Pamela Trokanski Dance

For decades, Pamela Trokanski Dance has been a cornerstone of the performing arts community in Davis, California. More than just a dance studio, it is a vibrant hub where individuals of all ages and abilities come together to explore the art of movement, build confidence, and become part of a supportive and inclusive community. With a philosophy that champions dance as an art form rather than solely a competitive sport, Pamela Trokanski Dance focuses on developing thoughtful, resilient, and accomplished dancers, ensuring that the joy of movement is accessible to everyone.

Founded by Pamela Trokanski, a respected figure in the California dance scene with over 35 years of teaching experience, the studio (often referred to as The Dance Workshop) is built on a "multi-lingual" approach to training. This means offering a wide array of dance styles, from the classical foundations of ballet to the expressive freedom of contemporary dance, the rhythmic intricacies of tap, and the dynamic energy of hip-hop. This diverse curriculum allows students to explore various facets of dance, finding their passion and honing their technical skills under the guidance of highly experienced and dedicated instructors.

What truly sets Pamela Trokanski Dance apart is its unique multi-generational community. Here, you'll find dancers ranging from preschoolers to individuals in their 90s, all sharing the dance floor and supporting one another's growth. This inclusive environment, coupled with an unwavering focus on technique for all classes, has fostered a loyal community where students often stay for years, developing not only exceptional dance skills but also a strong sense of belonging. As one long-time dancer attested, it's a place where they've "danced for almost 20 years" and are "hooked on the community here."

Pamela Trokanski Dance is conveniently located at 2720 Del Rio Pl, Davis, CA 95618, USA. This central location in Davis, California, makes it highly accessible for residents within the city and the surrounding areas of Yolo County and the broader Sacramento Valley. Davis is renowned for its community-oriented atmosphere and commitment to arts and education, making it an ideal setting for a long-standing and respected dance institution like Pamela Trokanski Dance.

The studio's address at Del Rio Place is part of The Dance Workshop, which is a well-established facility designed with the needs of dancers in mind. It boasts three studios, all equipped with sprung wood dance floors, which are essential for dancer safety and comfort, providing optimal shock absorption. The facility also includes changing rooms, bathrooms, and a welcoming lobby with large windows and glass doors, allowing for easy viewing into the studios – a feature often appreciated by parents and visitors.

For those traveling by car, there is "plenty of parking" available at the facility, which is a significant convenience for students and their families, especially during peak class times. The location is easily reachable from major roads within Davis, ensuring a smooth commute. While specific public transportation routes would depend on the exact starting point within Davis, the city's robust network of bike paths and local bus services offers alternative modes of transport for those who prefer not to drive. The overall accessibility and purpose-built facilities enhance the experience for everyone attending classes or performances at Pamela Trokanski Dance.

Pamela Trokanski Dance offers a wide and inclusive range of services, catering to individuals across all ages and experience levels, from absolute beginners to highly technically trained dancers. The curriculum reflects a commitment to dance as both an art form and a tool for well-being and community building.

• Traditional Technical Styles:
  • Contemporary/Modern: Focuses on building core strength, correct alignment, and a vocabulary including contraction/release, fall/recovery, and expansive movements.
  • Ballet: Offers classes from Absolute Beginning Ballet to advanced levels, emphasizing solid technique, classical forms with contemporary influences, and musicality. Pointe work is integrated at higher levels, with strict requirements for technical and physical readiness.
  • Jazz: Characterized by isolations, syncopated rhythms, and polyrhythmic patterns, often including a ballet component for enhanced technique.
  • Hip Hop: Dynamic classes exploring various styles and techniques within the hip-hop genre.
  • Tap: Emphasizes rhythm tap, with instruction that often includes the history and relationship of tap to jazz music.
• Specialized Adult & Wellness Programs:
  • Second Wind Dance Program: Free classes specifically for adults aged 65 and older, focusing on movement and well-being. Includes a "Second Wind Chair Dance" option for those with mobility issues, exploring seated dancing.
  • Dance for Parkinson's Program: Offered in affiliation with the Mark Morris Dance Group, these free classes provide movement and artistic engagement for people with Parkinson's and their caregivers.
  • Tribal Fusion Belly Dance: Classes focusing on isolations, drills, and the unique style of Tribal Fusion.
  • "Get UP and Dance!": Aerobic exercise class utilizing basic steps from various dance styles, suitable for teens, adults, and seniors.
  • Stretch: Classes dedicated to warm-up routines and flexibility to improve range of motion and prevent injuries.
• Youth & Children's Programs:
  • Intro to Dance (Age 4+): A foundational class for young children, building body and spatial awareness, basic movement vocabulary, and listening skills through creative experiences.
  • Pre-Contemporary (Age 5+): Focuses on acquisition of specific skills, including body awareness, strength, symmetry, spatial thinking, and musicality.
  • Youth Classes: Various levels in ballet, jazz, hip hop, tap, and musical theatre, tailored for younger dancers to develop skills and artistry.
• Performance Opportunities: Students have opportunities to participate in performances, including those by the resident companies (Pamela Trokanski Dance Theatre, The Third Stage, PTDT Apprentice Company, Light Ballet Company).
• Community Outreach Initiatives: Includes the annual Davis Dance Project (focusing on artistic literacy and community collaborations) and the KORE program (Kinesthetic, Organic, Rigorous Education) for academic enrichment using movement and visual arts.
• Scholarship Program: Recently started, providing opportunities for dancers whose family finances present a challenge to training.

Pamela Trokanski Dance is distinguished by several key features and highlights that firmly establish its reputation as a leading dance institution in the California region, fostering a truly unique and enriching environment.

• Emphasis on Dance as an Art Form, Not Just Competition: A fundamental highlight is the studio's core philosophy, which prioritizes "the focus on dance as an art form rather than a competitive sport." This allows dancers to explore creativity, expression, and the joy of movement without the undue pressure often associated with competitive environments, fostering deeper artistic development.
• Exceptional Technical Expertise and Instruction: Patrons consistently praise the "technical expertise of the instructors" as "impressive." The faculty, led by Pamela Trokanski herself (who has over 35 years of experience and a BA in Dance), is comprised of teachers with a wealth of professional experience in teaching, performance, and choreography. This ensures high-quality training across all styles and levels.
• Multi-Generational Community and Inclusivity: A standout feature is the studio's truly multi-generational approach, where "dancers of all ages" (from 4-year-olds to those in their 90s) dance together. This unique aspect fosters a supportive and encouraging community where "the people in the adult classes are supportive and encouraging," allowing dancers to "keep dancing at a high level well into adulthood." This inclusivity is rare and highly valued.
• Comprehensive and Diverse Class Offerings: The studio provides a "wide range of classes," encompassing traditional technical styles like Contemporary, Modern, Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Tap, alongside unique offerings such as Tribal Fusion Belly Dance. This variety caters to diverse interests and allows for a "multi-lingual approach" to a dancer's training.
• Focus on Holistic Development: Beyond physical skills, the studio is dedicated to "building thoughtful, resilient and accomplished dancers." Parents observe significant personal growth, with children developing "self-confidence and healthy self-esteem through performing in public."
• Purpose-Built Facilities: The Dance Workshop features "three studios, all with sprung wood dance floors," which are crucial for dancer safety and injury prevention. The inclusion of changing rooms, bathrooms, and a lobby with viewing windows further enhances the student and parent experience. An in-house performance space, the Louise H. Kellogg Memorial Theater with tiered seating, also provides valuable performance opportunities.
• Strong Community Outreach and Specialized Programs: The studio extends its impact beyond regular classes with significant community outreach, including free "Dance for Parkinson's" classes (in affiliation with the Mark Morris Dance Group) and "Second Wind" dance programs for seniors (65+). They also produce the annual Davis Dance Project, fostering artistic literacy and community collaborations, and offer a scholarship program to make dance accessible.

For detailed class schedules, registration information, or to learn more about our philosophy and programs, please contact Pamela Trokanski Dance. We welcome your inquiries and invite you to join our vibrant dance community.

Address: 2720 Del Rio Pl, Davis, CA 95618, USA

Phone: (530) 756-3949

Mobile Phone: +1 530-756-3949

Pamela Trokanski Dance is an exceptionally suitable and enriching point of interest for locals in the California region, particularly those in Davis and the wider Sacramento Valley. Its comprehensive approach to dance and unique community focus make it an invaluable local resource.

Firstly, for families, the studio offers a rare combination of high-quality technical instruction and a nurturing environment that prioritizes artistic development over competitive pressure. Parents consistently appreciate the focus on building "thoughtful, resilient and accomplished dancers" and seeing their children develop "amazing dance skills" and self-confidence over many years. This commitment to holistic growth, alongside the diverse class offerings for all youth ages, makes it an ideal choice for children's extracurricular activities right in their local area.

Secondly, the multi-generational appeal of Pamela Trokanski Dance is a significant advantage for adults and seniors in the community. The opportunity to "dance with people of all ages" in supportive and encouraging adult classes is a unique draw. Programs like "Dance for Parkinson's" and "Second Wind" (free for seniors 65 and older) demonstrate a deep commitment to making dance accessible as a tool for physical and mental well-being across the lifespan. This inclusivity means that adults can maintain a high level of dance into their later years, finding both physical activity and strong social connections within their local community.

Finally, the studio's dedication to community outreach and its rich history contribute to its suitability as a local institution. It's not just a business; it's an active participant in building a more connected and artistically literate community. The well-equipped facilities and experienced instructors further solidify its standing as a premier local destination for anyone looking to embrace the joy and art of dance, fostering a sense of pride and belonging among Californians.

Pamela Trokanski Dance

2720 Del Rio Pl, Davis, CA 95618, USA