Classes & Workshops
Category
Workshops
Winter/Spring Session Info: January 29 - June 10, 2024
Winter/Spring Session Dates: Monday January 29 – Monday June 10, 2024 (17 weeks – see Winter/Spring schedule for exceptions)
No classes: February 19 – 25 (Mid-winter break); April 8 – 14 (Spring break); Monday, May 27 (Memorial Day)
Questions about registration? Email registrar@creativedance.org.
Ages 0-5
Nurturing Baby
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Caregiver/Toddler
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Caregiver/Child
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Caregiver/Toddler/Child
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Pre-K
Creative Dance
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Creative Ballet
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Dance & Art
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Children & Teens
Creative Dance K-1
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Creative Modern
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Modern I
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Modern II
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Modern III
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Intermediate/Advanced Modern
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Pre-Ballet
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Ballet I
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Ballet II
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Ballet III
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Hip Hop I
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Hip Hop II
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Hip Hop III
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Adaptive BrainDance (no cost)
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Adults
Hip Hop Pulse
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Creative Modern for Adults (Online)
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Keep Dancing! Modern for 40+
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Intermediate/ Advanced Modern
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Adaptive BrainDance (no cost)
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Camps
Ballet Stories Camp
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Roots & Branches: Jazz | Ballet | Modern
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EnviroDance! Art in Nature Camp
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Art in Motion Camp
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Stories in Motion Camp
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Hip Hop Camp
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Musical Theatre Camp - Willy Wonka JR.
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Musical Theatre Camp - Trolls
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Musical Theatre Camp - Descendants
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Summer Teen Intensive July 29-Aug 2
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Summer Teen Intensive
Summer Teen Intensive
Summer Teen Intensive 2024
Ages 13 to 19 / Monday July 29 – Friday August 2
Mon – Fri 4:30pm – 8:15pm
Experience freedom and growth this summer! A caring, non-judgmental, and inspiring faculty is ready to support your development as a dancer and creative artist.
Spend an extraordinary and enriching week with us during our Teen Intensive this summer. Students ages 13-19 have the opportunity to study with passionate, unique, and gifted dance educators. 2024 faculty info coming soon. Past faculty includes: Ellie Sandstrom, Kaitlyn Nguyen, Etienne Cakpo + Yaw Amponsah, Noel PRICE-Bracey, Nia-Amina Minor, Tiffany Bierly, Bri Wilson, Robbi A. Moore and other amazing guests.
Each day features dance class followed by a facilitated talk back and discussion on issues pertinent to teens/artists/creators/
Click below to learn details about our 2024 Teen Intensive (faculty and daily schedule coming soon) and to register. The Teen Intensive is not to be missed!
Summer Dance Institute for Teachers (SDIT)
Sensing ~ Connecting ~ Moving
The Creative Dance Center is excited to welcome you to our 29th annual Summer Dance Institute for Teachers in July 2024.
Join our renowned faculty in Seattle as they share the philosophy of Brain-Compatible Dance Education and the power of the BrainDance. Planning successful brain-based dance classes is straightforward, creative, and fun when you use a five-part lesson plan, focus on the dance concepts of Space, Time, Force and Body, and utilize principles of brain-compatible teaching. Through movement and discussion, SDIT provides teachers with tools to create meaningful, engaging, and developmentally appropriate dance curricula for all ages and abilities.
Celebrating 29 years of professional learning, both SDIT courses are designed for educators, dance teachers, arts specialists, and therapists who wish to understand the vital link between movement and cognition.
2024 In-person SDIT held at the Creative Dance Center in Seattle.
Dates: July 15-19, 9:00am-5:00pm, Monday-Friday.
Course fee for In-person SDIT is $595.
After May 31st course fee is $665.
Limited financial aid will be available on a first come, first served basis. If interested, email darrah@creativedance.org for application.
Educator & Community Workshops
Workshops That Move You
Join us at the Creative Dance Center as we laugh, learn, discover, and dance throughout the school year. Educators, dance teachers, teaching artists, early childhood specialists, OTs and PTs, and parents are welcome. Led by CDC staff, workshops focus on Brain-Compatible Dance Education and BrainDance. Guest presenters share work that complements CDC’s holistic and somatic approach to learning.
Financial aid is available for all our workshops. Please contact info@creativedance.org for details and an application for tuition assistance.
Join our e-Newletter to get updates on future workshop dates and offerings.
BrainDance Foundations
with Anne Green Gilbert
COMPLETED
Sunday, February 4, 2024
1:00pm to 5:00pm
BrainDance is a flexible framework of movement patterns developed by Anne Green Gilbert as a warm-up for any physical activity or as an energizing movement break. It is highly adaptable and can be tailored for different ages and abilities. This workshop will provide a foundational understanding of the science behind the BrainDance. Participants will explore several BrainDances and experience the many benefits of doing this unique exercise: reorganization of the neurological system; increased blood and oxygen flow to the respiratory system and brain; enhanced core support, connectivity, and alignment; and deeper understanding of the elements of dance technique.
This workshop will cover BrainDances appropriate for ages six through adults/seniors that can be done in a variety of settings. Whether the BrainDance is something you are already familiar with or is brand new to you, you will leave with a deeper embodied understanding of the BrainDance. We invite you to attend BrainDance: Birth to 5-years & Primary Grades if you work with or teach these ages!
BrainDance: Birth to 5-years & Primary Grades
with Terry Goetz
Sunday, April 28, 2024
1:00pm-4:00pm
The BrainDance is based on fundamental movement patterns infants move through in the first year of life and continue refining through childhood. We will cover BrainDances that can be done in the classroom, at home, in a childcare setting, and in dance studios. The BrainDance is an adaptable movement tool that can be tailored for all abilities and disabilities. Daycare providers, early childhood specialists, elementary teachers, paraeducators, parents, caregivers, OTs, PTs, and dance teachers are all welcome.
Feeling to Form: Mettler-based
Dance Improvisation
with Mary Ann Brehm
COMPLETED
November 5, 2023
10:00am – 4:00pm
We are excited to welcome guest teacher Mary Ann Brehm to the Creative Dance Center for an engaging day of movement! Join us and immerse yourself in dance explorations which awaken your kinesthetic imagination and allow you to discover satisfying, expressive movement forms individually and in groups. Based on the work of somatic dance pioneer Barbara Mettler, this Mettler-based Dance Improvisation workshop will include:
- Using the kinesthetic sense as a guide for creating movement
- Discovering organic form, where movements and themes evolve naturally one from another
- Cultivating skills for group improvisation within the force, time, and space elements
- Sensing group body movements
- Unifying sound and movement
This workshop is partially funded by a grant from Mettler Studio, Inc.
Field Trips
Learn With Movement
Experience the magic of an award-winning Creative Dance Center class with your preschool, homeschool group, troop, club, or other group. We offer both in-studio and virtual field trips. Children explore dance concepts such as Pathways, Relationships, Size, and Weight. Class includes the BrainDance warm-up, fun movement explorations utilizing a wide variety of props, and an obstacle course. We offer a balance of student-centered and teacher-directed activities, to explore, develop skills, and build tools for creative self-expression. Field trips are booked based on studio space and teacher availability.
Details
- Field trips are limited to 25 students in-studio or on Zoom.
- IN-STUDIO field trips are one hour. $140 for up to 14 children; $165 for 15-25 students.
- VIRTUAL field trips are one hour. $140 for up to 14 children; $165 for 15-25 children
- Cancellation policy: Full refund if cancelled with 14+ day’s notice. Refund less $50 with 7-14 days notice. Less than 7 days notice, full payment is retained by CDC.
Have more questions?
Contact Terry at terry@creativedance.org for teacher availability. Time and date must be confirmed before paying at link below.
Birthday Parties
Celebrate Through Dance
Celebrate a birthday in a unique way with one of the Creative Dance Center’s talented and creative teachers. We offer fun, fantastic in-studio parties parties! Enjoy a dance class that celebrates self-expression, creativity, and fun. Warm up with the BrainDance, dance to great music, and explore dance concepts such as Level, Energy, Speed, and Size. Birthday parties are booked based on teacher availability.
Details
- In-studio Birthday party fee is $250.00 for up to 12 guests. This limit applies to children, and each child can bring an adult.
- Length of party time is 90 minutes and includes up to a 60 minutes dance class and use of the party room adjoining the studio.
- Cancellation policy: Full refund if cancelled with over 14 day’s notice. Refund less $50 with 7-14 days notice. If under 7 days notice, full payment is retained by the Creative Dance Center.
Have more questions?
Contact Terry at terry@creativedance.org for teacher availability. Time and date must be confirmed before paying at the link below.
Policies & FAQs
Getting Here
Driving Directions
Creative Dance Center is located in the beautiful Haller Lake Community Club in a residential neighborhood just off Aurora Avenue North.
12577 Densmore Avenue North is just south of the North 128th Street and Densmore Avenue North intersection.
From Aurora Avenue North, go east on N 128th Street. Northbound on I-5, take the NE 130th Street exit. Southbound on I-5, take the NE 145th Street exit.
From either exit, head west and turn south on Meridian N and west on N 128th.
Parking & Additional Info
We have plenty of free parking. Our office is located next door to the studio, just to the north at 12583 Densmore Ave. N. For classes taking place in the upper studio, we recommend parking in the front lot. For classes taking place in the lower studio (first floor), we suggest parking behind the building and entering through the lower level back entrance. If you are unable to use stairs, please park in the back parking lot behind the building and use our lower level back entrance which is ADA accessible. This entrance gets you into our lower level studio and provides access to the elevator that can be used to get to the upper studio if needed.
Visit tripplanner.kingcounty.gov/ for convenient bus routes from your neighborhood.
What are the 2023-2024 session dates?
FALL/WINTER 2024
View Fall/Winter 2023 Calendar
Fall/Winter Regular Session: 17-Week Session beginning Monday, September 11, 2023 through Saturday, January 27, 2024.
Monday classes run as a 15-Week Session due to New Year’s Day and MLK holidays and are priced accordingly.
All classes follow the 15/17-week schedule except Nurturing Baby, Creative Modern for Adults, Keep Moving for 40+, and Adaptive BrainDance
Fall 13-week session (for Nurturing Baby, Adaptive BrainDance & Anne Green Gilbert’s Adult Class):Monday, September 11, 2023 through Saturday, December 16, 2023Winter 10-week session (for Nurturing Baby, Adaptive BrainDance & Anne Green Gilbert’s Adult Class):Tuesday, January 2 through Saturday, March 17, 2024
Winter 9-week session (for Creative Modern for Adults – Online):January 8 through March 11, 2024*
NO CLASSESNov 20-26, 2023 (Thanksgiving break)Dec 18, 2023 – Jan 1, 2024 (winter break)Monday, Jan 15, 2024 (MLK Day)
*Creative Modern for Adults (Online) will have a special MLK day class on Jan 15.
WINTER/SPRING 2024
View Winter/Spring 2024 Calendar
Winter/Spring Regular Session: 17-Week Session beginning January 29 through June 10, 2024. For exceptions to the 17-week schedule, see below.
Creative Modern for Adults – Online (Mondays):Winter 9-week session: Jan 8 – Mar 11, 2024 (Note: Class WILL be held on MLK Day)
Adaptive BrainDance (Mondays)Winter 8-week session: Jan 8 – Mar 11, 2024 (Note: Class will NOT be held on MLK Day.)Spring 11-week session: Mar 18 – June 10, 2024
Hip Hop Pulse (Tuesdays)Winter 8-week session: Jan 16 – Mar 12, 2024
Nurturing Baby (Wednesdays)Winter 10-week session: Jan 3 – Mar 13, 2024Spring 11-week session: Mar 20 – June 5, 2024
Keep Dancing! with Anne Green Gilbert (Wednesdays)Winter 10-week session: Jan 3 – Mar 13, 2024Spring 11-week session: Mar 20 – June 5, 2024
NO CLASSES
February 19 – 25, 2024 (Mid-winter break)April 8 – 14, 2024 (Spring break)Monday, May 27, 2024 (Memorial Day)
Our School Shows, An Afternoon of Dance, will be held at Shorecrest Performing Arts Center on Sunday, March 10, 2024.
What do I need to know for our first Ages 0-5 class?
Welcome! Our Caregiver-Child classes include Nurturing Baby, Caregiver/Toddler, Caregiver/Child, and Family Dance. Children and adults should wear comfortable clothing (we get down on the floor!) and we dance in bare feet.
In our main lobby you will find a poster easel with our Dance Concept of the Week as well as important communication. The upper studio is right off the main lobby. If the doors are open to the studio come right in and introduce yourself and your child to your teacher. If the doors are closed, please wait in the lobby until your teacher invites you in. If your class is in the lower studio, take the interior stairs to the lower level and introduce yourself and your child to your teacher. Only water bottles are allowed in both studios, no other food or drink. Food and other drinks are allowed in our waiting room.
The waiting room, off the main lobby, has wifi, tables, chairs, toys, crayons, paper, and a library of wonderful books for children and adults. We have a girls dressing room/bathroom and a large all-gender ADA equipped restroom on the main floor. There is an all gender restroom on the lower level as well. Please keep your valuables and personal belongings with you at all times. You may bring your belongings into both studios. At the beginning of class your teacher will welcome everyone, share printed resources about classes at CDC as well as helpful tips for having a fun and playful experience with your child/children in dance class
What do I need to know for my child's first Pre-K drop-off class?
Pre-Class Prep for classes in the Studio:
How exciting! A drop-off, independent dance class is a big step – as much for parents and caregivers as it is for preschoolers! We have 40 years teaching experience with this age group. We understand every child and caregiver is unique and we also have some tried and true tips and recommendations to make this transition a smooth one.
Please arrive a few minutes early to support your dancer’s transition into class. Students should be in dance clothes with hair back from face and bring a full water bottle with them into the studio. Separation anxiety is eased when there is ample time for greetings and good-byes. In our main lobby you will find a poster easel with the Dance Concept of the Week. We have a girls dressing room and bathroom and a large all gender ADA equipped restroom on the main floor. There is an all gender restroom on the lower level as well. If your class is in the lower studio take the interior stairs down to the lower level. If your class is in the upper studio please wait in the lobby and your teacher will invite you in to the studio when they are ready for students. Please introduce yourself and your child to your teacher.
At your first class we invite you stay for the first 5 – 10 minutes, then quietly move into an area where students do not see you. This allows students to bond with each other and their teacher and maintain focus in a more effective way. Our lobby and our waiting room are right off of the upper studio for those taking class on the upper level. For classes in the lower studio, parents/caregivers are welcome to stay on the stairs (which are out of sight but easily accessible if you are needed by the teacher) or move upstairs to the waiting room. We ask that you plan to stay on-site during your child’s classes in case you are needed. If you do need to leave CDC while your child is in class, please confirm with your teacher that your child has adjusted to being on their own before leaving. Always notify your teacher if you will not be on site during class.
Director Terry Goetz is at the first class of the session to help ease this transition for young dancers and their caregivers and to welcome everyone. Each situation that may arise is handled on an individual basis. Our waiting room has wifi, tables, chairs, toys, crayons, paper, and a library of wonderful books for children and adults. Our instructors will communicate with you if there are any issues that come up regarding separation and participation in class. We do our best to resolve these issues keeping in mind what will work best for the individual child and the class as a whole. If your young child is not ready to dance on their own, Caregiver/Child or Family Dance class may be more developmentally appropriate. Please call Terry Goetz, Director, at 206-363-7281 if you are unsure of appropriate class placement for your child or email terry@creativedance.org.
First Time Transition Tips
Please prepare your child by letting them know they will be dancing with their teacher and other children and that you will be nearby in our waiting room or on the stairs. We ask that you plan to stay on-site during your child’s classes in case you are needed.
Class Attire & Bathroom Breaks
What do I need to know for my child's first Children & Teens class?
Pre-Class Prep for classes in the Studio:
What is the recommended class attire?
By Age Group:
For adults, we recommend wearing dance or exercise clothes.
For children, we recommend dance clothes such as leggings, t-shirts, leotards, footless tights, sweatpants or shorts, dance skirts, etc., bare feet (exceptions below).
For toddlers, we suggest dance or play clothes, bare feet. For babies we recommend a onesie and bare feet/legs.
By Class Genre:
Ballet shoes are optional for Pre-Ballet K-1 and required for Pre-Ballet 1-2 and Ballet I/II & III classes. For proper ballet shoe fittings, CDC recommends Centerstage Dance Shop in the U District.
For Hip Hop classes students must bring indoor only, clean-soled sneakers to change into for class.
Where do I store my personal belongings?
Please keep valuables and personal belongings with you at all times. Do not leave valuables unattended. Dancers are encouraged to bring valuables and water bottles into the studios while taking class. CDC is not responsible for lost or stolen belongings. Food and drinks other than water are only allowed in our waiting room on the main floor.
How do I guarantee my place in class?
Registration and payment of tuition is required to ensure a place in class. Registration in current classes does not guarantee a space in upcoming sessions. Full tuition is due at the time of registration. If this presents a hardship, contact darrah@creativedance.
Do you offer trial classes?
We offer a generous refund policy in lieu of trial classes. We have found that it often takes two to three classes to gauge if the fit is right and for children to find a sense of comfort and safety in the dance class. This is especially true with younger students. A child may feel anxious at the first class so we recommend registering for the session and trying out at least 2-3 classes to see how they settle into the class as they become more familiar with the teacher, the setting, and the flow and content of the lesson. If you feel like it’s not working out for your dancer after taking up to three classes, you must notify us before their 4th class to request a refund on the remaining tuition (the refund is minus the classes taken and a $15 processing fee). As an added benefit, we do not charge a registration fee as many other studios do. For questions about our registration or refund policies, contact registrar@creativedance.org.
Can I get a discount if I am registering multiple children?
CDC offers two types of discounts for families registering more than one child within a session. You must contact registrar@creativedance.org to get a Coupon Code BEFORE you register online. You will not receive the discount without the Coupon Code.
Sibling Discount: For siblings registering in different classes within the same session, or in the same class that is not a Caregiver/Family Dance class (see below), we offer a 5% discount on the tuition of each class when registering at the same time. The code is Sibling5. Email registrar@creativedance.org with any questions about this code BEFORE registering for class.
Caregiver Class Discount: For families registering more than 1 child in a single Nurturing Baby or Caregiver class, we offer a 50% discount for the second and/or third child. You will need a code specific to the class day/time you are joining. Email registrar@creativedance.org for the Family Dance Coupon Code BEFORE registering for class.
Office Hours to receive Coupon Codes are Monday through Thursday 8:00 am – 2:00 pm.
What if I’m late to register? Can I register once the session begins?
CDC offers rolling admission, so you may register at any point during the session for any class that is not marked full. Classes may be prorated after the 3rd week of the session. A $15 prorate fee will be assessed. You will need to contact registrar@creativedance.org in order to register after the 3rd week of the session. Summer Session classes are not prorated.
Classes and camps without sufficient enrollment will be canceled and refunded in full.
Do you offer financial aid?
CDC believes in supporting access to dance. Financial aid is available based on need. This is a limited community resource supported in part by individual donors. Click here to complete our online financial aid application. An application must be received at CDC before you register. Email questions to darrah@creativedance.org
When can I visit and/or observe my child in class?
Creative Dance Center schedules Visiting/Observation Weeks approximately halfway through and during the last week of our in-studio sessions. Visiting Week is for families to observe their child’s class and see the progress that is being made and to witness the fun! Many teachers invite parents to watch student choreography weekly at the end of each class. Check in with your teacher about this.
Will my child have an opportunity to perform?
Winter/Spring students in independent drop-off classes including Creative Ballet, Creative Dance, Dance & Art, Creative Modern, Hip Hop, Pre-Ballet, Ballet, and Modern classes have the opportunity to perform with their class in the Afternoon of Dance, CDC’s “not your typical recital” school shows. Students share skills they have developed and their creativity with family and friends at Shorecrest Performing Arts Center.
The Afternoon of Dance is scheduled for Sunday, March 10, 2024. Please save the date for this special event!
Note: Covid-19 may affect our ability to hold the Afternoon of Dance school show. We will send updates as needed.
View more information about the Afternoon of Dance on our Performances page.
What if I miss a class? Can it be made up?
What if I need a refund due to a class withdrawal?
During Fall/Winter or Winter/Spring Session, if class is not working out for you or your child, you may withdraw from class and request a refund by the 4th week of the session. We will refund the remainder of the session and charge a $15 processing fee. Refunds are not offered after the 4th week of the session.
During the Summer Session, CDC Administration must be notified 1 week prior to the start of your summer class or 2 weeks prior to the start of your camp to receive a refund. A $15 processing fee will be levied for classes and a $25 fee will be levied for camps.
Email registrar@creativedance.org for information on how to process a refund.
How do I know if class is canceled or the studio is closed?
For the most updated information about closures, you may check the Home Page. In addition, we will email individual classes in the case of closure.
Emergency closures for in-studio classes: Though CDC often closes when Seattle School District has snow closures, please check the home page of our website for up to the date info and individual class information. Classes canceled due to snow closures may be made up in another comparable class during the current session.
Zoom Classes: If class is canceled for some reason, you will be notified by email.
Where can I find more resources for my child?
We also have music by Eric Chappelle that beautifully supports BCDE and BrainDance.
Plus! We’ve curated a list of our favorite things from arts organizations to book authors, as well as links to shop for dance supplies.
What should I know about online classes on Zoom?
We are excited to continue offering some of our Brain-Compatible Dance Education classes online. CDC’s virtual classes are taught by our award-winning faculty, all experienced in leading fun and engaging dance classes over Zoom.
You should have a clear, safe space to move – CDC students have been dancing in their living rooms, bedrooms, playrooms and basements! For the best virtual class experience, we recommend using a laptop or desktop computer. Make sure your device has plenty of battery life!
Before registering please review these tips from Zoom to make sure you have the technology needed to participate successfully. Please familiarize yourself with Zoom in advance to prepare for the online learning experience. A hardwired connection is recommended over wifi. Check out helpful tips here and here to improve your Zoom connection.
What are your in-studio Covid-19 policies and procedures?
Covid Information and Guidelines for In-Person Classes and Camps
We are excited to dance with you! To ensure the health and safety of our students, families, staff, and faculty, the Creative Dance Center follows or exceeds federal, state, and/or local COVID-19 public health requirements and guidelines. The Creative Dance Center remains responsive and will adjust safety protocols as needed.
Creative Dance Center has the following health and safety protocols in place: hand sanitizing stations available throughout the building; sinks for hand washing with soap on both upper and lower floors; air purifiers located in both our upper and lower studios. Masking is welcome but not required.
For safe return to dance, please review COVID-19 guidelines from the WA Department of Health HERE. Following these guidelines will keep our community safe as we dance together.
Please contact darrah@creativedance.org with any additional questions about COVID-19 guidelines.
Is proof of COVID-19 vaccination required to attend class at CDC?
As of March 1, 2022 the King County vaccine verification requirement is no longer in effect in King County. At this time the Creative Dance Center is not requiring proof of vaccination to attend classes, camps, or programming.
Summer Dance Institute for Teachers 2024
OFFERING IN-STUDIO SDIT FOR SUMMER 2024!
Join us this summer for transformational learning! Celebrate 29 years of the Summer Dance Institute for Teachers. SDIT is designed for educators, dance teachers, arts specialists, and therapists who wish to deepen their understanding of the vital link between movement, emotions, and learning.
Gain confidence in combining the mastery of movement with the artistry of expression. Explore cutting edge dance pedagogy and best practices in the ever-evolving laboratory of SDIT. Strengthen your teaching practice while recharging your batteries through embodied learning.
Whether Brain-Compatible Dance Education and BrainDance are new to you or you are experienced and practiced in using Anne Green Gilbert’s holistic teaching methodology, we welcome you to SDIT.
In-Person SDIT
Since repetition is the key to learning, graduates of SDIT are always welcome to return to and repeat the course. Returning students often find a deeper understanding and expanded ways to put their knowledge into practice.
When you attend our In-Person SDIT in Seattle you may have the opportunity to observe Creative Dance Center Summer session classes, giving you the chance to witness BCDE and BrainDance in action! You are also welcome to participate in any Adult class the week of SDIT for free.
Our In-Person course immerses participants in Brain-Compatible Dance Education – explore the dance concepts of Space, Time, Force and Body, Anne Green Gilbert’s unique five-part lesson plan, and the somatic depth and richness of the BrainDance. This course offers an environment of collegial support for returning and experienced participants as well as those new to BCDE.
Anne Green Gilbert’s teaching methodology joyfully celebrates and nurtures creativity, self-expression, collaboration, and community. Providing access and making dance inclusive for all is at the heart of BCDE.
This course allows participants to experience sample lessons based on Anne Green Gilbert’s successful five-part conceptual lesson plan and the brain-compatible principles that underpin it. Discover how incorporating these principles into your teaching, workplace, or home can positively affect learning, focus, collaborative skills, and creativity.
Since repetition is the key to learning, graduates of SDIT are always welcome to return to and repeat the course. Returning students often find a deeper understanding and expanded ways to put their knowledge into practice.
SDIT Details
2024 Dates:
July 15-19, 2024
Monday through Friday
9:00am to 5:00pm each day
Attendance is required on all 5 days.
Tuition:
Register by May 31 for Early Bird pricing: $595.
Late registration – after May 31: $665.
Financial Aid:
Limited financial aid is available on a first come, first served basis. If interested, email darrah@creativedance.org for application.
Note: If you need to withdraw from SDIT, we must be notified two weeks before the start of the Courses (July 1) to receive a full refund (minus a $50 processing fee). No refunds will be given after this date. Contact darrah@creativedance.org for details.
Required Text:
Brain-Compatible Dance Education, 2nd edition by Anne Green Gilbert is required for the course and available at bit.ly/BCDEBook
Residents of Canada have the option of purchasing the book directly from Human Kinetics Canada at bit.ly/BCDE-Canada
Is this course for me?
The conceptual brain-based teaching methods of Brain-Compatible Dance Education can be used in any setting and with all ages – infants, children, teens, adults, and elders. BCDE enlivens any dance style/genre and has successfully been used in dance studios, college programs, homes, daycares and preschools, classrooms, community centers, and assisted living facilities all over the world! Past participants include dance educators, classroom teachers (elementary, middle, high school), fine arts educators, music specialists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, dance therapists, parents, college professors, teaching artists, and more! Join us and see why people have used these words to describe SDIT…
Enlightened ~ Life-changing ~ Glorious ~ Cohesive
Non-judgmental ~ Transformational ~ Impactful ~ Outstanding ~
Remarkable ~ Inspiring ~ Comprehensive ~ Empowering
Click here to read what former participants have to say about their experience at SDIT. Practical, useful, and transformative, this is SDIT!
Who is teaching?
Creative Dance Center and Kaleidoscope Dance Company Founder, renowned dance educator, and author Anne Green Gilbert and New York City based dance educator Dionne Kamara teach our In-Person Summer Dance Institute for Teachers. SDIT faculty may also include Creative Dance Center Director Terry Goetz.
Read full bios of our amazing faculty below.
Can I attend a portion of SDIT?
Deeper understanding and implementation of Brain-Compatible Dance Education and the BrainDance happens through a balance of novelty and repetition – this is provided through full participation in our course. Participants are required to register for and attend the entire course (5 days, 9am-5pm daily).
If you have commitments that may impact full participation and you are still interested in attending SDIT, please email CDC Director Terry Goetz at terry@creativedance.org with the specifics of your situation.
Can I receive certification or clock hours for this course?
While the Creative Dance Center does not certify people in BCDE or BrainDance, we do offer a Certificate of Participation and Transcript of courses and hours attended upon full completion of the SDIT.
Continuing Education credits and clock hours are not available for SDIT.
Where can I stay if attending SDIT in person?
Information for Hotel Nexus below is from 2023 and will be updated to reflect summer 2024 contact information and rates.
LOCATION
Creative Dance Center
12577 Densmore Ave N
Seattle, WA 98133
We are in the Haller Lake neighborhood of North Seattle
Creative Dance Center is a 15-20 minute car ride (if there is no traffic!) from Downtown Seattle.
Based upon feedback from former SDIT participants, we do not recommend booking accommodations at hotels/motels along the Aurora Ave. N./Highway 99 corridor. Please read below for lodging recommendations.
Visit https://www.soundtransit.org/ride-with-us/know-before-you-go/how-to-ride to learn about public transportation. Link Light Rail runs between SeaTac Airport and Northgate. The Link Light Rail station at Northgate is approximately 2 miles from the Creative Dance Center.
AIRBNB
From the homepage of airbnb.com, search North Seattle and/or the Haller Lake neighborhood during the Summer Dance Institute dates. You can also search for locations near Creative Dance Center, located at 12577 Densmore Ave. North, Seattle, 98133, in the Haller Lake community of North Seattle. Other nearby neighborhoods include Bitter Lake, Pinehurst, Northgate, Olympic Hills, Broadview, and southern parts of the city of Shoreline. Booking EARLY is a good idea!
HOTEL NEXUS – discounted rate
Creative Dance Center guests get a special rate when booking at the Hotel Nexus, located approximately 1 mile south of CDC. Do not book online, you must call the Hotel Nexus directly to book with the discount. Guests must mention the Creative Dance Center special rate when booking.
Email or call Jeremy Hudson or Nikki Brame directly:
Jeremy Hudson: Hotel Sales Manager| Nexus Hotel
Jeremy.hudson@hotelnexusseattle.com
Office: (206) 365-0700 ext. 463
Nikki Brame: VP of Sales and Marketing | 360° Hotel Group
nikki.brame@360hotelgroup.com
Mobile: (206) 612-4362
You can also call the Front Desk, ask to be transferred to Sales, and mention the Creative Dance Center discount when making the reservation. If Jeremy or Nikki are not available you can book with the Front Desk and they will follow up to ensure the correct rate was used.
Rates are below and include Complimentary Wi-Fi, Parking, Continental Breakfast, Guest Laundry & Fitness Center. Discounted Summer rates are as follows for different room types:
- Single King, Single Queen, Accessible Single-bed rooms – $120 + tax/night
Includes one Single bed, Tv, Dresser, Desk, Full Bathroom, Coffee Maker, Microwave, + Mini Fridge
- Double Queen – $120 + tax/night
Includes two Queen size Beds, Tv, Dresser, Desk, Full Bathroom, Coffee Maker, Microwave, + Mini Fridge - Hydrotherapy Tub Room – $160 + tax/night
Includes one Single bed, Tv, Dresser, Desk, Full Bathroom, Large Jetted Jacuzzi Tub, Coffee Maker, Microwave, + Mini Fridge
- Double Queen Kitchenette Suite – $220 + tax/night
Includes two Queen size Beds in a separate Bedroom with a Tv, Dresser, Desk, Full Bathroom. In the main living area, there is a Sofa couch that pulls out into a Double size bed, Dining Table to seat 4, Full Equipped Kitchen, Coffee Maker, Microwave, Stove top + Full Fridge
Hotel Nexus website: https://www.hotelnexusseattle.com
SDIT Faculty
Anne Green Gilbert
SDIT Director
agilbert@creativedance.orgAnne Green Gilbert (she/her) founded the Creative Dance Center and Kaleidoscope Dance Company in Seattle, Washington in 1981 and the Summer Dance Institute for Teachers in 1994. She was the Director of CDC from 1981 – 2014. Anne has had a varied teaching career starting as an elementary school teacher, moving on to dance and pedagogy classes at University of Illinois Chicago and University of Washington, then teaching children’s dance classes at Cornish College and Bill Evans/Dance Theatre Seattle before starting the Creative Dance Center. She was an adjunct professor at Seattle Pacific University for many years and taught for Lesley University’s Outreach Masters Program for ten years. Anne taught infants through adults at Creative Dance Center for 30 years. She continues to teach older adults at CDC. Anne trains teachers through the Summer Dance Institute and CDC Educator workshops. For 40 years she conducted hundreds of workshops and residencies across the United States and abroad. Anne developed the BrainDance, a focusing warm-up exercise, in 2000. The BrainDance is used in many schools, studios, and homes around the world. Anne is internationally recognized for her work with young artists and the creative process. She has choreographed dances for university dance companies as well as local Northwest dance companies and Kaleidoscope Dance Company.
Anne is the author of Teaching the Three Rs Through Movement (1977), Creative Dance for All Ages (1st edition 1992, 2nd edition 2015), Brain-Compatible Dance Education (1st edition 2006, 2nd edition 2019), Teaching Creative Dance DVD (2002) and BrainDance DVD (2003/2016), as well as numerous articles. Anne has also collaborated with composer Eric Chappelle on the CDs, BrainDance Music and Music for Creative Dance Volumes I-V. Anne is an active member of the National Dance Education Organization, and Dance and the Child International (daCi). Anne served on the daCi board for twelve years. Anne is founder and Past President of the Dance Educators Association of Washington, an organization promoting quality dance education in all Washington State schools K-12. As a member of the Arts Education Standards project, she helped write the Washington State Dance Standards and Learning Goals. Anne is the recipient of several awards including the National Dance Association Scholar/Artist award in 2005, the National Dance Education Organization Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011, the Lawrence Tenney Stevens American Dance Award for her work with boys and men in dance in 2014, and the American Dance Festival Balasaraswati/Joy Ann Dewey Beinecke Endowed Chair for Distinguished Teaching in 2016.
Anne is the mother of three amazing Kaleidoscope alums and grandmother of seven dancing grandchildren. She lives in Seattle with her talented husband, David.
Dionne Kamara
SDIT Faculty
Dionne Kamara (she/her), a former member of Urban Bush Women performance company, is currently a resident teaching artist in New York City. Dionne teaches creative dance integrating academic curriculum to children in public schools, enabling them to express their thoughts and ideas through the art of dance. She has taught creative and traditional West African dance in schools, community centers and cultural institutions in the New York metropolitan area for many years and also teaches creative dance to infants through adults in several NYC studios. Dionne has been an SDIT faculty member since 2003.
Photo Credits
Modern III: Pam Lauritzen
Master Classes/HHS Workshop: We Merry Go Round
All other: Bronwen Houck Photography