This engaging class introduces your child to the foundations of both ballet and tap in a fun, supportive environment. Each week, our young dancers will explore ballet technique and vocabulary through simple barre and floor exercises, helping them build balance, coordination, and flexibility. In tap, students will practice rhythm, sound clarity, and fun combinations that encourage musicality and movement. The class follows the Royal Academy of Dance Standard, ensuring a well-rounded introduction to these beautiful dance styles.

What makes this class special? Our small class sizes allow for personal attention and tailored corrections, ensuring that each dancer feels confident and nurtured. The alternating focus on ballet and tap keeps lessons fresh and exciting, giving students the chance to experience two distinct but complementary forms of dance.

Perfect for young beginners, this class is not only a fantastic introduction to dance but also a chance to develop new skills, build confidence, and have fun! Come join us and let your little one discover the magic of dance with us.

Some of our 4–5 year old dancers performing in the 2025 Nutcracker

Join us for Beginning Ballet, where young dancers ages 6-8 with 0-2 years of dance experience will build a strong foundation in classical ballet. Using a combination of the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus and the Tempo-Level-Energy and Shapes program, this class focuses on developing proper dance technique, vocabulary, posture, and classroom etiquette. Through fun and structured barre and floor exercises, students will enhance their muscular strength, flexibility, and mental focus, setting them up for future success in dance. Our nurturing environment fosters discipline and creativity while encouraging a lifelong love of ballet.

Our 6–8 year old dancers hard at work during Nutcracker rehearsals

Designed for young dancers ages 8-13 with 0 or more years of experience, this classical ballet class offers an excellent foundation in ballet technique. Following the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus and incorporating the renowned Tempo-Level-Energy and Shapes program, students will develop essential ballet skills through structured barre and floor exercises. Emphasis is placed on building muscular strength, improving mental focus, vocabulary, and mastering proper posture. In addition to technique, students will learn the importance of classroom etiquette and discipline, setting them up for success in both dance and personal growth.

This class is open to students with 0-2 years of dance experience. No prior ballet training is necessary, making it an ideal starting point for young dancers eager to learn. 

Our 8–13 year old dancers onstage during The Nutcracker

Take your ballet training to the next level with our Intermediate Youth Ballet class, designed for dedicated students with 2+ years of experience who attend regular classes each week. This class follows the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus, offering a structured yet creative approach to advancing classical ballet technique. Through challenging barre and floor exercises, students will continue to build muscular strength, flexibility, and mental focus, while expanding their ballet vocabulary and honing their artistry. Our nurturing environment encourages discipline, expression, and a passion for dance, making it the perfect class for serious young dancers ready to deepen their skills.

Students must have at least 2 years of ballet training and attend regular ballet classes each week. This class is ideal for committed dancers who are eager to continue growing in their ballet technique and performance skills.

Experience the joy of ballet in our Absolute Beginner Ballet classes, designed for those discovering ballet for the first time or returning after a long break. These classes provide a supportive and welcoming environment where everyone can feel comfortable exploring the art of ballet.

Students will learn the foundations of classical ballet, including proper posture, alignment, and essential vocabulary. Each class incorporates barre and center work, with exercises that build balance, strength, and coordination while introducing the beauty of musicality and expression. The pace is steady and encouraging, allowing participants to work at a level that feels right for them.

No prior dance experience is required. These classes are perfect for anyone seeking fitness, fun, and artistic growth in a positive, community-focused setting. With personal attention and clear instruction, dancers will gain both confidence and grace while discovering the transformative benefits of ballet.

Preregistering each week is required to secure your spot and receive the focused attention you deserve. You can click HERE to register for this class each week.

This beginner-level class is the ideal progression from our Absolute Beginners class, designed to further develop fundamental ballet skills. Students will focus on mastering correct posture and the classical positions of the feet, arms, and head. With slightly more intricate exercise progressions, this class aims to solidify foundational techniques in a supportive and encouraging environment.

Intended for students who have some prior ballet or dance experience, this class offers an opportunity to refine and enhance ballet fundamentals. It’s perfect for those looking to deepen their understanding of ballet in a structured and friendly setting, allowing each dancer to develop at their own pace.

Welcome to the Advanced Beginners class, a specially designed course for dancers who wish to elevate their ballet training while enjoying a stable and enriching environment. This class bridges beginner fundamentals and the challenges of intermediate ballet, focusing on enhancing ballet terminology and refining techniques through more complex combinations and exercises. These sessions are tailored to build strength, flexibility, and precision, essential for advancing in ballet.

While the Advanced Beginners class is structured to prepare dancers for intermediate levels by methodically building upon existing skills, it is also a perfect place for those who find fulfillment at this stage of their ballet journey. You are welcome to continue enjoying and refining your skills in this supportive setting without the pressure to move to more advanced levels. This class nurtures growth and deepens ballet practice, making it an ideal choice for those who wish to progress at their own pace or maintain their current level of enjoyment and achievement.

Participants should have at least one year of ballet experience at the beginner’s level. This foundation ensures that all students have the necessary skills to benefit fully from the advanced beginner curriculum.

Our Classical Ballet – Intermediate classes give teens the opportunity to refine alignment, posture, and turnout while exploring more challenging barre and center combinations. Students expand their ballet vocabulary and focus on musicality, phrasing, and dynamics, learning not only how to execute steps but how to bring artistry and expression into their dancing.

Classwork includes sustained balances, clean turns, fluid linking steps, and developing stronger, more controlled jumps. Barre and floor exercises are designed to build core strength, stamina, and coordination, along with the mental focus needed for increasingly complex choreography. Classroom etiquette and discipline are also emphasized, helping students grow as performers and as individuals.

This level bridges foundational training with more advanced work, providing the tools for continued technical progress while encouraging creativity and a genuine love of dance.

Students should have at least 2 years of ballet training. The classes are open to dancers who are ready to continue expanding their ballet skills and technique.

Build a strong, safe pathway to pointe with Pre-Pointe Foundations, a 6-session limited series offered across two date blocks (March/April and June) and taught by Artistic Director Melanie Kirk-Stauffer. This series is designed to meet the growing interest in pointe training at DTNW while reinforcing the technique, strength, and alignment dancers need before moving into ongoing pointe work. Attendance will help determine whether this class becomes a permanent part of our schedule.

Pre-Pointe Foundations focuses on the building blocks of pointe readiness, including foot and ankle strength, intrinsic foot control, turnout support, core stability, placement, and the mechanics of rising safely through the foot. Class includes targeted conditioning, alignment coaching, and foundational barre work that helps dancers understand what instructors look for when assessing pointe readiness, with an emphasis on injury prevention and healthy progression.

This class is ideal for dancers who are working toward pointe and are already training consistently. Dancers should have at least six months of consistent ballet training beyond an introductory level, with a working knowledge of basic vocabulary, alignment, and barre technique. Dancers who are new to pointe are welcome to attend en pointe, and dancers preparing for pointe may participate in flat shoes while building readiness.

Instructor approval is not required for this class. (Please note: DTNW’s other pointe classes do require instructor approval prior to registration.) Space is limited (Studio B), so advance booking is strongly encouraged to reserve your spot.

Students are required to bring an exercise band to each class.

Current DTNW enrolled students: This series counts as a regular class and may be attended using your class card.

New to DTNW: Guest dancers are welcome to attend at the $20 drop-in rate per session. For this limited series, enrollment is not required, but you will need to create a Mindbody account and complete our waiver before attending.

Take your ballet training to new heights with our Pointe & Variations class! This class introduces the foundations of pointe work, with an emphasis on safely preparing the body for the demands of dancing en pointe. Students will focus on targeted strengthening and stretching exercises for the feet, ankles, and legs, improving articulation, stability, and overall lower-body strength.

At the barre, dancers will learn how to properly rise, roll through the feet, and balance with correct alignment, gradually progressing to simple center exercises that develop control and coordination. Variations training is included to build artistry, performance quality, and confidence, giving dancers the chance to apply their technique in short choreographed pieces.

Please note: students are not required to have pointe shoes to participate in this class. Many dancers take the class in flat shoes as they build the strength and readiness needed for future pointe work. The goal is to create a safe, supportive pathway toward pointe while still challenging and enriching every student’s ballet journey.

Instructor approval is required for this class, and dancers should first consult with their DTNW teacher to confirm they have a strong ballet foundation and are ready to begin safely working toward pointe.

Designed for dancers at the intermediate and advanced levels, these classes offer a rigorous and rewarding opportunity to take pointe work to the next stage. Students build on their foundational training with challenging barre and center exercises that emphasize precision, stamina, and control. Classwork incorporates intricate combinations, advanced balances, and preparations for multiple turns and more complex pirouettes. Dancers refine their ability to seamlessly connect steps while maintaining alignment, artistry, and musicality.

A key focus of these classes is exploring classical variations, giving students the chance to apply their technique in performance-based settings and develop individual expression. In addition, introductory Pas de Deux work is included, allowing dancers to experience the fundamentals of partnering, weight-sharing, and coordination with a partner while maintaining strength and safety en pointe.

These classes are designed to cultivate both technical mastery and artistic maturity, helping students grow into confident, expressive performers. Instructor approval is required to participate, as dancers must demonstrate solid pointe technique and a comprehensive understanding of ballet vocabulary and movement to ensure readiness for the challenges at this level.

Instructor approval is required for these advanced/intermediate classes, and dancers should consult with their DTNW teacher to confirm they have strong pointe technique, solid ballet foundations, and the readiness to meet the demands of this higher level.

Dive into the world of Broadway with our lively and dynamic Musical Theatre dance class! This class focuses on the exciting dance styles found in musical theatre. Students will develop stage presence, expression, and storytelling through movement, gaining the confidence to bring characters to life on stage. With choreography inspired by classic and contemporary musicals, this class is perfect for young dancers looking to explore the theatrical side of dance in a fun and supportive environment.

Class sessions include warm-ups, stretching, floor work, technique, and across-the-floor combinations, ensuring a well-rounded experience. Whether you’re new to theatre dance or seeking to expand your skills, this class offers something for everyone!

2 years of dance experience recommended. This class is open to teen dancers eager to experience the joy of Musical Theatre dance.

Discover the fun and joy of tap dance in our Beginner Tap class, designed for adults and teens! This class focuses on Broadway-style and rhythm tap, introducing you to the foundational steps and rhythms of this energetic dance form. Learn a new vocabulary of tap moves, including brush, flap, hop, shuffle, stamp, stomp, and basic turns, all in a supportive and encouraging environment. Whether you’re brand new to tap or looking to revisit the basics, this class will help you develop coordination, timing, and musicality while having a blast.

No prior tap experience is required. This class is open to all adults and teens eager to explore the basics of tap dance.

Step into the rhythm and excitement of our Intermediate Tap class for adults and teens! This class focuses on Broadway-style and rhythm tap dance, blending classic time steps, breaks, and intricate footwork with expressive combinations and routines. Designed for dancers who already have some tap experience, this class will help expand your tap dance vocabulary while refining timing, coordination, and musicality. Whether you want to perfect your technique or bring more personality and style to your performance, this class offers the perfect opportunity to build skills and confidence in a fun, supportive environment.

With a mix of dynamic exercises and choreography, students will work on mastering rhythm, precision, and expression. You’ll leave each class with a deeper understanding of tap and an appreciation for its lively, energetic style!

This class is open to intermediate dancers who have prior tap experience and are ready to expand their skills and repertoire.

Discover the energy and versatility of jazz dance in our Jazz classes for teens and adults, welcoming dancers of all levels—from beginners to those with more experience. Set to popular music from both the past and present, the classes focuses on building the technical and expressive abilities essential for concert jazz and musical theater. With an emphasis on line, phrasing, coordination, and injury prevention, you’ll explore the foundational postures and movements of American Jazz Dance, while also learning a variety of lyrical and Latin jazz styles.

Class sessions include warm-ups, stretching, floor work, technique, and across-the-floor combinations, ensuring a well-rounded experience. Whether you’re new to jazz or seeking to expand your skills, this class offers something for everyone!