Classes & Workshops

FALL/WINTER SESSION DATES: Monday September 11, 2023 – Saturday January 27, 2024 • (17 weeks [Tues-Sat] or 15 weeks [Mon])
See Fall/Winter schedule for exceptions. To join with prorated tuition after the 3rd week of the session, email registrar@creativedance.org.

NO CLASSES: Nov 20-26, 2023 (Thanksgiving break); Dec 18, 2023 – Jan 1, 2024 (winter break); Monday, Jan 15, 2024 (MLK Day)

Questions about registration? Email registrar@creativedance.org.

 

Ages 0-5

These classes focus on basic movement skills, a multi-sensory and playful environment, and the loving bond between caregiver and child.

Nurturing Baby

A full hour of dance and playtime baby fun! Meaningful social/emotional connections are made as you and baby dance together and with others. Explore dance concepts using multi-sensory props and instruments. Sing rhymes and move to a wide variety of music. Fun, appropriate movements for baby’s developing body & brain. 

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Caregiver/Toddler

Experience a magical hour of joyful dance and connection with your toddler. Learn the BrainDance, explore dance concepts, play with multi-sensory props and instruments, and celebrate as your toddler develops confidence in their body. Our brain-compatible approach nurtures cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development while encouraging imagination and creativity!

Caregiver/Child

A magical hour of joyful dance, connection, and learning. Learn the BrainDance, explore dance concepts, play with multi-sensory props and instruments, and practice movement skills through circle dances and obstacle courses. Our brain-compatible approach nurtures cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development while encouraging imagination and creativity!

Family Dance

Experience a magical hour of connection with your child/children. Learn the BrainDance, explore dance concepts, play instruments, practice movement skills. Teachers offer adaptations and guidance so class is engaging and appropriate for a variety of ages and abilities. Family Dance joyfully supports body awareness, imagination, and creativity! Ask about our Family Discount.

Pre-K

For kids ready to participate in dance class without a caregiver. These classes focus on dance skills, social/ emotional learning, and self expression.

Creative Dance

Creativity, imagination, and joyful expression are nurtured while young dancers explore movement concepts, develop dance skills, strengthen the body & brain, and connect with others.

Creative Ballet

Exploring ballet skills and vocabulary through joyful and imaginative creative dance helps young dancers learn ballet with ease and enjoyment. Dive into movement concepts, develop dance skills and self-expression, and connect with others through the lens of ballet.

Dance & Art

Celebrate the artist in your child! Includes movement explorations through improvisation, dance skills, story time, visual art projects, and dance-making. Students’ creativity is sparked through hands-on art activities.

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Children & Teens

Our Children & Teen program focuses on dance technique, compositional skills, compassionate collaboration, and critical thinking.

Creative Dance K-1

Explore movement concepts, develop dance skills, strengthen the body and brain, connect with others, and have fun stretching your imagination in creative dance classes. Skills become more challenging throughout the year and progress with age level, building on Creative Dance for pre-K.

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Creative Modern

A creative introduction to modern dance! Students explore dance concepts such as Energy, Rhythm, and Pathways and learn and practice movement skills. Dancers begin to collaborate and develop self-expression as they create dances using the building blocks of choreographic forms.

Modern I

Students explore the patterns of the BrainDance and movement concepts, learn fundamental modern dance skills, collaborate with partners, and become familiar with choreographic forms as they create dances. Guided reflection and sharing deepens understanding. Students take an active role in their own learning to become skilled dancers and choreographers.

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Modern II

Students experience complex movement possibilities within the BrainDance and explore the Elements of Dance - Space, Time, Force, Body - to develop personal expressivity. Structured movement sequences build technique. Dancers collaborate and study additional choreographic forms. Observation and communication skills are strengthened as students give feedback on peer dance studies created in class.

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Modern III

Understanding deepens as connections are made between BrainDance patterns and technique. Dancers explore the body’s relationship to Space, Time & Force through complex improvisations, floor work, & movement sequences. Choreographic prompts encourage collaboration & creativity. Dancers analyze choreography and share feedback, strengthening dance literacy & communication skills.

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Intermediate/Advanced Modern

A concept-based, student-centered technique class for older teens and adults wishing to deepen understanding of their embodied performance of modern dance. Content is derived from Limón, Bartenieff, Cunningham, and release techniques while following Anne Green Gilbert's 5-part lesson plan, including BrainDance and student generated choreography. 

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Pre-Ballet

A fun and creative introduction to ballet class. Students explore developmentally appropriate ballet vocabulary and movement skills through the dance concepts. Musicality, improvisation, skill development, and the fundamentals of choreography are taught with an emphasis on nurturing the creative voice of each student. Ballet shoes optional for K-1, required for 1-2.

Ballet I

A holistic ballet class (includes barre and center work) where the dance concepts are used to deepen learning and foster self-expression. Individual, partner, and small group improvisations support social-emotional learning. Students develop composition skills by creating their own dances. Ballet shoes required.

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Ballet II

Warming up with the BrainDance gets students ready for more challenging barre and center work. Ballet technique continues to develop as do more complex movement explorations, alone and with partners. Composition skills are nurtured by introducing more choreographic tools and devices to dancers. Ballet shoes required.

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Ballet III

Ballet technique becomes more complex at the barre and in the center. Dancers warm up with the BrainDance and explore the dance concepts, deepening their understanding of technique while developing artistry and self-expression. Choreography skill increases through collaboration and creating dances using choreographic forms and devices. Ballet shoes required.

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Hip Hop I

Explore various street dance styles from the vibrant culture of Hip Hop. Have fun discovering the way the dance concepts of Space, Time, Force, and Body feel as you move in this rhythmic and energetic dance style. Dancers develop their own voice through learning how to free-style and creating their own dances. 

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Hip Hop II

Explore various street dance styles from the vibrant culture of Hip Hop. Discover dance concepts as you move in this rhythmic, energetic style. Learn the rich history and roots of Hip Hop and be part of a community of dancers centered on values of understanding and knowledge. Develop your unique voice through free-style and by creating your own dances. No previous Hip Hop experience required.

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Hip Hop III

Hip Hop is a powerful tool that can be leveraged to build a strong community of changemakers. Explore different movement combinations and techniques from the range of styles associated with hip hop. Learn rhythm and precision in this energetic class where students are supported to hone their individual voice. Some familiarity with Hip Hop is recommended.

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Teen/Adult Hip Hop

Students are supported to discover their individual voice in a welcoming environment. Explore movement combinations and techniques from the wide range of styles associated with Hip Hop. Learn rhythm and precision in this energetic class that recognizes Hip Hop as a powerful tool and language that can be used to build a strong community of changemakers. Some experience with Hip Hop is recommended.

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Adaptive BrainDance (no cost)

Mindful support & open spaces to develop body awareness & experience social-emotional learning. Neurodevelopmental movement patterns of BrainDance bring focus to body & mind. Explore dance as an internal & external experience guided by supportive language, images, storytelling, and visualization. For all abilities/disabilities; family, friends, or staff are welcome to assist.

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Adults

Our adult classes focus on movement skills, technique, and exercise through the joyful exploration of dance.

Creative Modern for Adults (Online)

This class is taught over Zoom. Explore Brain-Compatible dance with Anne Green Gilbert! Includes BrainDance, floor and center work, technique, folk dance, movement combinations, improvisation, and choreography. A great way to incorporate movement and creativity into your week.

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Keep Dancing! Modern for 40+

Fun and Fitness for your fourth decade & beyond! Includes BrainDance, floor & center work, technique, movement combinations, folk dances, improvisation, and choreography. Adults under 40 are welcome! 

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Intermediate/ Advanced Modern

A concept-based, student-centered technique class for older teens and adults wishing to deepen understanding of their embodied performance of modern dance. Content is derived from Limon, Bartenieff, Cunningham, and release techniques while following Anne Green Gilbert's 5-part lesson plan, including BrainDance and student-generated choreography.  

Register

Select a class time below to register

Teen/Adult Hip Hop

Students are supported to discover their individual voice in a welcoming environment. Explore movement combinations and techniques from the wide range of styles associated with Hip Hop. Learn rhythm and precision in this energetic class that recognizes Hip Hop as a powerful tool and language that can be used to build a strong community of changemakers. Some experience with Hip Hop is recommended.

Register

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Adaptive BrainDance (no cost)

Mindful support & open spaces to develop body awareness & experience social-emotional learning. Neurodevelopmental movement patterns of BrainDance bring focus to body & mind. Explore dance as an internal & external experience guided by supportive language, images, storytelling, and visualization. For all abilities/disabilities; family, friends, or staff are welcome to assist.

Register

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Camps

Ballet Stories Camp

Bring to life enchanting story ballets such as The Firebird, Sleeping Beauty, Coppélia, and Swan Lake. Joyfully explore ballet vocabulary in an age-appropriate, dance-concept based creative ballet class each day. Meet the characters and dance to the glorious music of Prokofiev, Tchaikovsky, Delibes, and more. Read the stories and create props and crafts to accompany our magical dances!

Maker's Theatre & Dance Camp

NEW! Crafty students who love dance & storytelling will use their imagination while exploring a different dance concept every day. Makers will create puppets, instruments, and even our own set! Learn about different types of theatrical storytelling while crafting a colorful, creative performance for friends and family.  This is the perfect camp for budding artists or new dancer-performers.

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Art in Motion Camp

Art in Motion explores dance and art through the works of visionary artists. Every day we discover a new artist, immersing ourselves in their unique style and voice. Creative dance class includes time for dance-making inspired by our daily artist. Art in Motion engages creativity and expression through kinesthetic and visual/spatial learning experiences, fusing the worlds of dance and visual art!

Stories in Motion Camp

Stories come to life as we spark imagination and movement using the rich language and art of children’s literature. Books jump off the page as students explore character and plot using the elements of dance and make art projects inspired by our reading and story-making. Each dancer contributes creativity to the pot to stir up an Original Dancing Story that gets written throughout the week!

EnviroDance! Art in Nature Camp

Connect with the natural world through movement and art! Each day a new exploration awaits – learn how dance concepts like Energy, Flow, and Pathways relate to living plants, animals, weather, land, and water. Dancers see, feel, and discover nature in art and art in nature. Dance class and art project are linked thematically to support deeper understanding and engagement in the creative process.

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Musical Theatre Camp - Matilda the Musical

Let’s celebrate children in Matilda the Musical! With songs like 'Revolting Children,' 'When I Grow Up,' and 'Miracle,' we’ll explore what it means to stand up for yourself and others. Explore the exciting world of musical theatre with singing, dancing, acting! Come play theatre games, do some set/costume design, and be a little bit Naughty. Sure to spark joy and imagination!

Musical Theatre Camp - Finding Nemo, JR.

Dive into an ocean full of friends! Discover songs by award-winning composers Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez (Frozen, Coco), like Crush's 'Go With the Flow,' Shark's 'Fish Are Friends Not Food,' and Dory's iconic 'Just Keep Swimming.' We’ll sing, dance, act, build props & celebrate what's out 'In the Big Blue World' together!

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Dance & Drama Camp

NEW! Dance isn't all about technique, it's about sharing the human experience. But how do we tell a story without using words? Explore how to evoke emotions using drama based exercises, combined with dance concepts. Learn how the face and eyes can open a window into the dancer's story, and how our body creates its own language. Be an emotional scientist and communicate without saying a word!

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Roots & Branches: Jazz | Ballet | Modern

The roots of jazz, ballet, and modern dance run deep! Understanding the lineage and history of these dance forms allows us to explore and follow the branches that grew and continue growing from the roots. Join us for a fun week of discovery with dance classes in all three genres. Your creativity and unique voice will become part of the exciting and ever changing world of dance!

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Hip Hop Camp

Explore dance styles from the vibrant culture of Hip Hop, through the lens of the dance concepts. Dancers develop their own voice while learning the history and elements of Hip Hop dance and culture including MCing, DJing, Breakdance, Graffiti, and Knowledge. Discover breaking, locking, popping, commercial/new style, and House dance and create art inspired by Hip Hop culture!

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Summer Teen Intensive Aug 7-11

We are thrilled to once again offer this week-long intensive for teens ages 13-19! Master classes with guest faculty specializing in a variety of dance styles. Each day includes two 90 minute specialty classes plus a facilitated talk back on issues pertinent to teen artists & creators. 3+ years experience required. 

Summer Teen Intensive

Summer Teen Intensive 2023

Ages 13 to 19 / Monday Aug 7 – Friday Aug 11
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.

Teens ages 13-19 have the opportunity to study with five passionate, unique, and gifted dance educators – Ellie Sandstrom, Kaitlyn Nguyen, Etienne Cakpo + Yaw Amponsah, Noel Price-Bracey, and Robbi A. Moore. Each day features class followed by a facilitated talk back and discussion on issues pertinent to teens/artists/creators/dancers. After the talk back students dive into more learning with a focus on the creative process.

Click below to learn details about our 2023 Teen Intensive faculty and the schedule for each day, along with the registration link. The Teen Intensive is not to be missed!

Summer Dance Institute for Teachers (SDIT)

Sensing ~ Connecting ~ Moving

 

We are excited to offer two Summer Dance Institute for Teachers courses this summer! We are back in person in Seattle and will also offer our popular online/virtual option.

Join our renowned faculty in Seattle or online as they share the philosophy of Brain-Compatible Dance Education and the power of the BrainDance. Planning successful dance classes that are brain-based 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, in person and online.

Celebrating 28 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.

Online/Virtual SDIT
Thursdays + Saturdays 9:00am-3:30pm Pacific Time
Dates: June 29, July 1, July 6, July 8, July 13, July 15, July 20, July 22.
Course fee for Virtual SDIT is $775.

In-Person SDIT held at the Creative Dance Center in Seattle.
Monday through Friday 9:00am-5:00pm Pacific Time
Dates: July 17-21
Course fee for In-person SDIT is $575.

Limited financial aid will be available on a first come, first served basis for both Courses. 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.

Feeling to Form: Mettler-based
Dance Improvisation

with Mary Ann Brehm
NEW DATE
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.

Who is Barbara Mettler?

Barbara Mettler (1907-2002) believed that dance—the art of body movement—is a basic human need, she wrote that “my lifelong goal has been to seek out creative principles of dance in order to revel in its power and make it available to all people.” She explored somatic approaches to both the body as instrument and movement as the material of dance. Her development of creative studies for cultivating craftsmanship in group dance improvisation is recognized as a ground-breaking, unique contribution to contemporary dance.

A 1933 graduate of the Mary Wigman Central Institute of Dance in Germany, Mettler was a part of the early modern dance world in New York City. For sixty years she directed Mettler Studios, which in 1963 found a permanent home at the Tucson Creative Dance Center. She taught thousands of people of all ages from kindergarten to elderly, including people with special needs. Her intensive summer-long course attracted large groups of students, many of whom went on to teach creative dance in their own communities or integrate her principles into their professional lives. For information on Mettler Studios, which continues development of her approach to dance go to barbaramettler.org/

BrainDance: Birth to 5-years & Primary Grades

with Terry Goetz
Sunday November 13, 2022
(Complete) 
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.

BrainDance Foundations
with Anne Green Gilbert

Sunday, March 12, 2023
(complete)
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 to suit any age and ability. 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 ALL ages 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.

BrainDance
Adaptations & Variations

with Anna Mansbridge
Coming Spring 2024
(April 16, 2023 workshop postponed)

Building on the information given in our BrainDance Foundations and BrainDance: Birth to 5-years workshops, and/or prior knowledge of BrainDance, participants will have the opportunity to explore ways of varying the BrainDance. Variations are important as they provide novelty, stimulating new movement ideas that create new neural pathways. We will explore the use of different props, music choices, dance concepts, folk dances, and relationships.

Variations for all ages will be shared – toddlers to elders. Whether you teach in a classroom, gym or dance studio, or BrainDance at home you will come away with lots of creative ways to keep the BrainDance enlivened and engaging! 

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.

Visit tripplanner.kingcounty.gov/ for convenient bus routes from your neighborhood.

What are the 2023-2024 session dates?

Here are the dates for the 2023-2024 School Year:

All classes follow the 15/17-week schedule except Nurturing Baby, Creative Modern for Adults, Keep Moving for 40+, and Adaptive BrainDance.

FALL/WINTER 2023-2024

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.


Nurturing Baby, Adaptive BrainDance & Anne Green Gilbert’s Adult Class Schedule:

Fall 13-week session:
Monday, September 11, 2023 through Saturday, December 16, 2023
Winter 10-week session:
Tuesday, January 2 through Saturday, March 17, 2024

Creative Modern for Adults Winter (Online) is a 9-week session:
January 8 through March 11, 2024 

NO CLASSES
Nov 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 

Winter/Spring Session: 17-Week Session beginning January 29 through June 10, 2024.

NO CLASSES

February 19 – 23, 2024 (Mid-winter break)
April 8 – 12, 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 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.

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.

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

Make sure your child uses the bathroom right before class. Have your dancer wear clothes they can take off and on independently for bathroom visits during class. Leotards and tights can be very challenging for little ones – t-shirts and leggings work well for preschool dance classes! Be aware our teachers cannot accompany students to the bathroom during class so caregivers of students that need restroom assistance must stay in the building during class. Email terry@creativedance.org if you anticipate separation issues at your first class or if you have additional questions/concerns.
 
Pick-up
For safety reasons students must be picked up inside the building. If someone other than the person who dropped off is picking up, please inform your teacher at drop off. After a 5 minute grace period, there will be a $10 charge for each 10 minutes past the pickup time.

 

What do I need to know for my child's first Children & Teens class?

Pre-Class Prep for classes in the Studio:

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. 
 
We invite you stay for the first 5 – 10 minutes of class, then 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.
 
Please plan to stay on-site during your child’s first few classes in case you are needed. Our upstairs waiting room has wifi, a dance library, and a selection of books/toys/art supplies for kids. If your child’s class is in the lower studio you are also welcome to stay close on the stairs, which is out of sight but easily accessible if you are needed by the teacher. Once your teacher has confirmed your child has adjusted to being on their own and you feel comfortable leaving your child, you may go off site during class.
 
Pick-up
For safety reasons students must be picked up inside the building. If someone other than the person who dropped off is picking up, please inform your teacher at drop off. After a 5 minute grace period, there will be a $10 charge for each 10 minutes past the pickup time.
 
Class Attire & Bathroom Breaks
Make sure your child uses the bathroom right before class. Have your dancer wear clothes they can take off and on independently for bathroom visits during class. Our teachers cannot accompany students to the restroom during class so caregivers of students that need restroom assistance should stay in the building during class. Email terry@creativedance.org if you anticipate separation issues at your first class or if you have additional questions/concerns.
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 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.org to discuss paying in 2 installments or applying for financial aid. Classes without sufficient enrollment will be canceled and tuition refunded. Tuition may be prorated after the 3rd week of the Fall/Winter and Winter/Spring sessions with a $10 pro-rate fee. Tuition is not prorated during our Summer Session.

 

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 Family Dance (see below), we offer a 5% discount on the tuition of each class. Email registrar@creativedance.org  for the Sibling Discount Coupon Code BEFORE registering for class.

Family Dance Discount: For families registering more than 1 child in a single Nurturing Baby, Family Dance (formerly Caregiver/Toddler, Caregiver/Child, or Caregiver/Tot/Child), we offer a 50% discount for the second and/or third child. 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 $10 prorate fee will be assessed. You will need to contact bronwen@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?

Financial aid is available based on need. An application will be sent to you at your request and must be received at CDC before you register. Email: 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 meant for families to observe their child’s class and see the progress that is being made and to witness the fun! If your child is taking a drop-off class, these two Observation weeks are the only time parents are invited to observe classes. We feel it is important to develop bonds with instructors and peers and that the presence of parents/caregivers may impede this opportunity for bonding. Many teachers do invite parents in to watch free dancing or student choreography 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?
You may make up missed classes in a comparable class during the Fall/Winter and Winter/Spring sessions. During our Summer session make ups for missed Camp days are not available. Check online to ensure the make up class you wish to attend is taking place. 
 
Make up classes cannot be carried over to the next session.
 
For in studio classes, do not come to class if you or your child is sick. Make up your missed class after health has returned. Please email terry@creativedance.org with any questions about making up classes. 
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 classes or 2 weeks prior to the start of camps to receive a refund. A $15 processing fee will be levied for classes and a $25 fee will be levied for camps.

Email Darrah Parker at darrah@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, you may always check the Home Page or our Announcements page.

Zoom Classes: if class is canceled for some reason, you will be notified by email. The studio will remain closed until further notice, and all classes will continue online. We will continue to update our students and community as COVID-19 phasing, safety, and protocol information is updated.

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.

Where can I find more resources for my child?
Visit our Resources for free articles on Brain-Compatible Dance Education and the BrainDance, along with books and DVDs written and produced by Anne Green Gilbert for purchase.

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.

Photo Credits

Modern III: Pam Lauritzen
Master Classes/HHS Workshop: We Merry Go Round
All other: Bronwen Houck Photography