Creation Dance Studio

Nestled conveniently on Mercer Island, Washington, Creation Dance Studio (CDS) stands as a true gem for dance enthusiasts of all ages. This is more than just a place to learn pirouettes and grand jetés; it's a vibrant, loving community where excellent instruction meets a deeply nurturing environment. For families across Mercer Island and surrounding King County areas, CDS offers a premier destination for discovering and cultivating a passion for the performing arts.

At Creation Dance Studio, the philosophy is centered on fostering growth not only as a dancer but also as a confident individual, a supportive teammate, and a good friend. This commitment to holistic development is consistently echoed in glowing reviews from delighted parents. They speak of seeing "tremendous growth" in their daughters, not just in dance skills, but also in teamwork and friendship. Every instructor is lauded as "outstanding," "knowledgeable, kind, talented, and deeply passionate about teaching dance." The studio's remarkable organization and the accessibility of its leaders, Ms. Stevie and Ms. Hailey, ensure clear communication and a smooth experience for both parents and students. Owner Stevie Hagen, a lifelong Mercer Island resident and dancer, founded CDS with the vision of creating a positive, safe, and supportive environment where kids and adults alike can thrive and express themselves. Continuing the legacy of former Mercer Island dance instructor Deena Dunning, Stevie Hagen has indeed created a strong and welcoming community where the love for dance truly blossoms.

Creation Dance Studio is strategically located at 8451 SE 68th St Suite #210, Mercer Island, WA 98040, USA. This south-end Mercer Island address places it within easy reach for residents of the island itself, as well as those commuting from Bellevue, Seattle, and other Eastside communities. Mercer Island offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to metropolitan centers, making CDS an ideal choice for many families in the Washington region.

The studio's location in the Mercer Village Shopping Center area (as noted in historical reports) suggests readily available parking, which is a significant convenience for parents during drop-off and pick-up times. Its position on Mercer Island also means less city traffic compared to downtown Seattle studios, offering a more relaxed commute. While specific public transport details directly to the suite may vary, Mercer Island is generally well-connected by local bus routes that link to larger transit hubs. The studio itself is described as a "sparkling new studio" with spacious 1,000-square-foot studios, providing ample room for movement and learning. This accessibility, combined with a modern and welcoming facility, ensures a comfortable and convenient experience for all who visit Creation Dance Studio.

• Youth Dance Programs: A comprehensive array of classes designed for diverse age groups and skill levels, ranging from engaging "Little Sparks" and Recreational programs to competitive team experiences. Styles include:
  • Dance With Me (Ages 18 months-3): Parent/caregiver participation encouraged as toddlers explore movement, rhythm, and basic coordination.
  • Creative Movement: For young children ready to dance independently, introducing them to ballet, jazz, and imaginative movement.
  • Tiny Tutus (Ages 3-5): Explores ballet through storytelling and props, fostering creativity and fundamental ballet concepts.
  • Tiny Movers & Groovers: Energetic options for this age group, incorporating jazz, hip-hop, and creative movement.
  • Pre-Ballet: For budding ballerinas (ages 5-7), discovering and developing a love for dance.
  • Ballet/Tap Combo: Introduces young dancers to the basics of both ballet and tap, focusing on musicality, coordination, and creative expression.
  • Mini Hip Hop: High-energy introduction to hip hop fundamentals, grooves, and footwork.
  • Mini Hip Hop/Jazz: Combines foundations of hip hop with jazz technique, strength, and flexibility.
  • Ballet: Classical ballet vocabulary, barre work, center exercises, and across-the-floor combinations, with a focus on Balanchine-style technique (musicality, speed, precision, dynamic movement). Available for various levels including Beginning/Intermediate and Intermediate.
  • Hip Hop: Energetic classes developing balance, endurance, coordination, and musicality.
  • Jazz: Combines expressive storytelling with sharp technique, building performance skills and confidence.
  • Musical Theatre: Focuses on acting and dancing to Broadway-inspired choreography.
  • Tap: Develops musicality, precision, and coordination through rhythmic footwork.
  • Lyrical/Contemporary: Expressive dance combining ballet and jazz elements.
  • Acro/Tumbling: Building safe and proper tumbling technique and basic acrobatic skills.
  • Cheer: Fundamentals of cheerleading, including motions, jumps, chants, and beginner stunts.
  • Hula & 'Ori Tahiti: Traditional Polynesian dance forms.
• Adult Dance Classes (Ages 15-88): Offering a variety of open classes for all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced/professional, including:
  • Ballet (Beginning/Intermediate and Intermediate levels)
  • Pointe
  • Barre fitness classes
  • Cardio Dance
  Many adult classes are available on a drop-in basis.
• Summer Camps: Themed dance camps during summer months, providing immersive dance experiences.
• Free Trial Classes: Prospective students can book a complimentary trial class to experience the studio's environment and teaching style.
• Performance Opportunities: Students have opportunities to showcase their talents through recitals, showcases, and community events.

• Excellent Instruction and Passionate Teachers: Consistently praised for outstanding, knowledgeable, kind, talented, and deeply passionate instructors who are dedicated to teaching dance. This is a recurring theme in parent reviews.
• Loving and Nurturing Community: Described as a "wonderfully nurturing community" where students feel supported and encouraged, fostering growth as dancers, teammates, and friends.
• Well-Organized and Accessible Leadership: Ms. Stevie and Ms. Hailey are noted for their excellent communication and accessibility to both parents and students, ensuring a smooth and supportive experience.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Offers over 70 classes per week in diverse styles, catering to all ages (from 18 months to 88 years) and skill levels, from recreational to competitive.
• New, Spacious Facility: The 3,400-square-foot studio on Mercer Island features two 1,000-square-foot studios, providing ample and professional space for dance.
• Focus on Holistic Development: Beyond technical dance skills, the studio emphasizes building confidence, teamwork, and fostering a deep love and passion for dance.
• Community Legacy: Owner Stevie Hagen continues the legacy of former Mercer Island instructor Deena Dunning, maintaining a strong community she helped create.
• Variety of Dance Styles: From classical ballet to energetic hip hop, cultural dances like Hula, and unique offerings like Musical Theatre, there's a style for every interest.
• Flexible Adult Options: Drop-in class options for adults provide convenience and accessibility for busy schedules.

Address: 8451 SE 68th St Suite #210, Mercer Island, WA 98040, USA

Phone: (206) 708-1325

Mobile Phone: +1 206-708-1325

For residents of Washington, particularly those on Mercer Island and in the surrounding Eastside communities, Creation Dance Studio is an exceptional local resource for quality dance education. Its prime location on Mercer Island offers convenience for island families, and its accessible facility makes it a practical choice for those commuting from nearby areas like Bellevue and Seattle.

What truly makes Creation Dance Studio ideal for locals is its outstanding blend of professional instruction and a deeply supportive, family-like community. Parents consistently rave about the "excellent instruction" and the "loving community" that allows their children to not only grow tremendously as dancers but also develop as confident individuals and good teammates. The passion, kindness, and expertise of every instructor are repeatedly highlighted, ensuring that students receive top-notch guidance in a positive environment. With a wide range of classes catering to all ages – from toddlers taking their first steps to adults rediscovering their love for ballet or trying hip hop – CDS genuinely offers "something for everyone." The studio's commitment to accessibility, clear communication from its leadership, and its well-organized operations further solidify its suitability. For Mercer Island locals seeking a nurturing, high-quality dance studio where their child's (or their own) love for dance can truly blossom, Creation Dance Studio is undoubtedly "a gem of a studio right here in our backyard."

Creation Dance Studio

8451 SE 68th St Suite #210, Mercer Island, WA 98040, USA