Business Details
26 Years
experience
Premier Dance Classes for All Ages in Sanford, ME
Jazz-Tappin Dance Academy has been a cornerstone of dance education in Sanford for 26 years, dedicated to nurturing students of all ages through innovative instruction. Our curriculum blends technical excellence with creative expression, offering classes in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, and acro. We prioritize age-appropriate choreography, costuming, and music to ensure a family-friendly environment where confidence and self-discipline flourish. With a closed-circuit TV system for parental observation and a commitment to affordable, high-quality programming, we foster a supportive community that values both artistic growth and personal development.Our experienced instructors, including internationally recognized performers and certified educators, bring decades of expertise to every class. Annual recitals showcase student achievements while maintaining a family-friendly schedule and budget-conscious approach. Through partnerships with local charities and a structured syllabus, we ensure technical progression while keeping dance accessible and enjoyable for all.
Services
Ballet
Tap
Jazz
Hip Hop
Lyrical
Acro
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- 26 years of dance education excellence in Sanford
- Closed-circuit TV system for parental observation
- Age-appropriate choreography and costuming guaranteed
- Certified instructors with international competition experience
- Family-friendly scheduling and multiple class discounts
Associations and certifications
- Dance Masters of America
What people say
Passionate instructors
Safe environment
Confidence-building
Family-friendly
Experienced teachers
Services
Ballet
Our ballet program develops foundational technique through structured classes focusing on body placement, flexibility, and artistic expression. Students learn barre exercises, centerwork, and choreographed dances while building strength and discipline. This classical training enhances overall dance ability and prepares students for advanced performance opportunities.
Tap
Tap classes combine technical skill with musicality, teaching students to create percussive sounds through specialized footwear. From basic steps to complex rhythms, our instruction emphasizes timing, coordination, and creative expression. Classes incorporate both traditional and contemporary styles for all skill levels.
Hip Hop
This energetic program teaches modern street-style movements to popular music. Students develop rhythm, coordination, and self-expression through age-appropriate choreography. Our instructors focus on foundational hip hop techniques while maintaining a fun, inclusive environment that celebrates individual style.
Acro
Led by an Acrobatic Arts certified instructor, our acro classes blend dance with gymnastic elements. Students build flexibility, strength, and control while learning safe tumbling techniques. The program emphasizes proper progression and body awareness through creative movement and performance-based skills.
Lyrical
Lyrical/contemporary classes focus on expressive storytelling through movement. Students learn to interpret music emotionally while developing technical proficiency in modern dance techniques. Classes include warm-ups, across-the-floor sequences, and center combinations that emphasize fluidity and artistic interpretation.
People
Kendra O'Connell
Owner/Instructor
Founder of JTDA with 26 years of experience, Kendra is a certified Dance Masters of America teacher and former World Tap Dance Championship finalist. She studied with renowned instructors including Henry LeTang and performed with Savion Glover.
Kelcie Duplessis
Dance Instructor
Certified Acrobatic Arts instructor with 20 years of dance experience. Specializes in acro, jazz, ballet, and tap while bringing expertise in age-appropriate curriculum development and student motivation to JTDA.
Lizzy Fraser
Assistant Instructor
15-year dance veteran with expertise in tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop, and lyrical. Serves as lead assistant for ages 3-13 while pursuing early childhood education degrees to enhance her teaching methodology and student engagement.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, and acro classes for ages 3 and up with age-appropriate instruction.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes! We host two annual recitals featuring age-specific showcases with no additional fees beyond ticket costs.
How do I register for classes?
Registration is available through our online parent portal with auto-pay options and a one-time $15 registration fee.
What are your class sizes?
We maintain small class sizes to ensure individual attention, with registration capped to maintain quality instruction.
Do you offer family discounts?
Yes! We provide multiple-class and sibling discounts to accommodate families with multiple dancers.
What safety measures do you have?
We maintain a closed-circuit TV system for observation and age-appropriate content to ensure a safe learning environment.
Reviews (5)
Michelle Hamme
Jan 03, 2020
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Began dancing at this studio when I was four years old and learned a lot while creating lifelong friendships. I couldnt have asked for a better teacher, the experience is all about having fun and bettering oneself!
Jade Allan
Dec 11, 2019
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Tried summer classes here for the first time and my daughter absolutely fell in LOVE with dance! Amazing studio, Miss Kendra is so warm and inviting (even with my very shy dancer she was able to get her to join in and get comfortable very quickly). We are so happy with our experience and will be back in the fall!
A. Boy From Sanford Just Reviewing Some Businesses
Jun 19, 2019
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I really enjoy the concerts. Its nice to see so many Sanford people come together as a community to watch some people dance. Over the last few year the performers have gotten better but the music has gotten worse. I dont know if its just a me but there are just some songs that dont go well with dancing or its not relevant enough to say that it is good at all. The waiting room is very compact, sometimes you have to stand when your waiting for your family member/friend to get out of their class and its very inconvenient. I almost fell coming out of one of the parts of the waiting
Lauren McCabe
May 20, 2019
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I started dancing with Kendra at her studio when I was 4 years old and danced every year until I turned 18. SO much fun and the community built within those years was something that forever influenced who I am today. I would do it all over again! I highly recommended JTDA
Samantha Montgomery
May 03, 2019
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Kendra is an amazing teacher. I started dancing for Kendra when she opened her studio til
I graduated high school and some day hope for her to teach my own kids.
I graduated high school and some day hope for her to teach my own kids.
