*NOTICE: NO CLASSES TODAY, MONDAY DEC. 14th, DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER

~ Come dance with us ~ 

Looking for superior dance instruction, right here on the island? Then the Camano Dance Academy (at the Camano Island Country Club) is the place for you!

*Photo provided by Callies Portrait Photography

The Camano Dance Academy strives to produce healthy, technically sound, well-rounded dancers of all ages. We are dedicated to promoting the Arts within the Camano Island and surrounding communities, and encourage our dancers to explore and expand their love of dance.

 Pre-Combo and Beginning Combo; Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Ballet; Beginning and Intermediate Hip Hop; Pointe Classes

Have Questions About our School?

Try the following Q&A Session with our owner, Terah Partridge:

Q: How was the Camano Dance Academy founded?

A: Well, I had been teaching ballet at various studios for several years, and of course I had to commute quite a distance to do so, since there were no ballet schools on the island. When my daughter turned four and decided she wanted to try a ballet class, I looked around the area and couldn't find the type of school, locally, that I wanted. I was searching for a class that would instruct her in classical ballet, with proper technique and an emphasis on artistry, but I also wanted her to have fun and enjoy the whole experience.  It was my desire that she look forward to class every week.

This situation, combined with the fact that several of my friends had been begging me to start a dance class for their own children, prompted me to begin a Pre-Ballet class. We started at the Camano Senior Center in February of 2007, with about six students.

Well, things grew... and grew... and grew... so much that I moved over to the Camano Country Club (a lot more room!) and now we are offering ten different dance classes. We currently have about seventy students, with more joining all the time. The support we have received from the Camano Island/Stanwood community has been absolutely amazing. We feel so grateful for the wonderful parents and students we are privileged to work with.

Q: At what age would you recommend a student begin taking dance classes?

A: Well, I think any age is the right age to start. If we're talking about a young student, I think age three is a great time to begin. Although students that young won't be able to grasp much of the technical aspects of dance, they have a wonderful time exploring space, and expressing themselves through their interpretation of music. If you're concerned about whether or not your child is ready for dance classes, ask yourself how they normally do in a structured setting. If they have been in preschool, or a church class, and have done well there, they are probably ready to start dancing.

If you are an older student and are concerned that you are too old to begin a dance class, let me assure you, you are not! When I was earning my Bachelor's degree at Weber State University, my ballet instructor (who happened to be the chair of the Dance Department), told us that she had never taken a ballet class until college. She went on to become a professional ballerina, which is amazing. Dancing is wonderful for anyone, regardless of their age.

Q: Can boys take dance classes?

A: Of course! If you have been at all exposed to the metamorphisis the world of dance is undergoing at the present time, you are probably aware that more males than ever are becoming involved in dance classes. Shows like "So You Think You Can Dance" have shown the US what amazing athletes male dancers can be. Ballet is wonderful to increase strength and agility in boys - in fact, many professional athletes train in ballet classes, and the skills they learn assist them during their big games. Our Hip Hop class, as well, is a great place for a boy to get involved in dance.

Q: What 'school of ballet' do you teach?

A: This is a question I sometimes get from parents who are well versed in ballet. There are variations in ballet technique, based on the region where a particular 'school' evolved. 'Schools' of instruction include the Russian, Italian, Vaganova, RAD, Balanchine, and Cecchetti methods, along with some lesser-known variants. My chosen instruction method is based on the Cecchetti school, which places an emphasis on working the entire body, creating graceful lines with fluid movement. However, I will often borrow from the other schools as well, (particularly RAD) in order to provide a complete syllabus for my students.

Q: My student has special needs. Do you provide instruction for special needs students?

A: Due to the fact that I obtained a Special Education degree from Utah State University, and was previously employed as a public school teacher, I have a deep desire for all children to be able to experience the joys of dance. If your student has special needs, we will do all we can to provide them with a wonderful environment for learning. If you have questions regarding your particular circumstances, please feel free to contact me to discuss placement.

Q: What is the appropriate attire for dance class?

A: Ballet: Students should wear a leotard, pink tights, and pink ballet shoes. Hair should be pulled away from the face (a bun is preferable). A skirt or ballet sweater is optional. Please ensure that your attire allows for your teacher to view your legs clearly, as it is necessary to see the line of your leg in order to ensure correct body alignment.

Hip Hop: Students should wear comfortable clothing, such as shorts and a t-shirt - jeans are not preferred. Socks and tennis shoes are appropriate footwear.

Q: Do you recommend a certain store at which to purchase dancewear?

A: No store in particular. There aren't many places nearby to purchase dancewear, at least that I am aware of. However, most stores like Target and Walmart carry dance tights and leotards. I DO NOT recommend that you buy the ballet shoes they carry there, however - they are more like bedroom slippers than ballet shoes. A good place to purchase ballet slippers is Payless Shoe Source - they carry leather ABT (American Ballet Theater) slippers. Please make sure that you purchase PINK ballet slippers - although black ballet slippers are very pretty, it makes it so much nicer when all the girls' feet are matching during the recital. Also, you can get a lot of selection from ordering catalogs or shopping online. I personally like www.discountdance.com, or www.dancedistributors.com. They ship fast, accept returns, and have a great variety of products to choose from.

Q: How can I find out more about your program?

A: Please feel free to contact me by phone, (360) 631-4657 - or by email at tnpartridge@yahoo.com. I would be happy to answer any further questions you may have about our school.