The School of Spectrum Dance Theater – Pre-Professional Division (Academy & Preparatory Programs)
Spectrum Dance Theater, 800 Lake Washington Blvd, Seattle, WA 98122
About
The School of Spectrum Dance Theater – Pre-Professional Division (Academy & Preparatory Programs) includes training in Ballet, Donald Byrd Technique, Jazz, Contemporary, Improvisation, Composition, Pilates, Global Dance, and Tap. Students may take classes such as Introduction to Byrd Technique, Byrd I, Beginner Contemporary, Advanced Contemporary, and Improvisation and Dance Composition as part of their studies in this division.
• Ages: 12–18 years old
• Price: If the tuition for the Preparatory Program is $1,000 (this is a hypothetical number for illustration purposes) for the fall semester, the tuition covers the core classes of Ballet, Byrd, Contemporary, Pilates, and a supplemental class. If students want to add additional supplemental classes, each class would be discounted by 20% (again, just an example).
The Academy Program is an intensive training program for students ages 14–19 years who are interested in professional careers in dance, and acceptance into this program is by invite only. Academy dancers progress through a structured curriculum in multiple dance forms, have special performance opportunities in School productions and additional public performances, are required to see all Company performances and at least four other dance performances during the school year, and receive mentorship from the Academy Coordinator.
The Preparatory Program is designed for students ages 12–18 and replaces the Pre-Academy Program while offering a less-intense workload than the Academy Program. Students in the Preparatory Program take six technique classes in addition to Pilates, with the option of adding additional classes at a discounted rate, and this program does not offer performance opportunities outside of regular school performances. Students too young for the Academy Program can start in the Preparatory Program to build a foundation of knowledge for the Academy Program once they reach the required age, and the Preparatory Program aims to engage and excite young dancers in the possibilities of dance.
Spectrum Dance Theater was founded in Seattle, WA, in 1982, and three components comprise Spectrum Dance Theater: the professional Company, the School, and Community Engagement programs. The mission of The School of Spectrum Dance Theater is to provide expert dance instruction in diverse dance forms to all, and the School reflects the motto “DANCE FOR ALL.” Spectrum Dance Theater was founded to bring dance of the highest merit to a diverse audience composed of people from different social, cultural, ethnic, and economic backgrounds, with a principal objective of making dance accessible through contemporary dance performances and high-quality training in a variety of dance styles. Spectrum Dance Theater believes that an “ideal body” for dance is one that moves well and not one that necessarily conforms to a visual representation of an “ideal.” Donald Byrd provides artistic leadership for Spectrum Dance Theater.
Last updated January 8, 2026.
• Ages: 12–18 years old
• Price: If the tuition for the Preparatory Program is $1,000 (this is a hypothetical number for illustration purposes) for the fall semester, the tuition covers the core classes of Ballet, Byrd, Contemporary, Pilates, and a supplemental class. If students want to add additional supplemental classes, each class would be discounted by 20% (again, just an example).
The Academy Program is an intensive training program for students ages 14–19 years who are interested in professional careers in dance, and acceptance into this program is by invite only. Academy dancers progress through a structured curriculum in multiple dance forms, have special performance opportunities in School productions and additional public performances, are required to see all Company performances and at least four other dance performances during the school year, and receive mentorship from the Academy Coordinator.
The Preparatory Program is designed for students ages 12–18 and replaces the Pre-Academy Program while offering a less-intense workload than the Academy Program. Students in the Preparatory Program take six technique classes in addition to Pilates, with the option of adding additional classes at a discounted rate, and this program does not offer performance opportunities outside of regular school performances. Students too young for the Academy Program can start in the Preparatory Program to build a foundation of knowledge for the Academy Program once they reach the required age, and the Preparatory Program aims to engage and excite young dancers in the possibilities of dance.
Spectrum Dance Theater was founded in Seattle, WA, in 1982, and three components comprise Spectrum Dance Theater: the professional Company, the School, and Community Engagement programs. The mission of The School of Spectrum Dance Theater is to provide expert dance instruction in diverse dance forms to all, and the School reflects the motto “DANCE FOR ALL.” Spectrum Dance Theater was founded to bring dance of the highest merit to a diverse audience composed of people from different social, cultural, ethnic, and economic backgrounds, with a principal objective of making dance accessible through contemporary dance performances and high-quality training in a variety of dance styles. Spectrum Dance Theater believes that an “ideal body” for dance is one that moves well and not one that necessarily conforms to a visual representation of an “ideal.” Donald Byrd provides artistic leadership for Spectrum Dance Theater.
Last updated January 8, 2026.
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