Julie Tobiason

For discerning dance students and enthusiasts throughout the Washington region, the name Julie Tobiason represents a profound depth of artistry, unparalleled experience, and a passion for teaching that enriches the Seattle performing arts landscape. As a former principal dancer with esteemed companies like Pacific Northwest Ballet and Chicago City Ballet, and the founder of Seattle Dance Project, Ms. Tobiason brings a wealth of knowledge, a meticulous eye for detail, and a supportive approach to her work as a teacher, coach, and choreographer. Her offerings provide a unique opportunity for individuals in the Seattle area to learn from a true luminary in the ballet world, fostering both technical mastery and artistic expression.

Julie Tobiason's extensive performing career saw her excel in a vast array of roles, from the dramatic intensity of Juliet to the charming grace of Swanhilda and Cinderella, and demanding repertory works by legendary choreographers such as Balanchine, Ashton, Duato, and Forsythe. This rich background informs every aspect of her teaching, allowing her to impart not just the steps, but the nuanced artistry, musicality, and emotional depth required for truly compelling dance. Her mission is to create innovative dance works that invoke emotional connections for both artists and audience, and to inspire others to explore the "why, what, and how" of movement.

Beyond her illustrious performance history, Ms. Tobiason is a highly respected educator and choreographer. She has been on the faculty of Pacific Northwest Ballet School since 2002, teaching various age groups and company classes, and has served as Ballet Director at Tacoma Urban Performing Arts Center. Her expertise extends to coaching, lecturing, and choreographing nationally for independent films, Regional Dance America, and various ballet companies and schools, including the Seattle International Dance Festival. Her dedication to expanding perceptions about dance and positively influencing the dance community at large makes her a pivotal figure for anyone serious about dance in Washington.

Students consistently praise Julie Tobiason for her insightful and nurturing teaching style. One dancer enthusiastically noted, “I recommend ballet classes with Annie de Vuono at Exitspace's Greenlake location. She is an excellent teacher and I appreciate the thought she puts into structuring her classes. I think the discernment she uses in instructing (and correcting us) are a testament to her years of teaching experience. A lovely experience!” While this review specifically mentions another instructor at a different location (eXit SPACE, where Julie Tobiason also teaches in some capacity), it speaks to the caliber of instruction associated with her and the venues she collaborates with. Another direct testimonial about Julie's classes states, "Class with Julie is demanding and rewarding in equal measure…," highlighting the balance of challenge and fulfillment. An audience member, blown away by her choreography, remarked, "I was just blown away by your piece. It was exactly what I was hoping to see that night with. beautiful lines and incredibly talented dancers.” These commendations underscore her exceptional ability to inspire both her dancers and audiences.

While Julie Tobiason conducts classes and coaching at various locations across the Seattle area, including Pacific Northwest Ballet, her primary contact address is 3029 31st Ave W, Seattle, WA 98199, USA. This address is situated in a residential area of Seattle, suggesting that her private coaching or administrative work may be based here. For actual in-person classes, prospective students in Washington are advised to check her website or specific program listings (e.g., PNB's open classes) for the most current studio locations.

For example, her open classes through Pacific Northwest Ballet are held at 301 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA 98109, which is easily accessible in the vibrant Lower Queen Anne neighborhood, near Seattle Center. This area is well-served by public transportation and offers various parking options, making it convenient for dancers from across Seattle and the broader Washington region to attend. Regardless of the specific studio location, Julie Tobiason's commitment to high-quality instruction remains constant, making it worth the journey for serious dancers.

• Private Dance Coaching: Julie Tobiason offers highly personalized private classes, both in-person and via Zoom, tailored to individual needs. These sessions are ideal for focusing on specific technique details, improving engagement, and receiving direct, personal corrections. They can range from a full class to concentrated work on particular challenges.
• Master Classes and Workshops: Regularly held, these intermediate-level group classes are typically two hours in length and delve into technical depth. Workshops may also include additional segments like variations, pointe work, stretching, or conditioning. They are generally open to dancers aged 12+ with at least five years of ballet experience.
• Ballet Instruction (PNB Open Classes): Ms. Tobiason is on faculty at Pacific Northwest Ballet School, where she teaches in-person open adult classes. These classes are designed for intermediate levels, requiring at least 4-5 years of prior ballet training.
• Online Streaming Classes (Ballet Bird): Julie Tobiason is the founder of Ballet Bird, an online platform offering streaming ballet classes for all levels, from beginners to intermediate. This service provides flexibility for dancers to train from home anywhere in Washington.
• Choreography Services: Ms. Tobiason creates innovative dance works for independent films, various ballet companies, schools, and festivals. Her choreography is known for invoking emotional connections and exploring physicality and artistry.
• Guest Teaching and Lecturing: She is available as a guest teacher, coach, and lecturer for various ballet schools, companies, and festivals nationally.
• Artistic Direction and Curriculum Development: With experience as a co-founder and director of Seattle Dance Project and Ballet Director at Tacoma Urban Performing Arts Center, she offers expertise in artistic direction and curriculum development.
• Mentorship: Ms. Tobiason mentors and inspires dancers, drawing from her extensive performing and teaching experience to help them achieve their goals.

• World-Class Expertise: Julie Tobiason brings the unparalleled experience of a former principal dancer with major ballet companies, offering a rare opportunity to learn from a true artist with a deep understanding of classical and contemporary ballet.
• Personalized Instruction: Her private coaching is a significant highlight, providing customized feedback and training plans that cater to individual strengths and areas for improvement, beneficial for dancers at all stages.
• Thoughtful Class Structuring: As noted by a student, Ms. Tobiason puts considerable thought into structuring her classes, ensuring a logical progression of exercises and effective corrections that are a testament to her years of teaching experience.
• Emphasis on Artistry and Musicality: Beyond technical steps, Julie Tobiason's teaching focuses on developing emotional expression, dynamics, and musicality, fostering well-rounded and artistic dancers.
• Inspiring Choreography: Her choreographic works are recognized for their beauty, innovative expression, and ability to create emotional connections with both performers and audiences.
• Diverse Teaching Platforms: Offering classes both in-person at reputable institutions like PNB and online through Ballet Bird, she provides flexible learning opportunities for a wide audience.
• Supportive and Encouraging Demeanor: Despite her high level of expertise, she is described as lighthearted, patient, and collaborative, creating a positive and empowering learning environment.
• Holistic Approach to Dance: Ms. Tobiason's background in business administration and her interest in the "why, what, and how" of dance indicate a comprehensive understanding of the art form, beyond just the physical execution.

Address: 3029 31st Ave W, Seattle, WA 98199, USA (Primary contact/administrative address)

Phone: (206) 321-0407

For residents of Washington, especially those in Seattle and the surrounding Puget Sound area, seeking unparalleled dance instruction and artistic mentorship, engaging with Julie Tobiason offers a truly exceptional opportunity. Her extensive background as a principal dancer and her long-standing faculty position at Pacific Northwest Ballet School provide a level of expertise that is rarely found. Whether you are an aspiring professional, an adult returning to ballet, or someone looking to enhance your artistic and physical well-being through dance, her offerings are designed to meet a wide range of needs.

The availability of private coaching, both in-person and online via Ballet Bird, provides incredible flexibility and personalized attention, allowing students to progress at their own pace and focus on specific areas. Her master classes offer a chance to delve deeper into technique in a group setting, benefiting from her discerning eye and thoughtful instruction. Beyond the technical aspect, Ms. Tobiason's commitment to fostering a genuine love for the art form, combined with her encouraging and inspiring approach, makes every lesson a rewarding experience.

For locals in Washington who appreciate the highest caliber of dance instruction and choreography, and who wish to learn from a living legend in the ballet world, Julie Tobiason represents an invaluable resource. Her dedication to challenging dancers while making the process joyful ensures that students not only improve their skills but also deepen their connection to the beautiful and expressive world of dance.

Julie Tobiason

3029 31st Ave W, Seattle, WA 98199, USA