Ballet, Hip-Hop & More Dance Classes for Adults & Kids In Seattle & Shoreline, Washington
No Snootiness Allowed ®
Why Choose American Dance Institute (ADI)?
At the American Dance Institute, we believe dance, whether it's Ballet, Hip-Hop, Tap dance, Flamenco, Contemporary dance, Suffle Dance, or K-pop, should be joyful, inclusive, and enriching for everyone, whether you're in Shoreline or Seattle, regardless of age, skill level, body type, or preferred dance style. Here's why families and students across Seattle neighborhoods like Greenwood and Wedgwood choose ADI:
🎓 Experienced, Caring Instructors
At the American Dance Institute, our teachers aren’t just great dancers with expertise in styles like Ballet and Hip-Hop—they’re gifted educators who know how to teach. Each instructor is trained to provide kind, clear, and consistent instruction that builds confidence, skill, joy, and a passion for dance in every student.
🛡️ Safe, Nurturing Environment
We’ve created a warm, welcoming atmosphere in our Seattle and Shoreline studios where students feel seen, supported, and celebrated. There’s no competition or judgment—just encouragement, growth, and a love for dance at your own pace at the American Dance Institute.
💃 Diverse Class Offerings
From ballet and hip hop to K-pop, flamenco, shuffle, and musical theater, we offer one of the most diverse lineups of dance styles in the Pacific Northwest—for toddlers, kids, teens, and adults.
📍 Four Convenient Locations
With studios in Seattle's Greenwood, Wedgwood, and Magnolia neighborhoods, and in the city of Shoreline’s North City neighborhood, which also serves Lake Forest Park, Mountlake Terrace, and Edmonds, Washington, our classes are easily accessible to families throughout the greater Seattle area.
🔁 Flexible Enrollment Options
Try a free class before committing. Miss a class? Make it up at no extra cost. We make it easy for busy families to stay involved and keep dancing.
❤️ Community First
We’re not a chain or franchise. We’re a local, family-owned studio that’s been teaching Seattle to dance since 1989—committed to building community and inspiring a lifelong love of movement.
Teachers
Elizabeth Chayer
Founder, 36 years. Hartford Ballet School is certified. Former University of Alaska faculty.
Dakota Crist Garcia
Joffrey South, American Academy of Ballet, Sacramento Ballet trainee, Cornish graduate
Assistant Director,
Teaches:MOMMY & ME, CREATIVE DANCE, PRE-BALLET, BALLET, JAZZ and MODERN DANCE
Maia Nowack
Master's in Dance Pedagogy, University of the Arts Helsinki, ballet
Teaches: tap, musical theater, & Jazz
Michaelene De La Serna
Studied with Carmela Greco. Vaganova certified. Former Assoc. Artistic Director, Boitsov Classical Ballet
Teaches:Adult & Kid's Flamenco
Victoria Gutierrez
Dance Academia de la Danza Mexicana INBA, where she graduated with a BFA in Classical and Contemporary Dance.
Teaches:ballet, modern & creative
Margaret Kenrick
RAD major exam. Former PNB dancer, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. Ed.D. from Chapman
Teaches: Ballet, pointe, PBT
The American Dance Institute Dance Studios Near You.
Which dance class is right for me?
Ballet: Imagine yourself or your child mastering the art of ballet, where every movement is an expression of grace and discipline. It's not just about learning to dance; it's about transforming your body and mind into something stronger, more flexible, and incredibly poised. Ballet teaches you the foundations upon which all dance forms can build. With each ballet class, you'll find yourself more in tune with your body, appreciating the beauty in the discipline it takes to create those seemingly effortless movements.
Tap Dance: Hear the rhythm of your feet creating music with every tap. This dance style is as much about sound as it is about dance. It's perfect for those who not only love to move but also have a passion for rhythmic beats. You'll learn to articulate sounds with precision, creating intricate rhythms that are music to the ears. Our tap dance classes are a joyful way to improve coordination and rhythm, letting you become an instrument as part of the orchestra.
Tap dancing class at Iowa State College, 1942
Jazz Dance: Jazz dance is where you'll find the essence of performance. With its high energy and dynamic movements, jazz encourages you to embrace the spotlight and express your individuality. Our jazz dance classes teach techniques that emphasize style and storytelling, all while grooving to some of the most energetic music out there. Jazz dance is a celebration of life and rhythm.
Contemporary Dance: Step into contemporary dance and find yourself in a fusion of ballet, modern, and jazz. This dance form is all about fluidity and expression, allowing you to explore a wide range of emotions and techniques. Our contemporary dance classes will teach you the freedom to interpret music and express yourself in a way that's uniquely yours. It's a path to discovering your personal voice in the dance world.
Musical Theater: Musical theater is the ultimate performing arts experience, offering you a chance to live out stories on stage. Whether you dream of Broadway or simply love the magic of theatre, our musical theater classes will enhance your performance skills in all areas, making you a versatile and expressive artist.
The Black Crook was a hit musical on Broadway in 1866.[1]
Hip Hop: Picture the floor as your stage, with hip hop as your medium of expression. This dance style is all about freedom, personality, and energy. It's a fantastic way to stay fit while having a blast. You'll learn to move in ways you never thought possible, finding your unique style and confidence that radiate beyond the dance studio. Hip hop is more than a dance; it's a culture, a way of life, and a path to self-expression.
A b-boy performing in Turkey surrounded by a group of spectators.
Flamenco: Envision yourself embodying the passion and intensity of flamenco. This dance form is a powerful expression of emotion, characterized by its dynamic footwork, intricate hand movements, and expressive body language. Flamenco is not just a dance; it's an experience that transports you to another world, filled with the depth of Spanish culture and artistry. It's an invitation to express your deepest emotions through the art of movement.
K-Pop Dance: Join the K-pop craze and learn to dance like your favorite idols. K-pop dance is energetic, precise, and always on trend. It's a great way to connect with a global community of fans and dancers alike. You'll learn catchy routines, improve your performance skills, and perhaps even star in your own dance cover video. K-pop dance is about fun, energy, and the joy of syncing with a group.
What is K-Pop?
K-Pop, or Korean Pop, is a Korean music genre that draws on a wide range of popular music styles. Some of these styles include Hip Hop, Pop, R&B, Electronic Dance Music (EDM), etc. However, one of the key things that sets K-Pop apart from other music styles is the focus on choreography. In most K-Pop videos, you'll see the artists dancing in sync — often doing very complicated and precise moves.
K-Pop History
K-Pop has its origins in the Korean music scene of the early 1990s. At that time, various musical genres were popular in Korea, including Folk, Rock, Jazz, and Hip Hop.
In 1992, Seo Taiji and Boys became the first Korean group to achieve success outside of Korea with their song "Nan Arayo" ("I Know"). This song is credited with starting the Hallyu Wave, which refers to the global popularity of Korean pop culture.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, K-Pop grew in popularity, with groups like g.o.d., S.E.S., and H.O.T. becoming household names in Korea. Around this time, the "idol" group format began to take off, with groups like DBSK, Super Junior, and Girls' Generation becoming some of the biggest names in K-Pop.
Today, K-Pop is more popular than ever, with groups like BTS, Blackpink, EXO, and Red Velvet achieving massive global success.
Dance Classes For Adults Ages 18-99
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Adults searching for a "dance studio near me" or "adult dance classes near me" will find the American Dance Institute's approach refreshingly different. Our classes blend ...
excellent instruction with a relaxed atmosphere, devoid of the usual formalities and distance often encountered in "dance studios near me for adults." From the first interaction to each "dance class," our environment is friendly and inclusive. Teachers focus on giving everyone equal, thoughtful attention, ensuring a nurturing space where every student feels valued and supported in their dance journey.
Elizabeth Chayer Founder, Director
Dance Classes For Kids Ages 2.5-4 and 5-7 in Seattle & Shoreline
Non-competitive, all-inclusive.
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- Stay and watch your kids take class in our comfortable observation rooms.
See all of our kid's dance classes by clicking the 'MENU' button above and to the right.
The Role of Dance in Restoring Kids’ Social and Emotional Health Post-Pandemic
I have experienced the COVID-19 pandemic's significant impact on our children's social and physical development, and I have something to say....
With pandemic-era lockdowns and social distancing severely limiting children’s in-person play, peer interaction, and access to structured physical activity, early childhood development has been measurably impacted. Experts and educators alike have raised alarm about how this isolation disrupted children's ability to build essential social, emotional, and physical competencies.
At the American Dance Institute (ADI), we witnessed this firsthand among our youngest students. In response, we intensified our focus on teaching the whole child—not just developing dance technique, but nurturing emotional intelligence, resilience, and social learning. Our curriculum intentionally fosters environments where students can creatively express themselves, improve physical coordination and stamina, and practice interpersonal skills in a safe, supportive, and joyful setting. This holistic, child-centered approach is part of ADI’s long-standing mission, but it became especially vital in the wake of COVID-19.
Our observations are echoed in peer-reviewed research. A study published in JAMA Pediatrics explores the pandemic’s impact on the socioemotional development of infants and toddlers, urging early education providers to adapt in ways that address these developmental setbacks. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding early behavioral changes to better support children through tailored interventions and programming (JAMA Pediatrics).
Likewise, a 2022 study from the Archives of Disease in Childhood (part of the CORAL cohort) evaluated the social communication skills of infants born during the first three months of the pandemic. These children were observed to lag in key developmental milestones—such as waving “bye-bye,” pointing, and responding to their name—compared to pre-pandemic peers, offering concrete evidence that early childhood development was indeed disrupted (Archives of Disease in Childhood).
Together, these findings reinforce what ADI has long practiced: that dance education is more than movement—it’s a critical form of whole-child support. Our programming not only promotes physical health and creative expression but also provides children with the structured, nurturing environments they need to reconnect socially, emotionally, and developmentally after years of uncertainty.
As schools and families seek ways to help children regain lost ground, programs like ADI’s—grounded in both real-world experience and supported by developmental science—offer a powerful path forward.
Dance Classes For Kids Ages 8-11 in Seattle and Shoreline
- Stay and watch your kids take class in our comfortable observation rooms.
- Stay and watch classes in our comfortable observation rooms.
See all of our juniors and teens dance classes by clicking the 'MENU' button above and to the right.
- Every class is available for a free trial.
- Select the Free Trial option at the time of class registration.
- You must register before attending class (no credit card required)
Happy Student & Parent Reviews
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PRIVATE DANCE LESSONS & STUDIO RENTALS
Contact us for private lessons and dance studio rentals at all locations.
- The Chayer Family; Steve, Elizabeth (ADI founder), Denny, Andy at Mount Denali National Park, AK.
Dancing actually brought me joy!
“I had no delusions of becoming a prima ballerina and starting dance classes as a college student, but I found it such a beautiful, invigorating, and fun way to stay in shape, so much more rewarding than going to the gym. Dancing actually brought me joy! "
Elizabeth Chayer, American Dance Institute founder and director. Visit her Wikipedia mention here.
Recent School Awards
The American Dance Institute, was handpicked as a Top 3 choice for Dance Classes in Seattle, Washington for 2025. All of the selections face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence.
The readers of Seattle start up Fresh Chalk voted American Dance Institute the Best Seattle Dance Classes.
Check out Fresh Chalk, Seattle's exciting new source for trustworthy referrals & reviews!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do classes work?
- Our classes are set up to be weekly lessons and are offered by age group for toddlers aged 2.5–3.5, kids aged 3.5-7, children aged 8–11, teens aged 11–15, or adults aged 15+ at various dance skill levels, including pre-beginner dance foundations classes.
- Your enrollment and tuition fee is for the full session season, typically 9-12 weeks.
- You can enroll anytime during the season for a prorated tuition fee.
- Class punch cards and drop-ins are available to dancers who can keep up without attending every week.
- We also offer private lessons, depending on teacher availability.
How difficult are dance classes?
- Beginning Level I classes allow students to start with no experience.
- Our dance classes start at the beginning level and progress throughout the season.
- We offer advanced levels in all seasons of classes.
- If you are in between levels, you can purchase a class card, and our teachers will help you find the right class.
- Teaching dance is done with both teacher modeling and verbal explanations. Warm-up activities help students prepare for class by getting their bodies ready to learn dance moves safely.
- For beginners to learn how to dance, teachers break down the steps very carefully, repeating steps many times with great patience. The final assembly of these components enables dancers to carry out a whole routine.
- If you would rather learn at home, our Any Day Ballet offers an excellent and popular beginning ballet course.
Can I try a class before committing to a full course?
- Yes, American Dance Institute has free trial classes to allow students to experience the class, the teacher, and the other classmates to ensure everything is a good fit.
What do I wear to dance class?
- For all Creative Dance, Pre-Level, and Children’s classes students enrolled in our classes, we have a class dress code that must be followed. You can see the class dress codes here.
- We do not expect anyone taking a trial to make any purchases.
- It is ok if you do not have attire matching our dress code for the first day of class.
- You can also check our swap box at each of our studios for donated outgrown leotards and shoes.
- Jr./teen & adult classes do not have a dress code.
What if I take a few cases but don't want to continue?
- We want dancing to be fun for everyone!
- If you're not enjoying your class, we can help you switch to another one. Alternatively, we can credit you for future classes or provide a refund for the remaining classes within 30 days of your drop date.
What types of dance classes are available to me?
- The American Dance Institute offers a variety of dance styles, such as ballet, hip hop, jazz, flamenco, contemporary, tap, modern/contemporary, shuffle, and more.
Does the American Dance Institute offer any beginner-friendly dance classes in my area?
- If you live near Seattle or Shoreline, Washington, you live near 6 of the most friendly beginning dance classes in town. The American Dance Institute offers dance classes that students love. Most dance studios offer beginner-level classes. Look for terms like introductory, beginner, or 101 in the class descriptions when checking studio schedules online or calling them directly to inquire. Beware; however, many studios mix beginning students in with intermediate-level classes (to fill them up). It may be difficult to keep up, and the teacher isn't likely to spend much time with you if they notice you at all.
What should I consider before enrolling in a dance class?
- Consider factors such as your level of experience, the style of dance you are interested in, class schedule compatibility with your routine, the qualifications of the instructor(s), distance from your location, refund policies, free trial class opportunities, and tuition fees.
Dance Classes That Adults, Teens, Kids & Toddlers Love!
Everyone is welcome!
Expert, gifted teachers who really break things down for you so you'll learn quickly.
Real beginning dance classes that progress in each session.
Every dance studio is spacious and wide open with safe 'Sprung Floors' that protect your feet, ankles and knees.
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Dance Classes in The Local Seattle Community
American Dance Institute offers exceptional dance classes near me in Seattle, providing a broad selection of hip hop dance classes near me Seattle and ballet classes near me Seattle for students of all ages and experience levels. With multiple locations across Seattle, including Greenwood, Wedgwood, Magnolia, and Shoreline, the institute is well-positioned to serve communities such as Ballard, Queen Anne, Ravenna, and University District. This accessibility ensures that students from South Lake Union, Fremont, Wallingford, and Downtown Seattle can easily join the institute’s diverse dance programs.
Classes are designed to meet the needs of beginners through advanced dancers, with dedicated programs in ballet, hip hop, contemporary, and tap dance. The institute's reach extends to areas like West Seattle, Rainier Valley, and Columbia City, supported by easy transit access via Interstate 5, Washington State Route 99, and Westlake Station. Students commuting from Pioneer Square, Leschi, Interbay, and Alki Point benefit from the studio's strategic locations near landmarks such as Burke-Gilman Trail, Magnuson Park, and Discovery Park.
By offering structured and engaging ballet classes near me in Seattle alongside energetic hip hop dance classes, American Dance Institute continues to foster a thriving dance community, attracting students from Maple Leaf, Roosevelt, Cascade, and beyond.
School Studio Contact Info
206-783-0755 (Greenwood
Wedgwood, and Magnolia)
206-402-6561 (Shoreline)
EMAIL: Greenwood, Wedgwood & Magnolia: adiseattle@americandanceinstitute.com
EMAIL: Shoreline: adishoreline@americandanceinstitute.com
School Studio Locations Info
Greenwood Studios: 8001 Greenwood Ave North, Seattle 98103
Magnolia Studio: 2410 32nd Ave West Seattle 98199
Wedgwood Studio: 7500 25th Ave NE Seattle 98115
Shoreline Studios: 1240 NE 175th Street, Shoreline WA 98155