Dance classes for kids & teens ready to take the stage
Helping kids shine in the studio and beyond!
At Appel Farm Arts & Music Center, dance is part of a full arts camp experience. Campers choose Dance as a Major or Minor and spend their days moving, creating, rehearsing, and building friendships. They train in a professional studio, then head outside for games, electives, and camp traditions that make summer unforgettable!
We’re a fun, creative home for every kind of dancer!
Appel Farm is a nonprofit arts camp in South Jersey with a long history or helping young artists grow. We are educators, performers, and youth development professionals who believe deeply in community-building through art-making. Around here, creativity is how we connect and bond!
Dance is a powerful part of that connection. In our studios, campers learn discipline and focus. Outside the studios, they practice empathy, collaborative problem solving, and restorative practices that strengthen the entire community.
A safe place where kids can grow and fully be themselves
Inclusivity and the feeling of belonging are extremely important in dance. Campers are encouraged to try different dance styles that spark their curiosity. Families tell us they appreciate the way we hold both structure and warmth—that balance helps dancers take risks, which is how growth happens!
We are proud to be a neurodiverse, LGBTQ+- and gender-inclusive camp. Campers of all gender identities and expressions are welcomed and respected. Our staff uses inclusive language, and we create spaces where every kiddo feels safe to show up as themselves.
Our campus gives every kid room to move and room to grow
Our 110-acre campus in Elmer is intentionally designed for arts education. In the dance studios, mirrors line the walls so campers can refine alignment and placement, and sound systems fill the space with music that ranges from classical to contemporary – whatever genre the kiddos like!
Step outside the studio and you will find wooded paths, open fields, cabins, and creative spaces that are always alive with campers’ energy. At Appel Farm, we offer expert, skill-building training in a setting that still feels like a fun, enjoyable summer!
Curious to learn more? Book a tour with us to see our campus and studios in person! We love showing families around and answering whatever questions you might have.
The rhythm of a day at Appel Farm’s summer dance program
At our summer dance classes, the days flow like choreography: structured enough to build skills, flexible enough to spark creativity. Get a glimpse of how that rhythm unfolds from morning warm-up to evening wind-down.
Dance Majors
For Dance Majors, a big portion of their schedule centers on technique, choreography, and rehearsal. Campers can choose between these Dance Majors:
- Jazz
- Ballet
- Hip hop
- Modern and contemporary dance
In ballet, campers focus on alignment and control, while jazz brings in sharp isolations. Hip hop emphasizes performance style, and modern and contemporary explore expressive storytelling.
Dance Minors
They can also choose a Dance Minor. Our options change each summer based on our staff’s special skills. Past dance Minors have ranged from:
- K-Pop
- Musical theater
- Tap
- Scottish Dance
- Vogue
- Choreography
We offer two-week and four-week sessions. Here’s a cool thing about choosing four-week sessions: campers get to perform at the dance showcase that takes place at the end of the four-week session! During this event, campers have the opportunity to perform a solo, duet, or group dance performance.
Check out our camp dates, rates, and scholarship program (2026)
Thinking about sending your kid to camp to learn about dance? Below you’ll find session dates, tuition options, and details about financial aid for Summer 2026 at Appel Farm Arts Camp.
Appel Farm summer 2026 camp dates
Appel Farm Arts Camp offers both two-week and four-week sessions, giving families flexibility based on their child’s interests, schedule, and readiness for time away from home.
Many families choose a two-week session as an introduction to camp, while others opt for the four-week experience to allow campers more time to grow creatively, build friendships, and fully immerse themselves in the arts-focused camp community.
Two-week sessions
July 5 – July 18, 2026
July 19 – August 1, 2026
Four-week session
July 5 – August 1, 2026
Appel Farm summer 2026 tuition rates
| Session Length | Supported Rate | True Cost Rate | Sustaining Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Weeks | $3,750 | $4,000 | $4,250 |
| 4 Weeks | $6,500 | $6,750 | $7,000 |
- Supported rate: A partially subsidized option for families who need additional flexibility. This rate does not reflect the full cost of operating our summer camp programs.
- True cost rate: Reflects the actual cost of camp, including facilities, program materials, and equitable pay for staff.
- Sustaining rate: Includes a tax-deductible donation that helps support scholarships for families who would otherwise be unable to attend.
Testimonials
At Appel Farm, summer camp dance classes help kids grow stronger, braver, and more confident with every combination they learn. Read what past campers have said about their summer of movement and creativity:
Turning young passion into skill and confidence
Dance at Appel Farm is joyful, yes, but it is also focused and skill-driven. We teach multiple styles, so campers build a strong foundation and discover what they really love.
Dance training
In the studio, class begins the way you would expect in a high-quality dance program. Dancers warm up properly, review terminology, and work across the floor in progressions that challenge coordination and musicality.
Technique, choreography, and strength
Strong technique is the backbone of every style. We teach posture, balance, flexibility, and safe stretching habits. At the same time, choreography tells a story. Instructors set combinations, but campers can also collaborate on original pieces.
Different approaches for beginners, advanced dancers, and everyone in between
We group by age and experience whenever possible. Instructors break down material clearly for beginners and layer in complexity for more advanced dancers. For example, one group might focus on mastering clean pirouettes while another refines double turns and nuanced arm pathways.
Friendship fuels the footwork!
One of the most powerful aspects of our program is the community itself. Dance is rarely a solo pursuit here.
Campers work in small groups to build choreography. They practice timing together, learn how to communicate during partner work, figure out spacing challenges as a team, and so much more. Outside the studio, that collaboration continues. That is the magic of a dance class built into a full camp community!
Ready to take the stage?
Download the free camp brochure to learn more about our dance classes at Appel Farm. You can also connect with our team – we’re happy to answer questions and help you decide if this is the right place for your dancer to grow.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Is this dance program suitable for beginners who have never taken a dance class before?
Yes! Beginners are absolutely welcome. Instructors break down material clearly and provide individual guidance. Many campers arrive with little or no experience and leave feeling confident and capable.
What dance styles are offered at the camp?
For Dance Majors, we offer jazz, ballet, hip hop, and modern or contemporary dance. Campers may focus on one style more deeply or try out other Dance Minors in their schedule.
How is a dance class at camp different from a regular dance studio?
At Appel Farm, dance is part of a full arts camp. Campers take multiple classes each day, live on campus, and participate in community activities. They grow artistically and socially in our camp’s immersive environment.
What ages can enroll in Appel Farm’s dance program?
Our overnight arts camp serves campers ages 8 to 16. We also offer a Counselor in Training (CIT) program for campers aged 15 to 17 who are ready for additional responsibility.
How do I know if Appel Farm is the right dance class for my child?
We recommend scheduling a tour or speaking with our team! Tell us about your child’s interests and goals. We will help you determine if Appel Farm is the right creative home for your kids.