Business Details
30 Years
experience
Seattle's Premier Dance Training & Performance Center
DASSdance was founded in 1996 by Artistic Director Daniel Wilkins to explore the human condition through an innovative 'All-Terrain' approach to dance theater. Our mission focuses on providing professional-level training to underserved communities while producing inclusive programming that showcases diverse artistic voices. With over 25 years of experience, we've developed a unique methodology combining classical ballet, modern release techniques, jazz vocabulary, and athletic acrobatics to create performances that reflect contemporary life's complexities. Our commitment to compensating professional dancers and partnering with nonprofit organizations has established us as a leader in Seattle's arts community.We maintain rigorous technical standards while fostering creativity through collaborations with visual artists, sound designers, and lighting directors. Our extensive repertoire includes eleven full-length works and participation in prestigious festivals across New York and Washington State. As a Washington State charitable organization since 2007, we continue expanding access to dance education through community partnerships and outreach programs.
Services
Ballet
Contemporary
Hip Hop
Tap
Acro
Creative Dance
Jazz
Boys Class
Stretch/Strengthen
Pre-Pointe/Pointe
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of professional dance experience and innovation
- Our faculty includes award-winning instructors from top dance institutions
- We combine classical technique with contemporary innovation in our curriculum
- We maintain rigorous technical standards while fostering creative exploration
- We provide community-focused programming with diverse artistic representation
What people say
Innovative dance programs
Dedicated instructors
Diverse offerings
Engaging performances
Community-focused approach
Services
Ballet
Our ballet program develops architectural foundation and technical precision through classical training. Students build muscle control, improve memory skills, and develop body awareness while learning traditional techniques that form the basis for all dance styles. This foundational training emphasizes grace, proper alignment, and musicality to prepare dancers for advanced study in any genre.
Contemporary
Contemporary dance classes combine elements from multiple genres to create expressive movement vocabulary. Dancers explore fluidity of the spine, dynamic contrasts, and storytelling through movement. Our curriculum emphasizes creative freedom while maintaining technical rigor, incorporating modern release techniques, improvisation, and cross-disciplinary approaches to develop versatile performers.
Hip Hop
Our hip hop program teaches authentic street dance techniques including breaking, locking, and popping. Students learn both historical foundations and current trends while developing personal style. Classes emphasize rhythm, coordination, and musicality in a high-energy environment that celebrates hip hop culture's creative spirit and community values.
Acro
Acro classes build safe technical proficiency in gymnastic skills that enhance dance performance. Students progress from basic rolls and cartwheels to advanced aerials while developing strength, flexibility, and spatial awareness. Our curriculum emphasizes proper conditioning and injury prevention to support dancers' technical growth across all styles.
Creative Dance
Creative dance classes introduce young children to fundamental movement concepts through play and guided exploration. Our age-appropriate curriculum develops motor skills, musicality, and creative expression while fostering social interaction and body awareness. Classes incorporate storytelling, games, and sensory experiences to nurture lifelong appreciation for dance.
People
Daniel Wilkins
Artistic Director
Founder of DASSdance with extensive performance experience at School of American Ballet and companies including Suzanne Farrell Ballet and Complexions Contemporary Ballet. Recognized for innovative choreography and community engagement in Seattle and New York dance scenes.
Cathleen VanBuren
Program Director
Western Washington University graduate with BFA in Dance and BA in Spanish. Former English Language Assistant in Spain. Experienced educator with background in multiple dance styles and community outreach programs. Director of Tahoma Color Guard and Rhapsody Winterguard.
Danielle Wilkins
Company Manager
Louisville Ballet School graduate with BFA from University of Hartford. Performed at Kennedy Center and internationally. Former Shark girl in 5th Avenue Theater's West Side Story. Teaching experience at multiple institutions including Issaquah Dance Theatre.
Staphany Olalde
Development Coordinator
Cornish College of the Arts graduate with training from Ballet Arizona and Metropolitan Arts Institute. Experienced in contemporary and ballet techniques. Focuses on movement innovation and technology integration. Former Joffrey Ballet School summer intensive participant.
Koach Giggz
Program Advisor
Founder of Kutt 'N' Up Entertainment with extensive youth outreach experience. Master Teacher at All-4-1 Dancepalooza since 2010. Community engagement specialist developing anti-drug and anti-gang programs through dance education in Seattle schools and community centers.
Questions
What dance styles does DASSdance offer?
We offer ballet, contemporary, hip hop, tap, acro, jazz, creative dance, boys classes, and pre-pointe/pointe programs for students ages 1.5 to adult.
Are there performance opportunities for students?
Yes! Students participate in annual productions like Seattle City Nutcracker, All-4-1 Dancepalooza, and spring shows including Alice in Wonderland and original contemporary works.
What makes DASSdance's approach unique?
Our 'All-Terrain' approach combines classical technique with contemporary innovation, emphasizing both technical precision and creative expression across diverse cultural influences.
How do I register for classes?
Registration for the 2025-2026 school year opens November 22nd at 11:30am. Visit our website to complete registration and view class schedules for all experience levels.
Are there audition requirements for the professional company?
Professional company auditions for upper-level students begin September 15th. Rehearsals start September 22nd. Dancers should demonstrate technical proficiency and artistic potential across multiple styles.
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