Business Details
36 Years
experience
Premier Dance & Gymnastics Instruction in Whidbey Island
Island Dance has been a cornerstone of the Whidbey Island community since its founding, offering comprehensive dance and gymnastics instruction to students of all ages. Our experienced instructors specialize in a wide range of disciplines including ballet, tap, jazz, acro, and modern dance, while maintaining a strong focus on technical precision and artistic expression. Through decades of dedicated service, we've cultivated a nurturing environment where students develop not only physical skills but also confidence, discipline, and creativity. Our commitment to community extends beyond the studio walls through scholarship programs that have enabled countless young dancers to pursue their passion.With state-of-the-art facilities and a curriculum designed to accommodate both recreational and pre-professional students, we continue to uphold our mission of making high-quality dance education accessible to all. The legacy of our late benefactor Diane Dickie, who supported over 100 students through anonymous scholarships, continues to inspire our dedication to fostering artistic growth and community spirit.
Services
Ballet
Tap
Gymnastics
Lyrical
Acro
Modern Dance
Hip Hop
Creative Movement
Pointe Technique
Stretch Classes
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of proven expertise in dance education
- Our faculty includes certified instructors with professional performance backgrounds
- We provide personalized scholarship opportunities for dedicated students
- Our curriculum combines technical excellence with creative expression
- We maintain state-of-the-art facilities with sprung dance floors
What people say
Supportive community
Professional instructors
Excellent facilities
Scholarship opportunities
Creative environment
Services
Ballet Instruction
Our ballet program develops technical excellence through progressive training from beginner to pre-professional levels. Students learn proper alignment, turnout, and classical vocabulary while building strength and artistry. The curriculum emphasizes musicality, grace, and performance quality, preparing dancers for both recreational enjoyment and professional aspirations.
Acro Dance
This unique blend of dance and acrobatics teaches flexibility, balance, and strength through progressive skill development. Students combine traditional dance technique with acrobatic elements like cartwheels, handsprings, and aerials in a safe, structured environment. Classes emphasize proper spotting techniques and gradual progression to ensure safety while developing performance quality.
Gymnastics Training
Our gymnastics program builds fundamental movement skills through equipment-based training and floor exercises. Students develop strength, coordination, and spatial awareness while learning proper technique for rolls, cartwheels, and balance beam work. The curriculum emphasizes safe progression and confidence-building through achievable skill milestones.
Modern Dance
This expressive discipline explores movement through improvisation and choreography inspired by legendary techniques. Students develop body awareness and artistic voice while learning to manipulate weight, space, and momentum. Classes focus on creative expression while maintaining technical integrity through exercises based on Limon, Graham, and Cunningham methodologies.
Tap Dance
Our tap program teaches musicality and rhythm through percussive footwork techniques. Students learn to create clear sounds while developing coordination and timing. Classes progress from basic steps to complex combinations, incorporating both traditional and contemporary styles while emphasizing proper technique and performance quality.
People
Charlene Brown
Founder and Co-Owner
Founder of Island Dance with over 30 years of teaching experience, Charlene has shaped the studio's artistic vision while maintaining a strong commitment to community development through dance education.
Jamee Pitts
Co-Owner
As Co-Owner and instructor, Jamee brings professional performance experience to her teaching, specializing in choreography and advanced technique instruction for pre-professional dance students.
Daunne Zinger
Teacher/Choreographer
Certified instructor with expertise in multiple dance disciplines, Daunne develops curriculum for adult classes and leads the studio's Easy Stretch program for improved flexibility and body awareness.
Graham Vanderwood
Teacher/Choreographer
Professional dancer and choreographer with extensive stage experience, Graham mentors advanced students in performance technique and prepares dancers for professional auditions.
Mark Haim
Teacher/Choreographer
Experienced instructor specializing in jazz and contemporary dance, Mark develops engaging class content that bridges technical training with creative expression for intermediate and advanced students.
Questions
What age groups do you accept for dance classes?
We offer classes for children as young as 3 through adult learners, with specific programs tailored to different developmental stages and skill levels.
Are there performance opportunities for students?
Yes! Our annual spring recital and gym presentation provide performance experience for all students, with additional opportunities for advanced dancers in our pre-professional company.
What should I wear to my first dance class?
Check our 'What to Wear' page for specific requirements by class type. Most classes require form-fitting attire that allows instructors to see body alignment and movement.
Can I try a class before committing to a session?
Yes! Contact our office to schedule a trial class at the drop-in rate before registering for the full session.
Do you offer financial assistance for dance classes?
While we don't have formal financial aid, our anonymous scholarship fund continues Diane Dickie's legacy of supporting dedicated students with demonstrated need.
How do I register for dance classes?
Download and complete our registration and health forms, then email them back with payment to secure your spot in classes for the upcoming session.