SPECTRUM DANCE THEATER
Produces contemporary dance of a global caliber.
Educates the community about dance as an art form and social/civic instrument.
Provides expert, diverse dance instruction to all.
Three components comprise the organization:
the professional Company, the School, and Community Engagement programs.
Click below to learn more!
Hear more from our team and community about what Spectrum Dance Theater
and what our mission to offer Dance For All means to them below!
Video by Converge Studios
This is a BIG year for Spectrum Dance Theater.
This 22/2023 we celebrate Spectrum Dance Theater’s two incredible milestones – the 40th year anniversary of Spectrum Dance Theater’s founding and the 20th year of Donald Byrd as Artistic Director.
We have so much to celebrate!
Celebrating the 40/20 Anniversary Season
Under Donald Byrd’s artistic leadership since 2002, Spectrum Dance Theater has become the foremost contemporary modern dance organization in the Pacific Northwest, gaining recognition nationally and abroad.
For over forty years, Spectrum Dance Theater has brought dance of the highest merit to a diverse community, working to make dance accessible to all through contemporary dance performances and high-quality dance training in various dance styles. With Donald Byrd’s visionary artistic leadership, the organization has embarked on an exhilarating transformation that has attracted world-class dancers, produced some of the most ambitious works in contemporary dance, and generated local and national praise.
The School of Spectrum Dance Theater
YOUTH + ADULT SUMMER CLASSES
The School of Spectrum Dance Theater offers a variety of movement and technique-based instruction for teens, adults, and seniors of all sizes and experience levels.
Browse the variety of weekly drop-in and/ session-based classes below!
Summer Camps + Workshops
June – July, 2023 | Ages 5 – 18
Saturday Ballet with Miss Heather
FOUR Saturdays in July: July 1, July 8, July 15, and July 22
Time: 9 am, 10 am, and 11 am
Cost: $65 for four weeks
Students love Saturday ballet classes with the exceptional Ms. Heather! Join her for Pre-Ballet, Ballet I, and Ballet II classes. New students are welcome! Returning students, please register under your 2023-2024 level.
Pre-Ballet | 9:00 am – 10:00 am (ages 5-7)
Previous experience is optional. Ballet slippers are required.
Ballet I | 10:00 am – 11:00 am (ages 7-9)
Students learn the basic ballet positions of the feet and arms at this level. In addition, students will develop the basic principles of turnout, leg stability, and torso strength. This level also focuses on creativity to avoid overload and not inhibit the student’s joy, spirit, and individuality. For children ages 7-9. Previous experience is optional. Ballet slippers are required.
Ballet II | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm (ages 9-11)
Students develop musical skills and preparation for movement at this level. They learn the basic patterns of body facings and the basic etiquette of barre and center exercises. Students begin to develop knowledge of essential musicality, which includes adagio and petit allegro. For children ages 9-11. Prior experience and placement into this level are required. Ballet slippers are required.
Possible performance opportunity on August 1st at the Madrona Park Music In The Park Series .
Class Size Requirement: SIX students registered by June 26
Dance Day Camp
July 3, 5-7, and July 10-14
Ages 5-7 | 8:45 am – 11:30 am
Cost: $300 for the week/ $250 early bird paid by 4/30.
These two weeks provide a great entry point for our young community members to experience and discover all The School of Spectrum Dance Theater offers.
Through encouragement, praise, care, creativity, and fun, young students get their first taste of expressive movement and all its benefits. Friendships and memorable lessons are sure to highlight their encounter.
Pack a water bottle, a light snack, and get ready to have fun!
Please pack only what is needed for each day. Water, Light Snack, Light Sweater in case of chilly rooms, and ONLY if owned a pair of dance slippers. The latter is not required.
**Please contact the School Director at Stephanie@spectrumdance.org for information on financial assistance programs.
Class Size Requirement: TEN students registered two days by June 26
Dance Sampler
July 3, 5-7
Ages 8 -12 | 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Cost: $300 for the week/ $250 early bird paid by 4/30.
This week allows young, new, and curious movers to sample various dance styles with Spectrum Dance Theater instructors. Students experience the basics in styles ranging from ballet and jazz to modern while making new friends and staying active during the summer. Each day is packed with three styles of dance.
Pack a water bottle and a light snack to nibble on in between classes, please.
Please pack only what is needed for each day. Water, Light Snack, Light Sweater in case of chilly rooms, and ONLY if owned, a pair of dance slippers. Students will be dancing barefoot as well as possibly tap dancing. Hard-soled shoes are best for this class.
**Please contact the School Director at Stephanie@spectrumdance.org for information on financial assistance programs.
Possible performance opportunity on August 1st at the Madrona Park Music In The Park Series.
Class Size Requirement: SIX students registered by June 26
Summer Intensive
July 10-14
Ages 11-18 | 11:30am – 4:30pm
Intermediate/ Ballet III-IV (ages 11-14)
Advanced/ Ballet V- VII/ (ages 14-18)
Cost: $300 for the week/ $250 early bird paid by 4/30.
The School of Spectrum Dance Theater Summer Intensive allows students to train in various dance styles. Students have the option to take classes either in person or online.
Students begin their day with Ballet class to deepen their knowledge of classical vocabulary. After lunch, students engage in styles such as Byrd Contemporary Technique, Conditioning, Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop, Choreography, Improv, and Pilates.
Please pack a water bottle, lunch, long sleeves, sweatpants, cotton socks, and knee pads, if owned, for possible floor work. Clean-soled sneakers are also necessary for conditioning and possible hip-hop classes.
**Please contact the School Director at Stephanie@spectrumdance.org for information on financial assistance programs.
Possible performance opportunity on August 1st at the Madrona Park Music In The Park Series .
Class Size Requirement: SIX students registered by July 3
Drama/Dance Camp
July 17- 21
Ages 7-18 | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Cost: $425 for the week/ $350 early bird paid by 4/30
In this camp, students create a Dramatic Dance Performance of THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES with the use of acting, dancing,improvisation, theater games, storytelling and mask making.
A performance will be presented on the last day of camp for family and friends.
All experience levels are welcome.
**Please contact the School Director at Stephanie@spectrumdance.org for information on financial assistance programs.
Class Size Requirement: SIX students registered by July 14
Summer Tween-Tensive
July 24- 28
Ages 9-12 | 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Cost: $200 FULL Week /$175 early bird paid by 4/30
Level : Ballet II & III/ Beginner Intermediate
SSDT Summer Tween-Tensive presents young aspiring dancers, with a week of immersive dance training; the purpose of which is to provide an inclusive space for youth to concentrate on their technique and craft. Students will begin their daily study with 45- 60 minutes of either of the following classes.
Ballet classes/ to deepen the focused student’s knowledge of classical vocabulary
Donald Byrd Contemporary Technique/ to sharpen the focused student’s ability to work in a highly technical manner
Conditioning for Dance/ to strengthen and balance the under and overused muscles of the focused student’s body
After that, students will engage in styles such as Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Global Dance, and Improv.
Parents and Guardians are invited at 5:30 pm, Friday July 28th to observe what students’ learned over the course of the week.
Please pack a water bottle. Clean-soled sneakers are also necessary for conditioning and possible hip-hop class.
**Please contact the School Director at Stephanie@spectrumdance.org for information on financial assistance programs.
Class Size Requirement: SIX students registered by July 17
Teen + Adult open summer classes
June – July, 2023 | Ages 15 – 65+
Fitness for Living (FFL) with Angie Bolton
Fitness for Living (FFL) with Angie Bolton** (Hybrid***)
VIRTUAL option ONLY: July 3, 5, and 7/ July 10, 12, and 14
Time: 9 am – 10 am
Cost: $10 Senior and Non-Senior Rate
*As defined by AARP
**year-round experience
Fitness For Living (FFL) is a fun-filled, socially engaging fitness class for The School of Spectrum Dance Theater’s community seniors. Angie Bolton, ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor and the class creator, safely leads students through cardio and bodyweight resistance work. You will move, sweat, and feel great!
There’s no need for special equipment if students take the class remotely! Instead, grab two cans of soup or beans if you don’t have weights. If you do happen to have hand weights and bands at home, Angie will provide meticulous instruction on how to use them. You will need a hand towel for stretching (and sweating) and water. Please bring a yoga mat if attending class in person. SSDT no longer provides them for hygienic reasons.
*As defined by AARP
**year-round experience
***Hybrid Class- link sent upon registration
Tuesday and Thursday Adult Jazz with Jerry Tassin**
Tuesday and Thursday Adult Jazz with Jerry Tassin**
Time: 10 am – 11:30 am
Cost: $60 for four classes/ $15 Senior Drop- In Rate*
$18 Non-Senior Drop-In Rate
Join this classic Jazz class based on the timeless Luigi technique! The incredible Jerry Tassin guides participants through the stylized warm-up and general stretching of hamstrings, backs, necks, and arms, along with some abdominal work.
Every class has different dance combinations, using every pop, jazz, or theater music genre.
Expect to sweat, move fluidly, and express your artistry!
*As defined by AARP
**year-round experience
***Hybrid Class- link sent upon registration
Wednesday Adult Beginner Donald Byrd Contemporary Technique***
Wednesday Adult Beginner Donald Byrd Contemporary Technique***
July 5, 12, 18, and 26
Rotating Faculty | Ages 15+
Time: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Cost: $60 for four weeks / $18 Drop-In Rate
Students no longer need to wait for the Annual Summer Donald Byrd Workshop to enjoy his method of movement.
The technique focuses on Mr. Byrd’s movement aesthetics, emphasizing a relaxed, strong, and flexible torso with highly articulated feet and legs and increasing rhythmic and spatial exactness. With this focus, the student becomes more efficient in managing energy and more able to control the visual, emotional, and physical impact of their body moving.
Though the instructor tailors the class to the level of the majority in attendance, the intent is to create a safe and non-judgmental environment for the adult student to learn the basics. Therefore, the instructor may provide modifications.
*The Annual Donald Byrd Workshop may include students from this class on these dates.
***year-round experience with a break in August through September 10, 2023
Prior ballet experience is necessary. Advanced-level ballet is ideal.
Class Size Requirement: SIX students registered by 9 am the day of class
SSDT will notify students in case of cancellation. Accounts to be credited..
Wednesday Tap Refresh
Wednesday Tap Refresh
July 5, 12, 18, and 26
Ages 16+
Time: 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Cost: $60 for four weeks / $18 Drop-In Rate
Blow the dust off your tap shoes and join Kara Beadle for a four-week tap refresher!
If you’ve taken tap before and might not feel as confident as you once were, this class is for you! Kara will ease you back into your polyrhythmic sounds while having a great time. Before you know it, you’ll be trippin’ the light fantastic!
Some tap knowledge is helpful.
Class Size Requirement: SIX students registered by 9 am the day of class
SSDT will notify students in case of cancellation. Accounts to be credited.
Friday Easy Funk Jazz*** with Stephanie
Friday Easy Funk Jazz*** with Stephanie
Time: 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Cost: $60 for four classes/ $15 Senior Drop- In Rate*
$18 Non-Senior Drop-In Rate
Taught in the tradition and style of Jazz Dance Master Frank Hatchett, this class welcomes students with a fun spin on jazz dance. Students rediscover their love of dance by using polyrhythmic beats, technique, coordination, urban dance influence, and self–expression.
This class is ideal for students who want a slight challenge without feeling overwhelmed and great sense of community. So get ready to smile and laugh again while you dance.
Minimal dance knowledge is required.
Class Size Requirement: SIX students registered by 9 am the day of class
SSDT will notify students in case of cancellation . Accounts to be credited..
***year-round experience with a break in August through September 10, 2023
Saturday Easy Going Ballet***
Saturday Easy Going Ballet***
Time: 11:30 am- 1:00 pm
Rotating Faculty | Ages 15+
Cost: $75 for five weeks / $18 Drop-In Rate
This class is perfect for those who haven’t attended a ballet class since childhood!
We take pleasure in welcoming the student back with patience and grace. Keeping the Beginning to Intermediate Ballet student in mind, there’s an emphasis on the fundamental principles of classical dance: leg rotation, posture, balance, and weight transfer. We encourage questions so that all attendees receive as much instructor feedback as they seek. This class provides a safe and inclusive environment for exploration and the joy of motion!
Minimal ballet knowledge is recommended.
Class Size Requirement: SIX students registered by 9 am the day of class
SSDT will notify students in case of cancellation . Accounts to be credited..
***year-round experience with a break in August through September 10, 2023
Saturday Open Level Contemporary***
Saturday Open Level Contemporary***
(Ages 15+)
July 1, 8, 15, and 22
Time: 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
Rotating Faculty
Cost: $60 for four weeks / $18 Drop-In Rate
Taught by a rotating faculty, we will consistently challenge our adult students in this ever-evolving dance genre.
Prior ballet knowledge is necessary. Advanced-level ballet is ideal.
Class Size Requirement: SIX students registered by 9 am the day of class
SSDT will notify students in case of cancellation . Accounts to be credited..
***year-round experience with a break in August through September 10, 2023