Toddler Details
Located in Cool Springs, we offer dance classes for toddlers in Franklin, Brentwood, and the greater Nashville area.
Our Toddler dance program provides a playful introduction to movement, music, and dance, giving little ones the opportunity to explore, develop coordination, and express themselves creatively.
Our experienced and background-checked teachers (we call them “mentors“) create a nurturing environment where toddlers can develop motor skills, social interaction, and a love for movement through structured, age-appropriate activities. All dancers must be the proper age by August 15.
Class Experience
- Fall in love with taking class and discover the joy of dance
- Explore musicality through imaginative creative movement
- Incorporate fun props while learning and discovering movement
- Express themselves through playful dance and self-discovery
- Build coordination, rhythm, and balance through engaging play
- Connect with new friends while moving and grooving together
- Develop fundamental movement concepts that create a strong foundation for future dance or sports activities
Our Toddler classes participate in special in-studio showcases during winter and spring, creating sweet memories for families to treasure.
Whether it’s your child’s first dance experience or they’re continuing to explore movement, our classes provide a supportive, joyful environment for toddlers to learn and grow.
Register for
Toddler classes
Dance classes are grouped by age: Parent & Me (18m-2), Toddler (2-3 years), Preschool (3-5), Petite (5), Peewee (6), Mini (7-8), Junior (9-11), Teen (12-14), and Senior (15-18).
If you have any questions along the way, call or text (615) 804-1177, or email dance@rootsacademy.com. Our team is ready to help you Monday–Friday, from 10am–6pm.
Toddler Dance Class
Open classes are available for registration without prior dance experience.
class Dress Code
GIRLS: Dancers should wear a leotard (any color). Skirts and tights are optional. NO costumes or dresses. Pink Leather ballet shoes are required for all toddler classes.
BOYS: A white or black shirt with black shorts or pants is required. Black ballet or slip-on jazz shoes are required for all toddler classes.
TRUSTED BY…
Toddler mentors
Teaching isn’t just about learning techniques. Our students are led by passionate and well-trained professionals who recognize their greater role in students’ lives.
Competition Company
ROOTS Competition Company is an audition-based program for students ages 5-18 who desire a fun and challenging team experience. Teams are divided into three levels based on commitment and level: Core, Select and Elite.
Company dancers are the most driven and talented dancers at ROOTS and are especially passionate, hard-working, and committed. They take a set amount of hours every week, participate in multiple dance competitions and conventions, outside performances, and weekly rehearsals.
The ROOTS Difference
As a member of the ROOTS community, you’ll enjoy the full array of benefits that all our students receive, even as an in-home student.
important dates
testimonials
Don’t take our word for it. Here’s what some of our families have to say about their ROOTS experience.
What first got us in the door was Ms. Liza’s bright, beautiful, beaming smile and the warm, welcoming tour she gave us. From the very first moment, we felt seen, valued, and excited to belong. What has kept us here year after year is the incredible staff and the uplifting, encouraging community they cultivate. The teachers genuinely care about each child’s growth—artistically and personally—and they lead with positivity, kindness, and high standards.
Roots is more than just a dance studio. It’s a place where kids are encouraged to work hard, support one another, and shine as their authentic selves. We are so grateful for the friendships, mentorship, and confidence our daughters have gained here. If you’re looking for a studio that nurtures talent while building character and community, Roots Dance Academy is truly something special. 💛
What makes Roots truly special is the community. The dancers are united in a mission bigger than themselves, and the staff works tirelessly to create a positive, supportive environment where every student feels they belong. The focus on The Roots Way—mindset, excellence, and people matter—shines through in every class. Mentors model kindness, discipline, and encouragement. Families are wow’d not only by the performances, but by the joy and sense of “I can do this” that students carry home.
Roots is more than a studio. It’s a place where kids grow as artists and as people, and where families feel part of something extraordinary. We are so grateful to be part of this community!
She has gained exposure to ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, ballroom, musical theatre, lyrical, and numerous “fusion” styles I didn’t even know existed. She’s also had the chance to perform solo and small-group routines, as well as large production numbers. The mentoring team is exceptionally talented, and they enhance their program by bringing in guest teachers for some company classes.
While you may find other studios with stronger technical programs in specific genres, it’s hard to find a more well-rounded program that also excels in parent communication and organization. The staff emphasizes individual development at each dancer’s pace while maintaining a high standard of overall program quality.
The dance director, company manager, and entire administrative team are not only skilled professionals—they’re genuinely great people. You may find more competitive studios, but in our experience, Roots offers the best balance of technical excellence, competition opportunities, and individualized care.
we are beyond pleased with roots academy. literally everything about this place is top-notch. every single person we’ve interacted with is kind, uplifting, and genuinely cares about the kids. we’ve done piano, dance, and the theater program — and all three have been incredible experiences. my kids are learning so much, but more importantly, they’re having fun and gaining confidence. we can’t recommend roots enough!
The mentors here are truly something special. They’re not just teaching choreography—they’re teaching confidence, resilience, and a real growth mindset. My girls are learning how to push themselves, try new things, and believe in their own potential, both on and off the dance floor.
The community at Roots is another huge part of why we love it. The families, the staff, the kids—everyone is welcoming and supportive. It feels like being part of a group that genuinely wants to see every dancer succeed.
If you’re looking for a place where your kids will be encouraged, challenged, and surrounded by people who care, Roots Academy is the real deal. My girls couldn’t imagine dancing anywhere else.
The mentors at Roots genuinely invest in each child—on and off the dance floor. They care deeply and create an environment that feels like family. There’s a strong sense of community among the parents as well, and it’s clear that the focus goes far beyond just choreography or technique.
Roots has helped shape my daughter in the best way, and we’re so grateful to be part of such a supportive and inspiring studio.
our guarantee
We are so confident you're going to love your experience at ROOTS Academy that we guarantee your satisfaction for the first 30 days (four classes or lessons), or your money back.
annual recital
Every spring, ROOTS Academy dancers ages 3-18 take the stage at Belmont University’s prestigious Fisher Center for a professionally produced dance recital. This cherished tradition showcases our students’ growth and achievements throughout the year.
May 30-31, 2026
Belmont Fisher Center
Nashville, Tennessee
THE ROOTS WAY
Our mission is to train & develop musicians and dancers through leadership that inspires, serves and challenges everyone to give their best. We believe passionately in the power of the arts to impact lives and inspire creativity for the benefit of the community and the world.
mindset
matters
(How we Think)
We believe a healthy mindset affects how we show up in and outside the studio.
excellence
matters
(What we Do)
We believe excellence comes when defining & preparing for success is matched with discipline & passion.
people
matter
(How we Act)
We believe a healthy mindset affects how we show up in and outside the studio.
upcoming events
Camps and events are sorted by date. To refine your search, select your desired age from the options below.
Frequently Asked Questions
questions?
If you have any questions about our dance program, please don’t hesitate to call, text or email us. Our hours are Monday – Saturday from 12pm – 6pm.
SASKIA HARMON – Dance Director
JESSICA STILLMAN – Competition Manager
MELISSA BULLINGTON – Preschool Manager
JEN BURNS – Dance Operations Manager
KATHLEEN MCPHERSON – Dance Operations Coordinator
MEG DEARMIN – Dance/FIT Operations Coordinator
SASKIA HARMON
Dance Director
JESSICA STILLMAN
Competition Manager
MELISSA BULLINGTON
Preschool Manager
JEN BURNS
Dance Operations Manager
KATHLEEN MCPHERSON
Dance Operations Coordinator
