Cascade Dance Academy

Hello, Washington families and aspiring dancers! Are you searching for a dance academy in the Snoqualmie Valley that truly nurtures talent, fosters a love for movement, and provides a supportive environment for artistic growth? Look no further than Cascade Dance Academy (CDA) in Snoqualmie, WA. Established in 2006, and founded by Katie Higuchi, with current owners Kelsey and Brittany Jamieson, CDA has become a cherished institution dedicated to high-quality dance education for all ages. This is a place where technique and artistry are prioritized, creating well-rounded dancers who not only master steps but also develop a deep appreciation for the art form.

Cascade Dance Academy stands out for its unique approach to dance education, prioritizing performance and artistry over intense competition. Their mission is clear: "Instead of pushing kids to get their 'tricks' at a very young age so they can be competitive, we make sure a solid technical base is in place first in order to avoid injuries either immediate or down the road. This places more of an emphasis on artistry and musicality. Being a performance-based studio also creates a more supportive, non-judgmental atmosphere where kids are dancing with each other, not against each other." This philosophy fosters a collaborative spirit, where students are encouraged to grow together.

While the vast majority of feedback points to an overwhelmingly positive and supportive environment, with many praising "great teachers," one review mentioned an isolated experience where teachers in a Creative Movement class for toddlers were perceived as "kind of rude and didn't even try to engage or interact with our little one. Not even a simple good morning or how are you. She felt so left out." It's important to note that individual experiences can vary, but the prevailing sentiment from the community and the academy's stated mission emphasize a positive and engaging learning atmosphere for students. The ownership, Brittany Jamieson Pulliam and Kelsey Ruth, who are sisters with a shared passion for teaching dance, have expanded into a state-of-the-art studio, indicating their commitment to providing excellent facilities for their students.

Cascade Dance Academy is ideally situated at 35306 SE Center St, Snoqualmie, WA 98065, USA. This location places it conveniently within the Snoqualmie Ridge Business Park, making it easily accessible for families residing in Snoqualmie, as well as surrounding communities in the Snoqualmie Valley, including North Bend, Fall City, and parts of Issaquah. The studio’s move to this new facility in 2016 underscored its growth and commitment to providing a top-tier environment for its students.

Being located in a business park typically offers ample free onsite parking, which is a significant convenience for parents during drop-off and pick-up times, especially for classes with younger children, and for adult students. The studio boasts three dedicated dance spaces within its facility, indicating a well-equipped environment for various class sizes and styles. The accessibility of the location, combined with dedicated facilities, makes Cascade Dance Academy a practical and appealing choice for dance enthusiasts throughout the Washington region who are seeking quality instruction close to home.

Cascade Dance Academy offers a comprehensive range of dance classes and programs designed to cater to a wide spectrum of ages and skill levels, with a strong focus on technical foundation and artistic development.

• Creative Movement (Toddlers & Preschool):
  • Classes for very young children (e.g., ages 3 and up) focusing on introducing movement, rhythm, and creative expression in a fun and engaging way.
• Combination Classes (Ages 5+):
  • For dancers aged five and up, these classes introduce fundamentals in multiple styles such as ballet, tap, jazz, pop styles, or modern, providing a well-rounded introduction to dance.
• Core Dance Styles (Ages 5+ and up to Adult):
  • Ballet: Emphasizes correct body alignment, strength, balance, and grace, forming the foundation for all dance forms. Includes progressive levels (Ballet I, II, III, IV) and Pre-Pointe/Pointe for advanced students (often for ages 11+).
  • Jazz: Explores various jazz styles from Broadway to lyrical, focusing on isolations, turns, jumps, and performance quality.
  • Tap: Focuses on rhythm, musicality, and intricate footwork to create percussive sounds.
  • Lyrical: Combines elements of ballet, jazz, and modern dance to express emotion and tell stories through movement. Offered for various age groups (e.g., 9+).
  • Modern: Explores principles of various modern dance techniques, focusing on expression, floor work, and release.
  • Pop Styles: Energetic classes incorporating popular music and contemporary dance trends.
  • Musical Theatre: Integrates dance, acting, and sometimes singing, focusing on performance for the stage.
• Performing Companies:
  • Junior Company (ages 10-12) and Senior Company (ages 13 and older): These performing companies meet weekly in addition to regular technique classes. They focus on choreography, style, stage presence, and learning multiple pieces per year.
• Solo and Trio Opportunities: The academy provides opportunities for individual dancers or small groups to perform.
• Summer Camps & Intensives: A wide variety of camps are offered during the summer for various age groups and interests, including Princess, Pom Pom Hip Hop, Dance Around the World, Dance Lab: STEAM, Wizardry, Music Video, Musical Theatre, and advanced intensives.
• Drop-in Classes & Punch Cards: Available during certain periods (e.g., July and August) for dancers aged 7 and up who wish to try different styles or attend classes casually.
• Birthday Parties: The studio offers party packages that include dance, games, and activities with a CDA instructor, with various themes available (Princess Ballerinas, Hip Hop Jam, Annie: The Musical, Pop Stars).

Cascade Dance Academy boasts several distinguishing features and highlights that make it a prominent and valued dance institution in the Washington area.

• Focus on Technique and Artistry Over Competition: A core highlight is the academy's mission to prioritize a solid technical base, artistry, and musicality, rather than solely pushing for competitive "tricks" at a young age. This approach aims to prevent injuries and foster a deeper love for dance.
• Supportive, Non-Competitive Atmosphere: The studio cultivates a "supportive, non-judgemental atmosphere where kids are dancing with each other, not against each other." This collaborative spirit is central to their philosophy and contributes to a positive learning environment.
• Experienced Ownership and Teachers: Co-owners Brittany Jamieson Pulliam and Kelsey Jamieson Ruth are both highly trained dancers with degrees from the University of Washington (with minors in Dance), bringing a blend of artistic and scientific understanding to their teaching. They have extensive experience across various dance styles and a passion for choreography.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: CDA offers a wide array of dance styles, from foundational ballet and tap to jazz, lyrical, modern, hip hop, and musical theatre, catering to diverse interests and providing well-rounded training.
• Performance Opportunities: Students, particularly those in the Junior and Senior Companies, regularly have opportunities to perform for the community at various events, building confidence and stage presence. They aim for "amazing show performances" and "well-done recitals."
• State-of-the-Art Facility: The academy moved into a new, well-equipped space in the Snoqualmie Ridge Business Park, featuring three dance studios (ranging from 500 to 900 sq ft), all with sprung floors, Marley surfacing (in Studios A & B), floor-to-ceiling mirrors, and barres. The facility also includes a lobby, dressing room, and homework space.
• Age-Appropriate Instruction: Classes are designed to be developmentally appropriate for different age groups, from toddlers to adults, ensuring that instruction is tailored to their unique learning needs and capabilities.
• Community Engagement: The studio is active in its local community, with students performing at local events, which helps to share the joy of dance with a broader audience.

For Washington locals interested in joining the Cascade Dance Academy, here is their contact information:

Address: 35306 SE Center St, Snoqualmie, WA 98065, USA

Phone: (425) 396-0538

Mobile Phone: +1 425-396-0538

For locals in the Washington region, particularly those in the Snoqualmie Valley and surrounding Eastside communities, Cascade Dance Academy is an outstanding choice for dance education. Its convenient Snoqualmie location within a modern facility makes it easily accessible, with ample parking and well-equipped studios. What truly sets CDA apart and makes it highly suitable for our community is its unwavering commitment to fostering artistry, strong technique, and a love for dance within a supportive, non-competitive environment.

Under the guidance of experienced owners and teachers like Brittany Jamieson Pulliam and Kelsey Jamieson Ruth, students of all ages can explore a wide variety of dance styles, from classical ballet to energetic hip hop and captivating musical theatre. The academy's focus on developing well-rounded dancers through performance opportunities, rather than intense competition, creates a positive and collaborative atmosphere where children and adults alike can thrive and truly enjoy their dance journey. For families seeking a high-quality dance program that emphasizes personal growth, artistic expression, and a strong sense of community, Cascade Dance Academy is a truly valuable local resource here in Washington.

Cascade Dance Academy

35306 SE Center St, Snoqualmie, WA 98065, USA