Finding the right after-school program can make all the difference in a child’s growth, confidence and interests.
That’s why Noozhawk’s ParentNooz After School Activities Guide brings together a variety of local programs that keep kids active, engaged and inspired long after the school day ends.
As part of this year’s guide, we sat down with the people behind some of Santa Barbara’s leading after-school organizations to learn what makes their programs unique.
Through these Q&As, parents can gain insight into each program’s mission, teaching philosophy and the experiences children can expect.
For this feature, we spoke with Karyn Laver, Owner & Director at The Dance Network, about how the organization’s classes teach tap, jazz, hip hop, ballet, contemporary, ballroom, acrobatics, musical theater, and break dance in a fun, welcoming environment.
The Dance Network
Question: What variety of afterschool activities do you offer to students?
Answer: The Dance Network offers a wide variety of after-school dance classes for all experience levels, from first-time dancers to those seeking more advanced training. Students can explore tap, jazz, hip hop, ballet, contemporary, ballroom, acrobatics, musical theater, and break dance in a fun, welcoming environment.
In addition to weekly classes, students have opportunities to participate in performances, workshops, camps, and our optional Company program for dancers who are interested in additional performance experiences. Whether a child wants to stay active, try something new, or develop a lifelong passion for dance, we offer programs that grow with them.
Q: Which age groups can participate in your afterschool programs?
A: We offer after-school programs for children ages 2 and beyond, with classes thoughtfully organized by both age and skill level. Whether a child is stepping into a dance studio for the first time or has years of experience, we strive to place every student in an environment where they can feel confident, challenged, and successful.
Our youngest dancers build foundational motor skills and a love of movement through engaging, age-appropriate classes, while older students have opportunities to refine their technique, explore a variety of dance styles, and pursue performance opportunities if they choose. Because our curriculum is progression-based, students can continue advancing from year to year without outgrowing the program.
Q: In what ways do your activities support children’s developmental growth?
A: Dance is a unique activity because it supports children’s physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development all at the same time. As students learn movement patterns and choreography, they strengthen coordination, balance, flexibility, strength, musicality, memory, and problem-solving skills. They also develop perseverance, discipline, and confidence as they set goals and celebrate their progress.
Just as importantly, dance teaches valuable life skills. Students learn to work as part of a team, communicate respectfully, manage challenges, and support one another in a positive environment. Our structured, progression-based curriculum helps children build confidence through steady growth, allowing each student to experience success at their own pace while developing skills that extend far beyond the dance studio.
Q: What sets your afterschool programs apart from others in the community?
A: What sets The Dance Network apart is our commitment to providing structured, progression-based dance education in a welcoming and supportive environment. Rather than teaching the same material year after year, our curriculum is designed to help students build skills progressively, allowing them to grow with confidence as they advance.
We believe every child deserves high-quality instruction, whether they are dancing for recreation or pursuing more advanced goals. Our experienced instructors emphasize proper technique, age-appropriate training, and injury prevention while fostering creativity, teamwork, and a lifelong love of movement.
We also strive to create an inclusive community where every student feels valued, encouraged, and challenged to reach their personal best.
Q: Could you share a few success stories or parent/student testimonials about your programs?
A: One of the greatest rewards of our work is watching children grow, not just as dancers, but as people. We’ve seen students who began as quiet, hesitant beginners develop into confident performers, supportive teammates, and young leaders within our studio community. Others have discovered a lifelong passion for dance, continuing their training year after year as their skills and confidence continue to grow.
Parents often share that they’ve noticed positive changes extending far beyond the dance studio. They tell us their children have become more confident, responsible, resilient, and willing to try new things. Many dancers and parents also describe The Dance Network as a second family, a place where children and families feel welcomed, supported, and encouraged to be themselves.
Those are the successes we’re most proud of because they reflect the lasting impact a positive after-school experience can have on a child’s life.
Q: What steps do you take to ensure the safety and well-being of children during program hours?
A: The safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority. We provide a positive, structured environment where children are supervised by experienced instructors and clear expectations help students feel safe, respected, and supported.
Safety is also built into the way we teach. Our classes emphasize proper technique, age-appropriate instruction, and progressive skill development so students build strength, coordination, and confidence safely over time. We avoid rushing advanced skills before students are physically ready and encourage each child to progress at a pace that is appropriate for their individual development.
We also follow procedures to help keep students safe before and after class. Children remain inside the studio while waiting for their ride and are released only to a parent, guardian, or other authorized adult. Combined with regular communication with families, these practices help create an environment where every child feels welcomed, valued, and cared for.
Q: What training and qualifications do your staff members have to work with children?
A: Our instructors are experienced educators and passionate mentors who are committed to helping every child succeed. In addition to years of teaching and performance experience, our staff members participate in continuing education to stay current with best practices in dance instruction, child development, and safe teaching techniques.
Our team brings a wide range of professional experience and specialized training, with many instructors holding certifications or advanced training in their areas of expertise. We believe that great teachers never stop learning, and we encourage ongoing professional development so our students receive high-quality, age-appropriate instruction.
Just as important as experience and credentials is the ability to connect with children. We look for instructors who are patient, encouraging, and dedicated to creating a positive environment where every student feels supported, challenged, and inspired to grow.
Q: How do you integrate educational components into your afterschool activities?
A: At The Dance Network, we believe dance is both an art form and an educational experience. While students are learning choreography and technique, they are also developing the knowledge and skills that help them become thoughtful, well-rounded dancers.
Throughout our classes, students learn dance terminology, musicality, rhythm, body awareness, and proper technique while building critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Rather than simply memorizing steps, we help students understand movement concepts so they can apply what they’ve learned as they continue to grow.
We also introduce students to the history and cultural significance of the dance styles they study, helping them develop an appreciation for the traditions, communities, and artists that have shaped each art form. By understanding where these dance styles come from, students gain a deeper respect for the art and the people who continue to inspire it today.
Our curriculum is intentionally structured so each new skill builds upon previous learning, giving students a strong foundation and a clear path for continued growth. Along the way, we encourage goal setting, teamwork, creativity, and constructive feedback, helping children develop confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning.
Q: Can you walk us through a typical day or session in your program?
A: While every class is tailored to the age and style being taught, most sessions follow a consistent structure that helps students feel comfortable and prepared to learn.
Classes typically begin with a warm-up to increase body awareness and prepare students for movement safely. From there, students work on technical skills and movement concepts before applying what they’ve learned through combinations, choreography, creative exercises, or games that reinforce the lesson.
Throughout class, instructors provide encouragement, ask thoughtful questions, and give individualized feedback to help each student continue growing.
We end each class with a cool-down and review, giving students an opportunity to reflect on what they’ve learned and celebrate their progress. Our goal is for every child to leave class feeling successful, challenged, and excited to come back the following week.
Q: How do you help children who may feel shy or reluctant to join in?
A: We understand that starting a new activity can feel overwhelming, especially for younger children who are entering an unfamiliar environment with new people, music, and routines. That’s why we never expect children to jump right in before they’re ready.
We welcome prospective students to observe a class before participating if they need time to become comfortable. In fact, if a child spends their first visit watching and getting acquainted with the studio, we don’t count that as their trial class. Instead, we consider their trial to begin when they’re ready to actively participate.
Giving children the opportunity to adjust at their own pace helps them feel more confident and sets them up for a positive first experience.
Once students are ready to join in, our instructors use encouragement, positive reinforcement, and age-appropriate teaching strategies to help them build confidence step by step. Our goal is for every child to feel seen, supported, and excited to become part of our studio community.
Q: How do you keep parents informed about their child’s progress and experiences?
A: We believe that open communication with families is an important part of every child’s success. Throughout the year, we keep parents informed through email updates, our parent portal, and conversations before and after class whenever appropriate.
As students progress, instructors provide encouragement and feedback to help them continue developing their skills. We also offer structured evaluations and placement assessments that give families meaningful insight into their child’s growth.
Rather than focusing solely on technical ability, our evaluations consider areas such as attitude, focus, consistency, musicality, performance quality, and dance knowledge, providing a well-rounded picture of each student’s development.
We also offer optional “Level Up!” appointments for families who would like more personalized guidance and goal setting.
Performances and showcases provide another opportunity for parents to celebrate their child’s progress and accomplishments. We encourage families to reach out with questions at any time and value the partnership we build with parents to help each child have a positive and rewarding experience.
Q: Are there any special events, showcases, or seasonal highlights kids can look forward to?
A: There is always something exciting happening at The Dance Network! Throughout the year, students have opportunities to participate in performances, community events, workshops, themed activities, and seasonal camps that enrich their dance experience and create lasting memories.
One of the highlights of our season is our annual Fall Showcase and Halloween Festival. Instead of scheduling a traditional holiday performance during the busy winter season, we celebrate with a fun-filled event featuring student performances, games, local vendors, and plenty of Halloween spirit.
It’s become one of our most anticipated traditions, with students eagerly shaping the dance themes and looking forward to sharing their creativity with family and friends.
We also host our annual end-of-season showcase, where every student has the opportunity to celebrate everything they’ve learned throughout the year on stage. Students who are interested in additional performance opportunities may choose to participate in our Company program, which performs at community events and other special performances throughout the year.
Whether students dance recreationally or pursue additional performance experiences, we strive to create meaningful opportunities that inspire confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of dance.
Q: What is your approach to managing behavioral challenges or conflicts during activities?
A: We believe that clear expectations, consistency, and positive relationships are the foundation of a successful learning environment. From the first day of class, students learn that respect, responsibility, perseverance, and teamwork are just as important as dance technique.
These same values shape how we manage and guide behavior, helping students understand the importance of supporting their classmates, taking responsibility for their actions, and contributing to a positive learning environment.
When challenges do arise, we address them calmly and constructively. Our goal is to help students understand the impact of their actions, develop problem-solving skills, and make positive choices moving forward. We work with families when needed to ensure we are supporting each child in a way that encourages both personal growth and success in the classroom.
Above all, we strive to create a studio culture where kindness, teamwork, and mutual respect are the norm. When children feel valued, supported, and connected to their community, they are more likely to thrive both in and out of the dance studio.
Q: What enrollment options and pricing do you offer for your afterschool programs?
A: We offer flexible enrollment options to meet the needs of a wide variety of families. Students can enroll through monthly tuition or purchase class cards, depending on the type of program and their schedule. Monthly tuition is our recommended option for youth programs because it encourages consistent attendance, supports steady progress, and provides families with our best pricing.
Families who enroll in multiple classes receive discounted tuition as they add classes, making it easy for students to explore different dance styles and continue progressing. We also offer multi-sibling and family discounts, as well as scholarship opportunities, to help make dance accessible to as many families as possible.
For families with busier or less predictable schedules, class cards provide additional flexibility. We also offer a free trial class so prospective students can experience our teaching style and find the class that’s the best fit before enrolling.
Q: How do you gather and use feedback from families to improve your offerings?
A: We believe that some of our best ideas come from listening to our students and families. Throughout the year, we gather feedback through conversations, surveys, evaluations, and ongoing communication with parents. We encourage families to share their experiences, ask questions, and offer suggestions because their perspectives help us continue to grow.
When we receive feedback, we take it seriously. Whether we’re refining our class offerings, adjusting schedules, introducing new events, or enhancing our curriculum, we thoughtfully consider the needs of our community while staying true to our mission of providing high-quality dance education.
Our goal is to create a program that continues to evolve alongside the families we serve. By maintaining open communication and a willingness to learn, we’re able to provide an after-school experience that is engaging, supportive, and responsive to the needs of our students and community.
Click here to learn more about The Dance Network!