At American Youth Dance Theater we do not judge children based on their body types or physical capabilities. We encourage each student to achieve their utmost potential, and set realistic goals for their individual physicality.

We believe in performance as a vehicle to increase self-esteem and learning. Students have the opportunity to perform in two theatrical productions every year. For our teachers, it is rewarding to see how much our students grow and gain self-confidence through each performance.

Class sizes at American Youth Dance Theater are kept small to ensure a good student teacher ratio. This gives each child the individual attention necessary to help them achieve their personal best. As students mature, some higher level ballet classes may have more students, as there are no discipline issues.

It is very important for a dance studio to be constructed with the right materials. Our studio at American Youth Dance Theater in Washington Heights is constructed with ‘sprung floors’, allowing the dance floor to float several inches above the sub floor.