Nonprofit ballet studio in University Place that runs a five-day Youth and Teen Ballet Summer Intensive, July 27–31, 9:00am–4:30pm daily, covering classical technique, turns and traveling steps, petit allegro, variations and repertoire, conditioning and injury prevention. No audition is required and pointe experience is optional — dancers may participate fully on flat. The intensive is open to dancers ages 12–23, or as young as 10 with special permission based on years of training, and tuition is $450 for the week with per-day pricing available for partial attendance. Dancers learn choreography during the week and may opt into a community performance on August 8; classes are held on sprung dance floors.
The practical details
We list only what the camp itself publishes, and programs change — dates, prices, ages and availability can all move after we check. Confirm the details on the camp’s own website and contact Dance Theatre Northwest directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
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★★★★★SmithThe sense of community, individual attention and professional instruction truly set DTNW apart. The studio provides numerous low-key performance opportunities without the pressure or cost of competitions. The owner, Melanie Kirk-Stauffer is hands-on and involved with all that happens at the studio. We searched high and low to find the right fit for our family. We wanted an organized, caring atmosphere with the focus on sound instruction. That's much easier said than done. DTNW is all that!
★★★★★SarahI did ballet with this company for several years when I was a child (age 5-9). We did many recitals and I specifically remember being in a performance of Swan Lake as well as the Nutcracker Ballet. The costumes were divine, and I wish I still had them to this day! I'm now looking to enroll my own daughter (age 3) in this same company. Partly for nostalgia and partly because they offer a chance to become a world renowned ballerina... Every girl's dream!
★★★★★bridget smithI have danced with DTNW for over 20 years and it's an amazing place! The instructors are very skilled and the dancers are kind! It's a place where everyone is accepted. If your new to dance or an experienced dancer like me, there are a variety of classes for you to enjoy!
★★★★★Ken HassmanIt gives me great pleasure to offer my testimonial to the wonderfulness of Dance Theatre Northwest and artistic director Melanie Kirk-Stauffer. When I moved to Washington 3 years ago a dear friend of mine who is both a student as well as a teacher at Dance Theatre Northwest knew of my love of photography and introduced me to Melanie thinking that maybe I could do some photography work for the performances. Melanie welcomed me and has worked with me to help me grow in the knowledge of taking photos of dancers. As a result I have spent many hours at the studio witnessing Melanie moving from class to class during long days with seemingly nonstop energy. While offering whole class instruction she will move from dancer to dancer and offer tips for improvement and she does it all with grace and is very complimentary to each of the students. The students are devoted to learning and it has been amazing to watch the growth of individual dancers over the past 3 years. My involvement at Dance Theatre Northwest has been one most enjoyable and ongoing experiences of having moved to Washington.
★★★★★Olivia GraceDTNW is a place deeply important to me for so many reasons. They were the safe place I came to to heal after a traumatic brain injury and helped me regain a sense of balance and mobility. They have helped me find the joy in dance after teen years spent with an eating disorder, trying to fit the “ballet body”. They are the place that I feel safe taking my daughter, struggling with health conditions of her own to find gentle grace and strength. This is a studio for all bodies, all backgrounds, all kinds of people. I cannot recommend this space enough!