1st Position Dance Academy

1st Position Dance Academy offers Level 1 for children ages 4 to 6, with beginning dance classes that use fun activities and games. Students learn basic dance techniques, body positions, simple footwork, and introductory hand movements. The academy also offers Level 2 for dancers ages 7 to 8, Level 3 for dancers ages 9 to 11, Level 4 for students ages 12 to 14, and Level 5 for dancers ages 15 to 18, along with tumbling, private lessons, level assessment, consulting, and adult classes.

Programs

• Level 1 — Children ages 4 to 6 · Beginning dance classes with fun activities and games; students learn basic dance techniques, body positions, simple footwork, and introductory hand movements.
• Level 2 — Dancers ages 7 to 8 · Classes to broaden dance vocabulary and develop skills and body readiness; students work on more complex footwork, flexibility, creativity, and expression.
• Level 3 — Dancers ages 9 to 11 · Classes with dynamic body movements and expressive gestures; includes Chinese dance techniques such as breathing incorporated into body movements.
• Level 4 — Students ages 12 to 14 · Chinese dance classes building on foundational skills with advanced footwork, hand gestures, body movements, breath control, and energy flow.
• Level 5 — Dancers ages 15 to 18 · Advanced Chinese dance classes focused on professional-level technical precision, complex choreography, storytelling, stage presence, classical ballet, folk dance, and contemporary fusion styles.
• Tumbling — A fundamental component of Chinese dance focused on floor-based movements such as rolling, walkovers, flipping, and twisting.
• Adult Classes — Adults of all ages and experience levels · Adults can enroll in classes; new students get a free consultation and individual lessons are available for beginning adult students.

At a glance

• Ages: 4–18 years old
• General schedule: Classes throughout the year.

About the provider

1st Position Dance Academy was founded in 2020 in Elk Grove, California. Its leadership team includes Kevin Luo, Founder & Creative Director; Huanyu Dou, Founder & Managing Director; Ran Tan, Dance Instructor; Zhongqing Ji, Tumbling Instructor; and Lihua Qian, Dance Instructor. The academy’s mission is to continue advancing a vibrant dance community that celebrates inclusivity and empowers individuals of all ages to tap into their passion for dance.

• Private lessons — Private lessons are offered.
• Level assessment — Level assessment is offered.
• Consulting — Consulting is offered.

A free consultation is scheduled with new adult students. Individual lessons are available for beginning adult students. With each class, students prepare for an opportunity to showcase their skills in a performance program.

What families say

“Some of my students say that they not only love to dance, they actually need to dance. When a dancer arrives at that point, it is truly life changing.” — Kevin Luo

“Students of all ages become empowered and disciplined through dance, which then supports positive endeavors throughout their lives.” — Kevin Luo

“Dance creates a rich dialogue without words.” — Huanyu Dou

Last updated October 9, 2026.