Youth Programs and Activities

LESSON LISTINGS

HELPFUL PLACEMENT TIPS

• If your child is under the age of 3, register for the Parent and Tot class.
• If your child is age 2-3 years old and is willing to be independent of the parent, register for Introduction to Preschool class.
• If your child is 3-5 years old, and can enter water independently using either a ramp, steps or side, travel 3 yards, submerge to mouth and blow bubbles, then safely exit the water. May walk, move along the gutter or swim, register for the Preschool Level 1-Clams class.
• If your child is 3-5 years old and can enter water independently, travel at least 3 yards, bob 5 times and then safely exit the water, register for Preschool Level 2-Starfish class.
• If your child is 3-5 years old and can glide on back for at least 2 body lengths, roll to front, then recover to a vertical position. register for Preschool Level 3-Crabs class.
• If your child is 3-5 years old and can step into chest deep water and push off the bottom into a front float for 15 seconds, then swim on front and/or back for 5 body lengths and exit the water, register for the Preschool Level 4-Seahorse class.
• If your child is 6-12 years old and has never had lessons in the past, register for Level 1-Stingrays class.
• If your child is 6-12 years old and can glide on front at least 2 body lengths, roll to a back float for 5 seconds, and recover to a vertical position, register for the Level 2-Octopus class.
• If your child is 6-12 years old and can step from the side into chest-deep water, push off the bottom and move into a treading or floating position for 15 seconds, swim on font and/or back for 5 body lengths and then exit, register for the Level 3-Pufferfish class.
• If your child is 6-12 years old, and can push off the wall in a streamlined position, swim the front crawl for 15 yards, change position/direction as necessary, swim elementary backstroke for 15 yards then exit the water, register for the Level 4-Whale class.
• If your child is 6-12 years old, and can perform a feet first entry into the water, swim front crawl for 25 yards, perform an open turn and swim elementary backstroke for 25 yards. And can also swim breaststroke for 15 yards, change direction and position as necessary and swim back crawl for 25 yards, register for Introduction to Swim Team class.

Download the checklist below that corresponds with your child's class and mark off the skills as they are achieved. If you need assistance navigating the checklist, call Lakewood Aquatics at 720-963-5371.

1. It’s the first day of lessons, what should I bring with me?

   • Please bring your child in their bathing suit, and bring a towel and goggles if needed.
   • If it is summer time, apply sunscreen before your lesson.

2. How will I know what class my child is in?

   • On the first day of class, there will be an introduction speech and then the instructors will call out their class list.
   • Each instructor will have a colored sign with their name on it, this is how you will find your instructor from the first day and every day after.

3. What level should my child be in?

   • Read through the requirements for each level in the lessons program chart located on this webpage. This chart will have lessons objectives and course requirements listed.
   • Still have questions? Participants can be assessed at the pool by an instructor. Please call ahead to ensure that an instructor is available before coming
4. The class I signed my child up for is too easy or hard. Can we transfer to another class?
   • Check with the pool manager to see if there are spots open in another class.
   • If there aren’t any spots open, review options with the pool manager:
     • Staying in the class
     • Transferring to another session

5. My child may need an aid for swimming lessons.

   • For all special accommodations regarding aids for swimming lessons, call 720-963-5371. We ask that you help us prepare by contacting us at least two weeks prior to the program beginning.

6. If my child is not potty trained can they be in swimming lessons?

   • Yes, they can be in swim lessons. They will be required to wear a swim diaper.

7. Can I open swim before or after lessons?

   • The cost of swimming lessons covers only the time of the lesson. If you want to swim before or after your lesson, you will need to pay the entrance fee.
   • Please make sure to check the pool schedule for open swim times.

8. We are going on vacation or my child is sick and will miss a class. Are there make up sessions?

   • There are no credits, pro-rated classes or refunds or rescheduling of classes due to inclement weather or the participant’s inability to attend all classes. 

Not all programs are offered at all times throughout the year. To browse the current class schedule, view the catalog at Lakewood.org/CommunityConnection.

• Crafts
• Cooking Classes
• Digital Arts
• Drawing and Painting
• History
• Pottery
• Kindermusik
• Music
• Sewing
• Theater

Register Now

Open Wall climb is available throughout the week at the following times:

The climbing wall at the Lakewood Link Recreation Center is currently closed until the week of June 5 for cleaning and maintenance.

Beginning the week of June 5 the summer hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 5:30-7:30pm, and Saturday 9:15 a.m.- 1:15 p.m.

A use fee or climbing pass is required. 

Make a Reservation

Prior to starting a class, please do the following: 

1. Review class policies and dress code via the drop-down section on this page.
2. Obtain required attire and footwear prior to the first class.

Classes

• Ballet (ages 5-16)
• Creative Movement (ages 2-4)
• Hip Hop (ages 6-14)
• Tap (ages 4-15)

The following are requirements of all youth dance program participants. Please review before a class begins and contact the Lakewood Cultural Programs Coordinator at natren@lakewood.org or 303-987-7877 with any questions. 

Studio Dress Code

REQUIRED APPAREL

Creative Movement, Pre-Tap, Pre-Ballet, Tap I, Ballet Level 1, Ballet/Jazz, Ballet Level 2, Choreography Project:

• Leotard and tights (no color restrictions). Tutus/skirts optional, OR
• Sweatpants/shorts and plain t-shirt (no color restrictions).

Pre-Hip Hop, Hip Hop 6-9 yrs., Latin for Kids, Hula Hoop:
Athletic/jazz pants/leggings and form-fitted tee/tank top.

REQUIRED FOOTWEAR 
Creative Movement, Pre-Ballet, Ballet Level 1, Ballet Level 2:
Pink, white or black ballet slippers, leather-soled only (no satin-soled, socks or house slippers).

Pre-Tap, Tap I:
Tap shoes.

Ballet/Jazz, Choreography Project:
Jazz shoes, lyrical slippers or ballet slippers.

Pre-Hip Hop, Hip Hop 6-9 yrs., Latin for Kids, Hula Hoop:
Clean-soled tennis shoes.

HAIR AND JEWELRY
Dancers with long hair should have their hair back in a ponytail, bun or braid to prevent from falling in eyes and face. Jewelry should not be dangling or possibly catch on other dancers hair or clothing.

Studio Etiquette

• Students should not enter the class before they are invited in by the teacher.
• Students should arrive for class on time, dressed and ready to begin.
• Students must not leave class without permission from the teacher.
• No food or gum is allowed in the studio. Water is only allowed in a container with a lid and be placed in the bin or on the counter.
• Class viewing is at the discretion of the teacher. The studio door will be closed. Teachers may invite parents to watch part of class on certain days. 

MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS

Visit our dance instructors webpage to read bios and learn more about our talented team.

HOLIDAY SHOWCASE
SAVE THE DATE
Free for parents and family to attend.
Performance: Sunday, December 18, 1-4 p.m.
LOCATION: Link Recreation Center, 1295 S. Reed Street.

Spring Recital

LCC Dance Program presents Spring Dance Recital 2023

“To Watch us Dance is to Hear our Hearts Speak”

SAVE THE DATE

REHEARSAL: GROUP A: Monday, May 23, GROUP B: Wednesday, May 25

PERFORMANCE: GROUP A: Tuesday, May 24 GROUP B: Thursday, May 26, 6 p.m.

LOCATION: Lakewood Cultural Center theater, 470 S. Allison Parkway.

RECITAL FEES:

Costume fee for Creative Movement, Hula Hoop/Circus Arts and Pre Level classes is $35.

Costume fee for Level I, II and III classes is $45.

Payment for costumes can be made online, over the phone or in person. Use Activity #17Y2999. Payment is due by Saturday, April 1, 2023.

Due to limited seating availability, only two tickets per household can be purchased in the initial release of tickets. A unique code will be sent to head of household prior to ticket sale day, please be sure to have your contact information up to date. After 2 weeks, all open seats will be released for sale. Children age  and under are free and may sit on laps.

Ticket Sale date will be on Wednesday, April 12 at 10 a.m. Open seats will be released for sale on Wednesday, April 26 at 10 a.m.

Please contact the Cultural Programs Coordinator, NatRen@lakewood.org with questions.

PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

LCC Youth Performance Troupe

Share your passion and artistry for dance through performance in our community! Together as a team, the expression of comradery and the freedom of self-expression in a safe environment. 2 performances in fall and 2 performances in winter/spring.

HOW TO JOIN:

New prospective members: Complete an inquiry form at Lakewood.org/PerformanceGroup. You will need to audition by attending a regular class between November 7 and December 16. Contact JesRig@lakewood.org to schedule

Returning students: You will receive a code from the Cultural Programs Coordinator to register.

No new members after January 6.

Ages: 10-17

$200

Activity #             Date                          Day                    Time                        Loc

17Y2991-01         Jan 8-May 20           Sat                      9-10:15 a.m.           LCC

For questions, contact YouthSports@Lakewood.org.

OTHER RECOGNIZED YOUTH SPORTS ORGANIZATIONS

Alameda Junior Sports

Football 
Baseball 
Softball

Lakewood Junior Sports

Baseball 
Football 
Softball

Green Mountain Junior Sports

Baseball 
Football 
Softball

Bear Creek Junior Sports

All sports

Lakewood Park Tennis Center

Tennis

Make an impact in your community and share your love of sports by coaching a youth sports team.

Hands-on training, coaching certification, coaches meeting, drills, games and ideas for practices all provided before and during the season. No prior coaching experience required!

View Details

We offer athletic field and basketball court rentals for practices, games and more.

Visit Lakewood.org/FieldRentals for more details.