The Dance Center by Erica Edwards

For families and individuals across Washington, especially those residing in the charming community of Sequim and the broader Olympic Peninsula, discovering local institutions that truly foster growth and talent is a wonderful asset. The Dance Center by Erica Edwards, nestled right here in Sequim, WA, is a shining example of such a place. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of The Dance Center by Erica Edwards, helping you, the local user, understand the exceptional opportunities it provides for dance education and artistic development. From the youngest aspiring dancers to more advanced students, this center is dedicated to nurturing talent and building confidence.

The Dance Center by Erica Edwards has quickly established itself as a cornerstone of the Sequim community, offering a high-caliber dance education that focuses on both technical proficiency and personal growth. Founded by Erica Edwards, an accomplished dancer with a master's degree in secondary education and extensive experience in the performing arts, the center brings a level of expertise and dedication that is truly remarkable. Her vision was to create a venue where youths could not only train but also flourish, potentially earning scholarships and gaining entry into prestigious fine arts college programs. This ambition translates into a commitment to providing top-tier training and a supportive, family-like atmosphere.

What truly sets this center apart, as highlighted by numerous testimonials, is its ability to make students feel "welcomed and seen." The instructors, including more advanced dancers, serve as excellent role models, inspiring younger students to strive for their personal best. Parents consistently praise the engaging and age-appropriate classes, noting significant improvements in their children's technique and a notable boost in confidence. This holistic approach to dance education, combining rigorous training with a nurturing environment, makes The Dance Center by Erica Edwards a standout choice for anyone in Washington looking to pursue dance seriously or simply for enjoyment.

This overview will delve into the practical aspects of its location and accessibility, detail the extensive array of services it provides, highlight its unique features, and offer essential contact information. Our goal is to equip you with all the necessary insights to make an informed decision about your or your child's dance journey in the Washington region, specifically focusing on the exceptional experience you can expect at The Dance Center by Erica Edwards.

The Dance Center by Erica Edwards is conveniently located at 145 E Washington St Suite C, Sequim, WA 98382, USA. This address places it directly within the heart of downtown Sequim, making it a highly accessible destination for residents within the city and from surrounding communities on the Olympic Peninsula.

East Washington Street is a central thoroughfare in Sequim, ensuring that the studio is easy to find and reach. Its downtown location means it's often within walking or short driving distance for many local families, and potentially accessible via local public transport options, though most families in the area likely rely on personal vehicles. While specific parking details for Suite C aren't always explicitly listed, downtown Sequim generally offers a mix of street parking and small lots, making it reasonably convenient for drop-offs and pick-ups. The integration of the dance center into the vibrant downtown area not only provides convenience but also connects it more deeply with the fabric of the local Washington community.

• Pre-Ballet (ages 3 & 4): Fun and exciting introduction to dance for the youngest students, focusing on motor skills, coordination, musical awareness, and listening skills.
• Beginner Combo Classes (ages 4-5): Offered in Ballet/Tap or Ballet/Jazz, these classes introduce fundamental dance steps and basic choreography.
• Ballet (age 5 and up): Foundation of all dance genres, focusing on correct body alignment, posture, classical ballet technique, flexibility, strength, musicality, and grace. Higher levels (2+) attend twice a week and include Progressing Ballet Technique.
• Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) (age 8 and up): Innovative body-conditioning and strengthening program to enhance technique in all forms of dance, focusing on core strength, weight placement, and alignment.
• Hip-Hop (age 5 and up): Fast-paced, energetic dance style using street/urban moves, focusing on rhythm, musicality, coordination, and individuality.
• Jazz (age 5 and up): Focuses on strength, flexibility, and rhythm, including jumps, turns, progressions, and combinations based on ballet technique.
• Tap (age 5 and up): Develops rhythm, style, and sound, with exercises building flexibility, coordination, and speed.
• Musical Theatre (age 5 and up): Focuses on proper dance technique in various styles used in Broadway shows, emphasizing performance skills, improvisation, and musicality for storytelling.
• Leaps & Turns (Ages 8-18, Intermediate to Advanced dancers): Works to increase extension, flexibility, and precision in various turns and leaps.
• Lyrical (Intermediate to Advanced dancers, instructor approval needed): Combines ballet and jazz elements for a soft, fluid style emphasizing storytelling and emotional connection to music.
• Competitive Dance Teams: Training and participation in competitive events across categories like musical theater jazz, lyrical, jazz, tap, and hip hop, with solo, duet/trio, small, and large group divisions.
• Adult Classes: Including options like Zumba and Zumba Step classes.
• Toddler-and-Mom Classes: Programs for the youngest dancers with parental involvement.
• Senior Ballet Classes: Catering to older adults interested in ballet.

• Experienced and Accomplished Founder: Erica Edwards, a former ballerina with The Joffrey Ballet, brings extensive professional experience and a master's degree in secondary education.
• Excellent Teachers and Role Models: Staff are praised for their expertise, engagement, and positive influence on students, including more advanced dancers.
• Focus on Technical Improvement: Strong emphasis on developing correct dance technique from foundational levels.
• Confidence Building: Classes are designed to help students flourish and gain self-confidence.
• Engaging and Age-Appropriate Classes: Curriculum tailored to different age groups and skill levels, ensuring an optimal learning experience.
• Clean and Safe Facility: Providing a secure and hygienic environment for all dancers.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Parents and families are encouraged to stay and watch their dancers, fostering a welcoming community feel.
• Competitive Opportunities: Offers competitive dance teams that have achieved top performances against studios in larger areas like Seattle.
• Scholarship and College Program Focus: Aims to prepare students for college fine arts programs and potential dance scholarships.
• Supportive and Collegial Vibe: Cultivates a family-like atmosphere where students support each other.
• Variety of Classes for All Ages: Programs spanning from toddlers to seniors, covering a wide range of dance styles and skill levels.

Address: 145 E Washington St Suite C, Sequim, WA 98382, USA

Phone: (360) 670-4600

For residents of Washington, particularly those in Sequim and the surrounding Olympic Peninsula, The Dance Center by Erica Edwards stands out as an exceptional local resource for dance education and artistic development. Its suitability for locals is multifaceted, addressing a wide range of needs from recreational enjoyment to serious pre-professional training.

At its core, the center offers high-quality instruction across a broad spectrum of dance styles, from foundational ballet and jazz to energetic hip-hop and expressive lyrical. This diverse curriculum, coupled with specialized programs like Progressing Ballet Technique and Leaps & Turns, ensures that students of all ages and skill levels can find classes tailored to their interests and goals. The consistent feedback from parents highlights significant improvements in technique and, perhaps even more importantly, a notable boost in confidence, demonstrating the effectiveness of the center's pedagogical approach.

Beyond the technical training, The Dance Center cultivates a remarkably positive and nurturing environment. The teachers, led by the accomplished Erica Edwards, are described as excellent role models who not only instruct but also inspire, making students feel "welcomed and seen." This supportive, family-like atmosphere is crucial for fostering a genuine love for dance and for encouraging perseverance. The fact that parents are encouraged to stay and observe further reinforces this sense of community and transparency, making it a comfortable space for the entire family.

For families in Washington seeking a dance studio that combines professional-level training with a deeply supportive and engaging community, The Dance Center by Erica Edwards is an ideal choice. Its commitment to holistic development, from technical mastery to personal confidence and competitive excellence, makes it a valuable and cherished addition to the Sequim and wider Washington arts scene, providing an outstanding opportunity for local talent to truly flourish.

The Dance Center by Erica Edwards

145 E Washington St Suite C, Sequim, WA 98382, USA