Capital City Performing Arts Center

Are you an Iowa resident looking to nurture your passion for the performing arts, or seeking a professional and encouraging environment for your aspiring young dancer? Capital City Performing Arts Center (CCPAC) in Urbandale, Iowa, stands as a premier destination within the Des Moines metropolitan area for high-quality dance education and artistic development. This center is more than just a place for lessons; it's a dynamic community where talent is cultivated, confidence is built, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts is instilled.

At the heart of CCPAC's success are its dedicated instructors and directors, notably Missy and Emery Uyehara, who are lauded by students for their impactful teaching and commitment to their growth. The center's philosophy revolves around providing rigorous training while fostering an environment that is supportive and inspiring. Whether it's through foundational ballet, diverse dance styles, or specialized intensive programs, CCPAC strives to unlock each student's potential and help them shine on stage and in life.

The positive experiences of students and their families underscore the exceptional quality of education and support found at CCPAC. As one student shared, "Missy and Emery Uyehara have taught me so much these past several years. They also invest in amazing principal ballet dancers this year from Colorado Ballet for CCDC's summer intensive June 6 - 17. I hope dancers from all schools take advantage of this reasonably priced opportunity." This direct feedback highlights the caliber of instruction and the unique opportunities available, positioning CCPAC as a leading performing arts center for Iowans.

Capital City Performing Arts Center is conveniently located at 2962 99th St, Urbandale, IA 50322, USA. Situated in Urbandale, a well-established and easily accessible suburb of Des Moines, the center benefits from a central location within the greater metropolitan area. Its address on 99th Street provides straightforward navigation for families commuting from various parts of Urbandale, Des Moines, and other surrounding communities in Iowa.

This prime location ensures that students and parents can reach the facility with ease, minimizing travel time for regular classes, rehearsals, and special events. The accessibility of CCPAC makes it a practical choice for Iowa families, allowing them to seamlessly integrate high-quality performing arts education into their busy schedules. Its presence in Urbandale firmly establishes it as a valuable local resource for artistic development.

Capital City Performing Arts Center offers a comprehensive range of programs designed to nurture talent and develop skills across various performing arts disciplines, with a strong emphasis on dance. While a full list of every single class might vary by season, the core offerings are built to cater to different ages and skill levels:

• Ballet Programs: Central to CCPAC's offerings, including rigorous training in classical ballet technique. This often includes classes specifically designed for different levels, from foundational to advanced, and potentially includes pointe work for eligible students. Their commitment to ballet is further highlighted by their association with Capital City Ballet Center (CCBC), which often runs programs from the same or associated locations.
• Summer Intensives: Highly acclaimed programs, such as their summer intensive, which attracts and features guest artists like principal ballet dancers from renowned companies (e.g., Colorado Ballet). These intensives provide concentrated training and unique learning opportunities over several weeks.
• Dance Technique Classes: Beyond ballet, students can expect to find classes in various dance styles. Based on common offerings in performing arts centers, this likely includes:
• Jazz: Dynamic and energetic, focusing on various jazz techniques.
• Tap: Emphasizing rhythm and intricate footwork.
• Contemporary/Modern Dance: Exploring expressive movement and innovative choreography.
• Hip Hop: Engaging urban dance styles.
• Choreography and Composition: Opportunities for students to explore their own creative voices and develop original dance pieces, fostering skills beyond performance.
• Performance Opportunities: Regular opportunities for students to showcase their skills through recitals, showcases, and possibly full-length productions, providing valuable stage experience. The Capital City Ballet Center, often associated with CCPAC, has a tradition of annual recitals performed in a story ballet format.
• Audition Preparation: For students aiming for higher education in the arts or professional opportunities, programs that help with audition music prep and mock auditions may be available.
• Masterclasses and Workshops: Specialized sessions led by guest artists and industry professionals, offering unique learning experiences and exposure to diverse techniques and perspectives.
• Programs for Various Age Groups: While specific age breakdowns were not fully detailed, performing arts centers typically cater to children, teens, and potentially adults, offering classes from introductory levels to advanced training. The summer intensive mentioning June 6 - 17 suggests programs for a committed age group, likely teens and young adults.

Capital City Performing Arts Center distinguishes itself through several key features and highlights that contribute to its standing as a premier institution in Iowa's performing arts scene:

• High-Caliber Instruction: The leadership of Missy and Emery Uyehara, combined with their investment in bringing "amazing principal ballet dancers" from companies like Colorado Ballet for summer intensives, underscores a commitment to providing top-tier dance education. This ensures students learn from the best in the field.
• Focus on Classical Ballet: With a clear emphasis on classical ballet, as suggested by their association with Capital City Ballet Center and the inclusion of principal ballet dancers, CCPAC provides a strong foundational training crucial for all dance forms. This rigorous approach helps students develop grace, strength, and precision.
• Unique Summer Intensive Opportunities: The summer intensive program is a significant highlight, offering a rare chance for Iowa dancers to train with nationally recognized principal dancers. This experience is invaluable for serious students looking to elevate their skills and gain exposure to professional standards.
• Holistic Student Development: Beyond technical dance skills, the center focuses on helping students grow in confidence and overall artistry. The personalized attention from instructors helps students "a lot," fostering personal and artistic development.
• Community Engagement: By offering accessible and reasonably priced opportunities like the summer intensive, CCPAC encourages participation from "dancers from all schools," contributing positively to the wider dance community in Iowa.
• Potential for Diverse Training: While ballet is a strong focus, a "performing arts center" typically implies a broader scope, potentially including jazz, tap, contemporary, hip hop, and even vocal or acting components, providing students with well-rounded artistic development.
• Experienced Leadership: The Uyeharas' long tenure and expertise in teaching indicate a stable and reputable institution with a deep understanding of dance education.
• Performance-Oriented Training: The emphasis on preparing students for performances, including roles in story ballets (as seen with Capital City Ballet Center's recitals), provides practical stage experience and builds self-esteem.

To connect with Capital City Performing Arts Center and learn more about their programs, you can use the following details:

• Address: 2962 99th St, Urbandale, IA 50322, USA
• Phone: (515) 276-1646
• Mobile Phone: +1 515-276-1646

For families and individuals across Urbandale, Iowa, and the wider Des Moines metropolitan area, Capital City Performing Arts Center presents an exceptionally suitable and enriching opportunity for artistic development. Its strategic location in Urbandale ensures convenient access, making it a practical choice for daily classes and intensive programs without the need for extensive travel, a significant benefit for busy local households.

The core strength of CCPAC, and what makes it particularly suitable for Iowans, lies in its commitment to high-quality instruction and the caliber of its teaching staff, including Missy and Emery Uyehara. The ability to attract and feature "amazing principal ballet dancers" for summer intensives offers a unique, world-class training opportunity right here in Iowa. This level of professional exposure is invaluable for aspiring dancers and distinguishes CCPAC as a top-tier institution in the region.

Furthermore, the center's dedication to holistic student development, focusing not just on dance technique but also on building confidence and life skills, resonates deeply with community values. The supportive and nurturing environment encourages students to thrive, fostering a lifelong love for the performing arts. Whether a student is just beginning their dance journey or aiming for pre-professional excellence, CCPAC provides a progressive pathway tailored to their growth.

In essence, Capital City Performing Arts Center is more than a place for lessons; it's a vibrant artistic community that empowers its students to achieve their full potential. For Iowa locals seeking professional dance training, unique performance opportunities, and a supportive environment that truly invests in their growth, CCPAC in Urbandale is an outstanding and highly recommended choice.

Capital City Performing Arts Center

2962 99th St, Urbandale, IA 50322, USA