A Festival of Dance

Introduction / Overview

For families in the Washington region, particularly those in Port Orchard and the surrounding Kitsap County area, "A Festival of Dance" stands out as a truly unique and enchanting destination for children's dance education. Under the expert guidance of its Studio Creative Director, Ms. Alene Branin Hochstetter, an ABT® Certified Teacher with a rich background in professional performance, early childhood education, and a passion for global folk dances, this studio offers a distinct approach to learning. A Festival of Dance believes that children learn best through a playful, creative environment, a philosophy that permeates every class. Unlike many traditional dance schools, it is explicitly a non-competitive, non-recital focused studio. This means the emphasis is placed firmly on nurturing a love for dance and the arts, fostering imagination, and building confidence, rather than the pressure of competitive performances. Through the innovative use of stories, costumes, dancing props, and instruments, learning dance and theatre becomes a truly fun and exciting adventure. From their popular "Fairytales & Tutus" ballet classes to their culturally rich "Passport to Dance" program, A Festival of Dance is dedicated to preserving childhood as long as possible while planting the seed for a lifelong appreciation of the arts. It's a place where even the shyest children blossom into enthusiastic participants, as evidenced by glowing testimonials from delighted parents.

Location and Accessibility

A Festival of Dance is conveniently located at 1541 SE Piperberry Way # 101, Port Orchard, WA 98366, USA. This prime location in Port Orchard makes it highly accessible for families residing in the immediate area, as well as those in nearby communities across Kitsap County. Situated in a readily identifiable commercial area, the studio offers ease of access for parents and caregivers. While specific details on direct public transportation routes to this exact address may vary, Port Orchard's local transportation options and the general road network make driving to the studio straightforward. There is typically ample parking available, simplifying drop-offs and pick-ups for busy schedules. The studio's inviting atmosphere and convenient location mean that parents can easily bring their children for classes or host unforgettable birthday parties without logistical stress. Its position within the heart of Port Orchard reinforces its role as a welcoming local hub for creative and artistic development for young residents.

Services Offered

• Tiny Tutus (Parent/Caregiver & Child, ages 20 months - 3 years): Creative dance classes full of music, movement, basic ballet steps, nursery rhymes, instrument play, storytime, simple costumes, and colorful dancing props. Parents are actively engaged.
• Fairytales & Tutus (ages 3-6 years): Fairytale Ballet classes incorporating ballet instruction, children's stories, enchanting costumes, exciting props, and make-believe. Focus on ballet basics, coordination, balance, grace, ballet terminology, spatial awareness, musicality, and classroom etiquette in a non-performance setting.
• Storybook Theatre (ages 3-8 years): Creative drama classes bringing favorite children's stories and fairytales to life through theatre games, creative movement, improvisation, and storyplay using costumes, props, and music.
• Passport to Dance (ages 5-12 years): Unique classes where students learn about a new country or festival each week through cultural dance, stories, music, instruments, and traditional dress, getting their "passport" stamped for each destination.
• Girl Scouts Workshops: Verified partner offering workshops for Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors to earn badges and patches, exploring unique cultures and their dance traditions.
• Summer Camps: Themed camps combining a love of dance with magical stories and far-off places.
• Homeschool Groups: Customized educational dance workshops designed to fit the needs of homeschool or other private groups.
• Birthday Parties: Private, themed birthday parties in their magical dance studio for children turning ages 3-12. Includes costumes, props, dancing, music, and make-believe. Popular themes include "Fairytale Birthday" (Unicorns & Rainbows, Princesses, Fairies) and "A Small World Birthday" (traveling the globe through dance).
• Trial Classes: Each student may choose one class to try for free before committing.
• Drop-in Classes: Available for single-class attendance.
• No additional performance or costume fees: All weekly themed costumes and props are included in tuition, as it is a non-performance-based studio.

Features / Highlights

• Unique Non-Competitive Philosophy: Focuses on fostering a love for dance and the arts, imagination, and creativity rather than external competition or recital pressure.
• Creative and Playful Learning Environment: Employs stories, costumes, props, and make-believe to make learning dance and theatre fun and engaging for children.
• Experienced and Highly Praised Instructor: Led by Ms. Alene Branin Hochstetter, an ABT® Certified Teacher with professional performance experience and a background in early childhood education, ensuring high-quality, nurturing instruction.
• Comprehensive Curriculum for Young Children: Offers specialized classes like "Tiny Tutus," "Fairytales & Tutus," and "Storybook Theatre" tailored to the developmental stages and interests of preschool and early elementary aged children.
• Cultural Enrichment Through Dance: The "Passport to Dance" program uniquely integrates social studies and global cultures through traditional folk dances, music, and stories.
• Exceptional Birthday Party Experiences: Provides highly creative, themed birthday parties that are praised for being an "absolute blast" and "unforgettable," with attention to detail and engaging activities.
• Focus on Holistic Development: Beyond dance skills, classes aim to build confidence, social skills (like waiting turns), musicality, spatial awareness, and foster self-expression and imagination.
• No Recital or Costume Fees: A distinct advantage for parents, as all necessary props and costumes for weekly classes are included in the tuition, aligning with their non-performance focus.
• Supportive and Attentive Teaching Style: Teachers are noted for being natural teachers who are patient, organized, attentive to each child, and infuse creativity and storytelling into every class.
• Strong Positive Impact on Children: Numerous testimonials highlight how even shy and hesitant children blossom with confidence and enthusiasm for dance after attending.

Contact Information

To learn more about the enchanting dance programs or to book an unforgettable birthday party at A Festival of Dance, reaching out is simple. Their studio is located at 1541 SE Piperberry Way # 101, Port Orchard, WA 98366, USA, making it a convenient local option for Kitsap County families. For direct inquiries, you can call them at (702) 250-3677. Additionally, the mobile phone number, +1 702-250-3677, provides another easy way to connect. For the most comprehensive details on class schedules, program descriptions, birthday party themes, and online registration or inquiry forms, it is highly recommended to visit their official website. The website is a valuable resource for understanding their unique non-competitive philosophy and how their creative approach to dance education can benefit your child. Ms. Alene and her team are known for their professionalism and dedication, ensuring that every inquiry is met with helpful and informative responses.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For locals in the Washington region, especially those in Port Orchard and the surrounding Kitsap Peninsula, A Festival of Dance is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination for children's artistic and personal development. Its unique, non-competitive philosophy stands out, offering a refreshing alternative to studios focused solely on recitals and competitions. This approach ensures that the joy of movement, the exploration of creativity, and the genuine love for dance are prioritized, allowing children to flourish without undue pressure. Parents in our community will particularly appreciate the nurturing environment fostered by Ms. Alene and her team, who are praised for their patience, attentiveness, and ability to build confidence in even the most hesitant children. The diverse range of classes, from "Tiny Tutus" for the youngest dancers to "Passport to Dance" for cultural exploration, provides varied and enriching experiences tailored to different age groups and interests. The convenience of its Port Orchard location, coupled with the absence of additional recital and costume fees (as all necessary props and attire are included in tuition), makes it a practical and family-friendly choice. Beyond regular classes, the option for uniquely themed birthday parties offers an unforgettable local celebration experience. A Festival of Dance truly enriches our local community by providing a magical space where children not only learn to dance but also develop crucial life skills, build self-esteem, and cultivate a lifelong appreciation for the arts, all within a supportive and joyful atmosphere that local families can truly embrace.

A Festival of Dance

1541 SE Piperberry Way # 101, Port Orchard, WA 98366, USA