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Dance Theatre Northwest

4.9 ★★★★★ 16 Google reviews · Ballet school in University Place, Washington

Ballet school Adult classes Kids & teens Pointe Private lessons

Plan your first class

  • 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
  • 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
  • Private lessons one-on-one coaching available — ask about rates and availability
  • Today see hours ·
  • Phone +1 253-565-5149
  • Website & schedule dtnw.org — enroll and see the live class schedule

Hours

Monday 4–8 pm
Tuesday 3–8:30 pm
Wednesday 9–11:30 am, 4–8 pm
Thursday 4:30–7:30 pm
Friday 5–7:30 pm
Saturday 9 am–2:30 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 Dance Theatre Northwest, confirmed in families' own reviews and the studio's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌸 Kids Ballet 2 mentions

“Friendly and welcoming and not just for kids.”

All studios with kids ballet →

☀️ Summer Intensives

All studios with summer intensives →

💃 Adult Ballet

“Excellent adult ballet classes”

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What families & students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 16 Google reviews — with their own words as proof.

💛 nurturing, non-competitive 3 mentions

“We searched high and low to find the right fit for our family.”

🎭 beautiful recitals & performances 10 mentions

“We did many recitals and I specifically remember being in a performance of Swan Lake as well as the Nutcracker Ballet.”

serious pre-professional training 3 mentions

“This regional dance company presents ballet, tap and jazz with dancers of all ages.”

🗓️ well-run & communicative 2 mentions

“The sense of community, individual attention and professional instruction truly set DTNW apart.”

From the reviews

Always excellent high quality choreography and performances. Beautiful costuming. Not to be missed. Many free community and school performances open to the public. This regional dance company presents ballet, tap and jazz with dancers of all ages.

★★★★★ — Ellida, Jun 2017

Great Dance school. Friendly and welcoming and not just for kids. I love my Dance Tap Class.

★★★★★ — Vada, Jun 2018

Whether you're training for a dance career, or just want to take classes for fun, this is the place!! I started eight years ago as a beginning adult and I love the quality of the training I get. Lots of class variety. Lots of performance opportunities, even for adults. Safe. Fun. Queer friendly. 10/10 recommend.

★★★★★ — Birgitte, Sep 2024

I have danced with DTNW for over 20 years and it's an amazing place! The instructors are very skilled and the dancers are kind! It's a place where everyone is accepted. If your new to dance or an experienced dancer like me, there are a variety of classes for you to enjoy!

★★★★★ — Bridget, Sep 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 16 reviews →

Adult ballet at Dance Theatre Northwest

Dance Theatre Northwest 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 Dance Theatre Northwest

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 Dance Theatre Northwest

2811 Bridgeport Way W, University Place, WA98466

Get directions Instagram

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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.