Our Purpose
The Hartt School Community Division Dance Department provides students of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to achieve excellence in an atmosphere that is nurturing and welcoming.
Vision
To be a center for exemplary dance education in the region and on the national level
Values
- Provide students with excellent dance training through an articulate, sequential curriculum
- Offer community outreach programs that provide opportunities for all students, PreK through adult regardless of their financial status
- Embrace diversity, inclusiveness, global awareness and freedom of expression
- Engage visiting artists to work with our students
- Participate in international and local competitions and festivals in order to provide the opportunity to dance and experience the art form outside of CT
- Maintain and expand our various Summer Programs
Our Programs
Classes are offered to all ages 3+. Classical ballet training is the core of the program, which offers three divisions of study for students. Other forms of dance are offered to expose students to the vast spectrum of the performing art of dance. These include Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Modern, Character, and more! Our programs include the following:
- Group Programs, which include:
- Classical Ballet Program (Division I, II and III)
- Youth Program
- Pre-K Program
- Adult Program
- Summer programs, including our Summer Dance Intensive, and Summer Study which includes theme camps, adult classes, and more.
Performance Opportunities
The HCD Dance Department offers several performance opportunities throughout the year, including The Nutcracker, HarttWorks, Spring Festival, and more! View more performance opportunities here.
Performance Examples
Andrea Schmidt, HCD ParentThe Hartt School Community Division creates a very special and unique environment for students and their family members. The learning environment is positive and supportive with a focus on excellence and the development of proper technique. The teachers are outstanding. They are not only very talented and highly skilled, but they are also incredibly dedicated, kind and compassionate. The quality of teaching and the dance curriculum are second to none. The performances truly exceeded my expectations in terms of quality and artistic content. I was literally in awe after I attended my first Hartt Nutcracker performance. I was shocked to learn that the oldest dancers were in high school as their skills rivaled those of older professional dancers.
HCD dance classes are held in the spacious studios of the Mort and Irma Handel Performing Arts Center (HPAC) in Hartford, Conn., close by the University of Hartford’s main campus. Our facility boasts 5 dance studios, two performance venues, and spacious public spaces with a secure parking area.
Classes are geared to different ages and levels of training. Please fill out the placement form below and e-mail the completed form to dancedesk@hartford.edu. Please call the main office at 860.768.6000 with any questions.