› Dance Classes

Ballet 3
Ages: 8-11
Wednesdays & Fridays, Sept 14-Jan 20 (skip Nov 11 & 23-25, Dec 21-30) | 4:15-5:45 pm
Tuition: $860 General | $790 Member
Instructors: Madeline Morser & Elise Ericksen
Location: Upstairs Studio

At this level, dancers train twice weekly for skill acquisition and injury prevention. Dancers will be introduced to turns, more intricate combinations, and proper technique will be a focus. Students are invited to perform in Vashon’s Nutcracker Dec 2-4, and rehearsals are an additional 45-minute session following the Wednesday class.

Ballet 3 Nutcracker Rehearsal
Wednesdays, Sept 14- Nov 30 (skip Nov 23) | 5:45-6:30 pm
Tech Rehearsal: Nov 29
Dress Rehearsal: Dec 1
Performances: Dec 2, 3, 4
Tuition*: $235 General | $215 Member
Instructor: Vadne White
Location: Downstairs Studio

Students will work with the Director of Dance, Miss Vadne, to learn and rehearse 2 roles for Vashon’s Nutcracker. Note: Students will be asked to attend Tech Rehearsal Nov 29 and Dress Rehearsal on Dec 1 (*performance fee included in Tuition).

Advanced Lyrical* 
Level: 5-7 
Wednesdays, Sept 14-Jan 18 (skip Nov 23, Dec 21 & 28) | 5:45-7:15 pm 
Tuition: $500 General | $460 Member 
Instructor: Madeline Morser 
Location: Upstairs Studio 

Hone your fluidity, expression, and grace in Advanced Lyrical!  Lyrical dance is most often defined as a combination of ballet and jazz techniques, with emphasis on graceful, fluid motions that often mirror the lyrics or theme of the music. Class will start with a center warm up including both standing exercises and workshops for jumps, turns, and falls to be used in phrase-work. We will use the second half of class for traveling progressions and longer phrases/group dances. This class is an advanced level open to level 5 dancers and above. Class time will be spent on learning and rehearsing a class piece for our annual Original Works Show March 17-19, 2023 (performance fee included in tuition). *Instructor permission required. 

Adult Beginning Tap 
Ages: 13+ 
Session 1: Wednesdays, Sept 14-Oct 26 | 6:30-7:30 pm 
Session 2: Wednesdays, Nov 2-Jan 18 (skip Nov 23, Dec 21 & 28) | 6:30-7:30 pm 
Tuition for Session 1: $130 General | $120 Member  
Tuition for Session 2: $160 General | $150 Member 
Instructor: Miles Wingett 
Location: Downstairs Studio 

If you have always wanted to try Tap Dance or if you are dusting off your Tap shoes, this is the class for you.  We’ll cover ball-changes, shuffles, flaps, cramp rolls, the tap Shim Sham, riffs and so much more.  Tap shoes required, and no experience needed.  

Intermediate Tap* 
Wednesday, Sept 14-Jan 18 (skip Nov 23, Dec 21 & 28) | 6:30-7:30 pm 
Tuition: $290 General | $270 Member 
Instructor: Miles Wingett 
Location: Downstairs Studio 

Building on the fundamentals of tap, students will work on their rhythm hoofing, time stepping, improvisational skills, and more! Must have tap experience and tap shoes. *Instructor permission required. 

Advanced Contemporary* 
Level: 5-7 
Wednesdays, Sept 14-Jan 18 (skip Nov 23, Dec 21 & 28) | 7:15-8:45 pm 
Tuition: $500 General | $460 Member 
Instructor: Madeline Morser 
Location: Upstairs Studio 

Advanced Contemporary includes a full body warm up with combos standing, upside-down, and on the ground followed by phrase work and some feel-good across the floor progressions. Let’s have a blast with our favorite music while taking apart and getting into the knitty-gritty details of timing, floor-work, inversions, and a powerful grounded center. This is an advanced class open to level 5 dancers and above. Class time will be spent on learning and rehearsing a class piece for our annual Original Works Show March 17-19 (performance fee included in tuition).  *Instructor permission required. 

Ballet 5-7 Nutcracker Rehearsal
Mondays, Sept 12-Nov 28 | 6:45-8:30 pm & Waltz Run Thru on Thursdays, Sept 15- Dec 1 | 8:15-8:30 pm (skip Oct 31 & Nov 24)
Tech Rehearsal: Nov 29 & 30
Dress Rehearsal: Dec 1
Performances: Dec 2, 3, 4
Tuition: $235 General | $215 Member
Instructors: Vadne White
Location: Upstairs Studio

Company rehearsals for Vashon’s Nutcracker. Dancers are required to attend Tech Rehearsal Nov 29 & 30 and Dress Rehearsal on Dec 1. Additional rehearsal time may be requested as needed (performance fee included in tuition).

Ballet 4 Pre-Pointe
Tuesdays, Sept 13-Jan 17 (skip Dec 20 & 27) | 5:15-6:30 pm & Thursdays, Sept 15-Jan 19 (skip Nov 24, Dec 22 & 29) | 4:15-5:45 pm
Tuition: $840 General | $770 Member
Instructor: Vadne White, Madeline Morser, Sana Tepley
Location: Downstairs Studio

Ballet 4 meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, and combines elements of pre-pointe with intermediate combinations, stretches, turns, and jumps. Twice weekly training is the minimum requirement for skill acquisition. Students are invited to perform in Vashon’s Nutcracker Dec 2-4, and rehearsals are an additional 45-minute session following the Tuesday class.

Ballet 4.5*
Tuesdays, Sept 13-Jan 17 (skip Dec 20 & 27) | 5:15-6:30 pm & Thursdays, Sept 15-Jan 19 (skip Nov 24, Dec 22 & 29) | 4:15-5:45 pm
Tuition: $840 General | $770 Member
Instructor: Vadne White, Madeline Morser, Sana Tepley
Location: Blue Heron Dance Studios

Ballet 4.5 meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, and combines elements of pre-pointe and beginning pointe work, as well as intermediate combinations, stretches, turns, and jumps. Twice weekly training is the minimum requirement for skill acquisition. Students are invited to perform in Vashon’s Nutcracker Dec 2-4, and rehearsals are an additional 45-minute session following the Tuesday class. *Instructor permission required.

Adult Intermediate Ballet (Thursdays) 
Ages: 13+ 
Session 1: Thursdays, Sept 15-Oct 27 | 5:45-6:45 pm 
Session 2: Thursdays, Nov 3-Jan 19 (skip Nov 24, Dec 22 & 29) | 5:45-6:45 pm 
Tuition for Session 1: $130 General | $120 Member  
Tuition for Session 2: $160 General | $150 Member 
Instructor: Kathleen Bonner 
Location: Upstairs Studio 

One of our two weekly Intermediate adult ballet classes taught by island dancer/teacher/choreographer Kathleen Bonner. Class focus is technique, choreography, and fun. Ballet experience recommended. 

Beginning/Intermediate Contemporary & Lyrical - WAITLIST
Ages: 8+
Thursdays, Sept 15-Jan 19 (skip Nov 24, Dec 22 & 29) | 5:45-6:45 pm 
Tuition: $350 General | $320 Member 
Instructor: Madeline Morser 
Location: Downstairs Studio

A combination class of Contemporary and Lyrical techniques and phrase-work, this intermediate level will introduce and train level 3-4 students in Lyrical timing and expression, floor-work, and Contemporary movement. Following a center warm up focused on building upper body strength, floor fluidity, and parallel alignment, we will continue with across the floor phrases in both styles. The final portion of class will be dedicated to building longer Lyrical and Contemporary phrases to be practiced and honed in preparation for spring performance opportunities. Class time will be spent on learning and rehearsing a class piece for our annual Original Works Show March 17-19 (performance fee included in tuition). 

Adult Contemporary 
Ages: 13+ 
Session 1: Thursdays, Sept 15-Oct 27 | 6:45-7:45 pm 
Session 2: Thursdays, Nov 3-Jan 19 (skip Nov 24, Dec 22 & 29) | 6:45-7:45 pm 
Tuition for Session 1: $130 General | $120 Member  
Tuition for Session 2: $160 General | $150 Member 
Instructor: Madeline Morser 
Location: Downstairs Studio 

Having trained and performed on both coasts, Madeline’s unique style of Contemporary Dance incorporates the powerful and striking lines of Classical Modern, mixed with the intricate timing, inversions and floor work of present-day Contemporary Dance along the West Coast.  Class will begin with a full-body warm-up in center, including proprioceptive challenges, floor work, and timing exercises built into expressive, feel-good movement and music.  Across the floor progressions will follow center work, culminating in the building of longer phrases to be practiced and expanded upon throughout the session.  Dance experience recommended. 

Ballet 5-7*
Mondays, Sept 12-Jan 9 (skip Oct 31, Dec 19 & 26) | 5:15-6:45 pm & Thursdays, Sept 15-Jan 19 (skip Nov 24, Dec 22 & 29) | 6:45-8:15 pm
Tuition: $860 General | $790 Member
Instructors: Vadne White
Location: Upstairs Studio

Students at this level are trained in intermediate to advanced pointe work, partnering, controlled adage, adept petit allegro, as well as more advanced combinations, turns, and jumps. Scholarly articles are shared with students in the areas of conditioning, nutrition, wellness, flexibility, and more. Twice weekly training is the minimum requirement for skill maintenance. Students are invited to perform in Vashon’s Nutcracker Dec 2-4, and rehearsals are additional sessions following the Tuesday and Thursday classes. *Instructor permission required.

Creative Movement 
Ages: 3-4 
Mondays: Sept 12-Jan 9 (skip Oct 31, Dec 19 & 26) | 3:15-4:00 pm 
-OR- 
Fridays: Sept 16-Jan 20 (skip Nov 11 & 25, Dec 23 & 30) | 10:30-11:15 am  
Tuition: $200 General | $190 Member 
Instructor: Elise Ericksen 
Location: Downstairs Studio 

A fun-filled introduction into the world of dance where children explore their imaginations through music and movement as they develop motor skills, rhythmic awareness, coordination, and balance in a nurturing environment.   

Adult Belly Dance 
Ages 17+ 
Session 1: Fridays, Sept 16-Oct 28 | 2:00-3:00 pm 
Session 2: Fridays, Nov 4-Jan 20 (skip Nov 11, 25, Dec 23 & 30) | 2:00-3:00 pm 
Tuition for Session 1: $130 General | $120 Member  
Tuition for Session 2: $145 General | $135 Member 
Instructor: Maya Krah 
Location: Downstairs Studio 

This course incorporates basic Belly Dance isolation techniques with Flamenco, Cabaret, and Raqs Sharki classical stylings. You'll learn several short phrases of movement comprising our "dance language" and be able to take those dance phrases to build your own solo by the end of the semester!  Mainstream Belly Dance is divided into two broad categories of dancers: with and without hand cymbals (zills). We are no zills, all frills in this class!  

Modern and Choreography 
Level: 3&4 
Mondays, Sept 12-Jan 9 (skip Oct 31, Dec 19 & 26) | 4:15-5:15 pm 
Tuition: $335 General | $305 Member  
Instructor: Vanesa Wiley 
Location: Upstairs Studio 

Miss Vanesa teaches students the movements that are the foundation for classical modern dance and helps students develop their creative voice.  Contractions, spirals, basic floor work, and the concepts of Modern dance (space, time and force) are the building blocks of Modern dance and are taught in a manner that is encouraging and fun. The class will perform in our annual Original Works production March 17-19, 2023 (*performance fee included in tuition).   

Ballet/Tap 1 - WAITLIST
Ages: 6-7
Mondays: Sept 12-Jan 9 (skip Oct 31, Dec 19 & 26) | 4:15-5:15 pm
Tuition: $335 General | $305 Member
Instructor: Elise Ericksen
Location: Downstairs Studio

Miss Elise makes it fun to learn basic ballet and tap vocabulary and technique! Class will include basic center work and across the floor exercises that tap into imagination and develop musicality. The students in this class are invited to perform in Vashon’s Nutcracker, Dec 2-4 (performance fee included in tuition), and class time will be spent on learning their performance piece.

Ballet 2
Ages: 7-8
Mondays: Sept 12-Jan 9 (skip Oct 31, Dec 19 & 26) | 5:15-6:15 pm
Tuition: $335 General | $305 Member
Instructor: Vanesa Wylie
Location: Downstairs Studio

Building on the skills learned in Level 1, students continue their learning journey in Ballet. They will warm up at center, then learn how to string steps together into combinations. The students in this class are invited to perform in Vashon’s Nutcracker, Dec 2-4 (*performance fee included), and class time will be spent on learning their performance piece.

Intermediate Jazz 
Level: 4 & 4.5 
Mondays, Sept 12-Jan 9 (skip Oct 31, Dec 19 & 26) | 6:15-7:15 pm  
Tuition*: $335 General | $305 Member  
Instructor: Vanesa Wiley 
Location: Downstairs Studio 

Learn the fundamentals of Jazz Dance: isolations, syncopations, style and showmanship.  This class is suitable for Level 4 & 4.5 dancers, and concurrent enrollment in Ballet is encouraged.  Miss Vanesa will create fun and challenging choreography to be performed in our annual Original Works production March 17-19, 2023 (*performance fee included in tuition). 

Adult Ballet Basics 
Ages: 13+ 
Session 1: Tuesdays, Sept 13-Oct 25 | 1:00-1:45 pm 
Session 2: Tuesdays, Nov 1-Jan 17 (skip Dec 20 & 27) | 1:00-1:45 pm 
Tuition for Session 1: $100 General | $90 Member 
Tuition for Session 2: $135 General | $125 Member 
Instructor: Kathleen Bonner 
Location: Upstairs Studio 

Want to try ballet? Take our Ballet Basics class to learn the fundamentals from one of the founders of our program, Kathleen Bonner. Class will focus on the basics: posture, turnout, the positions of feet and arms, and moving through space with grace and confidence. No ballet experience required.  

Adult Intermediate Ballet (Tuesdays) 
Ages: 13+ 
Session 1: Tuesdays, Sept 13-Oct 25 | 2:15-3:15 pm 
Session 2: Tuesdays, Nov 1-Jan 17 (skip Dec 20 & 27) | 2:15-3:15 pm 
Tuition for Session 1: $130 General | $120 Member  
Tuition for Session 2: $180 General | $170 Member 
Instructor: Kathleen Bonner 
Location: Upstairs Studio 

One of our two weekly Intermediate adult ballet classes taught by island dancer/teacher/choreographer Kathleen Bonner. Class focus is technique, choreography, and fun. Ballet experience recommended. 

Intermediate Modern* 
Level: 4.5&5 
Tuesdays, Sept 13-Jan 17 (skip Dec 20 & 27) | 4:15-5:30 pm 
Tuition: $450 General | $410 Member 
Instructor: Vanesa Wiley 
Location: Upstairs Studio 

Students will work on the Modern Dance elemental concepts of force, time and space, and will build core strength and flexibility through floor work and spirals.  This class is suitable for Level 4.5 & 5 students, and concurrent enrollment in Ballet is strongly recommended. The class will perform in our annual Original Works production March 17-19, 2023 (performance fee included). *Instructor permission required.   

Primary Ballet/Tap - WAITLIST
Ages: 4-6
Tuesdays: Sept 13-Jan 17 (skip Dec 20 & 27) | 4:15-5:15 pm
Tuition: $310 General | $290 Member
Instructor: Sana Tepley
Location: Downstairs Studio

The fundamentals of both Ballet and Tap are introduced through fun and structured group activities. Your little dancer will have so much fun learning important skills like coordination, balance, and following instructions! Tap and ballet shoes required.

Advanced Jazz* 
Level: 5-7 
Tuesdays, Sept 13-Jan 17 (skip Dec 20 & 27) | 5:30-6:30 pm 
Tuition: $370 General | $340 Member
Instructor: Vanesa Wiley  
Location: Upstairs Studio 

Miss Vanesa gives a fabulous class for advanced dancers in our treasured American dance genre that includes a warm-up, stretching, across the floor combinations and fun choreography that builds every week. The class will perform in our annual Original Works production March 17-19, 2023 (performance fee included in tuition). *Instructor permission required.   

Ballet 4 & 4.5 Nutcracker Rehearsal
Tuesdays, Sept 13-Nov 29 | 6:30-7:15 pm
Tech Rehearsal: Nov 29 & 30
Dress Rehearsal: Dec 1
Performances: Dec 2, 3, 4
Tuition: $235 General | $215 Member
Instructors: Vadne White
Location: Upstairs Studio

Students will work with the Director of Dance, Miss Vadne, to learn and rehearse 2 or more roles for Vashon’s Nutcracker. Note: Students will be asked to attend Tech Rehearsal Nov 29 & 30 and Dress Rehearsal on Dec 1 (performance fee included in Tuition).

Advanced Pointe and Variations*
Tuesdays: Sept 13-Jan 17 (skip Dec 20 & 27)| 6:30-7:30 pm
Tuition: $310 General | $290 Member
Instructor: Sana Tepley
Location: Downstairs Studio

Learn the pointe variations from classical ballets: Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Le Corsaire, Cinderella, Giselle and so many more! For pointe dancers level 5 and up. *Instructor permission required.

Advanced Modern* 
Level: 6&7 
Tuesdays, Sept 13-Jan 17 (skip Dec 20 & 27) | 7:30-9 pm 
Tuition: $520 General | $480 Member 
Instructor: Vanesa Wiley 
Location: Upstairs Studio 

At this level, emphasis is placed on technique, musicality and movement quality. Graham, Cunningham, Limon and other modern disciplines are covered. Class will perform in our annual Original Works production March 17-19, 2023 (performance fee included).  *Instructor permission required. 

Adult Beginning Ballet 
Ages: 13+ 
Session 1: Tuesdays, Sept 13-Oct 25 | 7:30-8:30 pm 
Session 2: Tuesdays, Nov 1-Jan 17 (skip Dec 20 & 27) | 7:30-8:30 pm 
Tuition for Session 1: $130 General | $120 Member  
Tuition for Session 2: $180 General | $170 Member 
Instructor: Sana Tepley 
Location: Downstairs Studio 

If it has been a while since your last Ballet class, you know the basics, or you have dance experience in other styles, this is the class for you! Miss Sana, one of our Ballet experts, teaches a fun and traditional ballet class with barre, center work, and across the floor combinations.