About Back Stage Dance Center
A Premier Youth Dance Studio in Killingworth, CT
Since 1998, Back Stage Dance Center has provided high-quality youth dance education for children and teens throughout the Connecticut Shoreline. Located in Killingworth, Connecticut, our dance studio offers a supportive, confidence-building environment where dancers are encouraged to grow both technically and personally.
We proudly serve families from Killingworth, Clinton, Madison, Westbrook, Essex, Deep River, Old Saybrook, Guilford, Ivoryton, and surrounding shoreline communities.
At BSDC, we believe dance is about more than movement. Through dance education, students build confidence, creativity, discipline, teamwork, resilience, and lifelong friendships in a positive and encouraging atmosphere.
Where Confidence, Creativity & Growth Begin
Our mission is to help every dancer reach their fullest potential while creating a safe and inspiring space where children feel supported, challenged, and celebrated.
Whether a student is stepping into their very first dance class or pursuing advanced technical training, our programs are designed to nurture growth at every stage of their dance journey.
We offer youth dance classes for ages 2 through teens in a variety of styles, including:
Our experienced instructors focus on strong technical foundations while encouraging self-expression, confidence, and a healthy mindset.
Our Core Beliefs
- Believe that anything is possible
- Support & provide tools for a lifetime
- Dare to dream without limits
- Create a safe & healthy environment that promotes self-growth
Building Strong Dancers & Strong Individuals
Founded by Michelle Cretella Bailey and Stacey Nagel Lankarge, Back Stage Dance Center was created with the belief that dance education should support the whole child physically, emotionally, socially, and creatively.
Over the years, BSDC has helped generations of dancers throughout the Connecticut Shoreline develop strong technical dance skills, confidence and self-esteem, flexibility and coordination, creativity and musicality, teamwork and leadership, healthy movement habits, and performance experience.
Our philosophy, “Where It All Begins,” reflects our belief that a strong dance foundation can positively impact every area of a child’s development.
Performance Opportunities & Community Connection
Students at Back Stage Dance Center have opportunities to participate in:
We are proud to create meaningful experiences that help students build friendships, confidence, and lasting memories while growing as performers and individuals.
Enroll Today or Contact Us with Questions!
We’re honored to be part of so many dancers’ journeys and look forward to welcoming new families into our community.
Explore our youth dance programs, meet our instructors, and discover why families across Killingworth and the Connecticut Shoreline have trusted Back Stage Dance Center since 1998.
Frequently Asked Questions
We offer dance classes for children ages 2 through teens, with programs designed for each stage of development and experience level.
Yes! We welcome beginner dancers and provide supportive instruction for students of all experience levels.
Yes. Students have opportunities to participate in annual recitals, performances, workshops, and community events.
Our dance studio is located inside The Courtyard Killingworth commercial complex at 176 CT-81, Building 3 in Killingworth, Connecticut and serves families throughout the Connecticut Shoreline.
We offer ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, pointe, acrobatic tumbling, theater arts, and creative movement classes.
Back Stage Dance Center has proudly served Connecticut shoreline families since 1998.
