fun! Our dance classes develop strong techniques in Ballet, Jazz, Jazz Funk and Tap. These weekly classes are for students who have been previously enrolled in our dance classes during the Winter 2024 session. Participants will continue building upon principles such as proper alignment, placement, turn-out, core control and more!

• Summer Class Dates: July 13-Aug 9
• Summer Dance Showcase: Fri, Aug 9 (registration includes t-shirt)
• Class Descriptions: See the “Dance Class Descriptions” tab below
• Studio Locations and Directions
• Dancewear and Shoe Requirements
• Ballet Tech 1: Tue | July 16-Aug 6 | 6:00-7:30pm | $44r/$59nr
• Ballet Tech 2 + Pre-Pointe (MS age +): Thur | July 18-Aug 8 | 6:30-8:00pm
• Ballet Tech 3/4: Tue | July 16-Aug 6 | 7:30-9:00pm
• Creative Movement (1st-5th Gr): Mon | July 15-Aug 5 | 3:30-4:15pm
• Contemporary (7th-12th Gr): Mon | July 15-Aug 5 | 6:30-7:30pm
• Jazz Funk (6-10 Yr Olds): Mon | July 15-Aug 5 | 5:45-6:45pm
• Pom (3rd-6th Gr): Sat | July 13-Aug 3 | 10:15-11am
• Pointe 1/2 + Pre-Pointe (HS age - Must also enroll in Ballet Tech 3/4): Thur | July 18-Aug 8 | 5:00-6:30pm
• Primary Continued: Tue | July 16-Aug 6 | 5:45-6:45pm
• Secondary Continued: Tue | July 16-Aug 6 | 4:15-5:45pm
• Summer Dance Showcase: Join us to watch all your child(ren) have learned at our Summer Dance classes! No additional registration is needed to perform. 
  • Date: Fri, Aug 9
  • Location: Lokers Auditorium
  • Mon & Tue Classes: Perform @ 5pm

  • Wed, Thur, Sat Classes: Perform @ 6:30pm