Have you noticed your little ballerina using the blank television screen as a mirror to practice and perfect her twirls? If you’re thinking it’s time to get you budding dancer to a real dance studio (before she spins into the coffee table), we’ve rounded up the best schools the Eastside has to offer. From baby sensory dance to ballet to tap to hip hop, grab a chair for the next performance. The show is about to start!
photo: Backstage Dance Studio via Yelp
Backstage Dance Studio
Can’t wait to get those adorable baby feet tapping? Backstage Dance Studio offers sensory dance for infants that will encourage sensory development, foster bonding, and get you grooving with your tiny sidekick. Older kids will jump for joy over the variety of dance styles available including ballet, tap, hip hop and creative movement. Bonus: Dancers four and older get to sparkle in a spring show, while tots perform in a special in-studio recital.
Cost: Prices depend on class length and start at $35/month plus a registration fee.
Insider’s Tip: Dads that think they can dance don’t have to be left out of the spotlight. If your tyke is a studio member you can join the Dancing Dads troupe and show off your stuff for the spring show.
13420 S.E. 32nd St.
Bellevue, Wa 98005
425-747-5070
Online: backstagedance.org
photo: kakisky via MorgueFile
Elizabeth’s Dance Dimensions
There ‘s something about playing dress-up that transforms even the shyest kiddos into little performers. Elizabeth’s Dance Dimensions is the perfect place to prepare your little starlet for the stage with preschool and Kinderchild classes that incorporate exciting props, rhyming songs, and costume play into their teaching techniques. Dancers will have the opportunity to perform both a tap and ballet routine for the annual recital.
Cost: Tuition depends on class length and starts at $40/month plus a registration fee.
Insider’s Tip: New students will only be accepted until January 20, 2015 (based on availability) in preparation for their year-end show.
12121 N.E. Northup Way, Ste. 207
Bellevue, Wa 98005
425-883-2206
Online: dancedm.com
photo: Evergreen City Ballet
Evergreen City Ballet
Is there a dancing star with big dreams in your family? Then let her shine with Evergreen City Ballet’s Angelina Ballerina Dance Academy. Your prima ballerina will love this storybook introduction to dance using themes and music based on the PBS television show. Mommy and Me and creative movement classes are also available for tots as young as 20 months. Performance opportunities include the Nutcracker (ages 5 & up) and a year-end show.
Cost: ECB offers open enrollment and registration can be done online. Prices start at $60/month plus a registration fee.
2230 Lind Ave. S.W., Ste. 109
Renton, Wa 98057
425-228-6800
Online: evergreencityballet.org
photo: kakisky via MorgueFile
Gotta Dance
Gotta troupe with a busy schedule and you’re not sure when dance will fit in? Gotta Dance Studio has a full line-up jammed with your favorite formats, including jazz, ballet, tap, creative movement and hip hop, making it simple to find something for everyone at a time that fits your calendar. Dancers have the opportunity to perform in a holiday production and an end of year show.
Cost: Registration is now available for creative movement (ages 2-3) while enrollment for all other formats re-opens December 1, 2014. Cost depends on class length and starts at $48/month plus a registration fee.
Insider’s Tip: Check here for specific parking instructions before you go.
17945 N.E. 65th St., Ste. 100
Redmond, Wa 98052
425-861-5454
Online: gttadance.com
photo: Issaquah Dance Theatre
Issaquah Dance Theatre
Issaquah Dance Theatre doesn’t miss a step with their selection of dance styles to channel your jumping bean’s energy. Classes such as Together Time and Happy Feet plus all the faves will encourage the development of large motor skills while delighting your tiny twirler with songs, games and playful props. Dancers get to shine on stage in a year-end show.
Cost: Registration is open year round and can be done online. Rates depend on class length and start at $42 plus a registration fee.
Insider’s Tip: Try it before you sign up! Trial classes cost $17 and if you register the fee can be applied towards the first month’s tuition.
1575 N.W. Mall St.
Issaquah, Wa 98027
425-391-2632
Online: issaquahdance.com
photo: Rachael Brandon
Ballet Academy
Moms and dads will get a standing ovation for making their dancer’s dreams come true with International Ballet Academy’s Children’s Program. Kiddos will have a blast developing skills in movement, rhythm, and musicality while learning ballet or tap, then light up the stage in a year-end performance.
Cost: Classes follow a 19 week semester and the next session starts late January. Cost is $420-$440 plus a registration fee. They do not prorate if you sign up mid-semester, but make-up classes are offered.
Insider’s Tip: A new Dance with Me class for toddlers (20 months-3 years) begins January! Call ahead to get on the list for this sensational introduction to dance for you and your little one.
507 6th St. S.
Kirkland, Wa 98033
425-822-7694
Online: intballetacademy.org
photo: Pacific Northwest Ballet
Pacific Northwest Ballet
Seattleites consider the nationally recognized Pacific Northwest Ballet as a staple in our arts community. But did you know their Eastside school offers a curriculum for tots? Learning the fundamentals of movement couldn’t be more exhilarating than in one of the PNB’s classes suited for the Littles. Caregiver and child Duet classes (ages 2-3), PNB Tots (age 4) and creative movement (ages 5-6) are offered as well as a boys only class (ages 5-6).
Cost: The school year started in September and most classes are full, but there are wait lists. A 9 week quarter costs $210-$220 plus a registration fee, and the next session begins late January.
The Francia Russell Center
1344 N.E. 16th St.
Bellevue, Wa 98005
425-451-1241
Online: pnb.org
Do you have a favorite Eastside dance school? Has your tot taken a dance class at one of the studios we mentioned? Tell us about your experience in a comment below.
— Rachael Brandon
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