Countdown to 2011: Amy's 11 Places to Take a Dance Class in 2011
Seattlest will be counting down to 2011 with a series of posts on our highlights of this year and what we're looking forward to in the next. Got a list to suggest? Send it our way. See the entire series here.
Dance thrives in Seattle, and dance centers are liberally sprinkled throughout the city. If you’re looking to mix things up next year by working a dance class into your routine, chances are you won’t have to look too far.
Most single dance classes are similarly priced—approximately $15 for 90 minutes—and are “Open”, meaning adult dancers (16+) can drop in at their whim. These eleven suggestions are ranked alphabetically. Move it.
Academy of Burlesque (Oddfellows Building, 915 East Pine St., Capitol Hill)
If you're itching to learn the art of burlesque, go visit Miss Indigo Blue. Among other things, the Academy offers a six week "Burlesque 101" session, which culminates with a public graduation recital (learn more about this well-known series in the documentary "A Wink and a Smile", which can be found on Netflix). A listing of all the Academy's burlesque classes can be found here.
American Dance Institute (8001 Greenwood Ave N, Greenwood)
A small community dance studio, American Dance Institute is a good bet for adult beginners looking to learn the basics of ballet, jazz, modern, hip-hop—even Capoeira or Irish Step Dance. The studio occasionally offers free dance classes; at least get on their mailing list if you're still mulling things over.
Central District Womens' Community Dance Class (Garfield Community Center, 2323 E Cherry St., CD)
Twice a week, dancer Whitney Aguirre invites women of all ages and physical abilities to cut loose for a 60 minute dance class. Funded in part with a $1000 public grant, classes are free and meant to be fun and promote healthy living. A suggested donation of $10 per class goes directly to R.E.S.T., an organization that works to end the sex trafficking of women and girls.
Century Ballroom (Oddfellows Building, 915 East Pine St., Capitol Hill)
If you've been itching to learn a bit 'o ballroom, Century Ballroom is your ticket. The studio provides ballroom dance instruction in all forms—from private lessons and regular series classes to dine & dance and Open Floor events. If you're a total klutz, we recommend the group lessons, which will help you build a solid base using a rotating cast of partners.
Fremont Abbey Arts Center (4272 Fremont Ave N, Fremont)
Fremont Abbey's mission is simple: to empower its community by existing as a collaborative arts center. (And a Happy 5th Birthday as well!) In addition to hosting events, the Abbey provides a wide variety of arts classes for both kids and adults. In terms of dance, your options are mostly limited to Modern, taught by resident Dance Curator Karin Stevens.
Open Flight Studio (University District)
Open Flight is home to a collective of dance & movement artists who use the space to experiment, teach and perform. Tucked away on The Ave, the tiny studio hosts weekly classes, currently in Ballet, Modern, African Dance, Capoeira and Nia, a Dance/Martial Arts/Healing Arts Fitness discipline.
The Pacific Northwest Ballet School (The Phelps Center, 301 Mercer Street, Lower Queen Anne)
The Open Program for teens and adults delivers your standard Ballet and Modern classes, taught by PNB faculty - and you best have a bit of dance experience already. High technical quality (and a live pianist!), but classes tend to be crowded. Bonus: company class is held every weekday morning. Smudge your nose against the glass of the studio and watch them perform endless pirouettes.
Spectrum Dance Center (800 Lake Washington Blvd., Madrona)
Like PNB, the Spectrum Dance School is a training program for serious dancers, although open classes for adults are available, too. There are several basic jazz and ballet classes for beginners, but if you don't live in the area, it's probably not worth the hike.
Velocity Dance Center (1621 12th Ave., Capitol Hill)
Velocity has been a strong fixture in Seattle's dance community since 1996, and just moved into a shiny new home on the Hill. In addition to a goodly offering of drop-in classes, Velocity’s Founders Theater regularly hosts dance programming and events (like this weekend's NextFestNW).
Westlake Dance Center (10703 8th Ave., Westlake)
Westlake is the place to go for the funky side of things, specifically, hip-hop and jazz. They've also got beginning classes in Lyrical, Ballet, Belly Dance, and Zumba. Bonus for advanced dancers: Westlake regularly mines dance talent to teach their Master Class series.
Free Movement Zone (4556 University Way NE Suite 222, University District) / Divine Movement Dance (4444 Woodland Park Ave. N, Fremont) / Pole for the Soul (7356 15th Ave. NW Ballard) / Seattle Pole Dance Studio
Google "Seattle Pole Dance Classes" and there you have it: there are plenty of options to learn pole dance in this town. Typically, Pole Dance classes are not drop-in, you'll have to show that you've completed a basic-level class first. Depending on the studio, you might have the option of taking other exotic dance classes, or a "pole party" with a group of your best girlfriends. Sexy up, frumpy!
