Ballet, Hip-Hop & More Dance Classes for Adults & Kids In Seattle & Shoreline, Washington

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In short: what is American Dance Institute?

American Dance Institute offers dance classes for all ages in Seattle and Shoreline, Washington. Come and learn ballet, hip-hop, and so much more in our welcoming, spacious studios located in Seattle’s Greenwood, Wedgwood, and Magnolia neighborhoods, as well as Shoreline’s North City. We offer dance classes for adults, kids, and toddlers, including ballet, hip-hop, contemporary, flamenco, Irish, K-pop, jazz, tap, ballroom, and shuffle dance.

Ages served

2.5 years – Adult

Styles

Ballet, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Tap, Adult Dance

Locations

Greenwood, Magnolia, Wedgwood, Shoreline

Approach

Non-competitive, technique-first

Which dance class is right for my child or me?

Explore a Wide Variety of Dance Styles at American Dance Institute

Ballet: Imagine yourself or your child  mastering the art of ballet, where every movement is an expression of grace and discipline. It’s not just about learning to dance; it’s about transforming your body and mind into something stronger, more flexible, and incredibly poised. Ballet teaches you the foundations upon which all dance forms can build. With each ballet class, you’ll find yourself more in tune with your body, appreciating the beauty in the discipline it takes to create those seemingly effortless movements.
American Dance Institute: Dance classes for all ages, Seattle & Shoreline.

Tap Dance: Hear the rhythm of your feet creating music with every tap. This dance style is as much about sound as it is about dance. It’s perfect for those who not only love to move but also have a passion for rhythmic beats. You’ll learn to articulate sounds with precision, creating intricate rhythms that are music to the ears. Our tap dance classes are a joyful way to improve coordination and rhythm, letting you become an instrument as part of the orchestra.


Jazz Dance: Jazz dance is where you’ll find the essence of performance. With its high energy and dynamic movements, jazz encourages you to embrace the spotlight and express your individuality. Our jazz dance classes teach techniques that emphasize style and storytelling, all while grooving to some of the most energetic music out there. Jazz dance is a celebration of life and rhythm.

Contemporary Dance: Step into contemporary dance and find yourself in a fusion of ballet, modern, and jazz. This dance form is all about fluidity and expression, allowing you to explore a wide range of emotions and techniques. Our contemporary dance classes will  teach you the freedom to interpret music and express yourself in a way that’s uniquely yours. It’s a path to discovering your personal voice in the dance world.

Musical Theater: Musical theater is the ultimate performing arts experience, offering you a chance to live out stories on stage. Whether you dream of Broadway or simply love the magic of theatre, our musical theater classes will enhance your performance skills in all areas, making you a versatile and expressive artist.


Hip Hop: Picture the floor as your stage, with hip hop as your medium of expression. This dance style is all about freedom, personality, and energy. It’s a fantastic way to stay fit while having a blast. You’ll learn to move in ways you never thought possible, finding your unique style and confidence that radiate beyond the dance studio. Hip hop is more than a dance; it’s a culture, a way of life, and a path to self-expression.

Flamenco: Envision yourself embodying the passion and intensity of flamenco. This dance form is a powerful expression of emotion, characterized by its dynamic footwork, intricate hand movements, and expressive body language. Flamenco is not just a dance; it’s an experience that transports you to another world, filled with the depth of Spanish culture and artistry. It’s an invitation to express your deepest emotions through the art of movement.

K-Pop Dance: Join the K-pop craze and learn to dance like your favorite idols. K-pop dance is energetic, precise, and always on trend. It’s a great way to connect with a global community of fans and dancers alike. You’ll learn catchy routines, improve your performance skills, and perhaps even star in your own dance cover video. K-pop dance is about fun, energy, and the joy of syncing with a group.

Where are the ADI studios in Seattle?

Same faculty standards, same warm welcome — pick the one closest to home.

Shoreline Studio

Three sprung floors, a parent lounge, and free lot parking.

15420 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133
(206) 555-0142
Mon–Fri 3:30–9pm · Sat 9am–2pm

Get directions

Greenwood Studio

Our performance hub with a black-box theater for showcases.

8501 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103
(206) 555-0188
Mon–Fri 4–9pm · Sat 9am–3pm

Get directions

Magnolia Studio

Sunlit corner studio, perfect for toddlers and first-timers.

3210 W McGraw St, Seattle, WA 98199
(206) 555-0176
Mon–Fri 3:30–8pm · Sat 9am–1pm

Get directions

Wedgwood Studio

Sunlit corner studio, perfect for toddlers and first-timers.

3210 W McGraw St, Seattle, WA 98199
(206) 555-0176
Mon–Fri 3:30–8pm · Sat 9am–1pm

Get directions

Why Choose American Dance Institute (ADI)?

Dance Classes for All Ages That Are Non-Competitive, Invigorating, and Fun!

At the American Dance Institute, we believe dance, whether it’s Ballet, Hip-Hop,  Tap dance, Flamenco, Contemporary dance, Suffle Dance, or K-pop, should be joyful, inclusive, and enriching for everyone, whether you’re in Shoreline or Seattle, regardless of age, skill level, body type, or preferred dance style. Here’s why families and students across Seattle neighborhoods like Greenwood and Wedgwood choose ADI:

 Experienced, Caring Instructors

At the American Dance Institute, our teachers aren’t just great dancers with expertise in styles like Ballet and Hip-Hop—they’re gifted educators who know how to teach. Each instructor is trained to provide kind, clear, and consistent instruction that builds confidence, skill, joy, and a passion for dance in every student.

Safe, Nurturing Environment

We’ve created a warm, welcoming atmosphere in our seattle and shoreline studios where students feel seen, supported, and celebrated. There’s no competition or judgment—just  encouragement, growth, and a love for dance at your own pace at the American Dance Institute.

Diverse Class Offerings

From ballet and hip hop to K-pop, flamenco, shuffle, and musical theater, we offer one of the most diverse lineups of dance styles in the Pacific Northwest—for toddlers, kids, teens, and adults.

Four Convenient Locations

With studios in Seattle’s Greenwood, Wedgwood, and Magnolia neighborhoods, and in the city of Shoreline’s North City neighborhood, which also serves Lake Forest Park, Mountlake Terrace, and Edmonds, Washington, our classes are easily accessible to families throughout the greater Seattle area.

Flexible Enrollment Options

Try a free class before committing. Miss a class? Make it up at no extra cost. We make it easy for busy families to stay involved and keep dancing.

Community First

We’re not a chain or franchise. We’re a local, family-owned studio that’s been teaching Seattle to dance since 1989—committed to building community and inspiring a lifelong love of movement.

Teachers

Elizabeth Chayer

Founder, 36 years. Hartford Ballet School is certified. Former University of Alaska faculty.

Dakota Crist Garcia

Joffrey South, American Academy of Ballet, Sacramento Ballet trainee, Cornish graduate
Assistant Director,

Teaches:MOMMY & ME, CREATIVE DANCE, PRE-BALLET, BALLET, JAZZ and MODERN DANCE

Maia Nowack

Master’s in Dance Pedagogy, University of the Arts Helsinki, ballet 

Teaches: tap, musical theater, & Jazz

Michaelene De La Serna

Studied with Carmela Greco. Vaganova certified. Former Assoc. Artistic Director, Boitsov Classical Ballet

Teaches:Adult & Kid’s Flamenco

Victoria Gutierrez

Dance Academia de la Danza Mexicana INBA, where she graduated with a BFA in Classical and Contemporary Dance.

Teaches:ballet, modern & creative

Margaret Kenrick

RAD major exam. Former PNB dancer, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. Ed.D. from Chapman


Teaches: Ballet, pointe, PBT

See all of our excellent teachers and staff here!

Discover Our Dance Classes in Seattle & Shoreline

Dance Classes For Adults Ages 18-99

Always friendly, welcoming, and non-judgmental

Adult Hip Hop Classes

Adult Ballet Classes

Adult Contemporary Dance Classes

Adult Jazz Classes

Adult Tap Dance Classes

Adult Flamenco Dance

Adult Kpop Dance Classes

Musical Theater Classes

Adults searching for a “dance studio near me” or “adult dance classes near me” will find the American Dance Institute’s approach refreshingly different. Our classes blend …

Dance Classes For Kids Ages 2.5-4 and 5-7 in Seattle & Shoreline

Non-competitive, all-inclusive.

Toddler Dance Classes 2.5-4

Children’s Creative Dance ages 3.5-5

Pre-Ballet For Kids 5-7

Pre-Kid’s Hip Hop Dance Classes 5-7
  • Stay and watch your kids take class in our comfortable observation rooms. 
  • See all of our kid’s dance classes by clicking the ‘MENU’ button above and to the right.

The Role of Dance in Restoring Kids’ Social and Emotional Health Post-Pandemic

I have experienced the COVID-19 pandemic’s significant impact on our children’s social and physical development, and I have something to say….


With pandemic-era lockdowns and social distancing severely limiting children’s in-person play, peer interaction, and access to structured physical activity, early childhood development has been measurably impacted. Experts and educators alike have raised alarm about how this isolation disrupted children’s ability to build essential social, emotional, and physical competencies.
At the American Dance Institute (ADI), we witnessed this firsthand among our youngest students. In response, we intensified our focus on teaching the whole child—not just developing dance technique, but nurturing emotional intelligence, resilience, and social learning. Our curriculum intentionally fosters environments where students can creatively express themselves, improve physical coordination and stamina, and practice interpersonal skills in a safe, supportive, and joyful setting. This holistic, child-centered approach is part of ADI’s long-standing mission, but it became especially vital in the wake of COVID-19.
Our observations are echoed in peer-reviewed research. A study published in JAMA Pediatrics explores the pandemic’s impact on the socioemotional development of infants and toddlers, urging early education providers to adapt in ways that address these developmental setbacks. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding early behavioral changes to better support children through tailored interventions and programming (JAMA Pediatrics).
Likewise, a 2022 study from the Archives of Disease in Childhood (part of the CORAL cohort) evaluated the social communication skills of infants born during the first three months of the pandemic. These children were observed to lag in key developmental milestones—such as waving “bye-bye,” pointing, and responding to their name—compared to pre-pandemic peers, offering concrete evidence that early childhood development was indeed disrupted (Archives of Disease in Childhood).
Together, these findings reinforce what ADI has long practiced: that dance education is more than movement—it’s a critical form of whole-child support. Our programming not only promotes physical health and creative expression but also provides children with the structured, nurturing environments they need to reconnect socially, emotionally, and developmentally after years of uncertainty.
As schools and families seek ways to help children regain lost ground, programs like ADI’s—grounded in both real-world experience and supported by developmental science—offer a powerful path forward.

Dance Classes For Kids Ages 8-11 in Seattle and Shoreline

Older Kids Ages 8–12

Ballet For Kids 8-11

Hip Hop For Kids 8-10

Tap Dance For Kids 8-10

Flamenco For Kids  8-10
  • Stay and watch your kids take class in our comfortable observation rooms. 

Junior/Teen Dance Classes Seattle & Shoreline

Teen ballet classes 

Teen hip hop dance classes

Teen contemporary / modern dance classes

Teen k- pop dance classes

Teen tap dance classes

Announcing!

  • Stay and watch classes in our comfortable observation rooms. 
  • See all of our juniors and teens dance classes by clicking the ‘MENU’ button above and to the right.

Happy Student & Parent Reviews

Customer Reviews

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
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 Danielle Hata 
 
 
 
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Our 3 year old has started dance class here and we’ve had a great experience so far! She started off incredibly shy and hesitant and with the support of teachers is now becoming more confident and excited! The class size is also small which is great for them to get individual time.
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
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 Tessa Shainin 
 
 
 
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The classes are super fun and our teacher, Joe, is amazing. He is so attentive and makes sure no one is falling behind. He  has a good judge of people's levels and is able to cater the class to all of us while also making it fun and exciting. The community is great, it's a great way to meet new people and connect. The staff are also very helpful and kind, and the pricing is very reasonable. You can do a free trial class before you ever start a class, they don't charge you for classes from before you started if you start part way into the semester, and you can do make up classes if you ever have to miss a class.
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
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 Annika Christmas 
 
 
 
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It’s good ig
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
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 Caitlin Reinhart 
 
 
 
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As someone who came with exactly zero dance experience, ADI has been wonderful! Grace is an excellent teacher who is so patient and encouraging! I've been taking adult beginner ballet classes since spring and it's been such a fun experience! Highly recommend!
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
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We have been taking pre-ballet, pre-ballet II and pre-ballet II at ADI Greenwood and love it - the teachers have been so lovely and the instruction style is perfect for my child.
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
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 Alex Hansen 
 
 
 
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10/10 ballroom classes! Julia helped us prepare for our wedding dance, and was great. Perfect professionalism, experience, guidance, and encouragement for two people with zero dance experience.
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
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 Pauline Chateau 
 
 
 
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I’ve been taking classes with ADI for three years, and I absolutely love it! In addition to being a talented professional dancer, my teacher is a truly gifted instructor—supportive, caring, and incredibly skilled at balancing comfort with challenge. What I appreciate most is that the environment is non-competitive, yet my experience as a student is taken seriously. My weekly class has become a meaningful part of my life and brings me so much joy! I’m deeply grateful for my wonderful instructor, my classmates, and the school staff, who have always been professional, responsive, and helpful.
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
   
 
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We Welcome All Of These Body Types

PRIVATE DANCE LESSONS & STUDIO RENTALS

Contact us for private lessons and dance studio rentals at all locations.

Dance-themed Birthday Parties 

All ages birthday parties.

Dancing actually brought me joy! 

“I had no delusions of becoming a prima ballerina and starting dance classes as a college student, but I found it such a beautiful, invigorating, and fun way to stay in shape, so much more rewarding than going to the gym. Dancing actually brought me joy! “

Read More: homepage

Elizabeth Chayer, American Dance Institute founder and director. Visit her Wikipedia mention here.

Learn how to become a fantastic dance teacher!

Leverage your love of dance by learning to teach it. Boost your income and improve the lives of others.

Earn your teaching certificate from the American Dance Institute, and walk into any dance studio with confidence, ready to teach children, teens, and adults how to dance. 

LEARN MORE

Recent School Awards

The American Dance Institute, was handpicked as a Top 3 choice for Dance Classes in Seattle, Washington for 2025. All of the selections face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence.

The American Dance Institute  was one of just six prominent dance schools featured in a recent issue of Martha Stewart Living magazine.

How humbled and honored we are to be mentioned in the same article as the Joffrey Ballet, Mark Morris Dance Center, The Rockets of New York City, Koresh Dance Company of Philadelphia, and Contemporary Ballet Dallas.   Thank you, Martha! 

The readers of Seattle start up Fresh Chalk voted American Dance Institute the Best Seattle Dance Classes.

Check out Fresh Chalk, Seattle’s exciting new source for trustworthy referrals & reviews!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Our classes are set up to be weekly lessons and are offered by age group for toddlers aged 2.5–3.5, kids aged 3.5-7, children aged 8–11, teens aged 11–15, or adults aged 15+ at various dance skill levels, including pre-beginner dance foundations classes.
  • Your enrollment and tuition fee is for the full session season, typically 9-12 weeks. 
  • You can enroll anytime during the season for a prorated tuition fee. 
  • Class punch cards and drop-ins are available to dancers who can keep up without attending every week.
  • We also offer private lessons, depending on teacher availability.
  • Beginning Level I classes allow students to start with no experience. 
  • Our dance classes start at the beginning level and progress throughout the season.
  • We offer advanced levels in all seasons of classes.
  • If you are in between levels, you can purchase a class card, and our teachers will help you find the right class.
  • Teaching dance is done with both teacher modeling and verbal explanations. Warm-up activities help students prepare for class by getting their bodies ready to learn dance moves safely.
  • For beginners to learn how to dance, teachers break down the steps very carefully, repeating steps many times with great patience. The final assembly of these components enables dancers to carry out a whole routine.
  • If you would rather learn at home, our Any Day Ballet offers an excellent and popular beginning ballet course.
  • Yes, American Dance Institute has free trial classes to allow students to experience the class, the teacher, and the other classmates to ensure everything is a good fit.
  • For all Creative Dance, Pre-Level, and Children’s classes students enrolled in our classes, we have a class dress code that must be followed. You can see the class dress codes here. 
  • We do not expect anyone taking a trial to make any purchases.
  • It is ok if you do not have attire matching our dress code for the first day of class.
  •  You can also check our swap box at each of our studios for donated outgrown leotards and shoes.
  • Jr./teen & adult classes do not have a dress code.
  • We want dancing to be fun for everyone!
  • If you’re not enjoying your class, we can help you switch to another one. Alternatively, we can credit you for future classes or provide a refund for the remaining classes within 30 days of your drop date.
  • The American Dance Institute offers a variety of dance styles, such as ballet, hip hop, jazz, flamenco, contemporary, tap, modern/contemporary, shuffle, and more.
  • If you live near Seattle or Shoreline, Washington, you live near 6 of the most friendly beginning dance classes in town. The American Dance Institute offers dance classes that students love. Most dance studios offer beginner-level classes. Look for terms like introductory, beginner, or 101 in the class descriptions when checking studio schedules online or calling them directly to inquire. Beware; however, many studios mix beginning students in with intermediate-level classes (to fill them up). It may be difficult to keep up, and the teacher isn’t likely to spend much time with you if they notice you at all.
  • Consider factors such as your level of experience, the style of dance you are interested in, class schedule compatibility with your routine, the qualifications of the instructor(s), distance from your location, refund policies, free trial class opportunities, and tuition fees.

Dance Classes That Adults, Teens, Kids & Toddlers Love!

Everyone is
welcome!

Expert, gifted teachers who really break things down for you so you’ll learn quickly.

Real beginning dance classes that progress in each session.

Every dance studio is spacious and  wide open with safe ‘Sprung Floors‘ that protect your feet, ankles and knees.

Your first class is on us

Try any class at any studio, free. No paperwork marathon, no pressure.

Book a Free Trial