Classes & Workshops

Winter/Spring Calendar View

Winter/Spring Session Info: January 27 - June 9, 2025

Winter/Spring Session Dates: Monday January 26 – Monday June 8, 2026 (17 weeks – see Winter/Spring schedule for exceptions).

 

Winter Mini Sessions of Nurturing Baby, Adaptive BrainDance, Hip Hop, and adult classes: January 5 – March 18, 2026.
Spring Mini Sessions of Nurturing Baby, Adaptive BrainDance, Hip Hop, and adult classes: March 23 – June 8, 2025.

To join with prorated tuition after the 3rd week of the session, email registrar@creativedance.org.

No classes: February 16-22 (Mid-Winter Break); April 13-19 (Spring Break); May 25 (Memorial Day)

Questions about registration? Email registrar@creativedance.org.

Fall/Winter Session Info: September 8, 2025 - January 24, 2026

All classes are taught in studio unless otherwise noted. Visit our FAQ for information.

Fall/Winter Session Dates: Monday September 8, 2025 – Saturday, January 24, 2026 • (17 weeks [Tues-Sat] or 16 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 24-30, 2025 (Thanksgiving); Dec 21, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026 (winter break); Monday, Jan 19, 2026 (MLK Day)

Visiting Weeks: Parents are invited to observe class the 9th week (Nov 3-Nov 8) & 17th week (Jan 20-24) of the session (Jan 12 for Monday classes).

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. 

Register

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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!

Caregiver/Toddler/Child

(Formally 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. This class 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.

Register

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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.

Register

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Children & Teens

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

Spotlight Series

Step into the spotlight with a rotating lineup of acclaimed dance educators. Offerings include Theater Jazz, Broadway, Intro to Hula, & Partnering in Contemporary Dance. These Saturday master classes are your opportunity to expand your artistry, explore new movement & be inspired by teachers at the forefront of their craft.

Register

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Creative Music

Dive into the world of music and movement in this creative hybrid class! Students explore foundational concepts in both music and dance through singing, storytelling, playing percussion instruments, and expressive movement. BrainDance and music-based activities support coordination, rhythm, and confidence.

Register

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Creative Dance

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 and progress with age level, building on Creative Dance for pre-K.

Register

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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 recommended but not required.

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.

Register

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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.

Register

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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.

Register

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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.

Register

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Modern IV

Students build technique alongside artistry as improvisations, floor work, rhythmical phrasing, and combinations become more challenging and complex. Dancers create using the Elements of Dance and choreographic forms and devices. Through analysis, evaluation, self-reflection, and guided feedback, students refine choreographic intent as they gain confidence in their own creative voice.

Register

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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 Horton technique while following Anne Green Gilbert's 5-part lesson plan, including BrainDance and student generated choreography.

Register

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Ballet I/II

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.

Register

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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.

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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Adults

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

Spotlight Series

Step into the spotlight with a rotating lineup of acclaimed dance educators. Offerings include Theater Jazz, Broadway, Intro to Hula, & Partnering in Contemporary Dance. These Saturday master classes are your opportunity to expand your artistry, explore new movement & be inspired by teachers at the forefront of their craft.

Register

Select a class time below to register

Boost with Bronwen

NEW CLASS! Get a boost for your body & brain in this fun, all-levels class for adults! We’ll practice dance floor moves and learn choreography for a flash mob style group dance! Get your blood pumping & boost your mood with pop-centric grooves to your favorite dance hits. We will laugh, dance, & have a great time while getting our fitness fix! AM starts Jan 8, PM starts Jan 15.

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 Horton technique while following Anne Green Gilbert's 5-part lesson plan, including BrainDance and student generated choreography.

Register

Select a class time below to register

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.

Register

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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! 

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

Select a class time below to register

Camps

2026 Camp Registration opening the week of January 26! Check out what we offered in 2025 below. Celebrate dance and creative arts with our Summer Camps! Full & half day camps available. Full-day camp includes lunchtime care between 12:30-1:00pm at no extra charge! Register before March 1 to receive the Early Bird rate. Financial aid and payment plans available. Contact registrar@creativedance.org for details. (There are no camps July 20-24.)

EnviroDance! Art in Nature Camp (AM 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.

Art in Motion Camp (PM 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!

Hip Hop Groove (AM Camp)

Explore dance styles from the vibrant culture of Hip Hop through the lens of foundational dance concepts. Learn grooves like the Rock and Bounce, social dance steps, Breaking techniques, and freestyle while building confidence, performance skills, and an understanding of Hip Hop's history and cultural roots.

Register

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Roots & Branches: Jazz | Ballet | Modern (PM Camp)

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!

Register

Select a class time below to register

Art in Motion (AM 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!

Hip Hop Groove (PM Camp)

Explore dance styles from the vibrant culture of Hip Hop through the lens of foundational dance concepts. Learn grooves like the Rock and Bounce, social dance steps, Breaking techniques, and freestyle while building confidence, performance skills, and an understanding of Hip Hop's history and cultural roots.

Once Upon a Dance (AM 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!

Ballet Stories (PM 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!

Shake It Off: Dance the Eras (AM Camp)

Swifties unite! If you are a T-Swift fan, this camp is for you. Try your hand at being a pop sensation by dancing to some of Taylor’s greatest hits. We will sing, dance, make friendship bracelets, and maybe even bejewel our own microphones. Don’t let this be a ‘Cruel Summer’ and have your tears ricochet – put on your ‘cardigan' and sign up for Taylor Swift camp!

Ballet Stories (PM 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!

Musical Theatre: Wicked (AM Camp)

What is this feeling so sudden and new? From stage to screen, this ‘Popular’ story has powerful, fun, iconic songs. Ride your bubble & broomstick into Wicked Musical Theatre camp! Everyone deserves the chance to fly, so let’s visit ‘Dear Old Shiz’ and spend time singing and ‘Dancing Through Life’ while we create Oz inspired sets and props. You might just be changed ‘For Good.'

Shake It Off: Dance the Eras (PM Camp)

Swifties unite! If you are a T-Swift fan, this camp is for you. Try your hand at being a pop sensation by dancing to some of Taylor’s greatest hits. We will sing, dance, make friendship bracelets, and maybe even bejewel our own microphones. Don’t let this be a ‘Cruel Summer’ and have your tears ricochet – put on your ‘cardigan' and sign up for Taylor Swift camp!

Musical Theatre: Wicked (AM Camp)

What is this feeling so sudden and new? From stage to screen, this ‘Popular’ story has powerful, fun, iconic songs. Ride your bubble & broomstick into Wicked Musical Theatre camp! Everyone deserves the chance to fly, so let’s visit ‘Dear Old Shiz’ and spend time singing and ‘Dancing Through Life’ while we create Oz inspired sets and props. You might just be changed ‘For Good.'

Shake It Off: Dance the Eras (PM Camp)

Swifties unite! If you are a T-Swift fan, this camp is for you. Try your hand at being a pop sensation by dancing to some of Taylor’s greatest hits. We will sing, dance, make friendship bracelets, and maybe even bejewel our own microphones. Don’t let this be a ‘Cruel Summer’ and have your tears ricochet – put on your ‘cardigan' and sign up for Taylor Swift camp!

Creative Music: Carnival of the Animals (AM Camp)

Learn how dance and music concepts can help us explore how animals move, sound, and look as we improvise, compose, and choreograph our way through a week inspired by the musical suite by Camile Saint-Saens, Carnival of the Animals! Musicians will use body percussion, voices, instruments, and imagination to create their own musical suite to share in an informal performance on the last day of camp.

Summer Teen Intensive July 28-Aug 1

We are thrilled to once again offer this week-long intensive for teens ages 13-19! Dive into the creative process and experience diverse dance styles. Each day passionate and gifted dance educators share two specialty classes and lead a facilitated talk back on issues pertinent to teen artists & creators. 3+ years experience recommended.

Summer Teen Intensive

Summer Teen Intensive 2025

Summer Teen Intensive 2025
Ages 13 to 19 / Monday July 28 – Friday August 1
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.

Click here to view this year’s schedule and guest faculty details.

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. Each day features two dance classes and a facilitated talk back and discussion on issues pertinent to teens/artists/creators/dancers.

Past guest faculty includes Etienne Cakpo and Yaw Amponsah from Gansango Music & Dance, Sarthak Sharma from Rangeela Dance Company, Victor Ramirez and Laura Mesick from Tlalokan, Amy J Lambert, Robbi A. Moore, Ellie Sandstrom, Kaitlyn Nguyen, Noel PRICE-Bracey, and more! Click below to read about our 2025 Teen Intensive schedule and faculty.

Financial aid is available for all who request it. Click here to complete our online financial aid application. Please wait until you hear from CDC staff about your financial aid application before registering. Email questions to darrah@creativedance.org  

2025 Summer Dance Institute for Teachers (SDIT)

Sensing ~ Connecting ~ Moving


The Creative Dance Center is excited to announce our 31st
 annual Summer Dance Institute for Teachers in July 2026

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 31 years of professional learning, SDIT is designed for educators, dance teachers, arts specialists, and therapists who wish to understand the vital link between movement and cognition. 

2026 SDIT held at the Creative Dance Center in Seattle.
Dates: July 20-24, 9:00am-5:00pm, Monday-Friday.
Course fee for In-person SDIT is $640 + tax.
After May 1st course fee is $695 + tax.  

Limited financial aid is available on a first come, first served basis for SDIT. 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 registrar@creativedance.org for details and an application for tuition assistance.

Join our e-Newletter to get updates on future workshop dates and offerings.

The Ground We Share:
Movement for Restoration &
Community Care

with Lauren Harrison
Sunday, January 25, 2026
1:00 – 3:30pm
$65

In this time of upheaval, uncertainty, and constant change, many of us feel unsteady, anxious, or stretched beyond what feels manageable. The Ground We Share offers a space to reconnect with body, creativity, and community through movement and creative expression. Participants are invited to engage with their own felt experience and the shared dynamics of the group. These explorations nurture grounding, presence, and space for clarity, joy, and a renewed sense of personal and collective agency.

This workshop blends guidance, tools, and embodied practices with participants’ curiosity and active engagement to shape the shared experience. Through ritual, rhythm, and movement, participants can deepen their relational awareness and sense of shared belonging.

In this way, the workshop becomes an act of collective support—fostering the care and connection we long for in the world. Participants are invited to explore these practices in ways that can extend into daily life and community. No dance experience is required—only a willingness to move, notice, and take part in a socially engaged, restorative space.

 
Who is Lauren Harrison?

Lauren Harrison, MA, BC-DMT, LMHC, is a board-certified dance/movement therapist, licensed counselor, and dance educator with 25 years of experience using movement to support and connect with people of all ages in schools, clinics, community programs, and the arts. She currently provides therapy and clinical supervision through her Seattle-based private practice and teaches creative dance for children and caregivers at the Creative Dance Center and the Burien Community Center. Lauren values dance and movement as a powerful tool for prevention, healing, and connection, and draws on her wide-ranging experience to help participants reconnect with their bodies, tap into their creativity, and engage more deeply with their community.

Learn more: www.laurenharrisondance.com | www.creativeconnectiontherapy.com

Movement Matters: Creative Dance in Early Childhood

with Annie Hughes
Saturday, March 7, 2026
1:00 – 4:00pm
$80 + tax

 

Discover how creative dance supports young children’s confidence, curiosity, and sense of community. This workshop invites early learning professionals to experience creative dance as a pathway to belonging, expression, and joyful learning. CDC’s BrainDance warm-up and Brain-Compatible Dance Education framework provide simple tools that offer structure while honoring children’s natural love of movement and play.

We’ll explore developmentally appropriate, inclusive activities using the elements of dance and fundamental movement skills that strengthen bodies and brains, such as rolling, spinning, crawling, marching, and leaping, while balancing teacher-led guidance with child-centered discovery. Leave with practical, engaging ideas that build coordination, inspire creativity, deepen connection, and bring meaningful movement into any early childhood setting.

Who is Annie Hughes?

Annie Hughes (she/her) is the dancing mother of two energetic boys and one independent daughter. She believes that dance can be a vehicle to greater creativity and enrichment regardless of age or experience. Annie grew up in Utah where she danced with Brigham Young University’s Children’s Creative Dance Program. In high school she began teaching at local studios and trained with the Step-up program at Ririe-Woodbury dance company. During her undergraduate education, she was a member of various dance groups including Artsbridge, Kinnect, Dancesemble and Contemporary Dance Theater (CDT). As a part of CDT she performed in India and various parts of the United States. She has also studied dance in China and enjoys integrating cultural research into her work.

After completing her BA in Dance Education from Brigham Young University, Annie taught dance in the public school system, after-school programs for elementary school children, and various studios. Since moving to Washington she has developed a dance program for the Everett YMCA and taught virtual dance to students across the country. Annie attended CDC’s Summer Dance Institute for Teachers in 2021 and has been part of the Creative Dance Center faculty—and community—ever since.

BrainDance for Every Body

with Terry Goetz
Sunday, May 17, 2026
1:00 – 3:00pm
$60

Developed by Creative Dance Center founder, Anne Green Gilbert, and informed by the work of somatic and movement pioneers, the BrainDance sequences through eight early developmental patterns that help organize the body, build the brain, and support expressive, coordinated movement. The BrainDance is a flexible framework—equally useful as a warm-up for physical activity, an energizing reset, or a calming movement meditation—and can be easily adapted for different ages and abilities. This workshop introduces the foundations of the BrainDance and practical ways to share it with movers across the lifespan, from school-age children to older adults.

 

Participants will experience a range of BrainDances and learn how to adjust pacing, language, imagery, music, and the use of props to meet diverse needs. Using the elements of dance—Space, Time, Force, and Body—we’ll explore creative variations that bring novelty, engagement, and a sense of freshness to each BrainDance experience.

If you are interested in BrainDances specifically designed for early childhood, please attend our March workshop, Movement Matters: Creative Dance in Early Childhood, with CDC faculty member Annie Hughes, which focuses on adaptations for young children.

The BrainDance grows with us. You’ll leave with a range of inclusive, age-appropriate variations and practical tools that spark creativity, support integration of body and mind, and enrich movement experiences in any environment—from classrooms and dance studios to community programs, senior living settings, and home practice.

Who is Terry Goetz?

Terry Goetz (she/her) is Director of the Creative Dance Center (CDC) in Seattle, where she leads with a commitment to creativity, inclusion, and joyful, embodied learning. She began studying with CDC Founder Anne Green Gilbert in 1997, joined the faculty in 2000, and became Director in 2014. Terry’s teaching career spans preschools, K–12 classrooms, community programs, and studios, following a professional performing career with Pacific Northwest Ballet and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre.

Since 2005, Terry has taught BrainDance and Brain-Compatible Dance Education workshops locally, nationally, and internationally for educators, dance teachers, and community organizations. She has presented multiple times at National Dance Education Organization (NDEO) and Dance and the Child International conferences and has taught for the Kuopio International Dance Festival, Orff Schulwerk Associations, East Asian Regional Council of International Schools, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, and universities across the U.S. and Canada. In 2024, she was invited to present at the Kennedy Center’s Leadership Exchange in Arts & Disability (LEAD) National Conference, reflecting her commitment to inclusive teaching practices. She also contributed to Washington State’s K–12 Learning Standards for Dance and has offered movement workshops throughout the King County Library System. In 2015, she was honored as Dance Educator of the Year by the Dance Educators Association of Washington (DEAW), recognizing Washington educators who exemplify excellence, innovation, and dedication in dance education.

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

  • In-studio and virtual field trips are one hour. 
  • In-studio and virtual field trips for up to 10 students are $150
  • If more than 10 children attend, a charge of $15 per extra child applies. 
  • Field trips are limited to 25 students in studio.
  • 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 $265 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 minute 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 2025-2026 session dates?

FALL/WINTER 2025

Fall/Winter 2025 Calendar

Fall/Winter Regular Session: 17-Week Session beginning Monday, September 8, 2025 through Saturday, January 24, 2026.

Monday classes run as a 16-Week Session due to MLK holiday and are priced accordingly.

All classes follow the 16/17-week schedule except Nurturing Baby, Creative Modern for Adults, Keep Dancing for 40+, Hip Hop I-III, and Adaptive BrainDance. Please find specific session dates below in the Specific Class Session section.

NO CLASSES
November 24-30, 2025 (Thanksgiving break)
December 22, 2024 – January 4, 2026 (Winter break)
Monday, January 19, 2026 (MLK Day)*
*Creative Modern for Adults (Online) will have class on January 19.

WINTER/SPRING 2025

Winter/Spring 2025 Calendar will be available December, 2025.

Winter/Spring Regular Session: 17-Week Session beginning Monday, January 26, 2026 through Monday, June 8, 2026.

All classes follow the 17-week schedule except Nurturing Baby, Creative Modern for Adults, Keep Dancing for 40+, Hip Hop I-III, Boost with Bronwen and Adaptive BrainDance.

Our school shows, An Afternoon of Dance, will be held at Shorecrest Performing Arts Center on Sunday, March 22, 2026.

NO CLASSES
February 16 – 22, 2026 (Mid-winter break)
April 13 – 19, 2026 (Spring break)
May 25, 2025 (Memorial Day)

Fall, Winter, & Spring Specific Class Sessions

Nurturing Baby
Fall 14-week session: Wed, Sept 10 – Dec 17, 2025. No class Nov 24-30.
Winter 10-week session: Wed, Jan 7 – Mar 18, 2026. No class Feb 16-22.
Spring 10-week session: Wed, Mar 25 – June 3. No class Apr 13-19.

Adaptive BrainDance
Fall 14-week session: Tue, Sept 9 – Dec 16, 2025. No class Nov 24-30.
Winter 10-week session: Tue, Jan 6 to Mar 17, 2026. No class Feb 16-22.
Spring 10-week session: Tue, Mar 24 – June 2. No class Apr 13-19.

Creative Modern for Adults (Online)
Fall 13-week session: Mon, Sept 8 to Dec 8, 2025. No class Nov 24 – 30.
Winter 10-week session: Mon, Jan 5 to Mar 16, 2026. Class is held Mon, Jan 19. No class Feb 16-22.
Spring 10-week session: Mon, Mar 23 – June 8. No class Apr 13-19 or May 25 (Memorial Day).

Keep Dancing! Modern for 40+
Fall 13-week session: Wed, Sept 10 to Dec 10, 2025. No class Nov 24-30.
Winter 10-week session: Wed, Jan 7 to Mar 18, 2026. No class Feb 16-22.
Spring 10-week session: Wed, Mar 25 – June 3. No class Apr 13-19.

Hip Hop I, II, and III
Fall 11-week session: Thur, Sept 11 – Nov 20, 2025.
Winter 10-week session: Thur, Jan 8 – Mar 19, 2026. No class Feb 16-22.
Spring 10-week session: Thur, Mar 26 – June 4, 2026. No class Apr 13-19.

Boost with Bronwen – Tentative Dates
Fall 11-week session: Thur, Sept 11 – Nov 20, 2025.
Winter 10-week session: Thur, Jan 8 – Mar 19, 2026. No class Feb 16-22.
Spring 10-week session: Thur, Mar 26 – June 4, 2026. No class Apr 13-19.

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 10 minute grace period, there will be a $10 charge for each 10 minutes past the the grace period.

 

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 10 minute grace period, there will be a $10 charge for each 10 minutes past the grace period.
 
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 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 and Boost with Bronwen classes students must bring indoor only, clean-soled sneakers to change into for class. 

For Keep Dancing for 40+, students may dance in bare feet or athletic shoes based on comfort/safety.

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 $15 prorate fee. Tuition is not prorated during our Summer Session.

 

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?

Note: 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.

Caregiver Class Discount: For families registering more than 1 child in a single Nurturing Baby or Caregiver class, we offer a 25% 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 Coupon Code BEFORE registering for class.

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 22, 2026. Please save the date for this special event!

View more information about the Afternoon of Dance here.

What if I miss a class? Can it be made up?
If sick, you do not need to notify us. 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. You do not need to call or email in advance of a make up class. Please communicate with the teacher upon arrival at your make up class to inform them which class you are there to make up and provide student information. 
 
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 registrar@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, CDC Administration must be notified at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the session to receive a refund (minus a $15 processing fee). Once a session has begun, 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.

For Summer Camps, CDC Administration must be notified 2 weeks prior to the start of your camp to receive a refund, minus $40 non-refundable registration fee. No refunds given less than 2 weeks before camp. However, tuition may be used as a credit to a future class or camp.

For Summer Classes, CDC Administration must be notified 1 week prior to the start of your summer class to receive a refund. A $15 processing fee will be levied.

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?
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.

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!

You will receive the Zoom links for class in advance of class each week. Please note if you sign up for an online class the day of class, you might not receive the Zoom link in time for that day. Please sign up at least 3 days in advance and/or email darrah@creativedance.org to ensure you receive the link in time.

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.

Photo Credits

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