Overview

At June Taylor’s School of Dance we are dedicated to providing dancers of all ages the highest quality of dance education possible. We follow the Royal Academy of Dance method and work with dancers to develop a strong technical foundation that prepares them for a future career in dance if that is a path they wish to pursue. From Towards Ballet to Advanced II to Raise the Barre, we offer classes that are designed to promote personal excellence, health, and well-being. We invite students and parents to observe classes and contact our office to learn more about our curriculum. Please visit our Printable Schedules page for current class times and our Parent/Student Handbook page for tuition, dress code, and other School policy information.

Ballet Grades

  • Towards Ballet

This class offers the perfect first-time ballet experience for children ages 3-4. Towards Ballet facilitates growth and learning in a positive environment as our trained and highly-qualified teachers introduce children to beginning steps and musical concepts that develop motor skills, coordination, and balance. With each week’s 30-minute class session, children gain the ability to focus and engage with the class through the process of taking turns, listening, and following directions.

  • Preprimary and Primary

These classes are wonderful for children who may or may not have previous dance experience. Preprimary (ages 5-6) and Primary (ages 5-9) introduce and follow the Royal Academy of Dance curriculum that has been specially designed for young growing children who are beginning dance. With each 45-minute weekly session, dancers increase their understanding of movement and space in creative ways that build strength, balance, flexibility, and musicality. Our Royal Academy of Dance certified teachers can determine the best class placement for your child in order to help them establish a solid foundation to grow from with confidence.

  • Grades 1 through 8

Here at June Taylor’s School of Dance (JTSD) we follow the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) curriculum for Grades 1 through Grade 8 to provide students with the highest quality of dance education possible. Class placement is based on a dancer’s needs and level of training, which may or may not align with the dancer’s school grade, and our JTSD teacher faculty will assist in finding the right grade for your dancer to grow and thrive. While dance as an art form continues to evolve, the RAD syllabus has been designed to incorporate contemporary dance as well as character, a stylized dance based on east European folk dance, with the dancers’ ballet studies. This allows them to develop a richer understanding of movement and space as they increase and improve their technique. Royal Academy of Dance examinations are held annually each spring for Grades 1 through 8. Students advance to the next grade upon approval of their instructor or completion of their exam.

Vocational Training

Whether your dancer’s goal is to attend college or pursue a professional dance career, our vocational training program will provide your dancer with the tools to succeed. Dancers study closely with teachers who have years of professional dancing and teaching experience and have the opportunity to work with guest instructors from internationally acclaimed professional companies and schools. In addition to studying the Royal Academy of Dance vocational syllabus, which is constructed to provide vocational students with the necessary classical and contemporary skill-set to succeed in today’s dance world, dancers attend non-syllabus classes to apply their understanding of technique, musicality, and artistry in ways that foster critical thinking. Dancers also have the opportunity to develop performing experience by participating in JTSD productions and auditioning for Northwest Dance Theatre’s preprofessional company. JTSD alumni have gone on to dance professionally with companies such as Oregon Ballet Theatre, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Houston Ballet, Colorado Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet, and lead successful professional careers in fields such as Journalism, Teaching, Education, and Engineering.

Tap

Classes are available for ages five through adult. All ballet students are encouraged to study tap in addition to ballet, as it helps them improve their sense of coordination, rhythm, and musicality. Our adult classes also offer a fun way to exercise both mind and body. Adult class drop-ins are welcome.

Jazz

Classes are available for ages seven through adult. All ballet students are encouraged to study jazz in addition to ballet, as it helps improve flexibility, musicality, and use of space. Jazz is an integral part of dance education for students who wish to become professional dancers.

Modern

Modern dance helps dancers build physical strength and learn how to use breath and gravity to enhance their use of space. Classes are available for Intermediate Foundation students and above. Drop-in students should contact the office prior to class time to arrange placement and payment details.

Stretch and Tone

This class is structured to help dancers build strength and flexibility that furthers their command of technique. It also helps prevent injuries and promote better body awareness and breathing techniques.

The Ellové Technique™

The Ellové Technique is a non-impact fitness conditioning class that uses a mat and light hand weights. Taught by certified instructors, it is designed to strengthen and rejuvenate through the pure techniques of dance, yoga, fitness, and Pilates. Set to an intentional playlist of music, the class seamlessly incorporates alignment principles, balance, and full-body awareness while focusing on the breath. Students leave The Ellové Technique stronger, longer, and more connected to their bodies. This is the perfect class for anyone looking to improve posture, strength, tone, and flexibility, and is recommended cross-training for dancers and athletes. From novice to dance professional, The Ellové Technique is for everyone.

Watch their video to learn more. You will recognize our studio and a few of our students in it!

Adult and Teen Fitness

Dance is for everyone! We believe it is never too late to explore the joy of dance, which is why we offer classes for adult and teen beginners with little or no dance experience. We work with you to help you reach your personal goals. Our adult classes provide a wonderful way to release stress and have fun while keeping fit.

  • Raise the Barre

Designed and created by June Taylor’s School of Dance Founder and Artistic Director June Taylor-Dixon, this class helps adults build strength, increase flexibility, and improve circulation in a way that restores balance and well-being to the body and mind. This low-impact class works with the body to help you meet your personal needs and feel renewed. No dance training is needed. Classes are available for the term and on a drop-in basis. Class card bundles are available for drop-in savings.