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Sound Movement Arts Center

4.7 ★★★★★ 43 Google reviews · Ballet school in Tacoma, Washington

Adult classes Kids & teens Pointe Private lessons

Plan your first class

  • Ages classes for age 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
  • Recitals end-of-year performances and shows — ask about costume and performance fees when you enroll
  • Private lessons one-on-one coaching available — ask about rates and availability
  • Today see hours ·
  • Phone +1 253-924-9977
  • Website & schedule smactac.com — enroll and see the live class schedule

Hours

Monday 4–8:30 pm
Tuesday 4–8:30 pm
Wednesday 4–8:30 pm
Thursday 4–8:30 pm
Friday 4–7:30 pm
Saturday 10 am–12:30 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 Sound Movement Arts Center, confirmed in families' own reviews and the studio's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌸 Kids Ballet 24 mentions

“My daughter has learned a lot and even enjoyed the zoom classes they immediately jumped into action on when the pandemic started.”

All studios with kids ballet →

What families & students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 43 Google reviews — with their own words as proof.

🧑‍🏫 caring, skilled teachers 4 mentions

“The staff/instructors and owners are amazing and she has come so far with her dance since the beginning.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 4 mentions

“The staff is amazing They encourage all levels of dancing and help each dancer grow.”

🧸 wonderful with young kids 4 mentions

“At the end of the year recital, I was shocked to see how much my daughter had learned. She loves it!”

💛 nurturing, non-competitive 6 mentions

“Dancers are empowered to grow their talent in a nurturing environment filled with focus, encouragement, and individualized opportunity.”

🎭 beautiful recitals & performances 6 mentions

“I was so scared they were going to back out of their first recital last year, but this dance studio helped my girls become so confident in themselves.”

🗓️ well-run & communicative 8 mentions

“My son is 10 and participated in the Hip Hop class, the dance instructor was very professional.”

From the reviews

My daughter is twelve years old and has been going to SMAC since 2015. She absolutely loves it and is even more excited to go even after four years. She loves her teachers and the other dancers. And I love how happy it makes her.

★★★★★ — Joseph, Aug 2019

My daughter (14 y/o) first came to SMAC for summer camp 2018, she enjoyed that week of dance very much. She came back the following fall and started in ballet. She likes the instructors because they are patient, kind and make learning fun.

★★★★★ — P, Dec 2018

Sound Movement Arts Center is great! It's our 8 year old daughter's second season taking classes and she has enjoyed it a lot. We love the owner, the teachers and the studio space and how they have been able to adapt and keep everyone dancing through the past couple years!

★★★★★ — Laelle, Dec 2021

Such an amazing dance studio. The staff and owner are always so welcoming and caring. This is both of my daughters second season here and not only have they shown growth in dance, but also with themselves.

★★★★★ — Zuli, Jan 2022

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 43 reviews →

Adult ballet at Sound Movement Arts Center

Sound Movement Arts 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 Sound Movement Arts 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 Sound Movement Arts Center

3502 S 12th St Ste b, Tacoma, WA98405

Get directions Instagram · Facebook

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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.