Prairie Dance Theatre

For over four decades, Prairie Dance Theatre (PDT) has been a vital part of Oklahoma City's cultural landscape, dedicated to enriching lives through the art of dance. Far from being a traditional "art gallery" in the sense of displaying static visual art, PDT is a dynamic and living gallery of movement, expression, and human potential. They are a beloved institution focused on dance education, inspiring excellence, and fostering a deep appreciation for the performing arts, particularly modern dance and the foundational techniques of ballet. Their long-standing commitment to engaging children in the arts is evident in their comprehensive programs and the glowing testimonials from countless families who have experienced the transformative power of dance at PDT.

Founded in 1978 by Beth Shumway, Prairie Dance Theatre initially operated as a professional touring dance company, bringing captivating performances and workshops to Oklahoma and the surrounding region. In 2003, PDT strategically shifted its focus to dance education, recognizing the profound impact they could have on young lives. This evolution led to the creation of The Prairie Dance Experience, a workshop specifically designed for children in Oklahoma City Public Schools, and the development of multiple dance-based performing arts programs for underserved youth. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit and a proud Allied Arts member agency, PDT operates with the support of grants and community donations, striving to make quality dance education accessible to as many students as possible. Their mission is clear: to promote a high standard of dance and movement through education, nurturing self-confidence, developing social skills, and encouraging students to reach beyond their perceived limitations. The addition of the Askew Ballet Academy further strengthens their offerings, bringing American Ballet Theatre caliber instruction to local dancers.

Prairie Dance Theatre is conveniently situated at 3333 N Shartel Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73118, USA. This location places them within a well-established and easily accessible part of Oklahoma City, making it a practical choice for families residing across the metro area. Whether you're driving from north, south, east, or west, N Shartel Ave provides straightforward access. While specific public transportation routes serving this immediate address should be verified, Oklahoma City's network of roads ensures that private vehicle travel is a common and convenient option for most. The area generally offers adequate parking, allowing for a hassle-free experience for students attending classes and parents during drop-off and pick-up. This central yet accessible location is key to PDT's mission of making quality dance education available to a broad spectrum of the community.

• Diverse Dance Classes for All Ages: PDT offers a wide array of dance disciplines, catering to various age groups and skill levels, from toddlers to adults. Classes include:

• Dance With Me (Ages 2-3): Designed for caregivers and children to bond and learn fundamental ballet and jazz techniques through creative movement, stories, and games, helping to ease separation anxiety.

• Creative Dance (Ages 3-5): Introduces young dancers to ballet and jazz fundamentals in a positive and imaginative environment, enhancing cognitive and social development.

• Ballet (Ages 6-Adult): Traditional ballet instruction focusing on technique, strength, flexibility, and grace, set to classical music.

• Jazz (Ages 6-18): Energetic classes incorporating stretches, isolations, strengthening exercises, and fast-paced, rhythmically-based combinations, often seen on Broadway.

• Tap (Ages 6-Adult): A discipline where dancers create rhythms and sounds with tap shoes, excellent for developing patterning skills and musicality.

• Hip Hop (Age-appropriate): Focuses on isolations, stretching, rhythms, upper body strength, and funky footwork, with age-appropriate music and movement.

• Ballet, Jazz, Tap Combo (Ages 6-18): Combines multiple genres to provide a well-rounded dance exposure, building a strong technical foundation.

• Pop Hop (Ages 6-18): Blends elements of Jazz and Hip Hop with popular dance moves, inspiring dancers to respond to upbeat, age-appropriate music.

• Brothers & Sisters (Special 6-week session, Ages 6-18): Encourages sibling, friend, and family bonding through dance techniques and choreography, culminating in a performance.

• Dads & Daughters (Special 8-10 week session, Ages 7-18 and 18-99): A unique class promoting bonding and dancing for fathers and their daughters, ending with a performance.

• In-School and After-School Programs: PDT actively engages with Oklahoma City Public Schools through programs like Smart Moves In-School and After-School, and Team IMPACT Saturdays, bringing dance education directly to students.
• Performance Opportunities: Students have opportunities to showcase their skills in various performances, allowing them to experience the joy of sharing their hard work with an audience.
• Community Outreach: As a non-profit, PDT is deeply involved in the community, providing dance programs free of charge to underserved children in elementary schools, making dance accessible to those who might not otherwise have the opportunity.
• Professional and Nurturing Environment: Reviewers consistently highlight the supportive and experienced instructors who not only teach dance but also instill a love for the art form and build self-confidence.

• Legacy of Excellence: With over 40 years of experience, PDT has a proven track record of delivering high-quality dance education and inspiring excellence in its students.
• Commitment to Modern Dance and Visual Art: PDT emphasizes a strong foundation in modern dance while appreciating the broader connection to visual arts, offering a holistic artistic experience.
• Askew Ballet Academy Integration: The inclusion of the Askew Ballet Academy signifies a commitment to high-caliber ballet instruction, including American Ballet Theater caliber training, providing serious students with exceptional technical development.
• Experienced and Passionate Instructors: Customer reviews consistently praise the instructors for their expertise, heart, and dedication to dance education, creating a truly positive learning environment.
• Focus on Self-Confidence and Community: Beyond technical skills, PDT's programs are designed to instill self-confidence, encourage social development, and foster a strong sense of community among its students.
• Accessibility and Inclusivity: As a non-profit, PDT is dedicated to making dance accessible, especially for children in low-income areas, fulfilling its dream of filling classrooms with dance professionals and live musicians for all students.
• Allied Arts Member Agency: Being a member of Allied Arts signifies PDT's recognized contribution to the arts in Oklahoma and its commitment to community service.
• Variety of Dance Styles: The wide range of classes, from ballet and jazz to tap and hip hop, ensures that students can explore different forms of dance and find their passion.

Address: 3333 N Shartel Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73118, USA
Phone: (405) 760-8591
Mobile Phone: +1 405-760-8591

For Oklahoma City locals, Prairie Dance Theatre is an unparalleled resource for dance education and artistic enrichment. It’s more than just a place to learn dance steps; it’s a nurturing environment where children and adults alike can discover their passion for movement, build confidence, and connect with a supportive community. The positive testimonials from parents, highlighting how their daughters "LOVE the instructors" and how PDT has done "such a great job with her," speak volumes about the quality of instruction and the compassionate approach taken by the staff.

The blend of traditional dance forms with modern approaches, including the high-caliber ballet training from the Askew Ballet Academy, ensures a comprehensive and enriching experience. PDT’s long-standing history and its commitment as a non-profit to make dance accessible to underserved communities further solidify its role as a vital cultural institution in Oklahoma City. If you're seeking to introduce your child to the arts, provide them with a confidence boost, or even pursue your own dance aspirations, Prairie Dance Theatre offers a welcoming and professional setting. It’s a place where talent is honed, creativity is celebrated, and a lifelong love for the arts is ignited, making it an ideal choice for any local looking to engage with the vibrant world of dance.

Prairie Dance Theatre

3333 N Shartel Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73118, USA