Creative Dance Center

For families and individuals across the Washington region, particularly those in Seattle and its surrounding areas, the Creative Dance Center stands as a truly exceptional and pioneering institution dedicated to the art and transformative power of dance. As a non-profit organization established in 1981 by Anne Green Gilbert, a renowned master teacher and author, Creative Dance Center is far more than just a place to learn dance steps; it's a vibrant community that nurtures self-expression, creativity, and holistic development through joyful and meaningful movement experiences. From infants taking their first "Nurturing Baby" steps to adults exploring their own artistic potential, CDC offers a unique approach that connects body and mind, fostering lifelong learning and well-being.

The heartfelt testimonials from their diverse clientele speak volumes about the profound impact of the center. As one parent enthusiastically shared, "The teachers at Creative Dance Center are truly phenomenal! Even for the youngest students, classes are taught by amazing dancers with impressive backgrounds in dance who are also incredible with kids. My little one has attended different weekly classes and summer camp, and the passion, fun, and high quality of teaching is always there. It’s refreshing to find this mix of expertise and consistency. The instructors have told me it’s thanks to Terry, the director, who makes sure they have all the tools they need to be great instructors, and it’s also clear that each and every one of them brings a real love for what they do to the studio." Another parent raved about a specific program: "What a wonderful experience it has been to go to Nurturing Baby dance class at Creative Dance Center with Terry! My baby (now 10 months) has been going since she was 4 months and it has been such a great class to learn how to move, dance, and play with baby in ways that support baby’s physical and motor development! I have also made many friends with other parents there and my baby looooves going and seeing the other babies there too!" These glowing reviews underscore the Creative Dance Center's success in creating an engaging, developmentally appropriate, and truly supportive environment for all ages within our Washington community. Terry Goetz serves as the current director, upholding the legacy of founder Anne Green Gilbert.

Creative Dance Center is conveniently located at 12577 Densmore Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133, USA. This address places it within North Seattle, making it highly accessible for families and individuals from various Seattle neighborhoods, as well as from nearby cities like Shoreline, Edmonds, and Lynnwood. Situated in an established area, the center is relatively easy to find and reach, benefiting from well-connected roadways and often available parking in the vicinity.

The strategic placement of the Creative Dance Center in North Seattle is a significant advantage for local users. Its accessibility ensures that attending classes and workshops is a manageable part of a busy weekly schedule, whether you're coming from work, school, or home. This ease of access is crucial for families with young children, and for adults seeking to integrate artistic expression and physical activity into their lives. The welcoming physical space, combined with its convenient location, makes Creative Dance Center an attractive and practical choice for anyone in Washington looking to explore dance in a profound and joyful way.

Services Offered:

• Creative Dance Classes for All Ages: Programs for infants (2 months to pre-walking) and caregivers (Nurturing Baby), toddlers (walking-5 years), preschoolers (3.5-5 years), children (grades K-5), teens (grades 6+), and adults (including BrainDance and Creative Modern).
• Brain-Compatible Dance Education (BCDE): All classes utilize this unique methodology, developed by founder Anne Green Gilbert, integrating brain research into dance instruction to foster deep learning, critical thinking, and personal expression.
• The BrainDance: A key component of BCDE, this body-brain warm-up based on fundamental movement patterns is incorporated into all classes to develop coordination, align the body, and prepare the brain for learning.
• Performance Opportunities: Including Kaleidoscope Dance Company (youth modern dance, ages 7-17) and Mosaic Dance Company (ages 7-13), offering students chances to perform and engage with audiences.
• Summer Camps and Workshops: Engaging themed camps (e.g., Art in Motion, Once Upon a Dance, Hip Hop Groove, Musical Theatre) for various age groups, offering intensive and immersive dance experiences.
• Professional Learning for Educators: Provides training and workshops in Brain-Compatible Dance Education for dance teachers, classroom teachers, early childhood specialists, and therapists.
• Adaptive BrainDance: Free classes specifically for people with disabilities, focusing on intellectual and physical engagement through movement, fostering imaginative experience.
• Community Programs: Extending beyond the studio, including partnerships with organizations like Mary's Place to provide dance experiences for children in need.

Features / Highlights:

• Unique Brain-Compatible Dance Education: This research-based methodology sets CDC apart, ensuring classes are not just about learning steps but also about cognitive development, problem-solving, and enhanced learning.
• Exceptional and Passionate Instructors: Teachers are described as "truly phenomenal," "amazing dancers," and "incredible with kids," bringing both impressive dance backgrounds and a genuine love for teaching. The director, Terry Goetz, is praised for providing tools for instructor excellence.
• Inclusive and Welcoming Environment: CDC is committed to welcoming "all ages, sizes, personal and cultural identities, backgrounds, sexual and gender identities, abilities and disabilities," fostering a space where "personal uniqueness is celebrated."
• Focus on Creativity and Self-Expression: Students are encouraged to explore, improvise, reflect, and choreograph, developing their own creative voices through movement.
• Holistic Development: Beyond physical skills, the programs prioritize strengthening cognitive, social, and emotional skills, aiming for students to become "skilled dancers, critical thinkers, innovative creators, successful collaborators, and respectful responders."
• Strong Community Building: The center fosters a sense of "caring, creative humans," where parents make friends, and babies love seeing other babies, creating a supportive network.
• Comprehensive Age Range: Catering to everyone from 2-month-old infants to adults in their 70s and beyond, demonstrating a commitment to dance across the lifespan.
• Non-Profit Mission: As a 501(c)(3) organization, CDC is driven by a mission to connect body and mind to transform lives through dance, prioritizing community impact over profit.

Contact Information:

Address: 12577 Densmore Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133, USA

Phone: (206) 363-7281

Mobile Phone: +1 206-363-7281

Email: info@creativedance.org (or check their website for additional contact options, including specific emails for registration or program inquiries).

Website: www.creativedance.org (and sometimes www.creativedanceonline.com for schedules). These websites are the primary resources for detailed class schedules, registration, program information, and news about their community initiatives. They also encourage early bird registration with discounts for certain seasons.

The Creative Dance Center is an exceptional and highly recommended destination for locals throughout the Washington region, particularly those in Seattle, who are seeking a unique and enriching dance experience. Its easily accessible North Seattle location ensures convenience for families and individuals, making it simple to integrate quality dance education into busy lives. For our community, having a non-profit organization that offers such an innovative approach to dance—rooted in Brain-Compatible Dance Education and led by "phenomenal" instructors—is a significant asset.

Whether you're a new parent looking for stimulating activities for your baby, a child eager to express themselves through movement, or an adult seeking a mindful and creative outlet, CDC provides an inclusive, supportive, and joyful environment. The emphasis on holistic development, critical thinking, and building a strong sense of community truly sets it apart. Choosing Creative Dance Center means investing in a local institution that not only teaches dance but also fosters personal growth, creates lasting connections, and profoundly enriches the cultural and developmental landscape of Seattle and the greater Washington state through the transformative power of movement. It truly is a place where every person, regardless of age or ability, can find their rhythm and thrive.

Creative Dance Center

12577 Densmore Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133, USA