Children's Division
The Children’s Division offers 3-9 year-olds dance classes in Ballet, Tap, Hip Hop and Acro. The Children’s Division is broken up into two levels based on age and dance experience. First-time dancers will love the First Steps classes! After two or more years of dance experience, students will graduate to the Second Steps classes.
Second Steps
Classes
The Second Steps class options are for dancers with some previous experience. These classes continue to develop flexibility, coordination and increase knowledge of dance terminology as well as perform in our June recital. Not only will dancers increase their dance skill but the fun also increases!
First Steps
Classes
Creative Ballet & Tap
Creative Ballet & Tap (Ages 3-5 & 5-7):
Does your little one dream of becoming a dancer one day? This is a fantastic class to start learning those basic dance skills. Your little dancer will develop rhythm, coordination, strength, poise and grace- just the grounding they need! Best of all, there’s always a creative slant that keeps it fun and fresh for your child!
Day | Time | Location | Ages | Click to Register |
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Mon | 4:45-5:30PM | Federal Way | 3-5 | |
Mon | 4:45-5:30PM | Auburn | 3-5 | |
Tue | 4:45-5:30PM | Federal Way | 3-5 | |
Wed | 4:45-5:30PM | Federal Way | 3-5 | |
Fri | 4:45-5:30PM | Maple Valley | 3-5 | |
Sat | 9:45-10:30AM | Federal Way | 3-5 | |
Thur | 5:15-6:00PM | Maple Valley | 3-5 | |
Mon | 5:45-6:30PM | Maple Valley | 3-5 | |
Thur | 4:45-5:30PM | Auburn | 5-7 | |
Wed | 5:15-6:00PM | Auburn | 3-5 | |
Sat | 9:45-10:30AM | Auburn | 3-5 |
Dance & Tumble
Dance & Tumble (Ages 3-5 & 5-7):
Do you have an energetic, bouncy young dancer? Dance & Tumble is a great place for action-loving kids to learn exciting tricks and impressive dance skills. They’ll learn to harness that energy from the expertise of our certified instructor. We’ll look after their well-being, too, in a safe and non-competitive environment.
Moves & Grooves
Moves & Grooves (Ages 3-5 & 5-7):
Does the street-smart grooving of Hip Hop look fun to your kid? Any child who digs the beat and amazing dance steps will have fun in this 45 minute kid’s Hip Hop class. They’ll sweat and groove to the music, learning all the best moves to the coolest songs. This dance style is inventive and full of freedom, perfect for creative young dancers.
Day | Time | Location | Ages | Click to Register |
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Thur | 4:45-5:30PM | Federal Way | 5-7 |
Dancing 101
Dancing 101 (Ages 7-9):
This class is a terrific introduction to 3 different styles of dance in one convenient class. New dancers will learn fundamental skills in tap, ballet and jazz. Each style receives 30 minutes of training in the weekly 90-minute class in a fun and positive environment. Dancers will increase their strength and flexibility under the watchful eye of our knowledgeable teachers.
Day | Time | Location | Ages | Click to Register |
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Sat | 10:30AM-12:00PM | Federal Way | 7-9 |
Second Steps
Classes
Kinderkid
Kinderkid (Ages 5-7):
This class is the next step up in your ballet and tap training. In tap, dancers will learn more advanced steps and rhythmic patterns, which are building blocks to understanding the intersection of movement and music. In ballet, dancers will develop poise and coordination, while gaining better control over their dance moves. Flexibility and more sophisticated positions are introduced in this Second Steps class.
Terrific Tumblers
Terrific Tumbler (Ages 5-7):
This energetic class is for the lively kids who want to flip, twist and roll! Dancers will increase their flexibility and strength while learning fundamental tumbling skills like rolls, handstands, cartwheels and more. Prepare to be impressed by what your child can do with a bit of help from our friendly and certified instructors- and how much fun they can have!
Day | Time | Location | Ages | Click to Register |
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Mon | 5:30-6:15PM | Auburn | 7-9 |
Kids Hip Hop
Kids Hip Hop (Ages 5-7):
If you are hip, cool and have swag for days, then Kids Hip Hop is for you! Hip hop is creative and gives you plenty of space for improvisation through freestyle dance! This class works on coordination, rhythm and builds stamina all while staying appropriate for your young child.
Dancing 201
Dancing 201 (Ages 7-9):
This class is a continuation of Dancing 101 with 3 different styles of dance in one convenient class. Dancers will increase their skills in tap, ballet and jazz dance techniques. Each style receives 30 minutes of training every week in a fun and positive environment. Dancers will continue to work on their strength and flexibility under the watchful eye of our knowledgeable teachers.
Pre Hip Hop
Pre Hip Hop (Ages 7-9):
If you are hip, cool and have swag for days, then pre hip hop is for you. Hip hop is creative and gives you plenty of space for improvisation through freestyle dance! This class works on coordination, rhythm and builds stamina all while staying appropriate for your young child.
Pre Acro
Pre Acro (Ages 7-9):
This class is for students who have more experience with tumbling and acro classes, and are ready to improve their strength, flexibility and knowledge! Students will learn exciting new tricks, flips, rolls, and partner work in this safe and fun class, guided by a certified instructor.
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What should my child wear to a trial class?Please do not purchase anything for the dance trial class. We want you to be 100% confident in your decision to enroll in dance lessons first. If you already have dance attire feel free to wear it however loose comfortable clothes that your child can move and stretch in are perfect. Jeans are not allowed in any dance classes. If you are trying a hip hop class please wear clean soled sneakers to avoid tracking in dirt and rocks. For all other classes we do have a small selection of "borrow" shoes that you may use for the trial. It happens rarely, but should we not have the correct size socks or bare feet will suffice. Please arrive about 15 minutes early to check in with the receptionist, find some shoes and there is a small bit of paperwork we need parents to fill out.
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Where should I park?The Federal Way Location has ample parking surrounding our building. The Auburn Location is located near the transit center, there are many street parking opportunities. However, during busy commuter hours there are very specific time limits to parking so please be sure to read the posted City enforced signs. The parking lot directly in front of CDT is a public parking lot with the following time limits: – 5am-9am: 15 minute limits – 9am-5pm: 3 hour free parking – 5pm-6:30pm: 15 minute limits – Free parking after 6:30pm During prime commuter hours we encourage our families to use the unofficial drop-off zone directly in front of our entrance. There is ample parking on the street as well as on the East side of ‘A’ Street for our clients to use.
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What are your operating hoursA receptionist is available during all of our class times. The school year session (September-June) operating hours are Monday –Thursdays 4pm-8pm and Friday and Saturday 9:30am-noon. We are closed on Sunday. Our 6 week summer session (July –August) is typically Monday- Friday from 9am- 4pm, and closed Saturday–Sunday. You can register for classes 24 hours a day 7 days a week online. We follow a similar closure schedule to the local School District and are closed in observance of Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Mid-winter break, Spring Break and Memorial Day weekend. There is typically a 2 week closure at the end of June/early July and then again in August.
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What if my child is sick?Good attendance is essential to advancement in our program however we understand that sickness and occasional conflicts will come up from time to time. Please give the office a call to have your dancer excused. You have 30 days to make up the class (optional) in the same or lower level class. You may also use your make up class in a different style class if you wish. If frequent absences become a problem, your dancer may not be allowed to perform in the June show, in this case a warning will be given an opportunity to fix the frequent absenteeism.
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What if we are running late?We understand how busy life can be. It is important to be on time, however if you are running a few minutes late please take the time to get ready in the lobby and then quietly and discreetly enter the studio. In the advanced classes any dancer more than 15 minutes late may be asked to sit and observe class since they have missed the majority of the warm up and we do not want to risk injury. This is at the instructor’s discretion.
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What is your snow/weather policy?If the local school district must cancel classes due to extreme weather or events beyond our control, classes will be canceled and you may make up the lesson within 30 days in a similar level class. Refunds or credits are not given. The Auburn location follows the Auburn School District snow closure decisions. The Federal Way location follows the Federal Way Public School closures decisions.
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What if I need to stop dance lessons?We require 30-days’ notice to discontinue any classes. Withdrawals must be done in person or by completing our digital withdrawal form and will not be accepted over the phone or email. The only exception is if we are unable to hold classes for whatever reason. Withdrawals must be done at the reception desk not with a teacher. All automatic payments will stop after the 30-day notice period. Non Attendance does NOT constitute withdrawal notice or adequate reason for not paying tuition. Once classes begin, tuition is non-refundable or transferable and credits are not issued. We reserve the right to terminate lessons to any student. In such a case, refunds are at the director’s discretion. To withdraw from a class, you must: 1. Request the withdrawal form, there is a hardcopy or digital version. 2. Complete and sign a withdrawal form provided by the school office. We cannot accept a withdrawal form if there is a balance due. 3. Inform the studio how you would like to handle your costume charges (a. forfeit the money you have paid to the point of your withdrawal, pay the remaining amount and have the costume shipped to you.) 4. If you are withdrawing after April 30th, you do not have an option to forfeit costume fees paid. All costume fees must be paid with final payment and your costume will be available for pick-up. 5. If you selected an annual payment: Annual payments are non-refundable. If you choose to withdraw all tuition prepaid is forfeited.
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Do I have to wait for a new month to register?The Sampler Series and Theater program is date specific, please register at least 3 days in advance to prevent class cancellation. The Children's and School Division will take later enrollment up through the end of February. We will pro-rate or adjust your tuition to reflect the appropriate start date. That way if you enroll mid-month you are not paying for the classes that have already passed. However, you will need to make arrangements to catch up the missed costume payment allocation. That can be done in a one time installment or divided up over your remaining months. The Conservatory Program enrollment ends at the end of September. Please contact us to arrange for a placement audition. The Arabesque Academy can take enrollment throughout the year. We prefer not to have any new enrollment after March. Please contact us to see if we have availability.
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What if my automatic payment is declined?We understand these things can happen. Our clients pay by automatic payment with either a Visa or MasterCard, credit/debit card on either the 1st or the 15th of the month. If your payment is declined you will receive an email notifying you as such. Many times this is corrected by updating an expired card. We do automatically attempt to reprocess the card in 24 hours. You have a 5 day grace period before your account is assigned a $10 late fee. CDT will begin collection procedures on any account 90 days overdue.
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What if my child just stands and watches class after class?This is not an unusual response with 2-4 year olds and even sometimes 5 year olds. There are many different reasons for this reaction. Some children need a few classes to observe what is happening in order to feel comfortable enough to participate. We usually hear about how this student dances all the time at home and even does the moves from class at home but not at the studio. This is performance anxiety and will pass. The good thing is that your child is learning even if they are just observing. Please keep in mind that the studio can be a loud place with all the other kids, music and tap shoes. If your child is more sensitive to noise they may take longer to fully participate. Also there is a lot of movement to get used to, and sometimes in the younger classes it is organized chaos. That can be overwhelming as well. Finally, they just may be more sensitive and might not be ready. In general, it takes 3-6 classes for the average “shy” child to feel comfortable. If there is a severe anxiety it may take longer. We work with students and parents as long as you are willing to and it is not causing a disruption. You, the parent, should always be your child’s biggest cheerleader. Never get angry or frustrated in front of your child at their lack of participation. Play “dance class” at home, encourage them to show you a new step or shape they may have learned, ask to see their stamps. Please arrive early to give your child a settling period. Learn some of your child’s classmate’s names and talk about their new friends. Most importantly be patient with your child. If after 4-6 classes things haven’t changed a break may be the thing to do.
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Can I switch class times later in the year?Absolutely! However, it is in your child’s best interest to let us know as soon as possible if you want to switch classes. Each class time has a unique performance routine and costume. To switch classes after your dancer begins learning their routine or you have paid for a costume is difficult (not impossible) and possibly costly. Let us know right away if you are anticipating a time conflict.
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Can I watch class?Yes, you can! While the studio is for dancers only, we have viewing windows that allow parents to sit and observe class. We also have closed circuit TV feed in our lobby for parents to to watch from the lobby. Sometimes as a treat, instructors may invite parents in to show off a great routine or if a dancer has a special guest. This is at the instructor’s discretion.
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Why do you have a uniform?The uniform dress code is important to dance training for many different reasons. Young children are often distracted by their large skirts and frilly tutus and possibly become jealous of their friend's beautiful outfit. This makes the instructor’s job much more difficult. As dancers get older and more advanced in their dance training, the simple leotard and tights combination make it possible for the instructors to see the dancers' bodies so they can make the proper corrections. It is much easier for teenagers to accept no skirts for ballet class during puberty because it was the rule when they were little. Each class level is also indicated by a different color leotard (like Karate with the different color belts) Once promoted, dancers are often very excited to get their new color leotard and have such a sense of accomplishment, which builds self-esteem.
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What if my child has experience from another studio and I think they should be placed at a higher level?You may be right; however, each dance studio has a slightly different program. It is best to call and arrange for a free placement class. We’ll ask you some simple questions to figure out which class you should attend. We always work to promote a dancer, not demote. So even if you were at Level 3 at your old studio and we ask you to come to our Level 2, please do so and let the teacher be the judge. We want our dancers to be appropriately challenged in their classes. We do not allow children to be placed in a class that the faculty finds unsuitable.
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What if we do not want to perform?All of our performances are optional. Competition team auditions are held in June and Nutcracker Auditions are held in August. If you do not want to perform in these extra opportunities, simply do not show up for the audition. If you are enrolled in the Children's, School and Conservatory Division and do not wish to participate in our June performance simply return the commitment form (handed out in January of each year) marked appropriately. Dancers may still participate in classes. Teachers will plan their choreography so the non-participating dancer is at the end of the line so they can learn and be fully engaged in classes, yet it is not a disruption to the routine when they are not at the show. With our inclusive tuition model your dancer will still receive a costume like their dance friends. The Arabesque Academy preschool performance and graduation is also optional and simply mark the commitment form if you are not able to be a part of the ceremony. The Sampler Series does not have a traditional performance, however the final day of the session is an in-studio observation day.
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Do you offer discounts for multiple classes and/or siblings?For group classes, yes, our tuition scale is based on the hours of lessons your entire family dances. This way the discount is already built into our fees. The annual registration fee is $35 for a single student, $40 for the family. That is paid per season, per family, not per dancer or per class. Private lessons are not discount and are priced per dancer. In the event your children need 4 or more costumes you will receive a monthly discount. See the discount section of the tuition page for more information.
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What age do you start taking students?We take students ages 3 and up! The best time to start dance is when your child is able to enter the studio by themselves and begin learning in a classroom like setting. They need to be potty trained, able to listen and follow directions (age appropriately) and be able to participate in class without a parent in the room. The age is different for each child. We believe it’s never too late to dance! We offer teen and adult classes as well.
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Can I video tape the performance?Photography during most theatrical performances (dance and theatre) is traditionally prohibited; however, we make an exception at our June performances and allow parents to video tape and photograph their child’s performance. We do ask that you turn off your flash as a courtesy to the performers and other audience members. Please keep aisle clear and do not obstruct another audience member’s view. Nutcracker And Spring Ballet parents are asked to video the Dress Rehearsal instead of the performance.
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What is your privacy policy?We do not share or sell any of our clients information with any 3rd party.