Tara Cluck Dance Center

For families in Lafayette, Colorado, and the surrounding Boulder County area, the search for the perfect dance studio often ends at Tara Cluck Dance Center (TCDC). More than just a place to learn choreography, TCDC has established itself as a true "dance home" where children and young adults not only hone their technical skills but also grow as confident, expressive, and respectful individuals. With a reputation built on "excellence and heart," TCDC is lauded for its unique ethos that permeates every aspect of its operations, creating an environment that is both challenging and profoundly supportive.

Opened in March 2013 by Lafayette native Tara Cluck, TCDC has grown organically from scratch to become a premier dance destination in East Boulder County. Tara, a highly accomplished figure in the national and international dance community, brings her passion for dance education and mentoring young dancers to the forefront of the studio's mission. The staff, many of whom have been with TCDC since its early days, are consistently praised for their expertise, dedication, and genuine care for each student. This commitment to fostering "good humans" alongside exceptional dancers is what truly sets TCDC apart, making it a highly recommended choice for local families seeking a positive and impactful dance experience in Colorado.

Tara Cluck Dance Center is conveniently situated at 990 S Public Rd Unit A, Lafayette, CO 80026, USA. This accessible location in Lafayette makes it a highly convenient option for families residing in Lafayette, Louisville, Boulder, Erie, and other communities across Boulder County. Its placement on South Public Road ensures straightforward access from various parts of the surrounding areas, simplifying the daily commute for parents transporting their children to classes and rehearsals. Ample parking is typically available at the facility, contributing to a smooth and stress-free experience during peak drop-off and pick-up times. The studio itself is designed to be a conducive and inspiring space for dance instruction, featuring dedicated studios equipped for a wide range of dance styles. Its presence in Lafayette actively contributes to the local arts scene, providing a high-quality venue for dance education and performance.

Tara Cluck Dance Center (TCDC) offers a comprehensive and diverse range of dance programs designed to cater to students of all ages and skill levels, from early childhood exploration to advanced competitive training. The curriculum emphasizes strong technical foundations while fostering creativity and performance skills.

Services Offered:

• Classes By Age:
  • Ages 2-3: Creative Movement, Ballet/Tap Combo classes focused on rhythm, creative play, and basic dance elements.
  • Ages 3-5: Ballet/Tap Combo, Jazz/Hip Hop Combo, and Fairytale Ballet classes for movers and shakers, introducing basic technique and terminology.
  • Ages 4-6: Ballet/Tap Combo, Jazz/Hip Hop Combo, and Lil' Hip Hop classes.
  • Ages 5-9: Beginning Ballet, Jazz/Lyrical Combo, Jazz, and Hip Hop classes, allowing for recreational or more serious exploration.
  • Ages 9-12: Offers beginning and intermediate options, with opportunities to elevate training.
  • Teen Dance (13+ yrs): Classes designed for teenage dancers.
  • Adult Classes (18+ yrs): Adult Hip Hop and Adult Tap for beginners and experienced dancers.
• Diverse Dance Styles:
  • Ballet: Fundamental for all dance forms, emphasizing strength, flexibility, terminology, and technique. Multiple levels including Pre-Pointe and Pointe.
  • Contemporary: Blends ballet, jazz, modern, and hip hop, focusing on creative and physical challenges, flexibility, strength, and total body connectivity.
  • Hip Hop: Focuses on self-expression, style explorations (popping, locking, waving, gliding), and freestyle circles. Both boys and girls welcome.
  • Jazz: Combines ballet and modern techniques with popular dance forms, emphasizing precision, rhythm, isolations, and personal expression.
  • Lyrical: Combines ballet and jazz techniques, with modern elements, for expressive movement to music.
  • Musical Theater: Fusion of dancing and acting, with performance on stage, focusing on confidence and storytelling through dance.
  • Tap: Focuses on rhythms, patterns, and sounds, with various styles from Broadway to Rhythm tap.
  • Turns & Leaps: Technique-only class for enhancing turns, tricks, leaps, flexibility, strength, and conditioning. (Does not perform at recital, recommended for faster progression).
• Competitive Programs ("The Flock"):
  • "Peeps" (Kindergarten - 2nd Grade): For young dancers to gain performance and competition experience without full-time commitment, competing at 2-3 events and showcases.
  • "Demi Company" (3rd grade and up): For dancers who love to train and perform but have other interests, with high-level training and performances at community events and 2-3 competitions.
  • "Company" (3rd grade and up): Elite individuals committed to advanced training in multiple styles, competing locally each season and nationally every other year. Produces a student-run production on off-competition years.
• Special Needs Dance: A dedicated monthly class (1 Saturday per month) for the Special Needs community, with opportunities to perform in annual Holiday and Spring Showcases.
• Master Classes: Regularly hosts guest faculty for master classes, providing exposure to different styles and techniques.

Tara Cluck Dance Center (TCDC) stands out significantly due to several key features and highlights that foster its reputation as a leading dance institution in Colorado. These attributes contribute to its unique culture and the comprehensive development of its students.

Features / Highlights:

• "No Drama" Environment: A highly valued aspect by parents, TCDC actively works to "nip drama in the bud," creating a positive, respectful, and supportive atmosphere where students can focus on dance and personal growth without unnecessary interpersonal conflict.
• Consistent Instruction from Top Teachers: The studio boasts low instructor turnover, with a team of accomplished, caring, and technically excellent teachers. This consistency provides stability and high-quality guidance for students' progress. Many instructors, including Tara Cluck herself, have extensive professional backgrounds in dance.
• Strong Ethos and Values: Tara Cluck and her entire staff are committed to being "good humans" and are passionate about dance education and their students. This informs every decision, ensuring everyone is treated with respect and fostering kindness and positive character traits alongside dance skills.
• Comprehensive Skill and Personal Development: Students consistently show significant growth in technique, confidence, and ability to express themselves. The studio's focus extends beyond dance steps to developing students as "good humans," highlighting a holistic approach.
• Exposure to Diverse Styles and Master Classes: The curriculum offers a wide variety of dance styles. Additionally, regular master classes with guest faculty provide unique exposure to different techniques and perspectives, enriching the students' training.
• Dedicated Competitive and Recreational Tracks: TCDC effectively caters to both recreational dancers (who want to enjoy dance at a less intense pace) and serious competitive dancers through programs like "Peeps," "Demi Company," and "Company," allowing dancers to choose their commitment level.
• "Flock Family" Community: The term "#flockfamilyforlife" used by satisfied customers underscores the strong sense of community and belonging that the studio cultivates among its students and families.
• Special Needs Dance Program: A notable highlight is the long-standing and dedicated Special Needs Dance Class, demonstrating the studio's commitment to inclusivity and providing dance opportunities for all members of the community.
• Owner/Director's Expertise: Tara Cluck is not only the owner and artistic director but also a highly respected figure nationally and internationally as a dance educator, teacher, judge, and choreographer, ensuring top-tier leadership and vision for the studio.

For inquiries about class schedules, enrollment, or any other information regarding their programs, Tara Cluck Dance Center welcomes your contact.

Contact Information:

Address: 990 S Public Rd Unit A, Lafayette, CO 80026, USA

Phone: (303) 665-0908

Mobile Phone: +1 303-665-0908

In conclusion, for locals in Lafayette, Colorado, and the surrounding Boulder County, Tara Cluck Dance Center (TCDC) stands out as an exceptional and highly recommended choice for dance education. Its convenient location on South Public Road makes it easily accessible for families across the region, simplifying the logistics of regular attendance. What truly makes TCDC a suitable "dance home" for local residents is its deeply ingrained ethos of "excellence and heart," ensuring a positive, drama-free, and respectful environment where every dancer is valued. The consistent instruction from highly accomplished and caring teachers, combined with a comprehensive curriculum that caters to all ages and skill levels—from recreational classes to elite competitive teams—provides unparalleled opportunities for technical growth and artistic expression. Furthermore, TCDC's commitment to fostering well-rounded individuals, building confidence, and even offering a dedicated Special Needs Dance Program, demonstrates its profound dedication to the entire community. For any family in Colorado seeking a supportive, challenging, and inspiring place where their children can truly thrive as dancers and as people, Tara Cluck Dance Center is an invaluable and cherished resource.

Tara Cluck Dance Center

990 S Public Rd Unit A, Lafayette, CO 80026, USA