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Fall Kid and Teen Academy

Fall 2023 Community Education Kid and Teen Courses

View the Fall 2023 Course Book as a PDF.

New! Tap Dancing

Tuesdays, September 5-October 10
5-6 p.m.
CRN# 92029
CFP 118-51
Fee: $90

This class will be located at Dreamlights Studio at the Viaport Mall, 93 W. Campbell Rd., Schenectady, NY 12306

Students ages 8 to adults will explore tap styles from traditional to Broadway, and even a little Taperize. Focus will be on technique, clarity of sound, and musicality. Tap for fun – no experience needed. Register for Tap Dancing.

Intro to Ballet and Modern Dance for Teens/Adults

Tuesdays, September 5-October 10
7-8 p.m.
CRN# 91852
CFP 742-51
Fee: $90

This class will be located at Dreamlights Studio at the Viaport Mall, 93 W. Campbell Rd., Schenectady, NY 12306

Students will learn elements of classical ballet, classical modern dance (Horton, Lemon, Graham…) with a healthy dose of post-modern dance (generally a mix of theater and dance) and jazz. Please wear stretchy clothing, have long hair pulled up in a pony tail and be prepared to dance in socks or bare-foot. Register for Intro to Ballet and Modern Dance for Teens/Adults.

New! Beginning Hip Hop for Teens/Adults

Wednesdays, September 6-October 11
5-6 p.m.
CRN# 92030
CFP 145-51
Fee: $90

This class will be located at Dreamlights Studio at the Viaport Mall, 93 W. Campbell Rd., Schenectady, NY 12306

Students ages 8 to adults will learn Hip Hop basics, using classic to contemporary music and styling. As a freestyle form of dance, focus will be on toning, movement and freestyle techniques for creative freedom and musicality. Register for Beginning Hip Hop for Teens/Adults.

Experimental Dance Theater

Thursdays, September 7 – October 12
5-6 p.m.
CRN# 92033
CFP 883-51
Fee: $90

This class will be located at Dreamlights Studio at the Viaport Mall, 93 W. Campbell Rd., Schenectady, NY 12306

In this class students ages 5-12 will develop strength, dance technique, rhythm, and body awareness. This class is an excellent way for young dancers to gain self-confidence to prepare them for the next step in their dance training.  Students will learn elements of classical ballet, modern dance (generally a mix of theater and dance), and jazz. Please wear stretchy clothing, have long hair pulled up in a ponytail and be prepared to dance in socks or barefoot. Register for Experimental Dance Theater.

Beginning Latin Dance for Teens/Adults

Thursdays, September 7 – October 12
7-8 p.m.
CRN# 92032
CFP 882-51
Fee: $90

This class will be located at Dreamlights Studio at the Viaport Mall, 93 W. Campbell Rd., Schenectady, NY 12306

Students 16 years and older will learn the basic steps, style and rhythm of Merengue, Bachata, Salsa, and Cha Cha. No partner or experience necessary. Register for Beginning Latin Dance for Teens/Adults.

Beginning Ballroom Dance for Teens/Adults

Thursdays, September 7 – October 12
6-7 p.m.
CRN# 92031
CFP 881-51
Fee: $90

This class will be located at Dreamlights Studio at the Viaport Mall, 93 W. Campbell Rd., Schenectady, NY 12306

Students 16 years and older will learn the basic steps, style and rhythm of Waltz, Rumba, swing and foxtrot. No partner or experience necessary. Register for Beginning Ballroom Dance for Teens/Adults.

Blacklight Theater Performance Class

Saturdays, September 9 – October 14
10-11:30 a.m.
CRN# 92034
CFP 999-01
Fee: $120

This class will be located at Dreamlights Studio at the Viaport Mall, 93 W. Campbell Rd., Schenectady, NY 12306

In this introductory Blacklight Theater class, students will learn Blacklight stagecraft, illusion and special effects, with a focus on movement and performance art. Students will use fluorescent costumes, props, and puppets on a darkened stage to create a magical blacklight show that will be performed following the final class. There are roles for dancers and non-dancers – no prior experience needed. Classes will be grouped by grades 3-6 and 7-12. Materials fee: $40 costume fee. Register for Blacklight Theater Performance Class.

Piano Lessons for Children and Teens

September 18 – December 8
By Appointment
CRN# 91833
CFP 300-51
Fee: $350

This course, designed especially for beginners ages 6-16, will include fundamental instruction in note reading, rhythm recognition, proper hand position, and chords. Instruction will consist of ten (10), half-hour individual lessons. Register for Piano Lessons for Children and Teens.

Guitar Lessons for Children and Teens

September 18 – December 8
By Appointment
CRN# 91834
CFP 305-01
Fee: $350

This course, designed especially for beginners ages 6-16, will include fundamental instruction in reading notes, strumming chords to songs, and technical development. Instruction will consist of ten (10), half-hour individual lessons. Students must bring their own guitars. Register for Guitar Lessons for Children and Teens.

Voice Lessons for Children and Teens

September 18 – December 8
By Appointment
CRN# 91836
CFP 306-51
Fee: $350

Students will learn proper singing technique and vocal independence through solo work. Students should be 6-16 years of age. Instruction will consist of ten (10), half-hour individual lessons. Register for Voice Lessons for Children and Teens.

Cookie Decorating

Section #1: Halloween!

Wednesday, October 4
6-8 p.m.
CRN# 92020
CFP 504-51
Fee: $69

Section #2: Christmas!

Monday, December 11
6-8 p.m.
CRN# 92021
CFP 504-5
Fee: $69

If you’ve never worked with royal icing or have dabbled just a little, this class is for you. Students, ages 10 and older, will work step by step on each cookie to learn hands on the various decorating techniques used with royal icing. Cindy Burek of Buttercup Cookie will teach students about piping/outlining, flooding, and wet on wet techniques. Students will complete five cookie designs. Students will take them home with them in a bakery box, along with a decorating tool, a cookie cutter, and a packet of seasonal sprinkles and/or cookie decorations. All supplies are provided. Once class registration has closed, students will be sent Cindy’s informational blog loaded with basics of baking cookies, tips and tricks of the trade, as well as links to places online to checkout for additional tutorials. Due to the perishables needed for this course, the withdrawal deadline for this class is two days prior to the start date. Register for Cookie Decorating.

SUNY Schenectady's Kid and Teen Academy with Black Rocket 

SUNY Schenectady has partnered with Black Rocket to deliver high-quality and fun online tech education to students ages 8-14 years. Students can choose from any of the great cutting-edge courses in coding, game design, eSports, virtual reality and more. Jump-start your future in creative tech with SUNY Schenectady and Black Rocket!
See a full listing of Black Rocket courses.