ABOUT & MISSION
Where dance connects us.
Dance Theatre Northwest is an inclusive nonprofit dance education and performance organization based in University Place, Washington. Through classes, performances, and community outreach, we bring people of different ages, backgrounds, and identities together through dance.
Our mission
Our mission is to unite art and communities through dance education, performance, and outreach—providing high-quality training across dance disciplines and making the arts welcoming, accessible, and within reach throughout the Pacific Northwest.
DANCE THEATRE NORTHWEST · SINCE 1987
A Northwest story, shaped by dance.
Incorporated in 1987, Dance Theatre Northwest brings together a regional performing company, a Junior Ensemble, students, guest artists, musicians, and a dedicated community of volunteers and artistic and technical supporters. Together, they help bring dance to audiences across the Pacific Northwest.
Founder and Artistic Director Melanie Kirk-Stauffer guides DTNW’s artistic work, from beloved classics such as The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and Les Sylphides to original contemporary works created with composers, musicians, and visual artists. Her contributions to the arts have been recognized with the Pierce County Arts Commission’s Margaret K. Williams Arts Award.
A place to begin. Room to keep growing.
Every dancer’s path is different. Children and teens build a strong foundation through thoughtful instruction and opportunities to perform. Adults find a structured program with multiple levels—whether they are taking a first class, returning after years away, or continuing a lifelong practice.
Across our community, we value steady progress, artistic expression, and the confidence that comes from learning something meaningful. Students can explore their own goals while becoming part of something shared.
The arts, within reach.
Dance should be available to people who cannot easily attend a theatre or participate in traditional arts programs. DTNW’s outreach brings performances and educational experiences to schools, senior centers, retirement communities, and assisted-living facilities, alongside community festivals and events.
Programs such as Arts Are Education, Art Inspires Art, and our long-running Nursing Home Program connect audiences with live dance. Free or reduced-cost performances, ticket vouchers, and tuition assistance have helped expand access for students, seniors, low-income families, and people with limited mobility.
Workshops, intensives, pre-performance talks, and collaborations with other artists extend that work beyond a single performance. Community partners, volunteers, and supporters help make it possible.
An inclusive community where you belong.
We welcome dancers of all genders, identities, backgrounds, abilities, and body types. We value the individuality each person brings and are committed to a respectful, supportive environment where dancers can feel comfortable being themselves while learning, creating, and growing together.
Our nonprofit organization
Dance Theatre Northwest operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Federal Tax ID (EIN): 91-1607293.
Board of Directors
Dance Theatre Northwest is guided by the following directors:
| Director | Role |
|---|---|
| Teresa Neumann | President |
| Melanie Kirk-Stauffer | Vice President |
| Ardythe Fleener | Second Vice President |
| June Davies | Secretary |
| Chris Morgan | Treasurer |
| Jim Baldes | Director |
| Phil Eargle | Director |
| Deb Main | Director |
Legal name & organizational history
Melanie Kirk-Stauffer’s Dance Theatre Northwest conducts its programs and public activities under the name Dance Theatre Northwest (DBA). Originally incorporated as Melanie Kirk-Stauffers Astralrhythmics, the organization later updated its legal name and continues under the same EIN and nonprofit status.
Physical & mailing addresses
Physical address: 2811 Bridgeport Way West #24, University Place, WA 98466. Mailing address: 30 Northridge Ln, Sequim, WA 98382-8556.