Meet Katie, Our New Assistant Dance Instructor!
We’re thrilled to welcome Katie Taylor to the Lancaster Rec dance team! For Katie, dance has always been more than movement—it’s a powerful way to connect mind, body, and spirit. Her journey began at age 9 and has blossomed into over 16 years of experience in Ballet, Jazz, and Contemporary, along with a deep love for creativity and self-expression.
Katie has trained at Greater York Center for Dance Education and Innovations Dance Center, served as co-captain of a performance company, assisted with youth classes, and performed at community events. She’s also a company member of FRWRD Dance, a Lancaster-based professional dance company that tours regionally.
Whether you’re brand new to dance or have been moving for years, Katie can’t wait to inspire self-discipline, resilience, and joy in every class. Welcome, Katie!
Meet Lydia, Our Dance and Fitness Instructor!
Lydia’s passion for dance began at the age of 7, and she has been captivated by the art of movement ever since. She has trained in a variety of styles, including Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, and Hip Hop, filling her life with as much dance as possible. Alongside her dance journey, Lydia also pursued music, excelling as a trombone player and earning a bachelor’s degree in music education from Penn State University in 2020.
After graduating, Lydia returned to her dance roots, performing with the Allied Motion Dance Company and touring the country with the Blue Knights Drum Corps. She has shared her love for dance through teaching at several prestigious institutions such as Central Pennsylvania Dance Workshop, Center Region Parks and Rec Association, Move It Studio, Hempfield Rec Center, Pure Barre Lancaster, and Lancaster Rec Association.
Lydia brings her extensive experience and boundless enthusiasm to Lancaster Rec, where she is thrilled to take over our dance program. Lydia is eager to inspire and nurture the next generation of dancers, continuing her lifelong dedication to the art of dance.
Dance and Fitness Classes (by age group)
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DANCE CAMPS
K-Pop Krazy Dance Camp
Lancaster Rec Terrace Dance Room
Monday - Friday | June 22 - 26
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Campers will get to turn up their mics, grab their closest friends, and put their best foot forward dancing to all their favorite K-pop hits in this dance camp! Each day campers will learn new dance skills through K-pop themed dance classes, choreography, and dance games.
Musical Theater Camp
Lancaster Rec Terrace Room
Monday - Friday | July 6 - 10
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Campers will discover the magic of Broadway in this summer camp! Each day campers will dance and sing to some of their favorite and kid appropriate Broadway songs! Put on your best stage face and let your inner star shine in this Musical Theater Dance Camp!
Lights, Camera, Action Camp
Lancaster Rec Terrace Room
Monday - Friday | July 13 - 17
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Campers will take center stage for this performance themed summer camp! Each day campers will hone their dance technique in themed classes and work together to write their own choreography, put together costumes, and design and craft sets for an end of the week in-studio performance! This camp is for any young dancer who wants to explore the elements needed to choreograph their own dances and to let their creative side shine!
Fairytale Fantasy Camp
Lancaster Rec Terrace Room
Monday - Friday | July 27 - 31
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Campers will adventure to faraway lands or castles, dragons, and royalty in this fantasy themed summer camp! Each day campers will learn new dance skills through themed dance classes, choreography, and dance games.
AGES 0 - 3
Zumbini (ages 0-4)
Lancaster Rec - Terrace Room
Winter Session 1/16 -3/7 (2 sessions)
Hours differ by session
Zumbini, created by Zumba and BabyFirst, uses music and movement to promote cognitive, social, emotional and motor skill development. This 8 week class engages children and parents through dancing, singing and playing instruments. Each family will receive music codes to access the music used in class, to keep the fun going at home!
Winter Session:
Friday | Jan 16 – Mar 6 | 9 – 9:45 a.m.
Saturday | Jan 17 – Mar 7 | 10 – 10:45 a.m.Spring Session:
Friday | Apr 10 – May 29 | 9 – 9:45 a.m.
Wednesday Toddler Dance (ages 2-3)
Lancaster Rec - Terrace Room
Wednesday | Jan 7 - Jun 3
4 - 4:30 p.m.
In toddler dance your child will be introduced to the world of dance through creative play and fun movements! This class will help your little one develop fine and gross motor skills all in a fun and engaging environment and introduce them to basic dance steps.
Friday Toddler Dance (ages 2-3)
Lancaster Rec - Terrace Room
Friday | Jan 9 - Jun 5
10 - 10:30 a.m.
In toddler dance your child will be introduced to the world of dance through creative play and fun movements! This class will help your little one develop fine and gross motor skills all in a fun and engaging environment and introduce them to basic dance steps.
AGES 4 - 7
Mondays Little Dancers Ballet/Tap (ages 4-6)
Lancaster Rec - Terrace Room
Mondays | Jan 5 - Jun 1
4 - 4:45 p.m.
Little Dancers Ballet/Tap is for dancers ages 4-6. Dancers will be introduced to the basics and fundamentals of both Ballet and Tap styles. This class is designed to allow young dancers to explore two different styles of dance in order help them discover which styles they enjoy best.
Ballet is the foundation of all dance styles. Each class, appropriate by age and experience level, will teach technique for the classical ballet style through terminology and engaging barre and center choreography. Through the foundations of Ballet each dancer will gain confidence, strength, and freedom of movement.
Tap dance is a style of dance that uses tap shoes to create percussive sounds, rhythms, patterns, and movement. In Tap class you will increase coordination and musicality through tap dance fundamentals and choreography appropriate by age of class and experience level.
Wednesdays Little Dancers (Ballet/Tap) (Ages 4-6)
Lancaster Rec - Terrace Room
Wednesdays | Jan 7 - Jun 3
5:30 PM-6:15 PM (45 minutes)
Little Dancers Ballet/Tap is for dancers ages 4-6. Dancers will be introduced to the basics and fundamentals of both Ballet and Tap styles. This class is designed to allow young dancers to explore two different styles of dance in order help them discover which styles they enjoy best.
Ballet is the foundation of all dance styles. Each class, appropriate by age and experience level, will teach technique for the classical ballet style through terminology and engaging barre and center choreography. Through the foundations of Ballet each dancer will gain confidence, strength, and freedom of movement.
Tap dance is a style of dance that uses tap shoes to create percussive sounds, rhythms, patterns, and movement. In Tap class you will increase coordination and musicality through tap dance fundamentals and choreography appropriate by age of class and experience level.
Tuesday Jazz/Tap I (ages 6-7)
Lancaster Rec - Terrace Room
Tuesdays | Jan 6 - Jun 2
4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Jazz/Tap I is for dancers ages 6-7. This is a beginner level dance class to introduce dancers to the basics and fundamentals of Jazz and Tap, and to build onto skills that have already been taught. Jazz dance is a fun and upbeat style of dancing based on Ballet foundations. In Jazz class you will learn Jazz and Tap dance techniques as well as center and across the floor combinations and class choreography appropriate by age of class and experience level.
Wednesday Ballet I (ages 6-7) - Fall
Lancaster Rec - Terrace Room
Wednesday | Jan 7 - Jun 3
4:45 PM-5:30 PM
Ballet I is for dancers ages 6-7. This is a beginner level dance class to introduce dancers to the basics and fundamentals of Ballet, and to build onto skills that have already been taught.
Ballet is the foundation of all dance styles. Each class, appropriate by age and experience level, will teach technique for the classical ballet style through terminology and engaging barre and center choreography. Through the foundations of Ballet each dancer will gain confidence, strength, and freedom of movement.
Check below for calendar updates:
Thursdays Ballet I (ages 6-7)
Lancaster Rec - Terrace Room
Thursdays | Jan 8 - Jun 4
4 - 4:45 p.m.
Ballet I is for dancers ages 6-7. This is a beginner level dance class to introduce dancers to the basics and fundamentals of Ballet, and to build onto skills that have already been taught.
Ballet is the foundation of all dance styles. Each class, appropriate by age and experience level, will teach technique for the classical ballet style through terminology and engaging barre and center choreography. Through the foundations of Ballet each dancer will gain confidence, strength, and freedom of movement.
AGES 8-11
Monday Tap II (ages 8-11)
Lancaster Rec - Terrace Room
Mondays | Jan 5 - Jun 1
6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Tap II is for dancers ages 8-11. This is an introductory level dance class to introduce dancers to the basics and fundamentals of Tap Dance, and to build onto skills that have already been taught.
Tap dance is a style of dance that uses tap shoes to create percussive sounds, rhythms, patterns, and movement. In Tap class you will increase coordination and musicality through tap dance fundamentals and choreography appropriate by age of class and experience level.
Monday Ballet II (ages 8-11)
Lancaster Rec - Terrace Room
Mondays | Jan 5 - Jun 1
5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Ballet II is for dancers ages 8 to 11. This beginner to intermediate class builds on skills to challenge dancers to further their skills and grow their Ballet abilities.
Ballet is the foundation of all dance styles. Each class, appropriate by age and experience level, will teach technique for the classical ballet style through terminology and engaging barre and center choreography. Through the foundations of Ballet each dancer will gain confidence, strength, and freedom of movement.
Tuesday Jazz II (ages 8-11)
Lancaster Rec - Terrace Room
Tuesdays | Jan 6 - Jun 2
5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Jazz II is for dancers ages 8-11. This beginner to intermediate class builds on skills to challenge dancers to further their skills and grow their Jazz abilities. Jazz dance is a fun and upbeat style of dancing based on Ballet foundations. In Jazz class you will learn Jazz dance technique as well as center and across the floor combinations and class choreography appropriate by age of class and experience level.
Thursday Hip Hop II (ages 8-11)
Lancaster Rec - Terrace Room
Thursdays | Jan 8 - Jun 4
5 - 6 p.m.
This beginner/intermediate Hip Hop class is designed for dancers looking to learn or build on the basics of this energetic and expressive style. Whether you’re just starting or looking to enhance your skills, you’ll be introduced to the fundamentals of Hip Hop and continue to refine techniques you’ve already learned. Each class covers essential elements like popping, locking, breaking, and freestyle movements, all set to Rap, R&B, and Pop music. This high-energy class will help you improve coordination, build confidence, and develop your unique dance style.
AGES 12 - 18
Tuesday Ballet III (ages 12-18)
Lancaster Rec - Terrace Room
Tuesdays | Jan 6 - Jun 2
6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Ballet III is for dancers ages 12 to 18. This intermediate class builds on skills to challenge dancers to further their skills and grow their Ballet abilities.
Ballet is the foundation of all dance styles. Each class, appropriate by age and experience level, will teach technique for the classical ballet style through terminology and engaging barre and center choreography. Through the foundations of Ballet each dancer will gain confidence, strength, and freedom of movement.
Thursday Hip Hop III (ages 12-18)
Lancaster Rec - Terrace Room
Thursdays | Jan 8 - Jun 4
7 - 8 p.m.
This advanced Hip Hop class is designed for dancers looking to learn or build on the basics of this energetic and expressive style. Whether you’re just starting or looking to enhance your skills, you’ll be introduced to the fundamentals of Hip Hop and continue to refine techniques you’ve already learned. Each class covers essential elements like popping, locking, breaking, and freestyle movements, all set to Rap, R&B, and Pop music. This high-energy class will help you improve coordination, build confidence, and develop your unique dance style.
Contemporary/ Modern (ages 12-18)
Lancaster Rec | Terrace Room
Thursday | Jan 8 - Jun 4
6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Contemporary dance is a dynamic and versatile dance style that incorporates elements from Ballet, Jazz, and Lyrical styles of dance. In this intermediate class you will express yourself through freedom of movement while learning technique and expressive choreography.
Back to topADULT CLASSES (18+)
Adult Beginner Ballet (ages 18+)
Lancaster Rec | Terrace Room
Mondays | Jan 5 - Jun 2
7:15 - 8:45 p.m.
This class goes over the basic fundamentals of ballet in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Adult Ballet is open to all abilities and experience levels.
Ballet is the foundation of all dance styles. Each class, appropriate by age and experience level, will teach technique for the classical ballet style through terminology and engaging barre and center choreography. Through the foundations of Ballet each dancer will gain confidence, strength, and freedom of movement.
Adult Contemporary (ages 18+)
Lancaster Rec | Terrace Room
Wednesdays | Jan 7 - Jun 3
7:30 - 8:45 p.m.
Contemporary dance is a dynamic and versatile dance style that incorporates
elements from Ballet, Jazz, and Lyrical styles of dance. In this intermediate class you will express yourself through freedom of movement while learning technique and expressive choreography.
Dance Fitness (ages 18+)
Lancaster Rec - Terrace Room
Saturdays | Jan 17 - Apr 4
11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
This high-energy adult fitness program combines dynamic dance moves with cardio exercises to help you burn calories, improve coordination, and boost overall fitness. Set to upbeat music from a variety of genres, the class offers a fun, full-body workout that will leave you feeling energized and motivated, whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a beginner.
New Package Deal
Create your own package with 1, 2, 6, or 12 sessions. Packages are valid to redeem for one calendar year.
Adult Hip Hop (ages 18+)
Lancaster Rec | Terrace Room
Thursdays | Jan 8 - Jun 4
8:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Adult Hip Hop is designed for those 18 and older that have limited to no experience with Hip Hop. In this class you will learn the fundamentals of Hip Hop to be able to build off of in the future. Hip Hop dance is a high energy and vibrant form of dance. In each class you’ll learn elements of popping, locking, breaking, and freestyle movements to Rap, R&B, and Pop music. Hip hop is an expressive style of dance through which you can improve your coordination and confidence and develop your own sense of style.
Adult Jazz/Lyrical (ages 18+)
Lancaster Rec | Terrace Room
Thursdays | Jan 7 - Jun 3
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Adult Jazz is designed for those 18 and older that have limited to no experience with Jazz. In this class you will learn the fundamentals of Jazz to be able to build off of in the future. Jazz dance is a fun and upbeat style of dancing based on Ballet foundations.
In Jazz class you will learn Jazz dance technique as well as center and across the floor combinations and class choreography appropriate by age of class and experience level.
Adult Tap (ages 18+)
Lancaster Rec | Terrace Room
Tuesdays | Jan 6 - Jun 2
8 - 9 p.m.
This class goes over the basic fundamentals of Tap in a fun and relaxed atmosphere without the time commitment to a studio or the pressures of preforming in a recital. Adult Tap is open to all abilities and experience levels from beginner to intermediate.
Movement Lab (ages 16+)
Lancaster Rec | Terrace Room
Friday | Feb 6 - Mar 27
6 - 7:30 p.m.
Find freedom in movement? Dance experience helpful but not required! This 75-minute class blends guided improvisation, creative exercises, and expressive movement to help you reconnect with your body and creativity. We’ll explore rhythm, flow, and emotion through music and simple prompts, creating a calm, inspiring space to move, play, and discover your own style. Expect a mix of journaling, exploration, and some group & solo dance-based play without any technical or recital pressure.
Whether you’re an experienced dancer or a complete beginner, this class offers a welcoming space for anyone curious about movement and looking for a creative outlet.
Stretch and Restore (ages 18+)
Lancaster Rec | Terrace Room
Tuesday | Jan 13 - Mar 31
7 - 8 PM
In this class you’ll engage your body through restoring, lengthening, and strengthening movements. Each class will take you through a pilates-inspired flow followed by stretch sequences that will leave you feeling strong, stretched, and relaxed. Our new package options are made to suit your schedule: 1 session, 2 sessions, 6 or 12!