Charisma School of Dance

For anyone in Washington, especially those residing in or around Lakewood, discovering a welcoming and professional environment for dance education is a true find. Charisma School of Dance stands as a prominent institution in the local community, offering an extensive range of dance styles and fostering an inclusive atmosphere for students of all ages and abilities. More than just a place to learn steps, Charisma School of Dance is recognized for cultivating confidence, creativity, and a deep love for movement, making it a beloved second home for many of its students.

Established in 1998 by Erin Fay, Charisma School of Dance has grown to become a cornerstone of dance education in the Lakewood area. Ms. Erin herself began her dance journey at a young age, developing a comprehensive background in various dance forms from a young age, including studying at renowned institutions like Tacoma City Ballet and Pacific Northwest Ballet. This extensive experience and passion for dance are deeply embedded in the school's philosophy, ensuring high-quality instruction rooted in both technical excellence and artistic expression. The school’s dedication to a nurturing, non-competitive environment where individuals can truly thrive underscores its mission to empower students through dance, building self-esteem and character alongside dance skills.

Whether you're a parent looking for an engaging and enriching activity for your child, or an adult hoping to explore a new hobby or rekindle a past passion, Charisma School of Dance provides a supportive and inspiring setting. The emphasis here is not only on mastering dance techniques but also on fostering a love for the art form, encouraging self-expression, and building a strong sense of community among its students. This commitment to holistic development is frequently highlighted by satisfied customers, who appreciate the studio's ability to cater to individual needs and create a genuinely positive experience.

Charisma School of Dance is conveniently located at 6108 Mt Tacoma Dr SW, Lakewood, WA 98499, USA. This accessible address places it within easy reach for residents throughout Lakewood and the surrounding communities in Washington. The studio's location on Mt Tacoma Drive SW makes it simple to navigate to, with clear signage to guide visitors. For those driving, ample parking is typically available, ensuring a hassle-free arrival and departure for students and parents alike.

Its presence in a suburban setting like Lakewood means it avoids the complexities of navigating dense urban traffic while still being centrally located for local families. The ease of access contributes significantly to its suitability for local users, as it minimizes commute times and maximizes convenience. The welcoming nature of the physical space is often mentioned in reviews, suggesting that the location is not only practical but also contributes to the overall comfortable and inviting atmosphere of the studio, making it truly feel like a "second home" for many students. This combination of straightforward access and a pleasant environment ensures that attending classes at Charisma School of Dance is a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Charisma School of Dance offers a diverse array of dance classes and related services, catering to a wide spectrum of ages and skill levels. Their comprehensive curriculum is designed to provide a well-rounded dance education, fostering both technical proficiency and artistic development.

• Ballet: Classical ballet technique classes are offered starting from age 3 through adulthood. For more advanced students, pointe work begins at age 11 with instructor approval, providing a solid foundation in traditional ballet.
• Jazz: Traditional jazz dance styles are taught for all ages, from 3-year-olds to adults. These high-energy classes combine techniques of classical ballet and modern dance with popular forms, focusing on fast-paced movements and body isolations.
• Tap: Tap dance classes are available for all ages. Students learn to create rhythmic sounds using shoes fitted with heel and toe taps, making it a fun and engaging style that is also great for exercise.
• Hip-Hop: A unique and exciting style usually performed to hip-hop music, focusing on body isolations and a relaxed approach. It's a great class for both fitness and fun.
• Lyrical / Contemporary: These styles combine ballet and jazz techniques, emphasizing expression and feeling to music with lyrics. Contemporary dance, in particular, incorporates fluid movements to create beautiful artistic expressions.
• Acrobatics: Offered for ages 5 through adult, these classes focus on strength and flexibility building, basic tumbling, advancing to stunting and contortion work. Acrobatics enhances overall performance and flexibility for dancers.
• Creative Movement: Specifically for younger children (ages 2-3), these classes introduce movement to music, verbal instruction, and recognition of physical responses to different moods of music.
• Combo Classes: For ages 4-6, these classes combine basic forms of dance, often including 15 minutes each of ballet, jazz, and tap, providing a diverse introduction to dance styles.
• Private Lessons: Personalized one-on-one instruction is available for students who wish to catch up, refine specific skills, or receive individualized coaching. Reviews mention private lessons being instrumental for students needing to catch up.
• Year-End Recitals and Performances: All dancers are invited to participate in the annual Year-End Recital in the spring, offering valuable performance experience and a chance to showcase learned skills. The school also hosts semi-annual recitals in February and May.
• Virtual Classes: During the peak of the pandemic, Charisma School of Dance demonstrated adaptability by offering virtual classes, ensuring continuity in their students' dance education, a feature highly appreciated by parents.

Charisma School of Dance distinguishes itself with several key features and highlights that contribute to its strong reputation and appeal within the Washington community.

• Inclusive and Welcoming Environment: A consistent theme in customer reviews is the studio's commitment to inclusivity. The statement "No restrictions on weight, color, size etc. All inclusive, feels like a second home" truly encapsulates the warm and accepting atmosphere cultivated by Ms. Erin and her team. This welcoming environment makes it comfortable for dancers of all backgrounds and abilities to participate and thrive.
• Experienced and Patient Instructors: The teaching staff, including Ms. Erin and others, are consistently praised for being "patient and knowledgeable." Reviews highlight that instructors are adept at teaching all ages and styles of dance, creating a safe and encouraging space for learning. The longevity and passion of instructors are evident, with some having danced for 18 years and continuously passing down their love for dance.
• Adaptability and Support during Challenging Times: The school's ability to offer virtual classes during the pandemic demonstrated remarkable flexibility and dedication to their students. Furthermore, their compassionate approach to students facing personal difficulties ("Tons of grief and my daughter who Loves to dance has been in and out and they always welcome her back with open arms") showcases their commitment to student well-being beyond just dance instruction.
• Comprehensive Skill Development: Students not only learn dance techniques but also develop critical life skills. As noted by a customer, students "continue to learn new skills every week," indicating a focus on continuous growth and mastery. The varied styles offered ensure a well-rounded dance education.
• Strong Community and "Second Home" Feel: Many students and parents describe the studio as feeling like a "second home" and praise the staff as "amazing humans." This strong sense of community and family-like atmosphere is a significant draw, fostering a supportive network among dancers and their families.
• Dedicated Leadership: Founded by Erin Fay, who has a deep and extensive background in dance, the school benefits from passionate and knowledgeable leadership. Her vision of creating a safe environment where everyone can learn and love dance is clearly realized in the studio's operations.

For those in Washington interested in learning more about Charisma School of Dance, enrolling in classes, or attending a trial, here is their contact information:

Address: 6108 Mt Tacoma Dr SW, Lakewood, WA 98499, USA

Phone: (253) 581-8711

For individuals and families in the Washington area, particularly within Lakewood and its neighboring communities, Charisma School of Dance offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the art of dance in a highly supportive and enriching environment. Its suitability for locals stems from several key factors. Firstly, the convenient and easily accessible location at 6108 Mt Tacoma Dr SW minimizes travel burdens, making regular attendance feasible for busy families and individuals.

Beyond logistics, the core philosophy of Charisma School of Dance resonates deeply with what many locals seek in extracurricular activities: a place that prioritizes well-being and personal growth as much as skill development. The inclusive ethos, where "no restrictions on weight, color, size etc." apply, ensures that everyone feels welcome and valued from the moment they step through the door. This creates a safe space where students can truly express themselves, build confidence, and cultivate a lifelong passion for dance without fear of judgment.

The highly praised and dedicated instructors, like Ms. Erin and her team, are committed to providing patient, knowledgeable, and effective teaching across a wide array of dance styles, from ballet and jazz to tap and hip-hop. This means that whether you're a complete beginner in your early 40s, as one reviewer proudly shared, or a young child taking their very first steps in a dance studio, you will find instruction tailored to your needs and goals. The flexibility demonstrated by the school, such as offering virtual classes during the pandemic and welcoming back students after periods of absence, showcases a genuine care for their dance family.

Ultimately, Charisma School of Dance is more than just a dance studio; it’s a community hub where friendships are forged, creativity is unleashed, and individuals of all ages can truly thrive. It’s a place that becomes a "second home" for its students, contributing positively to their physical fitness, mental well-being, and social development. For anyone in Washington looking for a professional, friendly, and deeply supportive environment to explore the joy of dance, Charisma School of Dance in Lakewood is an outstanding choice.

Charisma School of Dance

6108 Mt Tacoma Dr SW, Lakewood, WA 98499, USA