Full-Session youth dance instruction
The School of Spectrum Dance Theater’s school year is divided into two 17-week sessions: Fall and Spring. Full-session classes guide young dancers through a structured progression of leveled classes, from Pre and Levels I–VI, emphasizing steady growth and skill development.
If you’re interested in enrolling in full-session classes at SSDT, be sure to check the enrollment cutoff dates and any prerequisites for specific levels so you don’t miss your spot.
SPRING 2026 full-session class schedule
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4:30 PM - 6:00 PM: Contemporary II (12–18)
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM: Ballet III (9–15)
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Intro/Byrd I (12–18)
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Pre-Pointe, Conditioning & Alignment (12–18)
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM: Pop'n Lock (Street Styles) (11–18+)
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4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Pre-Ballet (5–7)
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM: Ballet III Technique Only (9–15)
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Ballet I (6–10)
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Ballet IVA/IVB & V (12–18)
7:30 PM- 8:00 PM: Ballet IVB & V (12–18)
6:00 PM - 7:15 PM: Ballet II (8–13)
8:00 PM - 8:45 PM: Pointe (Invite Only) (12–18)
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4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Pre-Tap (5–7)
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Tap I (6–10)
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM: Ballet IVB/V & Prep IVA (12–18)
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Tap II (8–15)
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4:30 PM - 6:00 PM: Ballet IVA/IVB/V (12–18)
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM: Drama (8–14)
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM: Contemporary I (9–13)
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM: Donald Byrd Contemporary Technique I (12–18)
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4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Mini Hip-Hop (6–9)
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Pre-Ballet (5–7)
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Pre-Teen/Teen Hip-Hop (10–18)
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Ballet I (6–10)
6:00 PM - 7:15 PM: Ballet II (8–13)
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9:00 AM- 10:00 AM: Pre-Jazz (7–9)
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Pre-Ballet (5–7)
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Ballet I (6–10)
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Jazz I (8–12)
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM: Jazz II (8-13)
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Ballet II (8–13)
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM: Ballet III (9-15)
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM: Jazz III (12-18)
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM: Ballet IVA/ IVB/ V (12-18)
Browse the full list of our dance programs and classes offered below. Please note that not all classes listed are offered each session; check our Spring/Summer schedule for classes open for enrollment or drop-in.
Tap dance is an American dance form spanning 300+ years. Based on rhythms and patterns from African dance and Irish Jig, students learn to make fun and challenging sounds with their feet. Each level, from Pre-Tap through Adult class, is introduced to level appropriate skills, steps and percussive patterns. This high energy genre is great for teaching timing and deliberate choice making. Style may vary from year to year but the syllabus remains consistent.
Tap Program
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Suggested age: 5-7 years
Attire: TeeShirt and Leggings, Pants or Jeans without holes, Tap Shoes
This class is a fun, creative introduction to the technique of tap dancing and dancing in general. Children ages 5-7 identify the parts of the shoe responsible for making the specific sounds. They then learn the basic sounds and simple patterns of tap while playing games, singing songs, giggling, and making friends! All they need is a pair of tap shoes and their shiny hearts, minds, and spirits, ready to play and learn! At the end of the year, they will get to share everything they’ve learned through performance.
Prerequisite: No tap experience necessary
Graduation Criteria: Mastery of the following must be accomplished before moving onto the next level.
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Suggested age: 6- 10 years
Attire: TeeShirt and Leggings, Pants or Jeans without holes, Tap Shoes
Building on Pre-Tap level’s foundation, students continue to clarify sound, perfect the prior step combinations, and learn to string them together to create more sophisticated sounds.
Prerequisite: Pre- Tap for a minimum of TWO years or its equivalent from another institution; evaluation may be necessary.
Graduation Criteria: Mastery of the following must be accomplished before moving onto the next level.
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Suggested age: 10 years and up
Attire: TeeShirt and Leggings, Pants or Jeans without holes, Tap Shoes
Building on Beginner Tap level’s foundation, students continue to clarify sound, perfect the prior step combinations, and move on to executing polyrhythmic sounds.
Prerequisite: Beginner Tap for a minimum of TWO years or its equivalent from another institution; evaluation may be necessary.
Graduation Criteria: Mastery of the following must be accomplished before moving onto the next level.
Tap dance is an American dance form spanning 300+ years. Based on rhythms and patterns from African dance and Irish Jig, students learn to make fun and challenging sounds with their feet. Each level, from Pre-Tap through Adult class, is introduced to level appropriate skills, steps and percussive patterns. This high energy genre is great for teaching timing and deliberate choice making. Style may vary from year to year but the syllabus remains consistent.
Hip-Hop
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Join us as we groove and investigate this NYC-born art form! This class will follow the format of a warm-up and a center combination that will build over time. Classes may vary in style from the late 80s to the contemporary movement of today.
Avery’s Hip Hop Choreographic style puts a unique twist on moves with the addition of contemporary movement. This point of view brings smoothness to the textures and patience in the timing.
This age’s level-appropriate class teaches simple, stylized grooves that lead to fun choreography. The variety of movement keeps the young student’s mind active while learning about a great American dance form.
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Join us as we groove and investigate this NYC-born art form! This class will follow the format of a warm-up and a center combination that will build over time. Classes may vary in style from the late 80s to the contemporary movement of today.
Avery’s Hip Hop Choreographic style puts a unique twist on moves with the addition of contemporary movement. This point of view brings smoothness to the textures and patience in the timing.
This age’s level-appropriate class teaches simple to more complex grooves that lead to fun choreography. As the students grow stronger cognitively, combinations also become more intricate and dynamic.
Donald Byrd Contemporary Technique emphasizes the aesthetic that stresses a free torso infused with flexibility and strength. The technical element design of the class focuses on crucial aspects of movement, including speed, physical awareness, orientation in space, strength, and flexibility.
With this approach, students attain a heightened level of control of their movement’s visual, emotional, and physical impact.
Byrd Contemporary
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Suggested age: 12-18
Attire: form-fitting clothes that permit free movement
Class requirement: meets once per week
Introduction to Byrd Technique focuses on The Primary Concepts – Energy, Rhythm, and Orientation (where and the direction of the body in space). The young dancer gains a physical and intellectual understanding of these three primary concepts through progressive exercises.
Pre-requisite: minimum three years of Ballet, Intro to Modern, or other contemporary or jazz experience preferred, and actively enrolled in ballet class.
Graduation Criteria: Comprehension of all concepts practiced in the Introduction to Byrd Technique and Mastery and precise execution of the first six Primary Exercises
Drama
Starting Fall 2025, Spectrum will have a Drama Class taught by Mr. Bob, creator of Spectrum’s Drama/Dance Camps and Shows! This class will explore the foundations of acting, such as; character studies, script readings, auditioning, theater games, storytelling and improvisation. Here, students will improve their performance skills and grow in confidence as young performers.
The class will create a Performance Piece, presented at Spectrum for family and friends at the end of the Fall Session. They will also perform as Actors in a Drama/Dance Production at the All-School Demo.
Ballet Program
Drawing upon elements from the various international methods of European classical dance training – Russian (Vaganova), American (Balanchine), Danish (Bourneville), French, English (Royal Academy derived from the Ceccheti/Italian method) – to create our own unique version of American classicism. We place a strong emphasis on body placement, correct and proper execution of movement, musicality, rhythmic acumen, coordination, clarity of the body’s form and proportions while moving, simplicity of demeanor and an unmannered decorum and deportment
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Suggested age: 5-7 years
Attire: Light Pink leotard, pink or skin tone tights, and ballet slippers.
Class requirement: once per week.
Children explore the introductory stage of basic ballet skills and vocabulary with encouragement, praise, care, creativity, and fun while increasing their cognitive development. Skills become more challenging throughout the year.
Prerequisite: No previous experience necessary.
Graduation Criteria: At this level, we work on establishing a solid first position, straight legs, and pointed feet. Three or four short combinations at the barre is usually a good start, as students’ attention span does not allow for too much more. In the center, students have their hands on their hips or shoulders or arms in the first position.
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Suggested age: 7-9 years
Attire: Light Blue Leotard, pink or skin tone tights, and ballet slippers.
Class requirement: once a week.
At this level, students begin learning the basic ballet positions of the feet and arms. Throughout the school year, students will develop the basic principles of turnout, leg stability, and torso strength. This level will also focus on technique and creativity while working to prioritize the child’s joy, spirit, and individuality.
Prerequisite: Pre-Ballet (2 years) or its equivalent from another institution; evaluation may be necessary
Graduation Criteria: In Ballet I, students should learn to use turn-out anatomically and mechanically, emphasizing movement from parallel to turn-out from the hip, not the knees or the ankles. Students may need assistance maintaining their turn-out without their feet and knees rolling in. They learn to stack their spine to activate their middle. Exercises should begin in the first position until students have a good, strong sense of rotation from the hip. The third and fifth positions may be introduced incrementally. Students should learn how to move their bodies through space and respect the personal space of their peers. Learning to count in 8s and rhythm work are essential, as are free movement and/or creative dance moments to encourage joy and individuality.
At this level, “turn-out” is bringing awareness that rotation sources from the hip and not the knees or the ankles.
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Suggested age: 9-11 years
Attire: Light Yellow Leotard, pink or skin tone tights, and ballet slippers.
Class requirement: twice a week
At this level, students work on musicality and executing movement sequences with a beginning, middle, and end. They also learn about the body’s orientation in space and how to apply these patterns to their dancing. Throughout the year, students learn the basic etiquette of barre and center exercises. Students develop knowledge of different movement categories and the music corresponding with each type of movement, such as adagio and petit allegro.
Prerequisite: Ballet I (2 years) or its equivalent from another institution; evaluation may be necessary.
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Suggested age: 11+
Attire: Purple Leotard, pink or skin tone tights, and ballet slippers.
Class requirement: twice a week
At this level, dancers build a more extensive movement vocabulary, concentrate on the placement of the spine and pelvis, and strengthen the legs and feet. Instructors emphasize students’ use of turn-out from the hips and using the correct muscles to rotate the legs, promoting stability and strength while teaching students about their anatomical abilities and limitations. Dancers focus on developing total body coordination, clean execution of steps, and comprehension of complex rhythms and their relationship to movement.
Prerequisite: Ballet II (2 years) or its equivalent from another institution; evaluation may be necessary.
Graduation Criteria: Complete grand plié in all positions with a straight spine and pelvis; demonstrate precise use of feet in 5th position, coupé, and coup de pied position; perform a clean single pirouette from fifth and fourth positions; and display an aptitude for picking up and retaining combinations, as well as prompt application of corrections.
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Suggested age: 12+
Attire: Teal Leotard, pink or skin tone tights, and ballet slippers.
Class requirement: three times a week
At this level, students should have a working knowledge of ballet vocabulary and classical musicality. Exercises become more challenging. The instructors guide dancers to maintain correct placement using their abdominals and develop general strength and stamina while learning more complex movements. Students work to strengthen their turn-out, as well as calf and foot strength, with the anticipation of starting Pointe work.
Prerequisite: Ballet III or its equivalent from another institution; evaluation may be necessary.
Graduation Criteria: Complete grand plié in all positions with a straight spine and pelvis; demonstrate precise use of feet in 5th position, coupé, and coup de pied position; perform a clean single pirouette from fifth and fourth positions; and display an aptitude for picking up and retaining combinations, as well as prompt application of corrections.
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Suggested age: 13+
Attire: Burgundy Leotard, pink or skin tone tights, and ballet slippers.
Class requirement: three times a week
At this level, students learn how to incorporate dynamics into their movement, allowing them to transition from one movement quality to the next with ease. Students are challenged to learn exercises at a faster rate and complete progressions to prepare them for bigger jumps and multiple turns. Work in Ballet V prepares students to advance to the highest level, Ballet VI/VII.
Prerequisite: Ballet IV or its equivalent from another institution; evaluation may be necessary.
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Suggested age: 15+
Attire: Navy (VI) Black Leotard (VII), Pink or skin tone tights, and ballet slippers
Class requirement: four times a week for level VI and five times for level VII
At this level, students must enter with a strong comprehension of body position, placement, and musical understanding and be able to grasp exercises quickly to perform them without pause. With a solid technical base, students will increase their ecumenical ballet vocabulary, and artistry will be a primary focus.
Students’ work at this level prepares them for auditions of all kinds, including summer intensives, university dance programs, and professional companies across the nation and around the world.
Prerequisite: Ballet V or its equivalent from another institution; evaluation may be necessary.
Contemporary dance is a genre that incorporates a variety of dance styles, from ballet to hip-hop. Its movement can vary from flowing floorwork to leg and foot precision. With little restriction, students are encouraged to explore their movement, eliciting an emotional response from the watcher. The universal language of contemporary dance is often used to tell stories, fictional or not.
Contemporary
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Suggested age: 8-11
Attire: Girls- Any color leotard, tights or legging
Male/ Male Identifying/ Non- Gender Conforming- Tee Shirt and leggings or sweatpants. This class requires bare feet or socks.
A great entry point to Contemporary or Modern Dance, this class introduces concepts and qualities that are the foundations for this movement type. Through structured technical exercises and collaborative movement, students understand level changes, floor work, textures, planes of movement, etc. They are also encouraged to create using the concepts of Space, Time, Force, and other ideas.
Prerequisite: no prerequisites are needed, but a knowledge of ballet is helpful.
The class meets once per week.
Improv & composition
Improvisation and Composition is structured to build creative and innovative skills in students wanting to explore the unique art of choreography. Students participate in weekly classes and fulfill both in-class and out-of-class assignments. The course is designed for students committed to learning more about the craft and design of movement and who want to gain a deeper understanding of dance as a mode of artistic expression.
This class is open to the general public.
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Suggested age: 13+
Attire: form-fitting clothes
Prerequisite: At least three years of ballet experience; no previous experience in contemporary or jazz dance is required but advised.
The class meets once per week.
Pointe
Pointe class is an essential part of the classical ballet technique and student training. The class, as the title suggests, focuses only on pointe work or the preparation toward it. Pointe is the discipline aspect in which ballet dancers support all their body weight on the tips of fully extended feet.
Experience in ballet technique is a must.
Approval from the instructor is required.
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Suggested age: 5-7 years
Attire: Light Pink leotard, pink or skin tone tights, and ballet slippers.
Class requirement: once per week.
Class for Level III ballet students and above. Students focus on strengthening for future pointe work as well as proper stretching, flexibility, conditioning, and alignment techniques. This is an essential class for young dancers. Warm-up attire is at the discretion of the instructor.
Prerequisite: No previous experience necessary.
Graduation Criteria: At this level, we work on establishing a solid first position, straight legs, and pointed feet. Three or four short combinations at the barre is usually a good start, as students’ attention span does not allow for too much more. In the center, students have their hands on their hips or shoulders or arms in the first position.
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Suggested age: 14+
Attire: Ballet-level appropriate leotard, pink or skin tone tights, and pointe shoes.
At this level, students complete more complex exercises at the barre and begin center practice en-pointe.
Prerequisite: Intro Pointe or equivalent from another institution; evaluation may be necessary.
Graduation Criteria: Demonstrate solid strength in feet and ankles at the barre and center floor, including ease in rolling up and down through the demi and three-quarter pointe while maintaining proper ankle alignment; maintain hip placement and core engagement during work center floor; and perform a clean single pirouette from fifth and fourth position.
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Suggested age: 15+
Attire: Ballet-level appropriate leotard, pink or skin tone tights, and pointe shoes.
At this level, students develop more confidence and strength en-pointe and begin working toward multiple turns, hops en-pointe, dancing entire classical variations, and completing a whole ballet class in pointe shoes.
Prerequisite: Intermediate Pointe or equivalent from another institution; evaluation may be necessary.
Jazz Program
This fun and upbeat dance style is sure to excite and engage the student dancer! Classes include styles of Bob Fosse, Jack Cole, hip hop moves, and Latin infusions. All classes include a warm-up with stretching, isolations, strengthening exercises and then move across the floor to work on turns, leaps, jumps and runs. Each class ends with a fast-paced combination.
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Suggested age: 7-9
Attire: form-fitting clothes, jazz shoes
The class requirement is once per week.
Recommended: One ballet class a week
Children learn basic jazz technique, alignment, and rhythm in a creative, structured, nurturing atmosphere. Dance skills, group work, and increasing cognitive learning are emphasized. Skills become more challenging throughout the year.
No previous experience is necessary.
Graduation criteria: Ability to count in 8s and match movement to music; master grapevine, box step, pas de bourree & three-step turn; and remember level-appropriate choreography. Learn 4-8’s of choreography each week, and graduate to a full 2 minute performance piece. Execute a single pirouette.
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Suggested age: 8-10
Attire: form-fitting clothes, jazz shoes
The class requirement is once per week.
Students continue to learn the building blocks of jazz technique, such as alignment, rhythm, balance, flexibility, strength, and movement sequencing. Head isolations, ½ head rolls, rib isolations, shoulder isolations, beginning work on jazz contractions, and some hip isolations, but no hip circles. Dance skills, group work, and increasing cognitive learning are emphasized. Skills become more challenging throughout the year.
Prerequisite: Pre-Jazz and Pre-Ballet or their equivalent from another institution; evaluation may be necessary.
Graduation criteria: Ability to work with more complex rhythms; increase strength in relevé and jumps (i.e., chasse, single leg tuck jump, grand jete’s,walking hitch kick, running hitch kick, kicks to the front and side with straight leg/releve’ leg, and bent knee popped heel ); complete a single (Double) pirouette; remember and execute 6-8’s of choreography with age-appropriate style and musicality. 2 minute recital piece
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Suggested age: 10-12
Attire: form-fitting clothes, jazz shoes
The class requirement is once per week.
As their ballet technique progresses, students see the principles of correct body placement, accurate execution of steps, musicality, and coordination reflected in their jazz work. The development of flexibility is emphasized, and Jazz 2 students start to investigate how to bring style into their dancing. Through collaborative learning, students work together to learn new dance skills, remember their routines, and troubleshoot challenging physical tasks.
Prerequisite: Jazz I, Ballet I
Graduation criteria: Ability to maintain rhythm, style, and placement in class work and choreography; demonstrate progress towards splits in all three directions; complete a single(2-3pirouettes), pirouette inside & outside and demonstrate progress towards double pirouettes; and master pique and chainée turns, double tuck jumps, and split leaps front and side.6-8’s of choreography with a 2 minute recital piece
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Suggested age: 15+
Attire: form-fitting clothes, jazz shoes
The class requirement is once per week.
Students explore the many influences on 21st-century jazz dance, including Fosse, Luigi, Funk, Musical Theater, Commercial, and more, through class work and choreography. Emphasis is placed on pristine technique, maximum flexibility, strength, and muscle articulation/isolation, focusing on artistry, performance quality, and self-expression through movement! 8-8’s of choreography weekly and 3-4 minute recital piece.
Prerequisite: Jazz III/IV, Ballet IV
Placement is required for Jazz II-IV. Students stay at each level for two years unless approved by instructor. At least one class per week is required when taking Jazz II-IV classes. By taking Ballet, the student will have a stronger core/center that will strengthen and support the full range of movement material covered in the class setting, which supports the student in applying a wider range of movement and helps prevent injury. Black Jazz shoes, black Jazz pants, and a leotard are required.
More Information
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The School of Spectrum Dance Theater implements a two-17-week session system for the school year to help streamline the learning experience for our students.
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Spring Session: January 26, 2026 – June 7, 2026
January 26: First day of spring session
February 16-21: Mid-Winter Break, no classes
March 2-7: Friends and Family Watch Week
April 13-18: Spring Break, no classes
May 25: Memorial Day, no classes
June 6-7 OR June 13-14: All School Demo
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Registration for Fall and Spring sessions will open on August 4 and December 8, during the last week of classes in 2025. There is a one-time registration fee of $20 per student.
Class enrollment is rolling until a class has reached its maximum student number. Students should register for their classes by the first week of the Spring Session, which is the week of January 24th, if they wish to participate in the All-School Demonstration. The School Director and class instructor may opt to halt registration for a specific class at any point. School administration may cancel a class if it has fewer than six students enrolled by November 15th
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For Full-Session dance classes, we do have a cut-off date for new students; however, we do offer a variety of drop-in classes for teens and adults!
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When a student misses class, it impacts the student and the class as a whole. Poor attendance may affect the student’s advancement to the next level, participation in the All School Demonstration, and continuation in that class. If an absence must occur, please contact the front desk at 206-325-4161 and staff@spectrumdance.org.
We are implementing the following guidelines for unexcused absences:
After two unexcused absences within a session, the School of Spectrum Dance Theater will notify the parent/guardian and issue a warning that their student has only one unexcused absence left.
After the third unexcused absence, the student will automatically be removed from the end-of-year All School Demonstration. There is a possibility of a production fee refund.
We will provide a refund/class credit for the absences that are validated as excused. i.e, if a licensed practitioner’s medical note is presented.
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While we recognize that delays are unavoidable occasionally, arrival to class beyond 10 minutes is cause for injury and a disruption to the class. If you know your student will be late to class, please notify the front desk at 206-325-4161 and staff@spectrumdance.org.
It is left to the instructor’s discretion whether or not to admit late arrivals into class. We may ask late students to sit, observe the class, and take notes. Repeated tardiness is subject to a meeting with the School Director and instructor.
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Students are no longer permitted to use the conference room unless specified. Students are required to change and encouraged to store their belongings in the locker rooms.
Lockers are available for this purpose. We do not provide locks. Personal items may not be left overnight. A new area will be designated as a student lounge for those with multiple classes in one day.
Parents and guardians may use the conference room for work purposes while waiting for their student. Please request access with our desk team.
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Please reference the 2025/26 SSDT Handbook for more information regarding dress code, safety and conduct policiesm as well as pricing and our Gift of Dance Scholarship.