4th-6th Grade Dance Classes

Three main things. First, Lyrical/Contemporary opens up — introducing emotional and artistic movement for the first time. Second, choreography and technique get significantly more complex; classes move faster and dancers are expected to retain and refine material week to week. Third, the competitive pathway becomes more real — many 4th–6th dancers are training toward Company or performance opportunities.

Great question — they're often taught together at this age but the styles are distinct. Lyrical typically follows the lyrics and story of a song with graceful, flowing movement that blends ballet and jazz. Contemporary is more abstract and experimental, drawing from modern dance with floor work and improvisation. Learn more on our Lyrical & Contemporary page.

If competitive dance is on the horizon, Jazz and Lyrical/Contemporary are the two most-competed styles and build the widest applicable vocabulary. Ballet is the technical foundation that improves everything else. Hip Hop is a great standalone or complement. Most serious dancers at this age take 2–4 classes per week combining these.

Every class at Steps welcomes boys. We have Boys Hip Hop for an all-boys environment, and Hip Hop & Breakdance for boys (or girls) who want more athletic, freestyle-focused movement. Many of our male dancers also take Jazz or Ballet to build the technical foundation that supports advanced hip hop and breakdance moves.

Steps Dance Company is our competitive team, and 4th–6th grade is prime auditioning age. Dancers audition in the spring for the following season. To prepare, we recommend at least 2–3 classes per week including Ballet, Jazz, and Lyrical/Contemporary — the three foundational styles for competition. Learn more on our Auditions page.

Absolutely. Many of our most passionate dancers didn't start until 4th or 5th grade. At this age, kids can pick up technique quickly because they have the focus and coordination to build fast. Our instructors are experienced at welcoming brand-new dancers alongside those who've been with us since preschool. Start with one class and see how it feels.

Attire varies by class. 

Ballet: leotard, tights, and ballet shoes. 

Jazz and Lyrical/Contemporary: leotard with tights or leggings, and appropriate shoes (jazz shoes, foot undies, or bare feet). 

Tap: comfortable dancewear with tap shoes. 

Hip Hop: athletic wear (fitted top with shorts or leggings) and non-marking gym shoes. 

Hair pulled back for all classes. 

Full attire guide at shopnimbly.com/stepsdancecenter.

Learn more about dress codes for all classes here.

Yes! All 4th–6th grade dancers perform in our winter Holiday Show and present two routines in the end-of-year recital at Neuqua Valley High School. Company dancers additionally compete at regional and national competitions throughout the season.

Once your dancer is in 7th grade, they'll move into our 7th & Up program — where classes are longer, technique is refined toward pre-professional standards, and Advanced Improv joins the class lineup. This is where many dancers commit fully to competitive company work.

We are located at 4054 Fox Valley Center Drive, Aurora, IL 60504 — minutes from Naperville, Oswego, Montgomery, and Lisle. Just off Route 59 with free on-site parking. Stroller-friendly entrance and a comfortable waiting area for families. Call us at (630) 499-5678 with any questions.