ARC Dance

For dance enthusiasts across the Washington region, ARC Dance stands as a distinguished institution, offering a comprehensive and inspiring environment for dance education and professional performance. Located in Seattle's vibrant North Ballard/Crown Hill neighborhood, ARC Dance encompasses both a highly regarded school and a professional repertory dance company. Since its incorporation in 1999, with the school launching in 2004, ARC Dance has been dedicated to fostering the art of dance by providing high-quality classical ballet training, producing creative contemporary ballet works, and making dance accessible to a diverse audience. It's a place where passion for movement is ignited, talent is meticulously honed, and artistic expression thrives.

ARC Dance is committed to providing a nurturing, purposeful atmosphere that enables individual growth and artistic self-expression. Their mission extends beyond technical proficiency, aiming to instill personal qualities in students that transcend dance training, such as self-confidence, respect, and a strong work ethic. The school's curriculum draws from classic French, Italian, and Russian training schools, providing dancers with a broad knowledge of classical technique that allows them to adapt to all current ballet styles. This commitment to holistic development, combined with an engaging and supportive community, makes ARC Dance a truly special place for dancers of all ages and backgrounds in Washington.

The quality of instruction and the positive atmosphere at ARC Dance are consistently praised by its students and their families. One adult dancer enthusiastically shared, "ARC's open classes are fun and inspiring. In the 7 years I have danced here, I've learned so much about my body, how to move efficiently as a dancer, and proper technique. I also love that there is a live accompanist! The open class community is warm and welcoming, I would highly recommend ARC to dancers of all levels." This testimonial highlights the depth of learning, the appreciation for live music, and the inviting community spirit that defines the open class experience. Another parent expressed their delight: "My daughter was late to ballet (pandemic, other interests) and has had such a great experience returning to dance at ARC! She’s learned and grown so much this last year, with no signs of her enthusiasm waning. Really happy to have found ARC." These reviews underscore ARC Dance's ability to cater to various learning paces and backgrounds, fostering genuine enthusiasm and significant artistic progress in its students.

ARC Dance operates out of a spacious 9,000 square foot facility located at 9250 14th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98117, USA. This address places it firmly within the North Ballard/Crown Hill neighborhood, a well-established and accessible area of Seattle. The facility, housed in a former elementary school, includes multiple dance studios, a cross-training center, and a performance space, providing a comprehensive environment for dance education and professional company operations.

Its location in a residential yet vibrant part of Seattle makes it convenient for families and individuals living in surrounding neighborhoods throughout Washington. The area is served by King County Metro bus routes, offering public transportation options for those who prefer not to drive. For drivers, street parking is generally available in the vicinity. The established nature of the facility and its diverse offerings make it a central hub for dance in the community, easily reachable from various points within the Seattle metropolitan area and beyond.

• ARC Ballet School (Year-Round Programs):
  • Primary Children's Program: For young dancers, providing foundational ballet training in a fun and engaging way.
  • Foundation Student Program: An open enrollment ballet program for students aged 6 to 19+, promoting discipline and creativity while building a solid foundation in ballet technique.
  • Pre-Professional Mentor/Apprentice Program: Intensive training for serious youth dancers aiming for a professional career, consistent with the stylistic requirements of the ARC Dance Company.
• Open Drop-In Dance Program: Welcoming adults and intermediate-level teens (14 years +), this program offers progressive beginning, intermediate, and advanced level dance classes in:
  • Ballet (various levels: Beginning, Beginning/Intermediate, Intermediate, Intermediate/Advanced, Pointe/Variations)
  • Tap
  • Jazz
  • Contemporary
  • Modern Dance
  • Musical Theatre Dance
  • Diverse Cultural Dances (e.g., Belly Dancing, Polynesian Dance, African Dance)
  • Ballroom Dance (various styles)
  • Hip Hop
• Fitness Classes (The Dance Lab): Utilizing dance-based movements for conditioning and overall fitness:
  • Stretch, Strengthen & Tone (SST): Often incorporates aerial trapeze for challenging strength building.
  • Rebound Bounce (RB): Utilizes small, low-lying trampolines/rebounders for a cardio workout.
  • GYROKINESIS®
• Summer Programs: Including Children's Summer Program and a more intensive Summer Dance Intensive & The Dance Lab for aspiring dancers.
• Professional ARC Dance Company Performances: The resident professional repertory dance company presents contemporary ballet in intimate settings, with regular performance seasons (e.g., Summer Season, annual Nutcracker performances).
• Performance Opportunities for Students: Whenever possible, students are given opportunities to share the stage with the professional company dancers and perform within the community.
• Choreographic Development: ARC Dance fosters the creative work of both established and emerging choreographers.

• Live Accompaniment: A significant highlight for open classes, providing dancers with the invaluable experience of dancing to live music, enhancing musicality and responsiveness.
• Professional Resident Dance Company: ARC Dance is home to its own professional company, creating opportunities for students to witness and, at times, perform alongside professional dancers, serving as an inspiring example.
• Comprehensive Training: The curriculum focuses on classical ballet foundations, drawing from various renowned schools (French, Italian, Russian) to provide a broad and adaptable technical base.
• Nurturing and Inclusive Environment: The school is committed to providing individual attention through limited class sizes and fostering a "warm and welcoming" community for dancers of all levels and backgrounds.
• Holistic Student Development: Beyond dance technique, ARC focuses on instilling self-confidence, respect, work ethic, and artistic self-expression. They also emphasize a healthy physical and emotional environment with a professional support system (nutritionist, physical therapist, etc.).
• Diverse Dance Styles: While ballet-focused, the open program offers a wide array of styles including tap, jazz, contemporary, cultural dances, and even aerial dance, catering to varied interests.
• State-of-the-Art Facility: A 9,000 sq ft purpose-built facility with multiple studios, a cross-training center, and a performance space offers an ideal learning and performing environment.
• Commitment to Accessibility: ARC Dance strives to make dance more accessible to the wider public through its programs and by presenting diverse repertoire in intimate venues.

Address: 9250 14th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98117, USA

Phone: (206) 352-0799

For anyone in the Washington region with a passion for dance, whether a complete novice or an experienced performer, ARC Dance in Seattle offers an unparalleled opportunity for growth, inspiration, and community. Its dual identity as a high-caliber school and a professional dance company provides a unique ecosystem where students can learn from the best and even share the stage with professional artists. The convenient location in North Ballard/Crown Hill makes it accessible to many within the Seattle metropolitan area.

The feedback from current students highlights the truly supportive and welcoming atmosphere that ARC fosters. Learning proper technique, understanding body mechanics, and improving efficiency are central to their instruction, all while being inspired by live musical accompaniment. For parents, the positive experiences of children who have found renewed enthusiasm for dance speak volumes about the engaging and effective teaching methods.

ARC Dance is an ideal choice for locals in Washington because it provides comprehensive, world-class dance training within a nurturing and community-focused environment. From foundational ballet for young children to diverse drop-in classes for adults and aspiring professionals, ARC Dance caters to all levels and interests. It's a place where artistic potential is recognized and cultivated, making it a valuable asset to Seattle's vibrant performing arts scene and a wonderful place for anyone to begin or continue their dance journey.

ARC Dance

9250 14th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98117, USA