Business Details
23 Years
experience
Your Trusted Dance Academy in Seattle, WA
Since 2003, Momentum Dance Academy has been dedicated to enriching the human spirit through dance, fostering creativity, self-esteem, and discipline in a supportive environment. Our mission-driven approach combines high-quality dance instruction with community outreach and accessible programming for all socio-economic backgrounds. With a focus on pre-professional training and family-friendly performances, we cultivate lifelong advocates of the arts while providing scholarships and leadership opportunities for youth.Our experienced instructors specialize in Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Irish, Jazz, and Tap, serving students aged 3 to adult. Through twice-yearly productions and partnerships with local senior communities, we strive to make dance an inclusive and transformative experience for every individual.
Services
Ballet Classes
Contemporary Dance
Hip Hop Instruction
Irish Dance
Jazz Classes
Tap Dance
Musical Theater
Adult Fitness
Creative Dance
Performance Division
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We offer pre-professional dance training with 20+ years of combined instructor experience
- Our diverse programs include Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Irish, Jazz, and Tap
- Community outreach initiatives serve Burien, Renton, Des Moines, and Seattle seniors
- Over $40,000 in annual scholarships support dance education accessibility
- Performance opportunities include two full-length ballet productions yearly
What people say
Second family
Great teachers
Friendly place
Positive experience
Community focused
Services
Ballet Classes
Our Ballet program develops coordination, strength, and grace through traditional techniques. Students learn barre work, center exercises, and performance pieces in a supportive environment. Ideal for ages 3 to adult, with progressive levels from beginner to pre-professional training.
Contemporary Dance
Contemporary classes blend jazz and ballet elements with creative self-expression. Focus on fluid movement, spatial awareness, and emotional storytelling. Suitable for ages 8 to adult with multiple skill levels available to develop technical proficiency and artistic individuality.
Hip Hop Instruction
High-energy Hip Hop classes teach street style moves, isolations, and choreography. Students develop rhythm and performance skills while adding personal flair to routines. Classes available for children through adults with age-appropriate music and movement styles.
Irish Dance
Traditional Irish dance instruction covering soft shoe and hard shoe techniques. Students learn solo and group formations with emphasis on precision and musicality. Competitive and recreational tracks available for ages 5 to adult with progressive skill development.
Creative Dance
Creative Ballet classes introduce preschoolers to dance fundamentals through imaginative play. Focus on body awareness, basic ballet positions, and motor skill development using themed activities and props. Parent-child classes available for ages 3-5 with gentle technical progression.
People
Rachael Forstrom
Executive Artistic Director
BFA in Dance from Ohio University with 20+ years teaching experience. Staged 12 full-length ballets and created MERGE NW dance festival. Specializes in creating inclusive learning environments for all dance abilities.
Nikki Wells
Contemporary Program Coordinator
Cornish College graduate with 15+ years teaching jazz, tap, and ballet. Former University of Houston Dance Ensemble member. Develops original choreography for biannual productions with focus on technical excellence and artistic expression.
Austin Sexton
Rehearsal Director
Triple-threat performer trained at Spectrum Dance Theater and Seattle Children's Theater. Brings expertise in ballet, jazz, and contemporary techniques with emphasis on performance quality and stage presence for advanced students.
Mario Manansala
Ballet Instructor
Professional dancer with Moscow Ballet and Evergreen City Ballet. Offers specialized training in ballet technique, partnering, and hip hop. Combines competition experience with scholarship program insights to develop well-rounded performers.
Tristan Carver-Cox
Hip Hop Instructor
Mentored by industry leaders with professional experience in hip hop and contemporary dance. Teaches technical precision while encouraging personal style development. Brings real-world performance expertise to youth training programs.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Irish, Jazz, Tap, and Musical Theater classes for ages 3 to adult with multiple skill levels.
Do you have classes for beginners?
Yes! Our Creative Dance program starts at age 3 with no experience required. All classes emphasize positive learning environments for new dancers.
Are there performance opportunities?
Students participate in two annual productions including full-length ballets and contemporary showcases. Performance Division offers pre-professional stage experience.
Do you offer scholarships?
Yes, our Arts Access Scholarship program awarded over $40,000 in financial assistance last year to support dance education for all families.
Can adults join classes?
Our Teen/Adult program offers fitness-focused classes in all dance styles for beginners through advanced students with no age limit.
How to start classes?
Visit our website to register for a free trial class. Choose from multiple dance styles and schedule your first session with our online system.
