Youth Dance Classes

We are proud to offer Youth Dance Classes at The Moss Center as a means of fostering a love for dance. Since 2015, The Moss Center has provided fun and inclusive dance classes for the youth in our community. Our youth dance program addresses financial barriers to arts education.
The reduced pricing of these classes is intended to assist families who are experiencing financial limitations (see requirements below).

Contact Nicole Pedraza at educate-smdcac@miamidade.gov or call 786-573-5313 for availability and registration instructions.

Registration for the Fall 2025 session will take place on
Saturday, Aug. 30 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
at the Dennis C. Moss Cultural Arts Center’s Dance Rehearsal Studio.
Registration will be first-come, first serve, and will close early if classes hit full capacity. Please read below for information on costs and registration requirements.

Cost:

  • Because the classes are at a reduced cost, proof of some type of government assistance (ex. SNAP program, Medicaid, CHIP program, Proof of Residence in Public/Subsidized Housing, etc.) is required to be shown at the time of registration
  • One time $50 annual registration fee per household plus $90 per child, per 12-week class
  • Annual registration fee is based on MDCPS’s school year
  • The cost includes 2 free tickets per student for the end of course dance recital on our main stage, where students learn one dance and perform on stage
  • All fees are non-refundable. There are no refunds or credits for missed or canceled class days

Fall 2025 Class Dates: September 15 - December 9

Class Schedule

There will be no classes on the following days, in accordance with M-DCPS and Legal Holidays:
  • Tuesday, Sept. 23
  • Thursday, Oct. 2
  • Monday, Oct. 13
  • Monday, Nov. 3
  • Tuesday, Nov. 11
  • Thanksgiving Break, Nov. 24 - 27

  • Mondays and Wednesdays from 5 p.m. - 5:50 p.m. | 50 minutes

In this contemporary dance class, students will build on their creativity, self-confidence, flexibility, strength, and dance vocabulary. Students will learn conditioning and flexibility exercises and movement sequences paired to music. Students will learn that dance is a great physical outlet for expressing and communicating their emotions nonverbally.

  • Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 p.m. - 5:50 p.m. | 50 min
    • Students must be the age of 7 by the end of January to enroll in this course
This beginning/intermediate Hip Hop class will introduce students to basic hip hop skills through a fun and confidence-boosting class. Students will be encouraged to find their own rhythm, learn to retain choreography, learn new skills/steps through choreography, and learn how to perform on stage!

  • Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 p.m. - 6:50 p.m. | 50 min
In Hip Hop 2, older/more experienced students will expand their hip hop vocabulary. This class will continue to work on movement sequences, choreography, and musicality! Students will continue to build collaboration skills, coordination, and multitasking skills by dancing together in a group and finding their own groove. This class is open to beginners as well as experienced dancers.
Please direct questions regarding the dance class program at The Moss Center to Nicole Pedraza at educate-smdcac@miamidade.gov | 786-573-5313 or Annie Hoffman at annie.hoffman@miamidade.gov | 786-573-5319.

Meet the Instructors

Contemporary Dance Instructor: Ms. Ceci

Cecilia Andrea Benitez was born and raised in Miami, Florida where she attended New World School of the Arts High School. She earned her BFA in modern dance with a minor in psychology from Point Park University in 2020. She was the recipient of the Outstanding Senior Scholarship Award. Now a freelance dancer, choreographer, teacher, and arts administrator based in Miami, she dances for Rosie Herrera Dance Theatre, Adele Myers and Dancers, and Syncopate Collective, while choreographing and teaching for various schools and programs in the county. Her work has been commissioned by Miami-Dade County Cultural Affairs, Bistoury Physical Theatre and Film, Miami Light Project, Mutual Dance Theatre in Cincinnati, Ohio and Miami DanceMakers, where she had the opportunity to present her choreography at the Pérez Art Museum Miami. When not dancing, you can find her reading, biking, writing letters, or making Cuban coffee.

Hip Hop Dance Instructor: Ms. Aimee

Aimee Henriquez is a talented and versatile dancer with a diverse background in multiple dance styles. She developed a passion for dance, training extensively in ballet, modern, jazz, and hip hop. Aimee has had the honor of performing as a dancer for the renowned Miami Heat Dancers and the Miami Marlins Dancers, where she showcased her skills in high-energy performances at major sporting events. Her stage presence and precision made her a standout member of both teams. In addition to her work with sports teams, Aimee has toured with prominent artists, bringing her versatility and dynamic style to stages around the world. Beyond performing, Aimee is a dedicated dance teacher, inspiring the next generation of dancers. With her extensive technical training and real-world experience, she brings a unique perspective to her students, offering them a comprehensive education in dance. Her ability to connect with students and share her love for dance has made her a respected instructor in the Miami dance community.

Please direct questions regarding the dance class program at The Moss Center to Nicole Pedraza at educate-smdcac@miamidade.gov | 786-573-5313 or Annie Hoffman at annie.hoffman@miamidade.gov | 786-573-5319.