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Columbia Dance Center

5 ★★★★★ 21 Google reviews · Ballet school in Vancouver, Washington

Adult classes Kids & teens Pointe Pre-professional

Plan your first class

  • Ages classes for ages 3–6 — check the schedule for the right level for your dancer
  • Adult classes classes for grown-ups, including absolute beginners — it's never too late to start at the barre
  • Pointe pointe and pre-pointe work for dancers who are ready — the pre-pointe strengthening comes first
  • Pre-professional a serious, conservatory-style track for committed students aiming high
  • Recitals end-of-year performances and shows — ask about costume and performance fees when you enroll
  • Summer intensive holiday and summer intensive programs — these fill early, so ask about dates and auditions
  • Today see hours ·
  • Phone +1 360-737-1922
  • Website & schedule columbiadance.org — enroll and see the live class schedule

Hours

Monday 3–6:30 pm
Tuesday 3–6:30 pm
Wednesday 3–6:30 pm
Thursday 3–6:30 pm
Friday 3–6:30 pm
Saturday 9 am–12 pm
Sunday Closed

Studio hours shift for holidays, recitals, and term schedules — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The programs they offer

Ballet programs on the schedule at Columbia Dance Center, confirmed in families' own reviews and the studio's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌸 Kids Ballet 7 mentions

“My daughter had been taking pre-ballet in East Vancouver, at a studio closer to our home, where the monthly payment was $10 more and the classes were only 3/4 of the length.”

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🧸 Toddler & Pre-Ballet 2 mentions

“My daughter had been taking pre-ballet in East Vancouver, at a studio closer to our home, where the monthly payment was $10 more and the classes were only 3/4 of the length.”

All studios with toddler & pre-ballet →

🩰 Pointe

“My daughter (Senior & Senior Company Member of Columbia Dance) has taken classes with Columbia Dance since before she was able to wear pointe shoes.”

All studios with pointe →

💛 Adaptive Ballet

“I have a special needs daughter.”

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☀️ Summer Intensives

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What families & students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 21 Google reviews — with their own words as proof.

💛 nurturing, non-competitive 7 mentions

“The Columbia Dance family is ever-evolving and offers a unique experience to the dedicated dancer and family.”

🎭 beautiful recitals & performances 2 mentions

“i have been taking classes here since i was 5, in their nutcracker performances since i was 7, and have been a company apprentice for the past two years.”

serious pre-professional training 3 mentions

“i have been taking classes here since i was 5, in their nutcracker performances since i was 7, and have been a company apprentice for the past two years.”

From the reviews

My daughter had been taking pre-ballet in East Vancouver, at a studio closer to our home, where the monthly payment was $10 more and the classes were only 3/4 of the length. Needless to say, CDC has awesome pricing and the quality of instruction and atmosphere is far superior.

★★★★★ — Brittany, Sep 2019

I genuinely love this dance school and the community it creates. After a bad experience with a different school it was so nice to come into an organized, affordable, and clean studio. On top of that, every teacher cares about every dancer. Their children’s program is growing and their ballet program excels.

★★★★★ — Moms, Sep 2019

I have studied at Columbia dance for 12 years. In the beginning the classes are simple and fun once you’re older the beginner class gives way to a much more demanding program to give you the tools to become a wonderful dancer.

★★★★★ — Bryce, Apr 2016

Best dance space in the NW. Owner is amazing and super knowledgeable. Best place to start your kiddo in dance!

★★★★★ — Thecoug78, Jan 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 21 reviews →

Adult ballet at Columbia Dance Center

Columbia Dance Center runs classes for grown-ups — confirmed on their own site. If you've never taken ballet, or you're coming back to it after years away, this is for you — and a good studio genuinely welcomes a nervous first-timer. A few things worth asking before you go. First, which class to start in — look for one labeled "absolute beginner" or "adult beginner" rather than an open or "all levels" class, so you learn the fundamentals at the right pace. Second, drop-in or term — many adult programs let you pay per class to try it, then move to a term or monthly package once you're hooked. Third, what to wear — comfortable clothes you can move in, plus socks or bare feet, are plenty for a first class; you won't need a leotard or ballet shoes to walk in the door. It's never too late for first position.

See their adult schedule

Your first ballet class at Columbia Dance Center

Nervous about walking into your first class? Almost everyone is — and a good studio expects beginners, whether your dancer is five or you're returning at fifty. Here's what to know. What to wear: comfortable clothes you can move in, with socks or bare feet; a leotard and tights are nice if you have them, but not required, and pointe shoes are years down the road — never day one. What to expect: class usually starts at the barre with slow, simple movements to warm up, then moves to the center — follow along, copy the teacher, and don't worry about getting it "right" the first time. Arrive early: come 10–15 minutes ahead to change, find a spot, and let the teacher know it's a first class so they can keep an eye out. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.

Ballet is for every age and every body. If you're returning from an injury or have a health concern, mention it to the teacher before class so they can offer modifications.

Where to find Columbia Dance Center

1700 Broadway St, Vancouver, WA98663

Get directions

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and student reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this studio? Claim your listing — it's free.