Shirley McPhail School of Dance

Shirley McPhail School of Dance offers Twinkle Tots, a creative movement class that introduces ballet basics, mat work, singing, and games. It also offers Combo classes that combine ballet, tap, and tumbling, CJBT classes with ballet, tap, and jazz, BTJ I & II classes in ballet, tap, and jazz, and classes in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, drill prep, hip hop, contemporary, and adult dance.

Programs

• Twinkle tots — 2-3 yrs · A creative movement class for 2-3 year olds. Introduces ballet basics, mat, singing, games, and more. Not a mommy and me class. Does not participate in the recital.
• Combo — 3-7 yrs · For new, young students. Combines ballet, tap and tumbling and introduces rhythm, movement, and coordination. Offered to first, second and third year dance students.
• CJBT - Creative Jazz, Ballet, Tap — 6-8 yrs · Designed for dancers with three years of combo class experience. Continues with ballet and tap while introducing jazz.
• BTJ I & II - Ballet, Tap, Jazz — 7-10 yrs · For dancers in their fourth and fifth year of dance. Builds on the techniques and foundation of ballet, tap, and jazz. Meant to be taken over a two year time span.
• Ballet — 9+ yrs · Students learn the basics of ballet barre and center work. Emphasis is on proper placement, correct body alignment, and development of poise and grace.
• Tap — 9+ years · Dance characterized by using the sounds of metal taps affixed to the heel and toe of shoes striking the floor as percussion. Develops coordination, rhythm and timing and strengthens the feet and legs.
• Jazz — 9+ yrs · A stylized theatrical form of dancing that promotes good posture, strength, technique, and rhythm.
• Lyrical — 10-13 yrs · A style that blends ballet and jazz with emphasis on expressing emotion and storytelling through movement. Students must be enrolled in a weekly ballet class in addition to the lyrical class.
• Drill Prep — 11+ yrs · Teaches skills for those interested in trying out for drill team or improving dance technique. Includes precision jazz and kick technique, placement, musicality, strength and flexibility.
• Hip Hop — 7+ yrs · Introduces many styles of urban street dance and helps students find the rhythm and groove of different styles of music. Also incorporates isolations and stretching exercises.
• Contemporary — 11+ yrs
• Adult Classes — 18+ yrs · Adult dance classes for beginning-advanced levels in tap, plus ballet, contemporary, hip hop, and ballroom. Drop-in classes are available for adults only.

At a glance

• Ages: 2–18 years old
• Current session: 2026-27 Dance Enrollment (Sep 8–May 20, 2027)
• General schedule: Classes run September 8-May 20. Registration is open for Twinkle Tots and Adult Classes year-round as long as there is space in the class.
• Facility hours: Monday-Friday: 10am-6pm; Saturday: 9am-4pm; Sunday: CLOSED

About the provider

Shirley McPhail School of Dance has been in operation since 1970. Its mission is to nurture dancers of all ages in the joy of dance through a quality dance education.

• Deadline for dancers to join — 2026-2027 Enrollment
• Deadline to register — 2026-27 Dance Enrollment

Students are placed in classes according to what they have accomplished during the years they have studied dance. Dedication and natural ability are also considered. Teachers make the final determination on class level. Twinkle tots do not perform in the recital. Twinkle tots and new spring classes (January-May) do not participate in recital. Drop-in class cards are available for adult classes only during the dance year (Sept-May classes).

Last updated October 25, 2026.