Studio West Dance Academy & Theatre

Did you hear? Securing your ticket to Studio West Dance Theatre’s 2024 Nutcraker production means 100% chance of snowfall❄️

Don’t miss the very first snowfall of the holiday season. Tickets for our November 29th, 30th and December 1st productions are still available, click the link in our bio to experience the magic yourself 🤍

We had a BLAST at our 2024 Beat Box Halloween dance party!

A massive thank you to everyone who attended and brought the energy! Hosting community events such as this one helps allow our Beat Box performance division, EDGE to thrive and create lasting memories for younger dancers. See you next year 🎃

Is your tiny hopper eager to let their creativity run wild and have some FUN this spooky season?

You’re in luck! For one night only join the Beat Box and our very own Ms. SJ for an unforgettable night of Halloween themed activities, crafts, treats, and a dance party like no other!

This event has limited space, and is filling up quick! Click the link in our bio to register your child now and help them create unforgettable memories here at the Beat Box!

All net proceeds of this event help allow the Beat Box community to thrive and maintain a space where dancers can express themselves authentically!

See you soon🎃
👻

PSA: DO NOT buy tickets from anyone other than the The Washington Center for the Performing Arts box office!

There are too many people out there trying to scam our families and the community by claiming they have tickets, taking your money and providing your with fake tickets! We don’t want you to miss out on Studio West’s holiday tradition The Nutcracker! See the comments for an example!

Our dancers may be hard at work preparing for Nutcracker 2024, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a little fun!

Get ready to unleash your creativity this week with daily themes that will get you in the Halloween Spirit! Let’s make this week unforgettable SWDA! Share your creative week posts with the hashtag 🎃

GUESS WHAT!!? Studio West’s Nutcracker is LIVE! ✨ Tickets are on sale NOW!!! This enchanting holiday production is sure to entertain, but hurry—it’s only performed Thanksgiving weekend at The Washington Center for the Performing Arts 🧡 Don’t miss out! For tickets, visit https://www.washingtoncenter.org/organizer/studio-west-dance-theatre

Performance and Party Schedule: 3 parties, 3 matinees and 3 evening performances:

Friday, November 29 –
1:00pm - Clara's Nutcracker Party
2:00pm - Nutcracker Performance
7:00pm - Nutcracker Performance

Saturday, November 30 –
1:00pm - Clara's Nutcracker Party
2:00pm - Nutcracker Matinee Performance
7:00pm - Nutcracker Evening Performance

Sunday, December 1 -
12:00pm - Clara's Nutcracker Party
1:00pm - Nutcracker Matinee Performance
5:00pm - Nutcracker Evening Performance

We can't wait to see you over Thanksgiving Weekend! Click here for tickets: https://www.washingtoncenter.org/organizer/studio-west-dance-theatre/

Studio West Dance Theatre - The Washington Center for the Performing Arts About the Show We invite our young audience members ages 3 and up to join us at Clara’s Nutcracker Party, beginning one hour before each matinee performance. Make a holiday keepsake, delight in a reading […]

Next up in our alumn series is the vibrant & inspiring SWDA alumna Ms. Claire Hindrup! Read on to learn more! 💖

NAME: Claire Hindrup

YEAR GRADUATED: 2020

FAVORITE ROLE YOU DANCED WHILE AT SWDA: 
Mirliton Lead in Nutcracker or Swanhilda’s Friend in Coppelia

WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW?: 
I just graduated college with a degree in Integrated Media and Strategic Communications and a minor in Dance!

WHAT ARE THE TOP THINGS YOU LEARNED FROM YOUR TIME AT STUDIO WEST? :
Being at Studio West taught me about both discipline and work ethic skills, and what a loving community looks like. I have been able to trace my work ethic and ability to be focused when multitasking gets hard back to my time at SWDA. The friends I made while spending hours in the studio are FOR LIFE, and having people for so long became the standard for what a good community is as I ventured into college.

DO YOU THINK THESE LESSONS HAVE IMPACTED YOUR LIFE AND/OR CAREER?
I think that my time at SWDA has been the main benefactor in my success in college, and my continuous love for dance. I was able to graduate with a status of Magna Cum Laude at Boise State University, while still maintaining friendships and continuing dance both inside and outside the classroom. Also, I was able to join a professional contemporary dance company in 2022 to keep performing and evolving as a dancer on top of my schooling, which I wouldn’t have been able to do if I didn’t have both the training and the love of dance that SWDA gave me.

WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO YOUNGER DANCERS?
One piece of advice I would give, especially if you’re in high school and you are unsure of what your dance career will look like afterward, is that dance exists EVERYWHERE, not just in a big ballet company. I danced every day, got paid to perform, all while in college! There are so many options for dancers, between teaching, college dance programs and other small companies that you don’t even think of, so just because you feel like you aren’t ready to give up schooling, that doesn’t mean you have to give up dance!

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE?
I am excited to be back in Olympia this year to teach at SWDA for the 2024-25 season!

Studio West Dance Theatre is launching a Fund a Floor Campaign to replace the traveling performance floor we use to perform all of our shows, including The Nutcracker, our Spring ballet and the All-School Spring Showcase.

Our dancers put in countless hours of practice to perfect their craft! A high-quality performance floor enhances their ability to execute complex choreography and showcase their talents. It is an investment into their growth and in the future of our performances.

If you feel compelled to help us Fund a Floor through donating/advertising for our 2024-25 Season, we have some awesome benefits available!

How you can help: Scan the Code on the next slide, contact our marketing department at marketing@studiowestdanceacademy or visit studio-west-dance-theatre.square.site.

Children ages 2-3 years old and their caregiver are invited to join BABY BALLET! Tues. ~ 10:00-10:30am
Wed. ~ 10:00-10:30am & 5:45-6:15 pm
Saturday: 10:00-10:30am
REGISTER TODAY AT STUDIO WEST DANCE ACADEMY!

“Where Are They Now?” We’re proud to highlight Julio Rey, one of our alumni, shining bright on Broadway!✨ READ ON!DM us if you are an alumn and want to SHARE!

Name: Julio Rey

YEAR GRADUATED ~ 2015

FAVORITE ROLE YOU DANCED WHILE AT STUDIO WEST:

It’s a VERY STRONG three way tie between Nutcracker Prince, John in Peter Pan, and the OG Not With Haste. It was truly a blessing to get to dance Stephanie’s choreography.

WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW: 
I’ve just joined the Broadway company of ALADDIN as one of the understudies for Aladdin and recently just performed in this role!

WHAT ARE THE TOP THINGS YOU LEARNED FROM YOUR TIME AT STUDIO WEST?

Studio West not only taught me discipline but also how to push my boundaries as a dance technician and artist. I grew up moving from state to state and SWDA was the only studio I attended that treated their students in a way that would nurture and foster a healthy learning environment while also treating us like mini professionals.

DO YOU THINK THESE LESSONS HAVE IMPACTED YOUR LIFE AND/OR CAREER?

OMG I wouldn’t be where I am today with out SWDA!! I’m literally making a living as a professional Broadway performer. The things I learned at Studio West and the performance opportunities that came with it are a HUGE reason why I am where I am today. They set me up for success.

WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO YOUNGER DANCERS AND/OR FAMILIES?

I feel the thing many dancers struggle with is finding the balance of technique and artistry. At the end of the day, ‘dance’ is a performance art! Dancers, actors, singers, etc., all have one thing in common…they are ALL story tellers. You might be able to perfectly execute an arabesque or a grand jete, but how can you fuel your movement from the perspective of pushing the story forward.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?

In life I think it is important to remind ourselves that we will always be ‘in process’. You are never done learning. There’s always something new around the corner. It’s important to stay curious and keep exposing yourself to different disciplines, techniques, styles, etc. It’s important to stay well rounded and to continue to ask questions.

Hey, did you hear? Studio West’s Nutcracker casting is being posted TOMORROW! 😲 What?? Seriously? I can’t handle the suspense! How will we wait?!! 😱🫣🙃

Our new dance year kicks off today! 🙌
We’re excited to introduce you to our incredible 2024/25Studio West team, pictured here! ❤️

🌟 Classes are filling up fast! Don’t miss out—check the schedule and register today to secure your spot! 🌟 For more info, call us at 360-956-WEST (9378) or visit our website at StudioWestDanceAcademy.com.

✨ Exciting news! N U T C R A C K E R auditions are taking place today and tomorrow! 🌟 Join us for a chance to be a part of this magical production! ❤️💚❤️

Studio West Nutcracker is open to everyone ages 7 and older (must be 7 by September 7th) who is enrolled at Studio West!

Check out the audition schedule below!!

**Friday, September 6**
Level 6-8: 4:15 PM - 5:50 PM
Level 4/5: 5:50 PM - 7:30 PM

**Saturday, September 7**
Pre-ballet and Level 1: 11:00 AM - 12:20 PM
Level 2: 12:30 PM - 1:45 PM
Level 3: 1:40 PM - 3:00 PM

*pictured here is a fun throw back pic from SWDA’s 2017 Nutcracker!!! We see some sweet Mother Ginger’s Children who are now in ballet 6, 7 & 8!!! 🥹

Nutcracker Auditions are happening this Friday and Saturday! ✨🎉

We are excited to invite you to audition for our enchanting holiday show, The Nutcracker! 🌟 This beautiful classic will be performed at The Washington Center for the Performing Arts Thanksgiving weekend only! See below for audition schedule!

🩰 Studio West Nutcracker is open to everyone ages 7 and older (must be 7 by September 7th) who is enrolled at Studio West!

**September 6**
Level 6-8: 4:15 PM - 5:50 PM
Level 4/5: 5:50 PM - 7:30 PM

**September 7**
Pre-ballet and Level 1: 11:00 AM - 12:20 PM
Level 2: 12:30 PM - 1:45 PM
Level 3: 1:40 PM - 3:00 PM

Photo courtesy: Heather Chard Photography

🌟 We’re excited to continue our Studio West Alumn highlight Series! If you’re an alumnus and want to share how SWDA influenced you, please DM us. Now read on about our next incredible Studio West Alumna! 🥰

NAME~ Brittany (Basso) Rosas
YEAR GRADUATED ~ 2014

FAVORITE ROLE YOU DANCED WHILE AT STUDIO WEST:

Either Arabian lead or lead in Ms Erin’s piece “Passages”

WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW: 

I am a fitness instructor and momma

WHAT ARE THE TOP THINGS YOU LEARNED AT SWDA?

I learned how to focus, have body awareness, discipline, and artistry. And I made so many wonderful memories with my SWDA family

DO YOU THINK THESE LESSONS HAVE IMPACTED YOUR LIFE AND/OR YOUR CAREER?

There is so much I learned from SWDA that I use daily in my career as a professional fitness instructor. Body awareness, musicality, fostering an encouraging/motivating environment, even using cues for mind to body connection that I learned from the teaching faculty at SWDA. I never expected to end up in the fitness industry and I’m so grateful for the things that have stayed with me from dance.

WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO A YOUNGER DANCER AND/OR FAMILIES?

To dancers, enjoy every moment! You may dance your whole life (professionally or recreationally) but the environment you are in right now is so unique and special! Create friendships with the people around you. I am still friends with many people from my dance family today and even have celebrated milestones like weddings and kids together! To families, the life lessons you gain from dance are irreplaceable. It can be a bit commitment at time, but none of it is wasted! And you may be surprised how it can carry over in your kid’s futures!

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?

Thank you to the staff at SWDA. You made a lasting impact in my life and I owe much of who I am as an adult today to you! Special thanks to Stephanie and MC for entrusting me to teach little dancers for a season while I was still young myself. You allowed me to experience so much growth in such supportive and encouraging environment. Thanks for paving the way for so many! It was an honor to be there in the early days of SWDA!

Calling ALL level 3-8 dancers! Join us for a Master Class tomorrow with the amazing Ian Howe! This is your chance to learn from one of the best in the biz! 🕺Studio West has a fantastic long-standing relationship with Mr. Ian, and his classes are always unforgettable! Check out the class details in the posted pic!! This is a FREEE master class!!! Don’t miss out! 🙌✨ Ian Howe Dancer

Attention new and returning students !!! TODAY, Saturday August 24, come have a blast at Studio West from 11 AM to 2 PM! 🎈 We’ll have a bouncy house, hot dogs, fun games, and Kona Ice! 🍧 To wrap up this amazing open house summer celebration, join us for our Developing Artist Showcase at 2 PM, where our talented students will showcase their choreography! Don’t miss the fun and come hang out with us!!! 🥰

It may be August, but the anticipation for Nutcracker auditions at Studio West is building! A quick reminder: all participants must be registered for classes at SWDA and should attend their appropriate level for the upcoming 2024/25 school year. We can’t wait to see you shine!! ✨

**September 6**
Level 6-8: 4:15 PM - 5:50 PM
Level 4/5: 5:50 PM - 7:30 PM

**September 7**
Pre-ballet and Level 1: 11:00 AM - 12:20 PM
Level 2: 12:30 PM - 1:45 PM
Level 3: 1:40 PM - 3:00 PM

Photo courtesy: Heather Chard Photography

🌟

We’re delighted to introduce an exciting new series centered around our SWDA Alumn!! Over the years, countless graduates have expressed how Studio West has positively influenced their paths, and we thought it would be fun to share some of these inspirational stories with you! Alumn First up is the remarkable Emma Rubbert ~ 💖 stay tuned for more alumn highlights!

NAME: Emma Rubbert

YEAR GRADUATED: 2021

FAVORITE ROLE YOU DANCED AT STUDIO WEST:

Spanish lead or Guardian Angel, but I LOVED Snow too (also big swans, but I’m not sure that counts) (yes that counts Emma ;)

WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW?

I am a senior at the University of Washington majoring in political science and international security and minoring in Russian, Eastern European, and Central Asian Studies.

WHAT ARE THE TOP LESSONS YOU LEARNED FROM YOUR TIME AT STUDIO WEST?

I carried a lot of discipline to college with me. Dance instills discipline, work ethic, and commitment, and you don’t realize how much you have until you do something else. There is also an element of friendships that you will have forever. You spend countless hours rehearsing, and the shared highs and lows with the same people create a lifelong friendship that’s hard to find.

DO YOU THINK THESE LESSONS HAVE IMPACTED YOUR LIFE AND/OR CAREER?

I honestly learned so much that I didn’t even realize. However, one of the main things that has impacted me the most is discipline. It played a crucial role in my success at the University of Washington and while studying abroad at the University College London. The work ethic you build through dance naturally extends to how you approach assignments, papers, and lectures, and it helped me in my internship with the United States Senate.

WHAT IS THE ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO YOUNGER DANCERS AND/OR FAMILIES?

Enjoy every day you have in the studio. Between the time you get to dance and the friends you make, there is no other feeling like it. There will be days that feel like they’ll never end, and you’ve just been in class and rehearsal, and you are exhausted, but someday, you’ll look back and miss the days when you were at the studio with your friends all day.

Developing Artists’ Showcase will be NEXT WEEKEND! Saturday, August 24 2:00 pm✨Our advanced summer intensive dancers have been choreographing and rehearsing new works to be debuted at this annual end of summer performance. We hope you will join us and support these budding new artists! FREE ADMISSION! FUN FOR ALL!✨