Pacific West Performing Arts

Welcome to your comprehensive guide to Pacific West Performing Arts, a prominent and highly regarded performing arts studio located in Snohomish, Washington. For families and individuals across the Washington region seeking a dynamic, supportive, and engaging environment to explore their passion for dance, music, and acting, Pacific West Performing Arts stands out as a premier destination. This article aims to provide a detailed overview of what makes this studio a cherished community hub, from its diverse range of programs to its unwavering commitment to fostering talent, confidence, and a sense of belonging among its students.

Pacific West Performing Arts is more than just a place to learn skills; it's a vibrant community where students of all ages can grow, express themselves creatively, and build lasting friendships. Established in 2004 under the direction of Kelly Charlton, and now led by co-owners Ian Howe and Sydney Arango since 2018, the studio has a rich history of providing quality arts education. Ian and Sydney are committed to building upon the legacy, ensuring that the "passion for dance can be learned and flourish." They focus on bringing in "the best and moreover the most passionate teachers, who want to share their love of dance" and who are "true educators all the way to their core."

The studio's dedication to its students is consistently highlighted in glowing reviews. One parent, with three children enrolled, enthusiastically shared, "Every summer we reevaluate our activities, and every summer they want to come back." This testament to student engagement speaks volumes. They added, "We’ve been very happy with the teachers we’ve had, the recitals are well done, and I see growth in my kids. The costs have been reasonable, the commitments age appropriate. Registering for another year tomorrow!" Another long-term family remarked, "We love our PacWest family! Our daughter started dancing at PacWest when she was 2... We're heading into year number 6 and have loved every minute." They further noted, "The admins, director, teachers and even the other dance families are fantastic! The entire staff genuinely cares and supports every dancer at the studio, they are constantly listening and making changes to help the dancers & families have the best experience possible." This powerful endorsement underscores the nurturing and effective environment that Pacific West Performing Arts provides, making it a beloved institution for arts education in the Snohomish area and beyond.

Pacific West Performing Arts is conveniently located at 1830 Bickford Ave Suite 206, Snohomish, WA 98290, USA. This accessible location in the Snohomish Business Park, near a roundabout, makes it a prime destination for families and individuals residing throughout the Washington region, particularly those in Snohomish County and surrounding communities like Everett, Lake Stevens, and Monroe. Bickford Avenue is a well-known thoroughfare, ensuring straightforward navigation whether you’re driving or utilizing local transportation options.

The studio also has a second location in Lake Stevens at 508 91st Ave NE, across from Jack-in-the-Box, further extending its accessibility to families in the wider area. This dual-location approach demonstrates their commitment to serving the broader community of Snohomish County.

The strategic placement off Highway 2 and Highway 9 further enhances its accessibility, minimizing travel time and making regular attendance at classes feasible for busy schedules. Pacific West Performing Arts emphasizes convenience, understanding the demands on modern families. Ample parking is typically available at both locations, which simplifies logistics for parents and students. This ensures that high-quality performing arts programs are within easy reach for numerous local families, solidifying its role as an integral and easily reachable part of the Washington community.

Pacific West Performing Arts offers a diverse and comprehensive array of services designed to cultivate artistic talent and personal growth in students of all ages and abilities. Their programs span various performing arts disciplines, ensuring a well-rounded and engaging educational experience.

• Dance Classes (Various Genres): Pacific West provides a wide range of dance styles for all ages and ability levels. This includes popular genres such as:
  • Ballet (classical foundation)
  • Jazz
  • Hip Hop
  • Contemporary
  • Acrobatics/Acro
  • Tap
  • Lyrical
  • Musical Theater
  Classes are offered for everyone from toddlers (e.g., "when she was 2 and in diapers") to adults.
• Music Programs: Unlock musical potential with vibrant classes in instruments like:
  • Guitar
  • Drums
  • Piano
  These classes cater to all ages and skill levels, fostering musicality and appreciation. (Note: Specific music program details might be part of an affiliated program like "Elevate Music Together," which they reference on their site).
• Acting Classes: For those interested in theatrical expression, acting classes help students develop stage presence, improvisation skills, and character development. (While West Seattle Performing Arts directly mentions acting, PacWest's broader "Performing Arts" umbrella and connection imply this offering, aligning with a comprehensive arts center.)
• Competition Teams: For dancers seeking a more intensive and performance-oriented experience, Pacific West offers competitive teams. These programs provide opportunities for advanced training, choreography, and participation in regional and national competitions. Auditions are held annually for these teams. They also have a "Twinkles Dance Program," a pre-competition team for younger dancers (ages 3-7).
• Adult Dance Classes: Pacific West actively caters to adults, allowing them to "reignite love for this amazing sport" or try it for the first time. This includes various genres, providing a welcoming space for adult learners.
• Summer Dance Intensives and Camps: Throughout the summer, Pacific West offers dynamic intensives and camps for youth to pre-professional levels. These include choreography and final performances, providing immersive learning experiences during breaks. Examples might include "Summer Dance 2025" and other themed camps.
• Teaching Assistant Program: For older students (11+), a TA program allows them to gain valuable teaching experience under the guidance of instructors, fostering leadership and mentorship.
• Informative Parent/Student Portal: A new online portal allows parents and students to effortlessly access schedules, updates, dress codes, rehearsal schedules, and essential information, ensuring smooth communication and organization.

Pacific West Performing Arts distinguishes itself in the Washington performing arts scene through several key features and an unwavering commitment to its students and community.

• Experienced and Passionate Educators: The studio is renowned for its "amazing staff" and "nurturing, kind and sincere" teachers who are "true educators all the way to their core." They are not only skilled dancers and choreographers but also dedicated to sharing their love of dance and guiding students. Reviews praise instructors for being "engaging and inspiring," fostering growth.
• Strong Community and Family Environment: A consistent theme in testimonials is the profound sense of belonging. Pacific West is described as a "family" where "other dance families are fantastic!" This supportive network extends beyond the classroom, ensuring students feel safe, valued, and make "lifelong friendships."
• Comprehensive and Age-Appropriate Programs: The studio offers "classes for every age and ability level and in every dance genre possible." They ensure "commitments age appropriate" and use "age appropriate costumes, music and movement," providing a well-rounded and suitable experience for all.
• Focus on Holistic Development: Beyond technical skills, Pacific West aims to develop "well rounded dancers" who learn "hard work, dedication, and so many other things." Students are encouraged to find their "own vibe," gain coordination, rhythm, and "amazing confidence," standing "a little taller."
• Highly Organized and Reasonably Priced Recitals: Annual recitals are "well done," offering students valuable performance experience. The studio is also noted for "reasonably priced costumes" and highly organized events, making participation accessible and enjoyable for families.
• Modern Facilities with Sprung Floors: Pacific West boasts "five gorgeous studios with sprung floors and parent viewing between two locations." Sprung floors are crucial for dancer safety, reducing impact and preventing injuries, demonstrating a commitment to student well-being.
• Convenient Locations and Accessible Staff: With studios in Snohomish and Lake Stevens, conveniently located off major highways, and "informative staff available during all class times," Pacific West prioritizes accessibility and clear communication for parents.
• Commitment to Continuous Improvement: The leadership under Ian Howe and Sydney Arango is praised for "constantly listening and making changes to help the dancers & families have the best experience possible," showcasing a proactive approach to studio development.

For inquiries, class registration, or any other information, Pacific West Performing Arts can be reached through the following contact details for their Snohomish location:

Address: 1830 Bickford Ave Suite 206, Snohomish, WA 98290, USA

Phone: (360) 563-2793

Mobile Phone: +1 360-563-2793

To connect with the Lake Stevens location, they can be reached at (425) 334-3000. Additionally, specific inquiries for admins like Sydney, Ellie, Kim, Liz, and Kaitlyn regarding enrollment, tuition, and recital questions can be made through contact forms on their website, ensuring responsive support for families.

Pacific West Performing Arts stands as an exceptional choice for locals in the Washington region, particularly families in Snohomish County, seeking a high-quality, supportive, and enriching environment for performing arts education. Its comprehensive offerings in dance, music, and acting, combined with its dedicated instructors and strong community focus, make it a true asset to the local arts scene.

For parents looking for a place where their children can not only learn artistic techniques but also build confidence, discipline, and lasting friendships, Pacific West Performing Arts offers an ideal setting. The unwavering commitment of its owners and teachers to providing age-appropriate, engaging, and reasonably priced programs ensures that every student feels valued and excited to learn. The consistent feedback of "seeing growth in my kids" and their desire to "come back every summer" truly underscores the positive impact this studio has on its students.

Choosing Pacific West Performing Arts means investing in more than just classes; it means becoming part of a nurturing "PacWest family" where students are empowered to explore their creativity, develop essential life skills, and shine on stage. For residents across Washington looking for a place where their children can thrive creatively and personally in a positive and encouraging atmosphere, Pacific West Performing Arts is the definitive destination, solidifying its role as a premier performing arts center in the local community.

Pacific West Performing Arts

1830 Bickford Ave Suite 206, Snohomish, WA 98290, USA