Under the artistic direction of Nikki Tavares since 2024, Dance Connection Performing Company provides an elite environment for dancers ages 6-18 to train/compete locally and nationally.  Students are held to the highest standards of artistic, technical, and personal excellence and at the same time nurtured by our faculty to develop confidence, resilience, and leadership skills.

DCPC allows our dancers to work with some of the country’s most sought-after instructors and choreographers who bring fresh ideas and innovative approaches to helping students grow and express themselves. 

Elite Training

Dancers with innovative choreography spin on tables
Competitive Dancers showing off innovative choreography

innovative choreography

Competitive drive

Teamwork & Community

Opportunities for growth at every level

Elite Competitive team dancers

Dance Connection Performing Company is an elite competition team that supports our most committed and dedicated dancers who train and compete at the elite level in jazz, contemporary, lyrical, tap, and hip hop.

Hip Hop Training Krey

Dance Connection Hip Hop Training Krews encourage an elevated level of hip hop performance and dance training at the Junior and Senior level with our professional Hip Hop staff.

Dance Team Jazz Team for younger dancers

Our Jazz Team allows younger students to gain experience, work with professional choreographers, and expand their jazz skills in a primarily non-competitive environment. Dancers must have prior jazz dance training. Registration is open until 10/6.

Dance Team Teen Contemporary

Our Teen Contemporary Team allows teens to continue developing artistry, technique, and performance skills while working with high-level instructors and choreographers. There are no auditions, but dancers must have prior contemporary dance training. Registration is open until 10/6.

Dance Team Teen jazz

Our Teen Jazz Team provides a space for teens to grow and evolve their jazz skills, musicality and performance quality with guidance from our experienced staff and professional choreographers. There are no auditions, but dancers must have prior jazz dance training. Registration is open until 10/6.

Early Age Performing company

Connectors are a group of younger dancers (ages 6-8) interested in furthering their dance ability requiring a commitment above and beyond a recreational dancer including participation in conventions and performances in community events. Selection is by invitation only.

Jennifer - ballet teacher

Jennifer Kulz Smith

Jennifer received her ballet training in San Francisco with the Academy of Ballet, Dancers' Stage, Lanova Academy, City Ballet School and Boston Ballet School. She has performed with various Bay Area companies including the Peninsula Ballet Theater, San Francisco Dance Theater, and the Santa Clara Ballet. She performed in the San Francisco production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "The Phantom of the Opera" for 4 1/2 years. Jennifer has two beautiful daughters, and has enjoyed teaching and watching students grow at Dance Connection since 2001.