Top Dance schools in Seattle, United States

The nutcracker was a huge disappointment. Our whole family goes almost yearly. This seemed more like the children’s theater, the whole first act was kids under 10 performing. We couldn’t believe it. The entire choreography was rewritten to cut out scenes entirely.

To add to that there was a screaming 1yo baby that multiple people got in arguments about during the performance and the staff didn’t lift a finger.
Everything just seems cheap and rushed at this place now. It really was heartbreaking.

Could barely hear the orchestra. Low volume compromised the dance. In ballet the music and the dance are equally important. The performance seemed more like a silent film. Also, orchestra dynamics were lacking significant musical interpretation.

Just so disappointed. Even though we were gifted the tickets, we were tricked by the ballet into being the audience for a man dancing as the sugarplum fairy. Certainly nowhere near the grace and style of the women. He was clumsy, heavy and awkward. The cavalier could barely partner him. It's another example of men taking jobs, positions from women. They may have fooled most of the audience who were focused on the beautiful sets, amazing Orchestra, fantastic costumes and performance by the other dancers, but not all of us. It was brazen, uncomfortable, shocking and again disappointing.

I should've given zero stars but the others dancers don't deserve that.

What an incredible way to spend an evening mesmerized by artists who sacrifice so much to tell unforgettable stories through dance and movement. Support the classical arts and throw the tacky screens in the rubbish bin, your soul will thank you! 6 outta 5!

I will never spend my time or money here again. I have a kind and quiet special needs teenager, who asked to exit twice for a break, rather than disturb anyone during the performance. When we exited, we walked a good 100 feet from the entry/exit door to quietly chat for no more than 10 minutes. We exited twice, once before intermission, and once after. The usher walked over to us the second time we exited and interrupted to inform us that exiting the performance is disturbing to the other patrons and warned that if we did it again, we would not be permitted back in. I was completely appalled. And my heart shattered knowing how she made my son feel.

It took many many years to get my son to where he is today, which is to sit quietly in a theater for an hours-long performance that he loves. We are very proud of his progress. We have seen the nutcracker ballet in several major cities every year for most of his life. We have had to leave and go home as early as 10 minutes in, and have worked diligently year after year staying longer for each show, until finally being able to stay the whole show and just needing more breaks. However long the journey, today we are still needing to take just a couple more breaks than average people.

I understand that the exiting can disturb some patrons, and for that we are devastatingly apologetic. But clearly this is not a ballet company that practices inclusiveness, for at the very least, there would be some protocol and training on how to appropriately address patrons experiencing these circumstances. Unfortunately, the PNB company is not for my family, or for any quiet family needing to exit the theater off schedule.

The two stars are for the wonderful ballet dancers, musicians, and stage crew. Minus three stars for the usher’s rudeness, insensitivity, and the company’s policy (if that is what this case is). The snack/refreshment options and lack of seating during intermission left much to be desired as well.

We’ve been taking our daughter here since she was 3. She loves Miss Justine and always has so much fun

I have been going to the adult ballet classes at Dance Fremont for a year and a half now.

The instructors are amazing - so supportive, fun and effective.

Classes are accessible yet challenging and I have never felt embarrassed about not knowing how to do something or just being my usual awkward clumsy self.

I cannot recommend Dance Fremont for adult dance classes enough! It has become my community and one of my favorite places in all of Seattle. Try it!!!!

I love coming to see Pacific Northwest Ballet! The company’s productions are top quality- the choreography, the dancing, the live music, the light design, the set design, the costuming… it’s an incredible privilege to have access to this level of art. Most of the country does not have ballet of this caliber and I’m blown away by the experience of witnessing humans coming together to create all of this live in front of me.

My daughter looks forward to the Saturday morning ballet classes with Ms.Justine. The class is a lot of fun, the kids learn the basics well, the instructor is always gentle with them, and the location is perfect for us.

Did a capoeira class and it was an extremely rewarding experience. The instruction was excellent, the pace was intense, but there was room to slow down the movements to figure things out, and everyone there gave the atmosphere of a return trip home to family and friends. Highly recommended.

I am a student at the ADI and absolutely love it! The teachers are great, the students are friendly, and the whole studio is body positive. Would recommend to anyone!

My daughter has been going here for years. The staff and teachers are great and the two shows they put on per year are lovely.

Amazing first time experience at McCaw hall ballet. Nutcracker was one of my favorite ballet! It brought me many childhood memories as my mom used to take me when I was a kid back in Europe. Classic Tchaikovsky music was always such a pleasure to listen. I love the costumes, the choreography the music, decorations everything was absolutely amazing.

Only one thing I didn't like but it's not ballet related its more to McCaw hall. Coming from Europe and going my whole life to ballet & theatre we have amazing breaks with champagne small bites and fancy crostinis. The beer in plastic cup and selection of some donuts was absolutely disappointing. I took 1 champagne that they forced me to pour in plastic cup and it was so disgusting! I regret I took that drink I couldn't even finish it. I wish choices were more extravagant just like in Europe.

I cannot say enough good things about my experience taking a beginner adult ballet class with Margaret K. As someone who trains in another dance form, I could not ask for a more perfect teacher.  The positive upbeat tone she sets for the class, explanations, demonstrations and level of details she goes into are wonderful. She also always humors my many additional questions about arm carriage, hand position, head tilt, gaze and other small things that make a world of difference.
If you're considering adult ballet classes, you should strongly consider ADI and make sure your class is with Margaret. She's an asset to the company.

My daughter is not very coordinated, but in just a week, her instructor had her dancing so gracefully. It was amazing to see the transformation.

For my son's first dance class, the teacher, style and space are perfect. Jay is a very fun and low pressure instructor, but he keeps class interesting and challenging. Location of the studio is great for us. Flexibility around monthly or quarterly payments is also a nice option. But the best part is it is one of the few activities my son is always happy to attend.

I have really enjoyed taking classes at ADI at Wedgewood and at the other studios. The teachers are very good and their adult ballet classes are a great place for anyone to learn and to work from whatever level they are at. Thank you guys for helping me pursue a childhood passion again!

Fiona is an amazing ballet instructor!

So happy I found this gem in Seattle. This studio has provided so much joy through these hard times. The quality of instruction is top notch and the community of people is wonderful. I also appreciate that this studio takes covid precautions seriously. It's impossible not to leave the studio happier, wiser, and very sweaty! :) If you want to learn the real roots of Brazilian art plus make awesome new friends, you need to come here.

I love dancing with Daniel and Aileen. They bring such positivity to every class and I always feel better after shaking it out with them.

Bahia in Motion was my solace and anchor during the pandemic. I had been dancing there on Sundays for almost 2 years pre pandemic. Those uplifting Sundays took on an entirely new and more intense importance with the quarantine shut down of everything not “essential”. Since I was one of those “essential workers” in the medical field, I continued to have to work…and to expose myself to the at that point unknown transmissibility of the virus and risk infection daily. I thought of working at that time as putting my head in the nuclear reactor, since that’s how I viewed the toxic potential of Covid. I literally had to put my head in that mouth of the unknown and risk every time I did my medically related job.

With that type of stress and uncertainty, I needed community, and a source of stability and joy. The weekly Sunday dance classes via Zoom with Daniel and Aileen and Bahia in Motion gave me all that I needed, that I couldn’t get during lockdown. A sense of community with the regular weekly classes and familiar faces. A source of joy and uplift with the primal and ecstatic connection that only dance can provide. Most of all, in a very isolating time, the classes and teachers provided tangible, regular evidence that YOU ARE NOT ALONE; WE SUPPORT YOU. I tell Daniel and Aileen frequently that ‘You two and the Zoom classes are the reason I made it through pandemic with my mental health in a good space’. It is my absolute joy and honor to be able to write the same sentiment and review here. Bahia In Motion is a one in a million treasure.

I love this studio, Daniel and Aileen not only create amazing, full body workouts that will whip you into shape in no time, but they make is FUN. The community they create, and the high energy, makes going to any of their classes awesome!
-Jena Peterson, Naturopathic Physician in Seattle

Lovely dance space!

The students, teachers and organizers are all amazing. Good community to grow up in learning to dance.

Its... a dance studio! We take the kiddo here for ballet. Its in a fairly quiet part of the neighborhood, in the tiniest of strip malls with Jet City Pizza. A bonus: it is just half a block away from a park, which is great for before or after dance class!

With ballet studios closed due to the pandemic, online classes at Dance Fremont are an excellent option to keep dancing and feel like belonging to a community. Classes usually have a live pianist, which feels extra special. Video and audio quality are very high, and the admin staff is well-organised and competent. Most important, the teachers are friendly, helpful and caring towards dancers of all ages. I highly recommend Vivian's Wednesday class, with a focus on technique as well as coordination and expressiveness. Her tips are always valuable and she is so encouraging. Since I'm not based in Seattle, I wouldn't normally be able to go to Dance Fremont. What a luxury to be able to join in that team spirit even from so far away!

My daughter has been at Dance Fremont for the past 4 years, since she has been in first grade. I wanted a supportive, learning environment without sacrificing the discipline that comes with classical dance training. Dance Fremont has answered all our needs. I have been very impressed by their inclusivity and the quality of dancers they produce! I highly recommend Dance Fremont!

We had a fantastic time at the theater seeing The Nutcracker ballet. I sat with my granddaughter who explained it all to me as it went along...😊. Usually I’m not the biggest fan of ballet or plays or musicals, but at this venue with these seats and with my buddy by my side, I loved every moment of it! Not too long and not too brief, the show kept my attention with talented players and elaborate costumes and sets- and the music and sound system/acoustics were terrific!!! Can’t wait to go back!

The Nia classes at Balance are wonderful and taught by a variety of skilled teachers who welcome students of every level of athletic ability. In particular, look for Jag's regular workshops that provide a deeper dive into elements of Nia that are wonderful for students and teachers alike. Jen Kraft's Moving to Heal classes are also wonderful and inclusive, great for people who are easing their way back into their fitness practice after an injury -- or just a long time away from movement.

Youth Programs & Open Adult Ballet. Go here for: live accompaniment, technique, alignment, and exciting choreography.

This capoeira studio has the most wonderful and welcoming teachers and community. My children have been taking classes here for 3 years and watching them grow in their strength, flexibility, confidence, and cultural awareness has been a joy. Lucky for Seattle that we have them!

Awesome staff and clientele!!
Capoeira and Afro Brazilian classes are top notch and instructors best in class.