Business Details
22 Years
experience
Creative Dance Studio in Sandy, UT
South Valley Creative Dance has been nurturing creativity and self-expression through dance since 2004. Our mission centers on providing inclusive, affordable dance education that prioritizes artistic development over competition. With a faculty of experienced educators holding advanced degrees in dance, we offer programs for ages 18 months to adults, emphasizing holistic growth through modern, ballet, and creative movement techniques. As a nonprofit organization, we reinvest in our community through scholarships, outreach programs, and performance opportunities that promote diversity and accessibility.Our curriculum integrates interdisciplinary elements like music, literature, and science to foster creative problem-solving. We maintain small class sizes to ensure personalized attention and create a supportive environment where students develop technical proficiency alongside emotional and physical growth. Our performing company, Creativity in Action, provides advanced students opportunities to collaborate with professional choreographers. We serve the southern Salt Lake Valley with a commitment to making dance accessible to all, regardless of ability or financial means.
Services
Creative Dance
Ballet Technique
Modern Dance
Adult Movement Classes
Summer Camps
Performing Company
Creative Movement
Musical Theatre
Community Outreach
Scholarship Programs
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We offer inclusive dance education for ages 18 months to adults with a focus on artistic expression
- Our faculty includes BFA/MA degree holders with professional dance experience
- We provide scholarships and outreach programs for underserved populations
- Our curriculum integrates interdisciplinary learning through music, literature, and science
- We maintain small class sizes for personalized attention and growth
Associations and certifications
- NDEO
- UDEO
- daCi
- daCiUSA
Services
Creative Dance
Our creative dance program introduces foundational movement concepts for children aged 18 months to 5th grade. Using natural movements like jumping and skipping, students explore rhythm and spatial patterns through age-appropriate technique. Classes incorporate props, musical instruments, and interdisciplinary elements to develop each child's unique movement vocabulary while fostering artistic self-expression in a supportive environment.
Modern Dance
Modern dance classes for students 4th grade and older focus on technical training in modern dance principles. Through improvisation and choreography, students develop clarity of line, body articulation, and fluid movement. Our professional instructors from Utah's top dance companies guide students in building technical proficiency while maintaining creative exploration and artistic individuality in their dance practice.
Ballet Technique
Ballet technique classes for 6th grade and older combine traditional training with conditioning exercises. Students develop proper alignment, strength, and flexibility while learning classical ballet vocabulary. The curriculum emphasizes technical precision and artistry, preparing dancers for advanced study while maintaining our philosophy of creative expression over rigid conformity in performance.
Adult Movement Classes
Our adult movement classes offer accessible dance experiences for all skill levels. Participants explore energizing and restorative movement patterns in a supportive community setting. These Wednesday evening sessions focus on creative expression, physical wellness, and social connection through dance, welcoming both beginners and experienced dancers returning to practice after years away.
Performing Company
Creativity in Action provides performance opportunities for advanced students aged 6th grade and older. The company works with guest choreographers to develop original productions, focusing on collaborative creation and technical excellence. Company members receive specialized training while contributing to two annual performances, developing both their artistic voice and stage presence through intensive rehearsal processes.
People
Tami Knubel
Co-Artistic Director
Tami founded South Valley Creative Dance in 2004 after studying at Brigham Young University. With extensive experience in dance education, she specializes in creative movement for young children and directs summer camps while managing studio administration.
Julie Johnston
Co-Artistic Director
Julie holds a Master's Degree in Dance from BYU and has over a decade of teaching experience. She co-directs the performing company and teaches musical theatre classes, bringing expertise in choreography and dance education to the studio's leadership team.
Nicholas Cendese
Co-Artistic Director
Nick graduated from the University of Utah with a BFA in modern dance. He co-directs the performing company and teaches homeschool classes, combining his professional dance background with educational leadership to support the studio's artistic vision.
Carrie Peterson
Faculty Member
Carrie holds a BFA in modern dance from the University of Utah. She teaches creative movement classes and summer camps while managing studio administration, bringing extensive experience in dance education and community program development.
Kristen Messenger
Studio Administrator
Kristen manages administrative operations with 15 years of educational experience. As a co-owner, she supports teachers and coordinates studio logistics while maintaining her commitment to children's educational development through creative arts.
Questions
What age groups do you accept for dance classes?
We offer classes for children starting at 18 months through 12th grade, with adult movement classes also available.
Do you require prior dance experience for enrollment?
No prior experience is needed. Our classes accommodate all skill levels from beginners to advanced dancers.
What performance opportunities are available?
All students participate in our annual year-end performance, with additional opportunities through our Creativity in Action performing company.
Are there discounts for multiple family members?
Yes, we offer a 15% discount for second dancers and additional classes taken by the same student.
What styles of dance do you teach?
We specialize in creative movement, modern dance, and ballet technique while also offering musical theatre and improvisation classes.
Do you offer financial assistance options?
As a nonprofit, we provide scholarships and maintain affordable pricing to ensure dance education accessibility for all families.
