Karin Kirkland School of Dance

For discerning dancers and aspiring artists throughout the Washington region, particularly in Kirkland and its surrounding communities, Karin Kirkland School of Dance (KKSD) stands as a beacon of classical dance excellence and nurturing instruction. This boutique, family-owned and operated studio offers a truly unique experience, specializing in the rigorous yet rewarding Vaganova method of classical ballet, alongside captivating character, national, and modern dances. At the heart of KKSD is Karina Melikyan, a highly talented choreographer, dancer, and a truly wonderful person, whose dedication to her craft and her students shines through in every class. Whether you are a serious young dancer aiming to elevate your technique and confidence, or an adult looking to experience the beauty and discipline of ballet, KKSD provides an environment of unparalleled professionalism and warmth. It's a place where artistic potential is meticulously cultivated, and a genuine love for dance is fostered in every individual, making it a highly recommended destination for dance education in the Washington area.

Karin Kirkland School of Dance is conveniently situated at 11735 124th Ave NE, Kirkland, WA 98034, USA. This location makes it readily accessible for residents of Kirkland, Redmond, Bellevue, and other surrounding communities within the greater Seattle metropolitan area in Washington. The studio's address on 124th Ave NE provides straightforward access from major thoroughfares, ensuring a convenient commute for students and their families. For those traveling by car, there is typically easy access and parking available, minimizing any stress associated with arrival and departure. While specific public transportation routes might vary, the Kirkland area is generally well-connected by King County Metro bus services, offering an alternative for those who prefer public transit. The thoughtful placement of Karin Kirkland School of Dance ensures that it is a practical and easily reachable destination for anyone in the local Washington community committed to high-quality dance training. This accessibility is key to allowing students to consistently pursue their passion for dance.

Karin Kirkland School of Dance offers a specialized and comprehensive curriculum, primarily rooted in classical ballet, but extending to other captivating dance forms. Their offerings are designed to provide a well-rounded and progressive dance education for students of all ages and levels.

• Classical Ballet (Vaganova Method): This is the cornerstone of the school's offerings. Classes are available for all ages and levels, from "tots to teenagers," emphasizing the demanding yet highly effective Vaganova style, which builds strength, stamina, and flexibility essential for all dance forms.
• Character Dance: A specific subdivision of classical dance, this style involves the stylized representation of traditional folk or national dances, adapted for ballet and theater performances. It is an important part of the classical ballet repertoire.
• National Dance: Drawing from the rich heritage of various cultures (with a proud emphasis on Armenian dances), these classes aim to preserve, promote, and enrich cultural art forms through dance.
• Modern Dance: This genre explores expressive forms of movement that arose as a rejection of classical ballet, allowing the body to express feelings more freely.
• Conditioning Ballet and Technique for Adults: Specialized ballet classes catering to adults of any age, focusing on conditioning and refining technique. These classes are designed to be accessible and beneficial for adult learners.
• Private Ballet Classes: Available upon request and subject to instructor availability, these sessions offer personalized instruction for focused individual growth.
• Performance Opportunities: Students have the opportunity to showcase the choreographies learned during the year in an annual dance performance, typically held at a professional venue like the Kirkland Performance Center. This provides invaluable stage experience.
• Small Groups and Individual Approach: The studio prides itself on maintaining small class sizes, which allows for a highly individualized approach to each student, ensuring personalized attention and tailored feedback.
• Free Trial Class: Prospective students are often invited to try a free trial class to experience the studio's environment and teaching style firsthand.

Karin Kirkland School of Dance is distinguished by several key features and highlights that make it a truly exceptional and highly recommended choice for dance education in the Washington community.

• Exceptional Artistic Direction by Karina Melikyan: The heart of the school's excellence lies with its founder and artistic director, Karina Melikyan. She is consistently praised by students and parents as "very professional in the classical dance," "incredibly talented in dancing and teaching," a "very talented choreographer, dancer and a wonderful person." Her extensive training in the Vaganova method and experience as a ballet artist ensures top-tier instruction.
• Mastery of the Vaganova Method: The school's specialization in the Vaganova style of classical ballet provides students with a strong, systematic foundation. This method is known for producing dancers with exceptional technique, strength, and artistry, making it ideal for serious young dancers.
• Age-Appropriate Training and Dramatic Improvement: Parents note that Karina provides "age-appropriate training," which leads to "dramatic" improvement in dancing skills. Students' technique and confidence have been observed to "truly jumped to the next level" under her guidance, a testament to the effectiveness of her teaching.
• Boutique, Family-Owned Studio with Individual Attention: As a "boutique family owned dance studio," KKSD offers small class sizes that facilitate an "individual approach to each and every student." This personalized attention is crucial for effective learning and rapid progress.
• Welcoming Environment for All Ages and Levels: While highly professional, the school maintains a welcoming atmosphere. Reviews indicate that it's an excellent experience for both kids and adults, even those new to ballet, fostering a love for dance.
• Diverse Offerings Beyond Ballet: In addition to classical ballet, the inclusion of character, national (especially Armenian), and modern dances provides a rich and varied dance education, exposing students to different forms of artistic expression and cultural heritage.
• Performance Opportunities: The annual stage performance allows students to showcase their hard work and experience the thrill of performing, which is a vital part of a comprehensive dance education.
• Guest Instructors/Performers: The school features guest artists like Shushan Babayan (former soloist of “Barekamutyun” State Dance Ensemble of Armenia) and Za Thomaier (specializing in Ballroom and Latin), enriching the learning experience with diverse perspectives and expertise.

For those in the Washington area interested in the unparalleled dance education offered by Karin Kirkland School of Dance, here is their contact information:

• Address: 11735 124th Ave NE, Kirkland, WA 98034, USA
• Phone: (425) 954-5734
• Mobile Phone: +1 425-954-5734

Karin Kirkland School of Dance is an ideal destination for locals in the Washington region, particularly within Kirkland and the wider Eastside, who are seeking a truly high-caliber yet deeply supportive dance education. For parents of "serious young dancers," this studio offers the rigorous Vaganova ballet training that can dramatically elevate a child's technique and confidence, preparing them for higher levels of dance. Simultaneously, the studio's welcoming approach to adults and beginners ensures that anyone in the community, regardless of their starting point, can experience the profound joy and physical benefits of ballet. The "boutique" nature of the studio guarantees personalized attention often missing in larger institutions, fostering rapid progress and a strong connection with instructors. Beyond the exceptional technical training, the emphasis on a "wonderful person" leading the school creates an environment of kindness and acceptance. This combination of professional excellence and a genuinely caring atmosphere makes Karin Kirkland School of Dance a cherished and highly recommended local resource for anyone in Washington looking for an enriching and transformative dance experience.

Karin Kirkland School of Dance

11735 124th Ave NE, Kirkland, WA 98034, USA