Sound Movement Arts Center

For families in Washington seeking a vibrant and nurturing environment where their children can truly thrive through the art of dance, Sound Movement Arts Center (SMAC) in Tacoma stands as an exceptional choice. More than just a dance studio, SMAC is a community where young individuals from age 2.5 through high school can explore a vast array of dance styles, discover their passion, and build invaluable life skills. Located conveniently in Tacoma, SMAC serves as a creative hub for aspiring dancers across Pierce County and beyond, including communities like Federal Way, Lakewood, and Puyallup.

What truly sets Sound Movement Arts Center apart is its unwavering commitment to fostering both artistic growth and personal development. The studio is widely celebrated for its "loving, engaging, and very professional" teachers who serve not just as instructors but as "amazing role models" to their students. This supportive ethos helps dancers not only improve their technical skills but also grow in confidence and self-assurance. Parents frequently note the remarkable transformation in their children, from overcoming stage fright to developing a strong passion for dance that they never knew they had.

With a huge variety of classes and dance styles, from classical ballet and pointe to high-energy hip-hop, jazz, tap, contemporary, modern, ballroom, and acro, SMAC ensures there's a perfect fit for every child's interest and skill level. Their popular summer dance camps and well-organized recitals further enhance the experience, providing engaging opportunities for learning and performance throughout the year. It's clear that for many families in Washington, SMAC is a cherished second home where creativity flourishes and lifelong friendships are forged.

This article will provide an in-depth look at Sound Movement Arts Center, detailing its accessible location, the comprehensive range of services offered, its distinctive features and highlights, contact information, and why it is an ideal choice for locals in the Washington region seeking a remarkable dance education.

Sound Movement Arts Center is conveniently located at 3502 S 12th St suite b, Tacoma, WA 98405, USA. This accessible address positions it strategically within Tacoma, making it a central and easy-to-reach destination for families across Pierce County. Its location on S 12th Street ensures good road connectivity, facilitating smooth commutes from various parts of Tacoma and surrounding cities such as Lakewood, Puyallup, University Place, and Spanaway.

For parents in the Washington region, especially those managing busy schedules, the accessibility of a dance studio is a significant practical consideration. While specific parking details for this exact suite aren't always explicitly advertised, commercial locations like this typically provide ample on-site parking or readily available street parking, which is a crucial convenience during drop-off and pick-up times. This ease of access minimizes logistical stress, allowing children to arrive at their classes feeling relaxed and ready to engage in their artistic pursuits. The studio's presence in Tacoma also means it's part of a vibrant urban community that embraces arts and culture, providing a supportive backdrop for children's activities and athletic pursuits. The welcoming atmosphere created by the staff and environment further enhances the overall positive experience.

Sound Movement Arts Center offers a rich and diverse curriculum designed to cater to a wide range of ages, skill levels, and artistic interests, providing both recreational and competitive programs.

• Recreational Dance Programs: These classes are designed for students who want to enjoy dance, learn new skills, and express themselves without the commitment of competitive training. They focus on foundational techniques and fun.
• Competitive Dance Programs (Movement Dance Company - MDC): For dedicated dancers aged 6+ seeking a higher level of training and performance opportunities. MDC offers a pre-professional track in multiple dance styles, with auditions typically held in June/July for the upcoming season. MDC emphasizes high morale and technical expectations, fostering dedicated, humble, and team-oriented artists.
  • Mini MDC (6-7yrs)
  • Junior MDC (8-10yrs)
  • Pre-Teen, Teen & Senior MDC (11+)
• Extensive Dance Styles Offered: SMAC boasts a huge variety of dance styles, ensuring a fit for every interest:
  • Ballet: Classical technique including Pre-Pointe and Pointe.
  • Tap: Rhythmic and percussive footwork.
  • Jazz: Energetic and expressive movements.
  • Hip Hop: Popular urban dance styles.
  • Contemporary: Blending modern, jazz, and ballet for emotional expression.
  • Modern: Focusing on natural movements and individual interpretation.
  • Ballroom: Partner dancing skills, offering a unique dance experience for youth.
  • Acro: Combining dance with gymnastic elements, emphasizing flexibility and tumbling.
• Classes for All Ages: Programs are available for children starting from 2.5 years old through high school, and occasionally offer adult dance classes. Specific age-group classes include:
  • Twinkle Tots (ages 2-3)
  • Kinder Kids & Kids Bop (ages 4-5)
  • Youth Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Musical Theatre (ages 6+)
• Cheer Program: Includes Acro Flex & Tumbling, Cheer, and Cheer Funk (ages 6+).
• Modeling Program: Offers classes in Print, Runway, and more (ages 6+), broadening the artistic offerings beyond dance.
• Summer Dance Camps: Popular, fun-filled camps that provide intensive learning and engagement during school breaks.
• Annual Recitals & Showcases: Opportunities for all students to perform at year-end recitals (like the Inspire Recital in May) and December showcases, building confidence and showcasing skills.
• "The Nutcracker – Act 2": A family-friendly, shortened version of the classic ballet, offering an opportunity for students to audition and perform in a cherished holiday production. Auditions are typically held in August.
• Make-Up Classes: A flexible policy allows for make-up classes within 60 days of a missed class, typically within the same style and similar age/level.

Sound Movement Arts Center distinguishes itself through several key features and highlights that contribute to its strong reputation and positive impact within the Washington dance community:

• Loving, Engaging, and Professional Teachers: This is consistently highlighted as a top feature. The instructors are praised not only for their professionalism and dance expertise but also for their caring nature, making classes enjoyable and effective.
• Focus on Confidence and Personal Growth: Beyond dance technique, SMAC is dedicated to helping students grow as individuals. Parents share powerful testimonials about their daughters gaining significant confidence, overcoming shyness, and developing a strong passion for dance, attributing this growth to the studio's supportive environment and the teachers' roles as "amazing role models."
• Welcoming and Caring Staff and Owner: The overall atmosphere is described as incredibly welcoming and caring, from the owner to all staff members. This contributes to the "family" feeling that many dancers and their families experience.
• Huge Variety of Classes and Dance Styles: The extensive range of offerings, including a comprehensive selection of ballet, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, modern, tap, ballroom, and acro, ensures that every child can find a style they love and continue to grow within the same studio.
• Both Recreational and Competitive Programs: SMAC caters to different levels of commitment, offering both recreational classes for fun and competitive "Movement Dance Company" teams for those seeking more intensive training and performance opportunities.
• Engaging Summer Dance Camps: The popularity of their summer dance camps is a highlight, providing a fun and immersive experience for students during school breaks, keeping them active and engaged in dance.
• Well-Structured Performance Opportunities: From annual recitals and December showcases to the unique opportunity to audition for "The Nutcracker – Act 2," SMAC provides ample stage experience for dancers to showcase their skills and build self-confidence.
• Flexible Make-Up Class Policy: The ability to make up missed classes within a reasonable timeframe (60 days) and often within a similar class style demonstrates the studio's understanding and accommodation for busy family schedules.
• Expansive Age Range: Catering to dancers from 2.5 years old through high school, and occasionally adults, allows for long-term student development and fosters a sense of continuity for families within the studio.

For those in the Washington region interested in Sound Movement Arts Center in Tacoma, whether to enroll a child, inquire about programs, or simply learn more, here is the essential contact information:

Address: 3502 S 12th St suite b, Tacoma, WA 98405, USA

Phone: (253) 924-9977

Mobile Phone: +1 253-924-9977

For the most current class schedules, registration details, tuition fees, audition information for competitive teams, and upcoming performance dates, it is highly recommended to visit their official website or contact them directly via phone. The welcoming staff will be able to provide comprehensive assistance and guidance.

For families in Washington, particularly within Tacoma and the surrounding Pierce County area, Sound Movement Arts Center is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended choice for dance education. Its core strength lies in its commitment to holistic child development, where "loving, engaging, and very professional" teachers serve as genuine role models, nurturing not just dance technique but also crucial life skills like confidence, self-expression, and passion. Parents' testimonials consistently highlight this transformative impact, noting significant personal growth in their children beyond just dance proficiency.

The vast array of dance styles offered, from classical ballet and pointe to dynamic hip-hop and acro, ensures that every child, from a curious toddler to a pre-professional high school student, can find a program that excites and challenges them. This breadth of choice, combined with both recreational and competitive pathways, makes SMAC incredibly versatile and accommodating to diverse interests and commitment levels.

Furthermore, the welcoming atmosphere, accommodating staff, fun summer camps, and opportunities to perform in well-produced recitals and even "The Nutcracker" solidify SMAC's position as a cherished local institution. It's a place where children are encouraged to embrace their passion, overcome challenges, and form lasting friendships within a supportive community. For any Washington family seeking a dance studio that truly invests in their child's artistic and personal growth, Sound Movement Arts Center in Tacoma is an outstanding and highly recommended option.

Sound Movement Arts Center

3502 S 12th St suite b, Tacoma, WA 98405, USA