Wayne Rutledge

Preschool activities that are healthy, fun & educational! These adorable creative dance students are taking their bows, having just performed for their families in our in-house, no-cost, no-hassle dance recital.

Preschool Activities: Why Creative Dance is the Best

Creative Dance: Does your child love to move when you play music? Play music and they will dance around the room. Observe them closely and you will notice that they repeat the same movements over and over. They not only have a limited early speaking vocabulary, they have a limited early movement vocabulary. The best Creative Dance activities makes use of your child's imagination. Expanding their movement vocabulary in our creative dance classes is so beneficial. We make learning fun and that is why this is perhaps the perfect preschool activity for your child.

Our creative dance classes work on the obvious things like developing body awareness, loco-motor-skills, strength, and flexibility. However, children are capable of much more learning, and we take full advantage of this opportunity. Your child will learn more in our classes as a result.

We introduce your child to concepts such as levels in space, directions in space, pathways, qualities of movement, etc. Your child will see, feel and experience whether something is fast, slow, sharp, smooth, strong, light etc. As they become familiar with these concepts they can understand points of reference and perspective. For example, they will take one movement that feels very familiar in their body and with the instructors guidance, make it a dozen different creative dance movement variations. They’ll try it high, try it low, try it backwards, upside down, with a partner etc. It’s all wrapped in fun creative themes and it opens up unlimited possibilities to move, express and relate to the world around them.

Connie Bergstein Dow, MFA, is a huge advocate for preschooler's creative dance. Connie has performed and taught dance in the United States and Latin America for 38 years. She is the author of Dance, Turn, Hop, Learn! Enriching Movement Activities for Preschoolers. Connie's article for the National Association for the Education of Young Children is a wonderful read.

Winter/Spring 2019 Class Schedule

Greenwood and Magnolia classes run February 11-June 20, 2019.

Shoreline classes run February 4-June 14, 2019.

Preschool Activities Greenwood

Creative Dance I Classes in Greenwood
Ages 3-4

Tuesdays, 4:00-4:45PM with creative dance instructor Alyssa Brillinger in Studio #2

Fridays, 10:45-11:25AM with creative dance instructor, Alyssa Brillinger in Studio #2 Class Full *Wait list Available*

Saturdays, 12:00-12:40PM with creative dance instructor, Alyssa Brillinger in Studio #2

Sundays, 10:35-11:15AM with creative dance instructor, Margaret Behm in Studio #2

Creative Dance II Classes in Greenwood Level
Ages 4-5

Tuesdays, 10:45-11:30AM with creative dance instructor, Alyssa Brillinger in Studio #1

Thursdays, 3:30-4:15PM with creative dance instructor, Alyssa Brillinger in Studio #1

Fridays, 3:45-4:30PM with creative dance instructor, Alyssa Brillinger in Studio #2

Saturdays, 12:45-1:30PM with creative dance instructor, Alyssa Brillinger in Studio #2

Sundays, 9:45-10:30AM with creative dance instructor, Margaret Behm in Studio #2

Class Prices

Preschool Activities Magnolia

Creative Dance Classes in Magnolia
Ages 3.5-5

Mondays, 4:30-5:15PM with creative dance instructor, Margaret Behm

Tuesdays, 9:45-10:30AM with creative dance instructor, Margaret Behm

Fridays, 4:55-5:40PM with creative dance instructor, Emily Curtiss

Saturdays, 9:45-10:30 AM with Sophia Arnal

Sundays, 9:00-9:45AM

Class Prices

Preschool Activities Shoreline

Creative Dance Classes in Shoreline
Ages 3.5-5

Mondays, 10:00-10:45AM

with creative dance instructor Dakota Crist in Studio #1

Mondays, 3:30-4:15PM with creative dance instructor Dakota Crist in Studio #1

Tuesdays, 6:00-6:45PM with creative dance instructor, Emily Curtiss in Studio #1

Fridays, 4:00-4:45PM with creative dance instructor, Dakota Crist in Studio #2

Saturdays, 9:45-10:30AM with creative dance instructor, Dakota Crist in Studio #2

Sundays, 9:45-10:30AM with creative dance instructor, Dakota Crist in Studio #2

Shoreline Class Registration

Class Pricing

1240 NE 175th St. Shoreline, Washington, 98155

Join our Shoreline Mailing list for Updates

Fall 2018 Class Schedule

The Greenwood and Magnolia Fall sessions run September 17, 2018 - February 10, 2019.

The Shoreline session runs September 11, 2018 - February 3, 2019.

Preschool Activities Greenwood

Creative Dance I Classes in Greenwood Level
Ages 3-4

Tuesdays, 4:00-4:45PM with creative dance instructor Alyssa Brillinger in Studio #2

Fridays, 10:45-11:25AM with creative dance instructor, Alyssa Brillinger in Studio #2 Class Full *Wait list Available*

Saturdays, 12:50-1:30PM with creative dance instructor, Alyssa Brillinger in Studio #2

Sundays, 10:35-11:15AM with creative dance instructor, Margaret Behm in Studio #2 Class Full *Wait list Available*

Creative Dance II Classes in Greenwood Level
Ages 4-5

Tuesdays, 10:45-11:30AM with creative dance instructor, Alyssa Brillinger in Studio #1

Thursdays, 3:30-4:15PM with creative dance instructor, Alyssa Brillinger in Studio #1

Saturdays, 12:00-12:45PM with creative dance instructor, Alyssa Brillinger in Studio #2 Class Full *Wait list Available*

Sundays, 9:45-10:30AM with creative dance instructor, Margaret Behm in Studio #2

Class Prices

Preschool Activities Magnolia

Creative Dance Classes in Magnolia
Ages 3.5-5

Mondays, 4:30-5:15PM with creative dance instructor, Margaret Behm

Tuesdays, 9:45-10:30AM with creative dance instructor, Margaret Behm

Fridays, 4:55-5:40PM with creative dance instructor, Emily Curtiss

Saturdays, 9:45-10:30 AM with Sophia Arnall Class Full *Wait list Available*

Class Prices

Preschool Activities Shoreline

Creative Dance Classes in Shoreline
Ages 3.5-5

Tuesdays, 6:00-6:45PM with creative dance instructor, Emily Curtiss in Studio #1

Fridays, 4:00-4:45PM with creative dance instructor, Dakota Crist in Studio #2

Sundays, 9:45-10:30AM with creative dance instructor, Dakota Crist in Studio #2

Shoreline Class Registration

Class Pricing

1240 NE 175th St. Shoreline, Washington, 98155

Join our Shoreline Mailing list for Updates

American Dance Institute on King 5's New Day TV Show

American Dance Institute's founder/Director, Elizabeth Chayer is featured on King 5's New Day Television program promoting the school's partnership with the world acclaimed Moscow Ballet and their 2018 production of the Great Russian Nutcracker at Seattle's Paramount Theater.

DRESS CODE

Girls wear black cotton tank leotard with pink footless tights. No skirts/tutus please except for special skirt days. Boys wear black shorts or sweats, white t-shirt and bare feet.

These items can be picked up at Center stage Capezio, 5261 University Way NE or order online at discountdance.com and use school code TP120018

We wrote a quick read guide: 10 Top Questions to Ask A Dance School-Before You Give Them Your Money. It's FREE here.

Meet Your Child's Creative Dance Teachers

"Just as is true in the best preschool activities, the quality of the creative dance teacher makes all the difference." Elizabeth Chayer, Founder, Director

Alyssa Brillinger

Alyssa has a BA in English from Hope College in Holland, Michigan where she minored Dance. While at Hope, she studied under instructors associated with the Ailey School, Alonzo King LINES training program, the Joffrey Ballet, Lehrer Dance, Rennie Harris Puremovement, Nikolais/Louis, and Pilobolus.

American Dance Institute dance Teacher Jenn Tarranto Childrens ballet dance classes

Jenn Taranto

While in high school, Jenn studied at the Joffrey Ballet School, American Ballet Theatre and the New York Ballet Institute where she received her most intensive training.

Margaret Behm

Originally from Fort Collins, CO, Margaret holds a BFA in Dance and a Minor in Women & Gender Studies from the University of Colorado Boulder. She has been a member of Louder than Words Dance Theatre in Denver, CO and most recently with Keshet Dance Company in Albuquerque, NM.

Sophie Stanley, American Dance Institute,

Sophie Stanley, Dance Teacher & Office Manage, Shoreline WA

Sophia Stanley teaches dance at our Shoreline studio and serves as the office manager for American Dance Institute Shoreline and the Shoreline Music School.

Sophia was graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University with a bachelors in News and Information.

She grew up studying ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, and contemporary in Tulsa, Oklahoma and was part of her high school dance team for two years.

During her sophomore year of college, she founded the OBU Pom Squad and acted as coach and captain until graduating.

Dakota Crist

Dakota Crist holds a BFA in Dance from Cornish College of the Arts. Dakota found her love for dance instruction in 2009. She is currently pursuing professional development in dance education.

Emily Curtis

Emily Curtiss holds a BFA in Dance from the University of Montana. She had her early training at Studio One and Allegro Dance Studio, both in Sandpoint, Idaho. She studied Ballet, Jazz and Modern and danced for 4 years on the Sandpoint High School Dance Team. She Emily has extensive choreographic and performance experience and has been teaching since 2012.

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Instructor Alyssa Brillinger

Tap, dance classes, dance studios, dance teachers, dance lessons

Allyssa Brillinger teaches tap dance classes for American Dance Institute

6 Student reviews.

Classes Alyssa Teaches

Ballet
Children's Pre-Ballet

Tap Dancing

Parent Toddler
Children's Creative

Alyssa Brillinger's Bio

Alyssa is from Grand Rapids, Michigan, and she began her dance training there at the Academy of Dance Arts. She hold a BA in English from Hope College in Holland, Michigan where she minored Dance.

While at Hope, she studied under instructors associated with the Ailey School, Alonzo King LINES training program, the Joffrey Ballet, Lehrer Dance, Rennie Harris Puremovement, Nikolais/Louis, and Pilobolus.

She danced in several faculty and student-choreographed performances, and she choreographed several pieces that were performed on campus and within the community.

Alyssa is trained in the Cecchetti Ballet technique as well as in tap, jazz, modern, and pointe. She teaches creative movement classes within various Seattle schools and day care centers.

Testimonials

Emily H. gave a favorable Yelp review for american dance institute's Tap dance classes, tap dance studios

Emily H. Seattle

We just finished our parent and toddler class with Miss Alyssa. As a former early educator with a little one who is on the tender/sensitive side, I believe we couldn't have had a better experience and teacher. It was a creative, casual environment where our daughter could watch the other children and adults until she was comfortable participating. Additionally, our daughter went from observing most of the time to doing all the movements and songs at home and participating in the entire class. As parents, it was truly rewarding watching our daughter gain confidence and enthusiasm in expressing herself through dance in front of others.

Miss Alyssa is warm, personable, and knows how to involve and engage the toddlers with their different personalities. She keeps things moving along, with enough predictability for the toddlers to anticipate the next part of the class. I had other friends do the parent and toddler class, and when they hear about our class experience, they say they wish they had Miss Alyssa too! I can't say enough positive things about her, especially if you have a slow-to-warm little one as we do.

This was a wonderful experience for our whole family. Our daughter gained so much confidence and excitement for creative movement through this experience. Thanks, ADI and Miss Alyssa! We hope to be back

"Very patient Instructor and teaches at a nice pace. ""Consistently Awesome 5 stars" Trisha Creaven

"Consistently Awesome 5 stars " Annalisa Steinnes

"Consistently Awesome 5 stars " Brenna Steinnes

"Consistently Awesome 5 stars " Erica Crane

'Consistently Awesome - 5 stars' Anonymous

Instructor Jenn Taranto

Based on 9 reviews.

Jenn's Bio

American Dance Institute welcomes Jennifer Taranto to their teaching staff. Jennifer has been teaching at The School of Classical Ballet for the last 2 years.

Jenn began her ballet training in Warwick, NY at the age of 10. While in high school, Jenn studied at the Joffrey Ballet School, American Ballet Theatre and the New York Ballet Institute where she received her most intensive training. Here, Jenn was trained in the Vaganova method from former students of The Kirov Academy of St. Petersburg. She continues to pass down this style of ballet to her students, with its clean lines and a strong emphasis on port de bras.

Jenn loves choreographing and teaching.

jenn taranto teaches dance classes for american dance institute seattle

Testimonials

Jenn is wonderful with the kids - always very patient even their wild moments! Anon

Jenn Taranto! She's been great. Some parents say Jenn's instruction has produced marked improvement. It's exciting! Phyllis Fletcher

" Great-4 Stars, She was excellent and made the class everything I hoped it would be." Linda Huizingh

"Jenn Taranto is the BEST ballet teacher I've ever had in my life. I wish you had more of her classes." Muratani

Attentive, inspiring, brought the entire class along on a path of progress! Parisa

"Consistently awesome - 5 Stars" Marina Knisely

"Consistently awesome - 5 Stars" Cezanne Ezekiel

"Consistently awesome - 5 Stars" Anonomous

Margaret Behm

Margaret's Bio

Originally from Fort Collins, CO, Margaret holds a BFA in Dance and a Minor in Women & Gender Studies from the University of Colorado Boulder. She has been a member of Louder than Words Dancetheatre in Denver, CO and most recently with Keshet Dance Company in Albuquerque, NM.

margaret teaches ballet dance classes, jazz dance classes, modern dance classes for american dance institute

Margaret has directed the pre-professional programs at Mountain Dance in Fort Collins, where she also grew up dancing. At Keshet Dance Company, her teaching experience was diverse and included teaching Adaptive dance, working with dancers with disabilities.

Margaret is a dance and teaching artist with an affinity for improvisation, and a desire to explore the infinite ways her body moves. As a teacher, she takes pride in guiding others’ discoveries of their dancing bodies, and wants everyone to feel empowered to take up space in the world.

Margaret behm's dance promotion poster ballet dance classes, jazz dance classes, modern dance classes for american dance institute

margaret behm's dance performance promotion poster ballet dance classes, jazz dance classes, modern dance classes for american dance institute

a dance poster featuring Margaret behm ballet dance classes, jazz dance classes, modern dance classes for american dance institute

Margaret is new to Seattle and incredibly excited to get involved with the dance community and to be joining the staff at ADI.

margaret-behm-junior-teen-jazz-dance-classes-american-dance-institute-magnolia

ADI instructor Margaret Behm with students Sara, Jessica, Carly, Sophia and Ann at our first Junior/Teen Intermediate Jazz class at our new Magnolia studio. Great work tonight girls. So happy to have you in our ADI family.

Sophie Stanley

Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Pre-ballet, Toddler, Mommy & Daddy & Me, Administrative Assistant

Sophie joined American Dance Institute in 2018. She taches primarily at our new Shoreline School. In addition to teaching Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Pre-ballet, Toddler, Mommy & Daddy & Me classes, she is also an administrative assistant in our Shoreline office.

Sophia Stanley grew up studying ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, and contemporary in Tulsa, Oklahoma and was part of her high school dance team for two years. She graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University with a bachelors in News and Information. During her sophomore year of college, she founded the OBU Pom Squad and acted as coach and captain until graduating.

Ballet, jazz, and contemporary are Sophie's favorite and she loves focusing on technique and conditioning, no matter the style. She has been teaching dance for six years and loves working with students of all ages and levels. She loves creating choreography that makes dancers feel challenged, confident, and creative.

Sophie moved to Seattle from Oklahoma in June 2017, so when she isn't in the dance studio, she is probably exploring the city, walking at the beach (it doesn't matter what the weather's like), or doing yoga.

Sophie Stanley, dance classes, dance schools, shoreline, WA

Sophie Broadway bound

Recreating in style

Dakota Crist

Dakota Crist had her early training in Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary and Modern Dance at Diane’s Dance Works in Helena, Montana, then went on to study at Creative Arts Center in Helena, Ballet Montana Academy and Sacramento Ballet.

She holds a BFA in Dance from Cornish College of the Arts. Dakota is currently a company member of The Three Yells dance company and she has been teaching since 2009.

She joined American Dance Institute in January of 2018.

Emily Curtiss

Emily Curtiss teaches: Ballet Classes, Pre-Ballet Classes, Children's Creative Dance, Modern Dance and Mommy & Me Toddler Dance classes at American Dance Institute Shoreline, WA.

Emily Curtiss had her early training at Studio One and Allegro Dance Studio, both in Sandpoint, Idaho. She studied Ballet, Jazz and Modern and danced for 4 years on the Sandpoint High School Dance Team. She holds a BFA in Dance from the University of Montana. Emily has extensive choreographic and performance experience and has been teaching since 2012.

Emily joined American Dance Institute in January of 2018.

Preschool Activities: Creative Dance Classes

Preschool Activities: Why Creative Dance is the Best

Winter/Spring 2019 Class Schedule

Preschool Activities Greenwood​

Creative Dance I Classes in Greenwood Ages 3-4

Creative Dance II Classes in Greenwood LevelAges 4-5

Preschool Activities Magnolia​

Creative Dance Classes in MagnoliaAges 3.5-5

Preschool Activities Shoreline​

Creative Dance Classes in ShorelineAges 3.5-5

Fall 2018 Class Schedule

Preschool Activities Greenwood​

Creative Dance I Classes in Greenwood LevelAges 3-4

Creative Dance II Classes in Greenwood LevelAges 4-5

Preschool Activities Magnolia​

Creative Dance Classes in MagnoliaAges 3.5-5

Preschool Activities Shoreline​

Creative Dance Classes in ShorelineAges 3.5-5

American Dance Institute on King 5's New Day TV Show

DRESS CODE

Meet Your Child's Creative Dance Teachers

Dakota Crist

Emily Curtis

Instructor Alyssa Brillinger

Classes Alyssa Teaches

Alyssa Brillinger's Bio

Testimonials

Emily H. Seattle

Instructor Jenn Taranto

Jenn's Bio

Testimonials

Margaret Behm

Margaret's Bio

Sophie Stanley

Dakota Crist

Emily Curtiss

Preschool Activities Greenwood

Creative Dance I Classes in Greenwood
Ages 3-4

Creative Dance II Classes in Greenwood Level
Ages 4-5

Preschool Activities Magnolia

Creative Dance Classes in Magnolia
Ages 3.5-5

Preschool Activities Shoreline

Creative Dance Classes in Shoreline
Ages 3.5-5

Preschool Activities Greenwood

Creative Dance I Classes in Greenwood Level
Ages 3-4

Creative Dance II Classes in Greenwood Level
Ages 4-5

Preschool Activities Magnolia

Creative Dance Classes in Magnolia
Ages 3.5-5

Preschool Activities Shoreline

Creative Dance Classes in Shoreline
Ages 3.5-5