Business Details
13 Years
experience
Premier Dance Education for All Ages
JDC Dance Center was established in 2013 to provide children with a positive environment where they can develop talent, self-esteem, creativity, and collaboration skills. Our studio in Ballston Spa, NY, offers a wide range of dance styles including tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical, contemporary, hip-hop, gymnastics, and musical theater. With over 40 combined years of experience among our instructors, we focus on creating a family-oriented atmosphere where students of all levelsfrom recreational to competitivecan thrive. Our teachers continuously enhance their skills through workshops to ensure fresh, innovative instruction.We believe dance fosters discipline, confidence, and teamwork, and we are committed to instilling a lifelong love of dance in every student. Our annual recitals and competition teams showcase the hard work and dedication of our dancers, while our community events like the Ballston Spa Holiday Parade strengthen our family bonds. We prioritize individual growth and celebrate milestones, such as our graduating seniors, who exemplify the transformative power of dance.
Services
Ballet
Jazz
Tap
Hip-Hop
Lyrical/Contemporary
Musical Theater
Gymnastics
Details
- Year established: 2013
Highlights and features
- Our instructors have over 40 combined years of dance education experience.
- We offer competitive and recreational classes in 7+ dance styles.
- Family-oriented environment prioritizes teamwork and personal growth.
- Annual recitals and competition teams showcase student achievements.
- Teachers attend workshops to maintain fresh, innovative choreography.
What people say
Amazing performances
Supportive teachers
Lifelong memories
Confidence-building
Talented instructors
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops foundational technique and grace for ages 2.5+. Students learn proper form, posture, and classical repertoire through structured lessons. Classes prepare dancers for recitals and competitions while emphasizing artistic expression and discipline. Instructors focus on progressive skill development tailored to each student's ability level.
Hip-Hop Classes
Hip-hop instruction teaches street-style techniques to ages 5+. Classes cover breaking, popping, and freestyle movements while building rhythm and stage presence. Competitive teams receive choreography training for competitions, while recreational students enjoy energetic workouts that improve coordination and self-expression in a fun environment.
Competition Teams
Our competition program offers advanced training in multiple genres for dedicated dancers. Teams attend regional events like those in Poughkeepsie and Schenectady, with specialized coaching in choreography and performance skills. The program includes pre-comp classes for ages 6-10 and junior teen divisions to accommodate growing dancers' skill levels.
Lyrical/Contemporary
Lyrical and contemporary classes blend ballet and modern techniques for ages 12+. Students learn emotional storytelling through movement, focusing on fluid transitions and interpretive expression. Classes prepare dancers for solos and group performances that emphasize artistic depth and technical precision in recitals and competitions.
Preschool Classes
Specialized instruction for ages 2.5-4 introduces basic dance concepts through playful activities. Ballet and tap classes develop motor skills, rhythm, and classroom etiquette while maintaining a fun, engaging atmosphere. Parent communication ensures families understand their child's progress and readiness for advanced programs.
People
Christina Pastore
Studio Owner/Director
Christina has operated JDC Dance Center for 10 years, creating a positive environment for youth development through dance. With 30+ years in Ballston Spa, she focuses on nurturing students' creativity and confidence while maintaining a family-oriented studio culture.
Candace Harblin
Dance Instructor
Candace brings 40+ years of dance experience and 25+ years teaching expertise. Specializing in tap, jazz, and ballet, she has earned multiple choreography awards and maintains active professional development through workshops to enhance her instruction.
Jenna Pastore
Dance Instructor
Jenna holds degrees in dance and business administration, combining artistic expertise with operational management. A former competition dancer, she mentors students using her extensive performance experience and NASM-certified fitness knowledge to enhance dance training.
Kasie Ritota
Dance Instructor
Kasie has taught dance for 20+ years while maintaining her own training through global workshops. She specializes in creating age-appropriate curriculum that balances technical instruction with emotional support for students aged 2.5-18.
Madeline Spain
Dance Instructor
Madeline combines her business management degree with competition experience to teach jazz and contemporary. As a former JDC student, she understands the studio's values and focuses on preparing dancers for both performance excellence and personal growth.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We provide ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical/contemporary, musical theater, and gymnastics classes for ages 2.5+. Competitive teams and specialized programs like pre-comp classes accommodate various skill levels and interests.
Are there performance opportunities for students?
Yes! Our annual recital showcases all dancers at the Saratoga County Fairgrounds. Competitive teams participate in regional events in Poughkeepsie and Schenectady, with red carpet events and professional photography available for all performances.
What qualifications do your instructors have?
Our faculty includes award-winning choreographers with 20-40 years of experience. Instructors hold degrees in dance education, maintain active professional development, and emphasize both technical skill and character development in their teaching.
Do you offer discounts for multiple classes?
Yes! We provide 2-Way and 3-Way Combo discounts for multiple classes taken on the same day. Preschool combo classes and older student packages offer cost-effective options for families with multiple dance styles.
How does the competition team program work?
Our competition teams train in multiple genres for regional events. Pre-comp classes for ages 6-11 and junior teen divisions prepare dancers with specialized coaching in choreography, technique, and performance readiness throughout the season.
Reviews (1)
Kim Jacobs
Jun 24, 2019
Report
Love JDC dance center! Best studio, best director, best teachers! JDC has been home for my girl for 12 years!! We JDC!!!!
