Baby Stars (18 Months – 2.5 Years) Dance Classes in Tinley Park
Building Confidence
Through Movement
Our Baby Stars program welcomes your toddler’s first experiences with dance and movement in a safe, nurturing environment. Specially designed for ages 18 months to 2.5 years, this class blends music, creative activities, and imaginative play to encourage strength, balance, and early cognitive development. With supportive instruction and age-appropriate props, children begin to explore movement independently, building both confidence and trust as they discover the joy of dance.
Get more information about our classes and schedule on the next page!
Encouraging Growth Through Movement, Music,
and Imagination
Through gentle movement activities, soft music, and playful props, Baby Stars helps toddlers build balance, body awareness, and early motor skills. Every moment is designed to support healthy physical growth in a calm and cheerful environment.
With lively songs, colorful scarves, and simple movement patterns, young dancers begin to explore rhythm and imagination. These joyful experiences help children express themselves freely while building early confidence.
In a small, welcoming group, toddlers start to build early social skills by sharing space, following simple instructions, and moving alongside new friends. Our supportive setting helps children feel safe, connected, and ready to participate.
A Bright Beginning for
Young Dancers
Baby Stars offers a caring introduction to dance for toddlers ages 18 months to 2.5 years. In this 30-minute class, children explore movement, music, and early independence through playful activities and creative props. With gentle support from our instructors, young dancers build coordination, listening skills, and social comfort as they begin participating on their own in a warm, small group setting.
Why Southwest Synergy Dance Feels Like Home
We offer a variety of class times to fit your family’s schedule. Whether you’re balancing school, work, or other activities, it’s easy to find a spot where your child can enjoy dance without adding extra stress to your week.
Every detail of our studio — from the layout of our classrooms to the approach of our instructors — is focused on your child’s well-being. We create a safe space where young dancers can learn, grow, and feel supported both physically and emotionally.
At Southwest Synergy Dance, families aren’t just enrolling in a class — they’re joining a community. Our studio is a place where dancers encourage each other, families build connections, and children form friendships that grow along with them.
How Baby Stars Stands Apart for
Ages 18 Months–2.5 Years
The early toddler years are full of important milestones—and the activities you choose can shape how your child grows, connects, and builds confidence. While many toddler programs center around open play or basic fitness, Baby Stars offers a thoughtful, development-focused approach. Through music, movement, and gentle instruction, we help young dancers strengthen their bodies, minds, and social skills in a joyful, supportive setting. Here's how Baby Stars compares to typical toddler activities like recreational sports or open gym classes:
Many classes offer mostly free play without consistent routines, which can feel overwhelming for toddlers.
Parents often stay fully involved, making it harder for toddlers to begin building independence.
Programs often miss the chance to encourage peer interaction and shared experiences.
Many programs are led by staff with general athletic training but little early childhood expertise.
Baby Stars follows a comforting, age-appropriate structure that helps little ones feel secure and engaged.
Children gradually practice short periods of separation with encouraging, supportive instructors.
Through songs, group activities, and creative movement, toddlers learn to connect and collaborate with new friends.
Our team brings both dance expertise and early childhood development knowledge to every class.
Building Balance, Stability, and Body Awareness
In Baby Stars, toddlers discover movement in ways that feel natural, joyful, and supportive of their early development. Every class blends playful activities, gentle rhythm exercises, and imaginative props to encourage balance, muscle strength, and coordination. Guided by instructors who specialize in toddler growth, children are introduced to skills that not only prepare them for future dance classes but also help with everyday movement like walking, climbing, and jumping. Each experience is carefully designed to match their stage of development, allowing every child to progress comfortably and confidently. With patience, creativity, and positive reinforcement at the heart of every lesson, Baby Stars helps young dancers build a strong, healthy foundation—one small step at a time.
Building Focus, Listening, and Early Classroom Skills
In Baby Stars, every moment of movement becomes a stepping stone toward stronger attention and early learning skills. We recognize that toddlers are still discovering how to listen, follow simple instructions, and stay engaged—and we meet them exactly where they are. Using songs, rhythm-based games, and short, playful activities, we introduce listening and participation in ways that feel natural and exciting.
Our nurturing environment provides just enough structure to guide without overwhelming, allowing toddlers to experience success at their own pace. Over time, children grow more confident in their ability to focus, respond, and enjoy the predictable routines of class. These early wins in attention and participation create a foundation not just for future dance classes, but also for preschool, group activities, and everyday social interactions. Baby Stars offers a joyful beginning to learning—and a first real experience of belonging to a classroom community.
Growing Confidence Through Patience and Play
In Baby Stars, toddlers are introduced to new movements in ways that feel exciting, manageable, and fun. At this early stage, even small milestones—like stepping into the classroom independently or following a short movement pattern—are big achievements. Our instructors support each child with patience, gentle guidance, and consistent encouragement, helping them feel proud of their progress at every turn.
Through repetition and positive reinforcement, young dancers begin to see challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles. Each class celebrates effort, exploration, and improvement, building early resilience and confidence without pressure. Over time, toddlers grow more willing to try new things, adapt to new situations, and enjoy the process of learning. Baby Stars lays an early foundation not just for dance skills, but for emotional growth, independence, and a lasting sense of self-confidence that extends far beyond the studio.
Fostering Early Friendship and Teamwork
Even as early as 18 months, children begin to notice, respond to, and enjoy the presence of others. In Baby Stars, we create a welcoming space where toddlers can experience the joy of moving, learning, and playing together. Through shared activities like circle dances, prop games, and group songs, young dancers start to build early social connections in a way that feels fun and natural.
Simple activities—like passing a scarf, clapping for a friend, or waiting for a turn—become meaningful opportunities to practice patience, kindness, and cooperation. Each interaction helps children feel a sense of belonging, laying the groundwork for teamwork skills they will carry into preschool, group activities, and friendships. At Southwest Synergy Dance, every child’s participation is celebrated, and every small moment of teamwork helps create a community where young dancers feel seen, valued, and supported.
Joyful Experiences Shared by Our Community
Every class at Southwest Synergy Dance is a chance to support growth, build confidence, and create happy memories that last well beyond the studio walls. The trust families place in us means everything, and we are proud to be part of so many children's first steps into dance. Here are just a few stories and reflections shared by our dance families about the difference they have seen in their child's confidence, coordination, and love of learning since joining our studio.
Fantastic dance studio. We have been with Synergy for 6 yrs now. Both of my daughters love being at dance. They have gained so much from Synergy and formed amazing friendships while doing what they love...dancing. I highly recommend, the teachers and staff are amazing and very helpful.
We love it here! This is my son's third year and he is 5. Ms.Connie is the best and has been his teacher for the whole time from ballet and tap and now hip hop. I am amazed at how she can corral a group of little toddlers or kids. It is a great family atmosphere and the whole staff is wonderful. It is a an enjoyable experience to come to dance every week.
We love Southwest Synergy Dance! My three year old daughter loves coming to class every week. Danielle is a very patient and caring teacher.
She keeps the students engaged and motivated throughout the entire class. My daughter has learned so much. I love that her class includes tap, ballet, and acro and that it lasts 45 minutes. All other preschool classes that I looked at were only 30 minutes in length. I also believe that the prices for classes are very reasonable. All staff is amazingly kind and helpful. We can't wait for the recital coming up in the spring!
My daughters have been dancing with Synergy for 3 years now. They are very patient with my daughters. They are very informative and well organized. They have a very friendly staff.
Synergy is a wonderful studio with teachers who love and work hard so that every student feels successful. My daughter has loved every class over the past 5 years!
We have been with Southwest Synergy for 10 years and have enjoyed every minute of it. We love the studio, the instructors and the director, Connie O’Reel. The studio only has the kids best interest at heart and gives them every opportunity to be grow and be challenged. We also have a lot of fun! We love our dance family!!
We have been a part of the Synergy family for seven years which speaks for itself how great the studio is. It’s not just a dance studio but a family/community that enables dancers to learn and grow while offering a safe and caring environment. The director and her staff are 100% invested in their dancers growth, confidence, and happiness and not just how many trophys/awards are won. So glad we made the decision all those years ago to try out a class not knowing it would end up being a huge part of our lives for all these years.
I truly cannot speak highly enough about Southwest Synergy Dance and my daughter's experience there! She loves the classes, teachers, and fellow dancers. Through participating in the service projects and extra activities the studio offers, she has also learned much more than dance technique- character, citizenship, social skills, etc. The studio is amazing and everyone who works there is too.
My daughters have been dancing at Synergy for 6 years. My girls started as shy dancers - standing still at recital…to bringing so much energy, skill, and passion for dancing on the stage.
But at Synergy, they learn much more than dancing. The amazing director, helpful staff and talented teachers give life lessons that serve them well beyond the dance floor. They learn about making and reaching for goals. They learn about working as a team and caring for others. They gain confidence while being kind. They learn how to be strong while being graceful.
When you dance at Synergy, you have so much fun and you become part of a family!
My children have taken classes at Southwest Synergy Dance for the past few years. The teachers and staff go out of their way to make each child feel welcomed and important. Both of my children have progressed so much in their skills, techniques, and confidence! The teachers are patient and encouraging as they meet the students where they are and help them to progress forward to reach their goals. I am in awe of the growth my children have made! We have tried lots of different activities throughout the years, but dance at Southwest Synergy is far and away my kids' favorite! They love their teachers, classes, and dance friends!
My 2 year old daughter LOVES her dance class, Baby Stars! It's the perfect introduction for dance! Her teacher, Miss Rae, makes the class enjoyable as well as instructive! I highly recommend Southwest Synergy Dance, you won't be disappointed!
Synergy has been more than just a dance studio for my daughter. It’s like her home away from home, a place where she feels comfortable to be herself and grow her passion for dance. She has made lasting friendships and core memories. She has been dancing here for 7 years and has grown so much as a dancer thanks to the wonderful teachers. The studio owner and Director does so much for these dancers and has been there to support my daughter since her very first class as a 2 yr old.
Our daughters have been dancing at Southwest Synergy for 6 years. We absolutely love it! We love the front desk staff, the teachers, all of the class options and the amazing friends they have made through dance. The teachers have instilled a level of self confidence in our girls that is hard to match. If you are looking to start dance, or gain additional skills and techniques, we highly recommend Synergy. It is a first class experience!
My daughter has been dancing here for 7 years now, and we couldn't be happier! Every year I am in awe by how much my daughter has grown as a dancer. Her confidence level, her stage presence, her technique, and more is all thanks to the wonderful and amazing teachers and staff. They make the classes fun and engaging at all levels. My daughter has formed long-lasting friendships with many of the kids in her classes.
This studio is more than just dance, though! Not only does Synergy offer a variety of classes, but they host special events, workshops, and camps throughout the year. I also love that they focus on giving back to the community throughout the year through their service society.
When my daughter was diagnosed with cancer during her second year at the studio, the studio owner was incredibly supportive and got us into contact with a national dance organization that provided us with financial assistance with our medical bills. And while we didn't dance much that year, the studio kept in contact with us, checked in on my daughter frequently, and even invited us to the annual recital where they surprised my daughter with a costume and called her on stage to accept flowers from the kids in her class. I will forever be thankful for their support during that year.
This studio is truly a second home to my daughter, one she never wants to leave at the end of the night.
We love everything about Southwest Synergy! My daughter has been dancing with them for 6 years and absolutely loves all of the teachers and staff members. Everyone is amazing there and makes you feel as though you are apart of the Synergy family from the get-go. We are very fortunate to have found a dance home with Mrs. Connie & team!
My daughter has been dancing at Synergy for 5 years now and absolutely loves it! She looks forward to coming to her classes. She is learning so much and gained the confidence to try out other dance classes they offer.
My daughter has been dancing at Synergy for the last four years and on there pre-company team for the last two years. The teachers are dedicated, encouraging and knowledgeable! They push and prepare our kids to do their best as dancers on and off the floor!
We have been with dance at synergy for 5 years now! My daughter started in diapers and now shes on the dance team. I have really seen her confidence grow over those years. She LOVES going to dance at synergy and loves all the instructors. All the older dancers are so helpful to the younger girls and my daughter always really feels included !
This is my daughters 5th year dancing at Southwest Synergy Dance and we could not be happier with our experience! Dance started out as just a Saturday morning activity and now this studio has become our second home. The friendships my daughter has made here are irreplaceable!
The director and instructors all work very hard to make sure each dancer can reach their personal dance goals. They go above and beyond by offering community service opportunities, leadership classes, and other activities to help provide the kids a well-rounded experience.
Whether you are looking for recreational or competitive dance, this is the place to be!
We have been a part of Southwest Synergy for about 8 years; my daughters absolutely love their time at the studio! The studio owner and all the teachers are fantastic. My kids look up to them and the teachers have the best interest of their students- classes are structured so that dancers remain engaged and motivated all while having fun and learning appropriate techniques. Whether recreational classes or competitive dance, the studio is committed to a dancer’s artistic growth, fostering their love of dance! Southwest Synergy has given my daughters confidence, friendships, and wonderful opportunities. Outside of dance classes, the studio offers various service projects and opportunities for dancers to engage in the community.
It has been a joy to watch my girls grow at Synergy and we are grateful to the teachers for their support. Highly recommend Southwest Synergy to any family looking for a great dance experience for their children!
My daughter who has been dancing at Synergy for 5 years now and I cannot imagine a better studio for her! Everyone has been amazing over the years. My daughter loves everything about her classes and now my son is taking them as well. We are very happy to be apart of the Synergy family!
I highly recommend Southwest Synergy Dance (SWSD). My daughter's experience has been exceptional, as she has developed not only excellent dance technique--evident in the many dancers who excel in competitions/promotions--but also valuable life skills like accountability and responsibility. SWSD fosters a positive and nurturing environment that encourages personal growth and development, supported by an incredibly professional and caring staff. My daughter feels valued and respected, and I'm confident that SWSD is the ideal place for young dancers to learn, grow, and thrive.
We have been dancing with Synergy for 5 years now and absolutely love it. The instructors are all absolutely amazing. Front desk staff is always friendly and helpful. The studio offers a wide range of classes for all ages in various genres of dance, with opportunities to participate in Christmas shows, spring recitals, service projects, mentor programs, summer classes, and the list goes on. And you can commit to as much or as little as you'd like, so whether you're looking to dance competitively or just for fun, they have something for everyone. We couldn't be happier!
Get more information about our classes and schedule on the next page!
FAQs
Baby Stars introduces toddlers to movement, music, and social interaction in a playful, nurturing environment. Through creative activities, children strengthen balance, coordination, and body awareness while also developing early listening skills, emotional confidence, and independence. Every class is designed to help young dancers grow in ways that support both studio learning and everyday milestones.
Yes. Baby Stars is thoughtfully created for children ages 18 months to 2.5 years. Every element of class—from the music to the movement activities—is carefully chosen to match their developmental stage. Our instructors have experience working with young children and lead with patience, encouragement, and a focus on safety and positive experiences.
Each 30-minute class includes lively music, guided movement, creative play with props, and simple group activities. Toddlers are invited to explore movement at their own pace, learning basic steps, building early rhythm skills, and sharing space with their peers—all in a setting that feels both structured and playful.
Dance builds important early skills like listening, following instructions, sharing, and participating in group activities. These skills help toddlers feel more confident in new settings like preschool or playgroups. Baby Stars supports emotional growth, attention span, social comfort, and independence—all valuable skills that carry far beyond the studio.
Supporting your toddler’s journey is simple but powerful. Celebrate their participation, talk positively about class, and help maintain a consistent routine. Encouraging your child to share their favorite songs or movements at home strengthens the connection between learning and joy. Patience and small celebrations go a long way toward building excitement and confidence.
Additional Benefits of Joining Baby Stars
Children naturally absorb beats and patterns through music and movement, building a strong base for future musicality.
Following a fun routine helps toddlers feel comfortable with classroom structure, easing future school transitions.
Sharing excitement about new skills after class creates positive bonding moments outside the studio.
Activities encourage toddlers to recognize feelings like pride, joy, and excitement, helping early emotional growth.
Get more information about our classes and schedule on the next page!