Opus Performing Arts

For families and individuals across Bellingham and the wider Washington state region, finding a performing arts center that truly nurtures talent while fostering a sense of belonging is a treasure. Opus Performing Arts in Bellingham is precisely that: a dynamic "point of interest" that goes beyond teaching dance steps to cultivate a lifelong love of movement, discipline, and artistic expression. Established in 2013, Opus has quickly become a beloved institution, renowned for its commitment to both rigorous technique and a remarkably joyful, inclusive atmosphere.

At Opus Performing Arts, the philosophy is clear: to provide high-quality dance instruction in a positive environment where students feel accepted, encouraged, and challenged towards excellence. This unique blend sets Opus apart, creating a space where dancers of all ages and skill levels can truly thrive. Whether your child is just beginning their dance journey, or you're an adult looking to rediscover a passion for movement, Opus offers a welcoming community where every individual is valued.

Opus Performing Arts is conveniently located at 207 Prospect St Suite 201, Bellingham, WA 98225, USA. Situated in downtown Bellingham, its central position makes it highly accessible for residents throughout the city and surrounding areas of Whatcom County. The studio is bright, well-organized, and designed to provide an inspiring environment for dancers. Being located above the Bellingham Cider Company, it's easy to find and integrate into your daily routine. Downtown Bellingham offers various parking options, including street parking and nearby lots, ensuring a convenient experience for dropping off and picking up students. Its prime location allows for easy access via public transport as well, making it a viable option for many families in the Washington region.

Opus Performing Arts offers a comprehensive and diverse curriculum designed to cater to various ages, skill levels, and interests within the dance world. Their services include:

• Ballet Program: At the core of Opus's offerings, providing a strong foundation for all dance forms. Classes range from introductory levels for young children (e.g., Pre-Ballet, Combo classes) to advanced levels for experienced dancers, focusing on technique, alignment, history, terminology, musicality, and artistic expression. Adult Beginning Ballet and Progressing Fundamentals of Ballet are also available.

• Modern Dance: Exploring contemporary styles and expressive movement, building freedom, presence, and confidence.

• Jazz Dance: Focusing on technique, terminology, strength, and flexibility, with classes that help dancers become expressive, dynamic, musical, and passionate.

• Tap Dance: Developing rhythm, timing, and percussive footwork. Tap classes are available for various ages, including adult open tap classes.

• Hip Hop Dance: Energetic classes drawing from urban styles, suitable for all ages and promoting strength and confidence.

• Contemporary/Lyrical: Blending elements of ballet and jazz, emphasizing movement quality and emotional expression.

• Performance Opportunities: Regular showcases, including the popular Spring Showcase and the annual "Opus Nutcracker" at the Mount Baker Theatre, allowing students to experience the thrill of performing in a professional setting. The Nutcracker is a particularly significant event, often featuring over 130 dancers and a collaboration with the Bellingham Symphony Orchestra.

• Summer Camps and Intensives: Engaging programs during school breaks, such as Dance Camp, Ballet Camp, and Ballet Intensives, providing immersive learning experiences.

• Adult Classes: A variety of drop-in and open classes for adults, including Ballet, Tap, and Hip Hop, catering to those looking to start, resume, or simply enjoy dance.

• Workshops and Master Classes: Opportunities to learn from guest teachers and choreographers, expanding students' horizons and skills.

Opus Performing Arts is celebrated for several key attributes that make it a standout choice for dance education in Washington:

• Truly Inclusive Community: Reviews consistently highlight Opus as a "truly rare community where students feel accepted, encouraged, and challenged towards excellence all at once." The studio welcomes all students and strives to create a positive, non-competitive atmosphere.

• Exceptional and Inspiring Faculty: Instructors, including beloved owners Allan and Marie, and Artistic Director Brooke Evans, are praised for being "incredible, inspired teachers" who are "highly experienced, mature, knowledgeable, and are generous with encouragement." They are committed to fostering a lifelong love of dance while instilling invaluable skills for personal growth.

• Balance of Fun and Rigor: Opus manages to sustain "a joyful atmosphere of fun while also maintaining a rigorous commitment to technique," setting it apart from other dance schools. This ensures students enjoy their classes while still receiving top-tier technical training.

• Focus on Holistic Development: Beyond dance technique, Opus emphasizes building essential life skills such as "self-confidence, discipline, respect, work ethic and self-care." They prioritize safe instruction and encourage self-introspection in students.

• State-of-the-Art Facilities: The dance studio is described as "nice, bright, and well organized," providing an inspiring and conducive environment for learning and practice.

• Significant Performance Opportunities: The annual "Opus Nutcracker" at the Mount Baker Theatre is a major highlight, showcasing students' talents in a professional production. Spring Showcases also provide valuable stage experience.

• Student-Centered Approach: Students' love for Opus is palpable, with comments like "They still want to go early and stay late after class just to hang out at Opus because they LOVE LOVE LOVE their Opus family so much!" This speaks to the strong bond and positive experience fostered by the studio.

Ready to experience the joy and growth offered at Opus Performing Arts? Here's how to connect:

• Address: 207 Prospect St Suite 201, Bellingham, WA 98225, USA

• Phone: (360) 734-5300

• Mobile Phone: +1 360-734-5300

• Email: opusperformingarts@gmail.com

For residents of Bellingham and the surrounding communities in Washington, Opus Performing Arts is more than just a dance school; it's a vibrant and supportive "point of interest" that profoundly impacts the lives of its students and their families. The overwhelming sentiment from current and former students highlights a rare blend of rigorous technical training and a profoundly joyful, accepting atmosphere. The fact that children "love love love their Opus family so much" and "hardly any place my daughter and son would rather be" speaks volumes about the truly special environment Allan, Marie, and their incredible team have cultivated.

Opus's commitment to building well-rounded individuals, instilling values like self-confidence, discipline, and respect alongside dance skills, makes it an ideal choice for parents seeking a holistic approach to their child's development. The extensive range of classes, from foundational ballet to dynamic hip-hop and expressive contemporary, ensures that every dancer, regardless of age or experience, can find their passion and be challenged toward excellence. Furthermore, the professional performance opportunities, particularly the annual "Opus Nutcracker," provide invaluable experiences that are often a highlight for families in the region. For any Washington local looking for an enriching, supportive, and high-quality dance education where students truly feel part of a family, Opus Performing Arts is undoubtedly the premier choice.

Opus Performing Arts

207 Prospect St Suite 201, Bellingham, WA 98225, USA