About our Dance Program
Dance at LyriCo Conservatory is serious training in a welcoming environment. Our dance program in Gainesville offers classes for students ages 4 and up, with intentionally small classes — never more than eight students — so every dancer receives real feedback and individual attention. Students here are developing real skills, real stage presence, and a real relationship with movement that will serve them for the rest of their lives
- Body Alignment and Posture: Develop physical awareness to support healthy, grounded singing.
- Stage Presence: Learn how to command the stage with intention, stillness, and movement.
- Expressive Movement: Use gesture and motion to enhance emotional storytelling.
- Choreography Basics: Gain comfort learning and performing simple choreography.
- Small Semi Private Classes: Fewer students for more indivdual feedback to get you ready for the stage.
What Makes LyriCo Dance Different
Most dance studios in Gainesville run large classes where individual feedback is rare. Our classes cap at eight students. Every dancer is seen and every student progresses.
Performance Opportunities
Dance students participate in LyriCo’s seasonal showcases, giving them real stage experience in a supportive, production-quality environment.
What class is best for me?
- Dance Fundamentals (ages 8 and up) — Our core dance program focuses on jazz technique, theatrical movement, and performance-ready physicality. Students develop vocabulary, strength, musicality, and coordination through structured progressive instruction. Three levels: Elementary, Middle School, and High School.
- Dance for Littles (ages 4–7) — A nurturing introduction to movement, rhythm, and stage confidence designed specifically for young dancers. Classes are age-appropriate, playful, and taught with the same high standards as the rest of our program.
- K-Pop Dance — High-energy, contemporary choreography inspired by today's biggest K-pop artists. A favorite for teens and a great entry point for students who want to move but do not know where to start.
- Tap — Percussive, rhythmic, and genuinely fun. Tap develops timing, coordination, and a unique kind of musicality that transfers across styles.
- Ballet — The technical foundation underlying every style of concert dance. Ballet at LyriCo builds strength, alignment, and body awareness with classical rigor.
What should I wear?
Girls should wear bike shorts or fitted leggings with a fitted top or leotard
Jazz shoes required
Boys should wear joggers and a fitted t-shirt
Jazz shoes required
About Our Head of Dance
Lara Thompson, a Gainesville native, trained at Pofahl Dance Studios and performed with Dance Alive National Ballet. She was a University of Florida Dazzler and has spent over two decades teaching ballet, tap, jazz, and theatrical styles. Passionate about making dance accessible and expressive, Lara leads the dance department at LyriCo with the same standards she holds for every student who walks through the door
Our Dance Teachers
Lara Thompson
Dance/ Movement
Lara Thompson, a Gainesville native, began her dance training at Pofahl Dance Studios and performed with Next Generation and Dance Alive National Ballet. She was a University of Florida Dazzler and later danced with the Kentucky Repertory Ballet. Lara holds a master’s degree in nursing science and taught ballet, tap, jazz, and hip-hop at Pofahl for over ten years. Passionate about making dance accessible and expressive, Lara is excited to bring her experience to LyriCo as the founder of the innovative Dance for Singers class.
Hayley
Platt
Hayley Platt is a performer, dancer, and educator with an international career spanning theatre, music, and dance. She has performed with the Atlanta Shakespeare Company and worked as a singer at Universal Studios Japan and Disneyland Paris. Hayley brings her diverse performance background into the classroom, where she teaches Fundamental Movement and K-Pop with an emphasis on coordination, musicality, and confidence. Her classes focus on building strong movement foundations while encouraging creativity and stage presence. Hayley’s goal is to create a fun, welcoming environment where every dancer feels empowered to move, perform, and express themselves.
FAQ
How old does my child have to be to start taking dance lessons?
Dance lessons are great at any age! But we focus on theatre movement and dance starting at around 5.
Do you offer private Dance Lessons?
Yes! Our Dance instructors are available to help choreograph or get you ready for an audition in private sessions.
Do I need to stay for my child’s lesson?
You are welcome to drop off your child and return a few minutes before their lesson is done! If you would like to sit in on your child’s music class, we always have an open door policy and you are free to sit in at any time.
How many students in each semi private group class.
Classes range from 5- 8 students. Class size varies to make sure all students get individual attention. This is considerably smaller than traditional dance classes, which can be upwards of 20-30 participants.
How much do classes cost? What's included?
You can see our tuition Here
All books, level wristbands, and access to our knowledge base and scheduling software are included.
Do you have any perfomances?
Yes we do! For music students, we have two big events every year (typically one in the winter, and one in late spring). We also offer smaller performance opportunities throughout the year as well.
How long do classes run?
These classes will run year round, but if you want to withdraw we just ask for a 30 day notice.
Dance basics
Tempo
Rhythm
Style
Confidence
Stage Presence
Dance While Singing
technique
LOCATION ADDRESS
3601 SW 2nd Ave, Gainesville
FOR FURTHER INQUIRY
(352)-756-0005
EMAIL ADDRESS
Simple Monthy Tuition
Small - Group Lessons
Dance with Friends!-
50 Minutes
-
Dance for Singers. No prerequisite class
-
Similar age groups - Semi Private. Under 8 students
Private Lessons - Drop In - No commitment
45 / 60 Minutes-
Personalized attention
-
Prepare for your auditions!
-
Flexible Scheduling.guj
Have more questions?
Click Below and We'll Send You More Info
Have questions or just want to learn more about what LyriCo has to offer? We’d love to hear from you! Let us know which programs you’re interested in, and our team will personally follow up with information tailored to your goals. Whether you’re looking to teach, take a class, or get involved in our creative community, we’re here to help you find your place at LyriCo.
FOR FURTHER INQUIRY
(352)-756-0005