Kirkland Dance Center

For anyone in the Washington community, especially those in Kirkland and the surrounding areas, seeking a truly unique and supportive environment to explore the world of dance, Kirkland Dance Center (KDC) is an absolute hidden gem. This non-profit organization, serving the community since November 2002, goes beyond traditional dance instruction. KDC is celebrated for its warm, welcoming, and low-pressure atmosphere, making it an ideal place for dancers of all ages, skill levels, and backgrounds to learn, grow, and express themselves. Whether you're a seasoned dancer looking to hone your craft or have never danced a day in your life, KDC offers an inviting space where individual accomplishments are celebrated, and every person feels comfortable and proud of their progress. It's a place where creativity thrives, community flourishes, and the joy of movement is at the heart of every class.

Kirkland Dance Center is conveniently located at 835 7th Ave, Kirkland, WA 98033, USA. This central location in Kirkland makes it easily accessible for residents throughout the city and surrounding communities on the Eastside of Lake Washington, including Redmond, Bellevue, and Woodinville. Its position ensures that local Washington families and individuals can easily integrate dance classes into their routines. For those driving, the studio's address is straightforward to find, and parking options are typically available in the vicinity, adding to the convenience. While specific public transport connections may vary, the general area of Kirkland is well-serviced by local transportation networks. This prime location means that KDC is a practical and accessible choice for anyone in the Washington region looking to engage in dance, offering a seamless journey to a welcoming and inspiring environment. The ease of access helps ensure that dedication to dance is made simple for all local community members.

Kirkland Dance Center offers a diverse range of dance classes designed to cater to various ages, skill levels, and interests. Their commitment to providing dance education for everyone is reflected in their varied curriculum.

• Jazz: Classes that explore traditional, Broadway, funky, or contemporary styles in an energetic atmosphere, focusing on technique, coordination, and flexibility.
• Tap: Classes where dancers create rhythmic sounds with their feet, offered for various levels.
• Hip Hop: High-energy classes focusing on street dance styles, including breaking, locking, and popping, with an emphasis on rhythm and self-expression.
• Modern: Classes that delve into expressive dance forms, often focusing on floor work, gravity, and the use of breath.
• Ballet: Technical classes that provide a strong foundation for all other forms of dance, focusing on classical technique, body alignment, and grace. Pointe ballet is offered with instructor permission for eligible dancers.
• Lyrical/Contemporary: Expressive dance styles that combine elements of jazz and ballet, allowing dancers to interpret music and express emotions through fluid movement.
• Aerial Dance: Open-level classes that introduce beginners to movement, skills, and basic choreography on apparatuses such as dance trapeze (low, single-point), fabric (silks), and fabric sling. Intermediate students can explore more complex moves and drops.
• Jazzfunk: A fusion style combining hip hop-based choreography with elements of jazz technique.
• Heels: Classes focusing on choreography designed to be danced in heels, with a specific "Showgirl Heels" option dedicated to Parisian Cabaret style.
• Bellydance: Classical and Modern Egyptian Bellydance classes.
• Afro: Classes focused on fundamentals in urban styles like Afrobeats, Afrohouse, Ndombolo, Coupe Decale, and Amapiano.
• Yoga: Sessions to limber up dancing muscles, focusing on flexibility and mindfulness.
• Stretch & Strength: Intense sessions of basic stretches and strengthening exercises targeting various areas of the body, incorporating partner-stretching and isometric exercises for a challenging workout.
• Progressions: Classes focusing on the basics of jazz, including turns, turn sequences, leaps, and jumps, as part of a warm-up and across-the-floor work.
• Adult/Teen Drop-in Classes: Commitment-free classes that run year-round, allowing flexibility for busy schedules.
• Youth Program: Structured programs for young dancers aged 18 months and up, with schedules updated quarterly.

Kirkland Dance Center stands out through several key features and highlights that contribute to its strong reputation and make it a beloved institution for dancers in the Washington area.

• Warm, Welcoming, and Low-Pressure Environment: This is a consistent highlight from customer reviews. The studio prides itself on being a place where dancers feel comfortable, supported, and encouraged, regardless of their skill level. This fosters a positive atmosphere that inspires learning and creativity.
• Inclusive for All Skill Levels and Backgrounds: KDC's mission explicitly states its commitment to providing quality dance education to dancers of all ages, skill levels, and backgrounds. Reviews confirm that instructors tailor classes to the individual dancers, ensuring everyone feels accommodated and can grow at their own pace. "Everyone in the class is at their own individual level and the instructors are very accommodating," one review notes.
• Fantastic and Supportive Instructors: The teaching staff at KDC receives high praise for being "fantastic" and creating an "encouraging/supportive environment." Their ability to make students feel comfortable and proud of their accomplishments is a recurring theme.
• Diverse Class Offerings, Including Aerial Dance: Beyond traditional dance genres, KDC offers unique classes like Open Aerial, which includes dance trapeze, silks, and fabric sling. This broad range ensures there's something for every interest, from classical ballet to contemporary aerial arts.
• Non-Profit Organization with Community Focus: As a 501c3 non-profit, KDC is dedicated to enriching the community. They have outreach programs and scholarship opportunities for low-income or at-risk children, as well as programs for senior citizens and children with special needs, demonstrating a deep commitment to accessibility and social impact.
• Flexible Drop-in Options for Adults/Teens: The availability of commitment-free, year-round drop-in classes is a significant benefit, especially for busy individuals looking to fit dance into their schedule without long-term commitments.
• Emphasis on Joy and Creativity: KDC's values include "Joy" ("Dance should be fun!") and "Creativity," encouraging exploration, discovery, and self-expression. They prioritize multi-sensory learning and believe that strengthening cognitive, social, and emotional skills is as important as physical development.

For those in the Washington area interested in discovering the joy of dance at Kirkland Dance Center, here is their primary contact information:

• Address: 835 7th Ave, Kirkland, WA 98033, USA
• Phone: While a direct public phone number specifically for class registration or general inquiries isn't prominently listed in all public data, their website indicates that for registration questions, prospective students are often directed to their registration lines or email. For general inquiries about classes, visitors are encouraged to "just come 5-10 minutes early to fill out our registration form, and you'll be ready to go!" For more specific administrative inquiries, searching their official website or contacting the City of Kirkland's recreation department (as KDC is often associated with community programs) may provide a direct phone line. However, the most accessible method for initial engagement seems to be dropping in or checking their updated online schedule.

Kirkland Dance Center is an exceptional choice for locals in the Washington region, particularly those in Kirkland and surrounding communities, for a multitude of reasons. Its most compelling draw is the warm, welcoming, and genuinely low-pressure environment. For parents seeking an activity that fosters a love for movement and self-expression without the intensity often found in competitive studios, KDC provides a refreshing alternative. The diverse range of classes, from classical ballet and hip hop to unique aerial arts, ensures that there's something to captivate every interest and age group, from toddlers to adults. Locals will appreciate the flexibility of adult/teen drop-in classes, making it easy to incorporate dance into even the busiest schedules. Furthermore, as a non-profit organization with a strong community focus, KDC actively enriches the lives of Washington residents by providing accessible dance education, including programs for underserved groups. This commitment to inclusivity, combined with highly supportive instructors who tailor classes to individual needs, makes Kirkland Dance Center a true "hidden gem" and a beloved community asset where everyone feels comfortable, proud, and inspired to dance.

Kirkland Dance Center

835 7th Ave, Kirkland, WA 98033, USA