Does anyone have a recommendation for a good place for my dd (3.5) to start taking dance?  I'd prefer it not to be an ultra competitive place that requires the heavy makeup and such for performances.  I want it to be a fun, nurturing environment that will foster her love of music and movement.

My DD has been doing drop-in ballet this summer at Miss Sally's at the Clifton Center. We have friends who have done the regular class and been happy, so this was a low-key way for her to try it out. There are 2 more left (July 23rd and August 6th) at 10:00. It's $8 and lasts an hour. My DD has really been enjoying them, and can't wait to do the "real" class in the fall.

I'm glad she is still there.  I'd heard a recommendation for her before, but I tried to call the number I have and got no answer and it said her voicemail was full.  I didn't know she did drop in classes though, that sounds like a perfect way to try it out.  So you can just show up, no need to let her know ahead of time?  Are you able to stay and watch the class?  Is there a specific dress code?  I'm guessing leotard and ballet shoes, but I know some places have requirements about color, tights vs socks, hairstyle, etc.

Yeah, I think she is a bit disorganized re:voicemails and such or so I'm told
You can just show up. Some moms have been sitting inside the classroom and some stay outside. I have my other two with me, so we hang out outside, but we do get to see some through the door. My DD has been wearing leotards and little Target ballet slippers but I don't think there are any requirements for the drop in classes.
We will be there next Thursday

I had the exact same issue with her phone. I never got an answer and then the voicemail full msg kicked on. She's really nice though. We've gone to two classes and Piper has really enjoyed them. We'll be going this Thursday as well.

I've stayed in teh classroom and observed both times. There's not a lot of room for parents, but it seems like most of the new parents are squeezing in. The old hands and the ones with other kiddos sit outside. Someday I hope to join them, but the girl's just not ready yet.

Madeline's done ballet with Miss Sally for two years and we'll be back this fall. They learn some steps and positions in the preschool class but there is lots of free dance and play. They use scarves to be butterflies, swans, etc. She'll play Peter and the Wolf and they'll dance around being the animals, etc. She does a recital at the end but it's basically a class with one or two special things done on stage in costume. It's soooo cute.

I've heard Miss Sally used to be strict about what they wear but she's not really anymore, at least not with the preschool and kindergarten/beginners classes. Her pamphlet suggests a leotard, pink tights or white ankle socks, and ballet shoes. Target has little ballet slippers, so does Payless, and then you have the dance stores like Kinneys. She really prefers their hair be out of the face but knows the little ones won't always keep pony tails or barrettes in. I think she enforces that more once they are in the older classes.

The thing you have to accept is that she is pretty disorganized. She doesn't email and her voicemail is often full. If you can leave a message she will eventually get back to you. She hasn't done a mailing about fall classes yet but she usually starts right after Labor Day and it's been $315/year. You can also sign up for three or four classes for $40, to see if it's going to work before you pay the full (non-refundable) amount.  Last year I think there were two preschool classes during the week (from 3-4) and one on Saturday morning. She's fully retired now (she taught at Sacred Heart) so I don't know how that will affect class times. Oh, and she will have an open house one evening in August or you can register by mail.