Adult Classes


Welcome to Dance Theatre Northwest’s Adult Dance Programs – your gateway to a rich, diverse, and inclusive range of dance opportunities! Our comprehensive offerings cater to adults of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced dancers. Explore a variety of styles including Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Yoga, all available in one dynamic program. We also provide a unique opportunity for adults to participate in studio productions and performances, truly embedding them into the core of our dance community. Join us and discover the joy and enrichment of dance at any stage of life in an inclusive and welcoming environment!

If you need more information or clarification on which class is the right fit, don’t hesitate to contact us at Info@DTNW.org, 253-565-5149, or Text Us. We’re here to help guide you on your dance journey!

A Better Floor for Your Joints

Dance Theatre Northwest is proud to offer classes on a professionally installed sprung dance floor, a feature that makes a real difference for adult dancers. A sprung floor is a raised floor system built with shock-absorbing materials beneath the surface. Instead of dancing directly on a hard slab, your body is supported by a floor that gently absorbs impact. This reduces stress on joints, knees, hips, ankles, and the lower back while still providing the stability dancers need for proper technique.

For adults, this matters. Whether you are returning to dance after many years, cross-training, managing old injuries, or simply wanting to move well for the long term, a sprung floor helps protect your body. It allows you to jump, turn, balance, and strengthen safely while being noticeably more forgiving than hard surfaces.

Our floors are cushioned yet responsive, making them ideal not only for ballet, but also for tap, jazz, and dance-based fitness classes. It is one of the many ways we intentionally create a studio environment where adult dancers can train seriously, comfortably, and sustainably.


CLASSICAL BALLET

Explore classical ballet at any age with Dance Theatre Northwest! Our adult ballet classes offer a flexible progression path for both beginners and advanced dancers. Start with the basics of positions and posture, and advance at your own pace through a curriculum that ranges from essential barre exercises to intricate center work. We provide a clear, structured path for those aiming for higher levels, like Pointe & Variations. If you’re looking for a fun way to stay fit, our classes also offer a joyful environment to enjoy ballet as a delightful form of exercise. Choose your path and experience the benefits of ballet in a community that values inclusivity, fun, fitness, and personal expression.

New to Dance or Returning After a Break?
We offer Private Introductory Lessons for new students who want a confidence boost before joining a class! These one-on-one sessions help with technique, class placement, and goal setting. Click here for more information.

Ballet – Absolute Beginners

  • Wednesday 10:15-11:30
  • Wednesday 6:30-7:40

Supportive classes for adults of all ages to discover ballet for the first time, building confidence, strength, and joy from the very beginning.

Ballet – Beginning

  • Thursday 6:10-7:20

A welcoming next step that refines posture, alignment, and basic technique while helping dancers grow steadily at their own pace.

Ballet – Advanced Beginners

  • Saturday 1:10-2:20

A bridge between beginner and intermediate, strengthening technique and precision while preparing dancers to move confidently toward the next level.

Ballet – Intermediate

  • Tuesday 7:20-8:40
  • Wednesday 5:30-6:50
  • Saturday 10:30am -11:50

Structured intermediate classes that expand ballet vocabulary, technique, and artistry while building strength, focus, and confidence.

POINTE & VARIATIONS

At DTNW, pointe training is a progression—not a race. Our adult pointe program offers a supportive pathway from Pre-Pointe Foundations through Beginning Pointe, Advanced Beginner Pointe, and Advanced/Intermediate Pointe & Variations. Whether pointe is a new goal or a return to previous training, dancers progress at an individual pace with thoughtful instruction and safety guiding every step. And it is never too late to begin.

Pre-Pointe Foundations

  • Tuesday 5:00-6:00

Pre-Pointe Foundations, taught by Artistic Director Melanie Kirk-Stauffer, prepares dancers for the demands of pointe through focused conditioning, strengthening, and foundational exercises that develop proper pointe technique.

Pointe – Beginner

  • Monday 5:50-6:50

An introductory pointe class for adults ready to begin pointe work, focusing on strength, placement, balance, and proper technique through carefully structured exercises. Instructor approval is required.

Pointe – Advanced/Beginner

  • Wednesday 7:00-8:00

Advanced Beginner Pointe is where dancers begin taking the technique developed at the barre and carrying it more confidently into the center.

Pointe & Variations – Advanced/Intermediate

  • Saturday 12:00-1:00

Advanced/Intermediate Pointe is for experienced dancers ready to deepen their pointe technique through challenging barre and center work, complex combinations, and classical variations. Emphasis is placed on strength, control, musicality, and artistry, with partnering introduced when appropriate.

TAP DANCE

Tap – Beginning

  • Monday 6:10-7:10

A fun beginner tap class for teens and adults that builds coordination, timing, and musicality while introducing the fundamentals of Broadway and rhythm tap.

Tap – Intermediate

  • Friday 5:20-6:20

An energetic intermediate tap class for teens and adults that refines technique, rhythm, and style while expanding tap vocabulary through dynamic exercises and choreography.

JAZZ

Jazz

  • Tuesday 6:10-7:10
  • Friday 6:30-7:30

Lively jazz classes for all levels that build technique, expression, and versatility through classic and contemporary jazz styles.

HEALTH & FITNESS CLASSES

Stretch and Tone

  • Wednesday 9:00am-10:00

A gentle, beginner-friendly class that tones muscles, relieves stress, and improves flexibility—perfect for all fitness levels.

Gentle Yoga

  • Sundays 9:00am (please check the online schedule as this class is not offered every week)

A calming yoga class that builds strength, flexibility, and balance while helping you relax and recharge—welcoming all levels.


Photo – Our adult classes have the opportunity to participate in recitals and performances. Here, the adult beginner and intermediate ballet classes are performing in the ENCORE II recital, 2025

Photo – The adult ballet classes performing in the 2024 Nutcracker

Photo – The adult Tap class performing in the 2024 Nutcracker