Programs
More Than Dance Classes
At Richmond Dance Collective, we believe dance is about more than learning technique. It's about building confidence, creating meaningful connections, developing leadership skills, and supporting families both inside and outside the studio.
In addition to our dance classes, we're proud to offer programs that enrich the dancer experience, strengthen our community, and make dance more accessible for busy families.
elementary After-School Dance Program
The Best Part of Their Day. The Easiest Part of Yours.
Our After-School Dance Program is designed for busy families who want more than just after-school care. We provide a safe, welcoming environment where children can unwind after school, connect with friends, complete homework, and transition seamlessly into dance class—all with one convenient pickup.
Whether your child dances once a week or several days a week, our program combines supervision, enrichment, and movement into one fun-filled afternoon.
This program is intended for K - 4th graders and would be elected in addition to their Elem level dance class.
What Families Receive
✔ Bus Transportation from Local Schools
Take the stress out of afternoon transportation! Students from Richmond Elementary, Brewster-Pierce Memorial School, Smilie Memorial School, and Camel's Hump Middle School can ride the school bus directly to Richmond Dance Collective. Our staff meet each bus, welcome students into the studio, and help them settle in before the afternoon's activities begin.
✔ Safe & Supervised Care
Children are welcomed into a positive, caring environment where they are supervised by trusted Richmond Dance Collective staff from school dismissal until dance class begins.
✔ Homework & Quiet Time
Students have dedicated time to work on homework, read, or simply recharge after the school day before heading into class.
✔ Snack Time
After a busy day at school, dancers have time to enjoy a snack and refuel before dancing. (Families provide snacks unless otherwise noted.)
✔ Friendships & Social Time
Children have the opportunity to relax, play games, create friendships, and enjoy spending time with other dancers in a fun, supportive environment.
✔ Seamless Transition to Dance Class
While dance classes are enrolled in separately, they pair perfectly with our After-School Program. Dancers enjoy a productive afternoon of homework, snacks, and time with friends before transitioning seamlessly into their scheduled dance class.
✔ One Convenient Pickup
No racing across town or making multiple stops. Parents simply pick up their dancer after class, making afternoon / evenings less stressful and giving families more quality time together.
A Typical Afternoon
2:45 PM – Arrive from school and settle in
3:00 PM – Homework, snack, games, or creative activities
3:45 PM – Dance class begins
4:45 PM – Class ends and parent pickup by 5:00 PM
Middle School After-School Options
As dancers get older, after-school schedules get busier — sports, clubs, activities and dance don't always line up neatly. We want RDC to be a place where our middle school dancers can come after school, get homework done, spend time with friends and settle in before class without families having to make an extra trip home and back.
5th Grade | Pre-Class Care
For our 5th grade dancers who aren't quite ready to be at the studio independently, RDC offers flexible Pre-Class Care from 3:00–5:00 PM.
Students can walk or be dropped off at RDC and spend 1–2 hours with us before their dance class. There's no need to commit to a set weekly schedule — use it when you need it!
$5/hour | Pay only when used
Pre-registration is greatly appreciated when schedules are known in advance, but we understand that middle school sports and activities can change frequently.
Students can do homework, relax, spend time with friends, have a snack and get ready for dance while RDC supervision is available.
Snacks and drinks will also be available for purchase.
6th Grade & Up | Independent Studio Time
Beginning in 6th grade, dancers may come to RDC independently before their scheduled classes with parent/guardian permission.
Students are welcome to use our designated common area to do homework, spend time with friends, have a snack or simply hang out until it's time to dance.
There is no charge for independent studio time.
We recognize that readiness for independence is different for every student. Families who would prefer supervised care for their 6th grader or older student are always welcome to opt into our $5/hour Pre-Class Care option.
Our goal is simple: give our older dancers a safe, welcoming place to land after school while providing families with the flexibility they need as schedules change throughout the year.
Early Release Adventures
More than an afternoon off from school
RDC Early Release Adventures give elementary and middle school-age students a fun and engaging place to spend school early-release afternoons. Each month features a new seasonal theme filled with movement, creativity, friendship and opportunities to explore our community.
Students can expect a different adventure each month—from sunflower fields and pumpkin painting to Nutcracker fun, treasure hunts and more!
With convenient bus transportation directly from school to RDC, families don't have to worry about coordinating an early pickup—students can head straight to the studio and start their afternoon adventure!
Typical Program Time: 12:45–4:00 PM
Arrival times may vary based on school dismissal and transportation.
Students are welcome to participate in one Early Release Adventure or join us for the whole series. Each month offers something completely different, giving dancers opportunities to move, create, explore and build friendships beyond their regular weekly classes.
Early Release Adventures are open to both currently enrolled RDC students and students from the greater community. Space will be prioritized for RDC students, but we love welcoming new faces! It's a great opportunity to experience RDC, meet new friends and discover all our studio has to offer.
$50 per student | $40 for Wednesday Afterschool Program students
All activities, special projects and afternoon snack are included.
A Typical Afternoon
While each Early Release Adventure is a little different, here's what a typical afternoon at RDC might look like:
12:45 PM – Arrive from school and settle in
1:00 PM – Homework, lunch / snack & time to chill
1:30 PM – Themed adventure begins! Movement, games, crafts, outings and special activities will vary each month
3:30 PM – Wrap up, clean up & get ready for afternoon classes or pickup
3:45 PM – Storyteller Combo class begins for enrolled dancers
By 4:00 PM – Parent pickup for dancers not enrolled in Storyteller Combo
🌻 September — Shine & Grow
September 9, 2026
We're kicking off our Early Release Adventures with a trip to the sunflower fields!
Dancers will head out for a walk to the local Sunflower Stroll, enjoy time exploring among the flowers, and return to RDC for sunflower-inspired movement games, dancing and a creative activity.
A beautiful afternoon to get outside, make new friends and start the season together.
🎃 October — Pumpkins & Pirouettes
October 7, 2026
It's spooky season at RDC!
Dancers will celebrate Halloween with festive movement games, dancing, music and plenty of not-so-spooky fun. Each dancer will also get their own mini pumpkin to paint and decorate before taking it home.
Halloween costumes, colors and accessories are encouraged—as long as they're easy to move and dance in!
🍂 November — Fall Into Dance
November 4, 2026
We're slowing things down for a cozy November afternoon centered around friendship, gratitude and all things fall.
Dancers will enjoy fall-inspired movement activities, collaborative games and a creative project designed to celebrate the people and things that make us thankful.
It's an afternoon to move, create, connect and enjoy being together.
🩰 December — Nutcracker Around Town
December 9, 2026
It's Nutcracker week—and we're taking the magic beyond the studio!
Dancers are invited to dress in Nutcracker-inspired costumes and accessories as we head into the community for our Nutcracker Around Town adventure, helping deliver Nutcracker posters to local businesses and spreading excitement for RDC's upcoming performance.
Back at the studio, we'll continue the fun with Nutcracker-inspired movement, games and a special creative activity.
A little dancing, a little holiday magic and a lot of RDC spirit!
☃️ January — Snow Much Fun!
January 13, 2027
Baby, it's cold outside—so we're bringing the winter fun into the studio!
Our January Early Release Adventure will be filled with winter-inspired movement games, dancing and creative activities before we warm up together with a special hot cocoa bar.
Cozy clothes encouraged!
💕 February — Love to Dance
February 10, 2027
There are so many things to love about dance—and the friends we make along the way!
We'll celebrate Valentine's season with friendship-inspired dance games, partner activities, music, crafts and plenty of opportunities to spread a little kindness throughout the studio and around town.
Wear your pink, red, hearts or favorite Valentine's gear and come ready to Love to Dance!
🌈 March — Lucky to Dance
March 17, 2027
We're feeling extra lucky at RDC this St. Patrick's Day!
Dancers will follow clues on a Pot of Gold Dance Treasure Hunt, completing movement challenges and working together as they search for the treasure at the end of the rainbow.
We'll round out the afternoon with rainbow-inspired dancing, games and a colorful creative activity.
🌸 April — Spring Into Dance
April 7, 2027
Spring is finally here!
We'll celebrate the changing season with an afternoon inspired by nature, movement and new beginnings. Weather permitting, we'll head outside for a spring adventure before returning to RDC for dancing, games and a special planting or growing project to take home.
Come ready to move, explore and get a little creative!
🎭 May — Spring Show Adventure
May 5, 2027
Our May theme will be inspired by this year's RDC Spring Show!
As performance season approaches, our final Early Release Adventure of the year will bring the theme of our Spring Show to life.
Dancers can expect an afternoon filled with themed movement games, creative activities, music and plenty of surprises as we celebrate the excitement leading up to our year-end production.
Volunteer Rewards Program
At Richmond Dance Collective, we believe our strongest community is built by families who choose to get involved—not because they have to, but because they want to.
Our Family Volunteer Rewards Program recognizes and celebrates the incredible support of our dance families while providing meaningful opportunities to be part of the studio experience.
Throughout the season, families will have opportunities to volunteer at performances, special events, and studio activities. Every hour volunteered helps strengthen our community while earning rewards as our way of saying thank you.
Whether you can volunteer once or throughout the season, every contribution makes a difference, and we are grateful for the time, talents, and enthusiasm our families share with Richmond Dance Collective.
More details will be shared this Fall—we can't wait to show you what we're working on!
Coming Soon
As Richmond Dance Collective continues to grow, we're excited to introduce even more opportunities for dancers and families, including student and parent advisory boards, student teaching programs and work opportunities, community events, and special programming throughout the year.
We're just getting started—and we can't wait to grow together.