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YOUNG DANCER PROGRAM
WHAT TO KNOW
MODERN | JAZZ | BALLET | HIP HOP | CONTEMPORARY | POINTE
2024-25 Parents -- check the parent portal for all information about the season.
Classes | A class for every age and every body
- Caregiver & Tot (ages 1.5 - 3.5)
- Creative Movement (ages 3 - 4)
- Combo Jazz, Modern, Ballet and Tap (ages 5 - 6)
- Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop Levels 1 - 6 (ages 7 - 18)
- Pre-Pointe, Pointe, Conditioning, Progressions, Contemporary Styles and Floorwork
- Pre-Professional Division: thePROGRAM *by audition only
Placements and Enrollment | Find the right fit for your young dancer
- Enrollment for the 2024-25 Season is open!
- Free trial classes are available. Contact us by phone or email
- NEW Students, ages 9+: Please call or email for placements
Schedule | 2024-25 Season
| Day | Time | Class | Studio | Teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Creative Movement | Studio B | Rose Amlin | |
| Tuesday | Creative Movement | Studio Sea | Miranda Chantelois | |
| Saturday | Creative Movement | Studio A | Rose Amlin | |
| Caregiver & Tot | Studio B | Miranda Chantelois | ||
| Creative Movement | Studio B | Miranda Chantelois |
| Day | Time | Class | Studio | Teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Combo | Studio A | Miranda Chantelois | |
| Combo | Studio B | Rose Amlin | ||
| Combo | Studio A | Miranda Chantelois | ||
| Saturday | Combo | Studio A | Rose Amlin | |
| Combo | Studio B | Miranda Chantelois |
| Day | Time | Class | Studio | Teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Modern Six | Studio NOD | Marlo Martin | |
| Modern Five | Studio Oakland | Tyra Rose | ||
| Modern Two | Studio B | Rose Amlin | ||
| Inversions and Floor Flow Five/Six | Studio Oakland | Tyra Rose/Hayley Keller | ||
| Tuesday | Modern Three | Studio A | Hayley Keller | |
| Inversions & Floor Flow Three/Four | Studio B | Hayley Keller | ||
| Wednesday | Modern Four | Studio A | Marlo Martin | |
| Modern One | Studio B | Daezhane Day | ||
| Friday | Modern Two | Studio Sea | Rose Amlin | |
| Saturday | Modern Three/Four | Studio A | Nicole Flores |
| Day | Time | Class | Studio | Teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Ballet Four | Studio Sea | Annie St Marie | |
| Ballet One | Studio B | Miranda Chantelois | ||
| Tuesday | Ballet Five | Studio B | Nicole Flores | |
| Ballet Two | Studio Sea | Miranda Chantelois | ||
| Wednesday | Ballet Three | Studio Sea | Annie St Marie | |
| Ballet Six | Studio Oakland | Bri Wilson | ||
| Ballet Five | Studio Sea | Nicole Flores | ||
| Thursday | Ballet Three | Studio B | Annie St Marie | |
| Ballet Six | Studio Sea | Carol Davis | ||
| Pre-pointe | Studio B | Annie St Marie | ||
| Pointe | Studio Sea | Carol Davis | ||
| Ballet Four | Studio B | Annie St Marie |
| Day | Time | Class | Studio | Teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Jazz Two | Studio A | Rose Amlin | |
| Tuesday | Jazz Five | Studio A | Lauren Wlasichuk | |
| Wednesday | Jazz Six | Studio Oakland | Tyra Rose | |
| Thursday | Jazz Four | Studio A | Tyra Rose | |
| Progressions Three/Four | Studio A | Skylar Scharl | ||
| Jazz Three | Studio A | Skylar Scharl | ||
| Leaps and Turns Five/Six | Studio Sea | Tyra Rose |
| Day | Time | Class | Studio | Teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | Hip Hop Two | Studio B | Daezhane Day | |
| Hip Hop Three | Studio B | Daezhane Day | ||
| Hip Hop Four | Studio B | Daezhane Day | ||
| Friday | Hip Hop One | Studio Sea | Rose Amlin |
| Day | Time | Class | Studio | Teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Inversions and Floor Flow Five/Six | Studio Oakland | Tyra Rose/Hayley Keller | |
| Tuesday | Inversions & Floor Flow Three/Four | Studio B | Hayley Keller | |
| Contemporary Styles (Level 4 ) | Studio A | Rotating Faculty | ||
| Wednesday | Conditioning Three/Four | Studio Sea | Nicole Flores | |
| Conditioning Five/Six | Studio Oakland | Tyra Rose | ||
| Thursday | Progressions Three/Four | Studio A | Skylar Scharl | |
| Pre-pointe | Studio B | Annie St Marie | ||
| Pointe | Studio Sea | Carol Davis | ||
| Leaps and Turns Five/Six | Studio Sea | Tyra Rose |
| Day | Time | Class | Studio | Teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Senior Rehearsal | Studio NOD | Marlo Martin | |
| Junior Rehearsal | Studio Oakland | Tyra Rose | ||
| Tuesday | Cadet Rehearsal | Studio B | Marlo Martin/Hayley Keller | |
| Wednesday | Squad Rehearsal | Studio A | Marlo Martin | |
| Friday | Cadet Rehearsal | Studio A | Tyra Rose | |
| Junior Rehearsal | Studio B | Marlo Martin | ||
| Senior Rehearsal | Studio A | Tyra Rose | ||
| Squad Rehearsal | Studio B | Hayley Keller |
Studios Oakland and NOD are located in Capitol Hill | | Locations
Class Descriptions | Click Here
TUITION
MODERN | JAZZ | BALLET | HIP HOP | CONTEMPORARY | POINTE
1 CLASS PER WEEK
| Creative Movement & Combo Classes |
Full Season $665 Four Installments $175 |
| Levels One & Two (Any Genre) |
Full Season $722 Four Installments $190 |
| Levels Three - Six (Any Genre) Specialty Classes |
Full Season $779 Four Installments $205 |
5% discount applied to additional classes. Please ask eXit SPACE for details.
Installment dates: 9.1.24, 11.11.24, 1.13.25, 3.17.25
Please note: Tuition covers the cost of your dancer's class for the entire season. Our season is 36 weeks long and we provide installment payments as a convenience, broken into periods of nine weeks. Pro-rating of tuition is calculated based on the week during the season your dancer joins the class.
YDP INSTRUCTORS
Meet the young dancer program faculty
- Marlo Martin Artistic Director Modern
- Miranda Chantelois Young Dancer Program Director Early Movement, Combo, Jazz
- Annie St Marie Ballet & Pre-Pointe
- Bri Wilson Ballet & Pointe
- Carol Davis Ballet & Pointe
- DaeZhane Day Hip Hop & Modern
- Hayley Keller Modern, Inversions & Floor Flow
- Lauren Wlasichuk Jazz
- Nicole Flores Ballet
- Rose Amlin Creative Movement, Combo, Jazz, Modern, Hip Hop
- Tyra Rose Modern, Jazz, Contemporary
Guest Faculty
- Mike Esperanza Contemporary
- Joseph Schanbeck Jazz
Marlo Martin
Artistic Director
Marlo Martin is a director, choreographer, teacher, and producer in Seattle, WA. She finds fulfillment and joy in celebrating and practicing all that encompasses and defines dance. Martin founded and currently directs eXit SPACE, a center for dance education and performance opportunities for the beginning student through professional level dancer. Martin has grown eXit SPACE from a single room studio (2006) with two teachers into a 2900 square foot facility with three studio spaces, 14 faculty members, housing for local dance companies, and over 80 classes per week.
While developing eXit SPACE Marlo has also continued to work as a choreographer. She has created works for her own company, oaklanDrive (2005-2009) and badmarmarDANCE (2010-2015). Since moving to Seattle in 2002 her work has been presented at numerous concerts and festivals including The Bridge Project Velocity Dance Center, the High Wire Series Seattle U, 12 Minutes Max On the Boards (2005, 2010, 2012), BASH theater, Redd Legg Dance, A Moving Conversation The Fremont Abbey, Evoke Dance Production's Full Tilt, Beyond the Threshold / Spotlight on Seattle (2011, 2013, 2015), the BOOST dance festival (2010-15), the Fall Kick Off Velocity Dance Center, NEXTfest NW Velocity Dance Center, self-produced full length tenSIDES (2012) and SPLIT BILL (2013), Cornish Dance Theater, Bellingham Rep Dance, Strictly Seattle (2013/2015), and Western Michigan University Dept. of Dance.
In 2016 Martin forged on to create a new artist's space called theNEST. It hosts major dance companies, workshops, classes, and events in the Greenlake neighborhood of Seattle. As a producer Marlo proudly presents the bi-annual BOOST dance festival, featuring PNW contemporary dance artists and companies alongside with the BOOSTmeUp Dance Festival for pre-professional dancers and schools.
Currently you can find Marlo teaching weekly technique classes at eXit SPACE while co-directing the pre-professional division, thePROGRAM . She has been a dance faculty member at Cornish College for the Arts. Ms. Martin is currently focusing on the development of NOD Theater in partnership with eXit SPACE and looks forward to doing her part to cultivate art, community, and positivity through dance in Seattle.
She is genuinely interested in sharing her vision and ideas through teaching and creating dance, by developing forums for the exploration and presentation of dance works, and by supporting and nurturing fellow dancers, artists, and director.
marlo@exitspacedance.com>>
Artistic Director
Marlo Martin is a director, choreographer, teacher, and producer in Seattle, WA. She finds fulfillment and joy in celebrating and practicing all that encompasses and defines dance. Martin founded and currently directs eXit SPACE, a center for dance education and performance opportunities for the beginning student through professional level dancer. Martin has grown eXit SPACE from a single room studio (2006) with two teachers into a 2900 square foot facility with three studio spaces, 14 faculty members, housing for local dance companies, and over 80 classes per week.While developing eXit SPACE Marlo has also continued to work as a choreographer. She has created works for her own company, oaklanDrive (2005-2009) and badmarmarDANCE (2010-2015). Since moving to Seattle in 2002 her work has been presented at numerous concerts and festivals including The Bridge Project Velocity Dance Center, the High Wire Series Seattle U, 12 Minutes Max On the Boards (2005, 2010, 2012), BASH theater, Redd Legg Dance, A Moving Conversation The Fremont Abbey, Evoke Dance Production's Full Tilt, Beyond the Threshold / Spotlight on Seattle (2011, 2013, 2015), the BOOST dance festival (2010-15), the Fall Kick Off Velocity Dance Center, NEXTfest NW Velocity Dance Center, self-produced full length tenSIDES (2012) and SPLIT BILL (2013), Cornish Dance Theater, Bellingham Rep Dance, Strictly Seattle (2013/2015), and Western Michigan University Dept. of Dance.
In 2016 Martin forged on to create a new artist's space called theNEST. It hosts major dance companies, workshops, classes, and events in the Greenlake neighborhood of Seattle. As a producer Marlo proudly presents the bi-annual BOOST dance festival, featuring PNW contemporary dance artists and companies alongside with the BOOSTmeUp Dance Festival for pre-professional dancers and schools.
Currently you can find Marlo teaching weekly technique classes at eXit SPACE while co-directing the pre-professional division, thePROGRAM . She has been a dance faculty member at Cornish College for the Arts. Ms. Martin is currently focusing on the development of NOD Theater in partnership with eXit SPACE and looks forward to doing her part to cultivate art, community, and positivity through dance in Seattle.
She is genuinely interested in sharing her vision and ideas through teaching and creating dance, by developing forums for the exploration and presentation of dance works, and by supporting and nurturing fellow dancers, artists, and director.
marlo@exitspacedance.com>>
Alicia Mullikin
Alicia Mullikin is a first generation Mexican-American and Native American dance artist and educator who strives to serve her community through activism in the arts. She holds an MA in Dance from Cal State University of Long Beach. Alicia is the director of EL SUEÑO, a company that uses dance as a gateway to community engagement, healing, and empowerment for marginalized communities. Her choreography weaves ancient and contemporary identities into physical manifestations that draw from her rich cultural experiences and deep-rooted ancestral ties. Through all of her work, Alicia aims to empower BIPOC communities and nurture the next generation of dance artists. She was recently featured in an Emmy winning episode of Borders & Heritage: Los Artists which screened on PBS and the Seattle Latino Film Festival. Visit aliciamullikin.com for more info and follow @el.sueno.dance on IG for upcoming events.
Alicia Mullikin is a first generation Mexican-American and Native American dance artist and educator who strives to serve her community through activism in the arts. She holds an MA in Dance from Cal State University of Long Beach. Alicia is the director of EL SUEÑO, a company that uses dance as a gateway to community engagement, healing, and empowerment for marginalized communities. Her choreography weaves ancient and contemporary identities into physical manifestations that draw from her rich cultural experiences and deep-rooted ancestral ties. Through all of her work, Alicia aims to empower BIPOC communities and nurture the next generation of dance artists. She was recently featured in an Emmy winning episode of Borders & Heritage: Los Artists which screened on PBS and the Seattle Latino Film Festival. Visit aliciamullikin.com for more info and follow @el.sueno.dance on IG for upcoming events.
Amy J Lambert
Amy J Lambert (she/her) has been a member of the eXit SPACE family since 2013 teaching both in the youth and adult programs. She can tell you firsthand the joy and generosity of being a part of this dance community. You might find her teaching any number of classes (Modern, Ballet, Jazz), choreographing for takePAUSE, or working in the studio as an Artist In Residence creating new works. In addition to teaching Amy J is a dance artist who playfully choreographs and directs in the realms of theater and concert dance. She obtained her BFA in Dance from Cornish College of the Arts and has been an active dance maker, producer, and educator ever since. She is currently the artistic director and choreographer for AJnC Dance-Theater, which presents whimsical and engaging works acclaimed as both “an entertaining comedy and a sustained reflection on the role of comic performance art in our time.” (Deconstruct) Learn more at www.AmyJLambert.com
Amy J Lambert (she/her) has been a member of the eXit SPACE family since 2013 teaching both in the youth and adult programs. She can tell you firsthand the joy and generosity of being a part of this dance community. You might find her teaching any number of classes (Modern, Ballet, Jazz), choreographing for takePAUSE, or working in the studio as an Artist In Residence creating new works. In addition to teaching Amy J is a dance artist who playfully choreographs and directs in the realms of theater and concert dance. She obtained her BFA in Dance from Cornish College of the Arts and has been an active dance maker, producer, and educator ever since. She is currently the artistic director and choreographer for AJnC Dance-Theater, which presents whimsical and engaging works acclaimed as both “an entertaining comedy and a sustained reflection on the role of comic performance art in our time.” (Deconstruct) Learn more at www.AmyJLambert.com
Annie Devuono
Annie de Vuono (she/her) brings a wealth of practical and professional experience to her teaching and an ability to access students of all ages and levels. An emphasis on personal enrichment and a contagious joy for movement are as integral to her classes as unraveling the mysteries of different rhythms and encouraging fellow dancers to connect physically and emotionally. Annie began her training in Cecchetti method at Evanston School of Ballet, then studied at Ruth Page under Larry Long and went to Giordano Dance Chicago for modern and jazz. After moving to Seattle, she attended Cornish College of the Arts under Karen Irvin. Her teaching began in 1979 while being mentored by Helen Salter, an original member of Ballet Society, Balanchine's first company in this country. It was under Ms. Salter's guidance that her passion to teach was fully realized.
In addition to dance, Annie began working with costume design in 1985 and introduced her own millinery line; this was followed by numerous private commissions and eventually international recognition for her headwear devuonohats.com
Annie de Vuono (she/her) brings a wealth of practical and professional experience to her teaching and an ability to access students of all ages and levels. An emphasis on personal enrichment and a contagious joy for movement are as integral to her classes as unraveling the mysteries of different rhythms and encouraging fellow dancers to connect physically and emotionally. Annie began her training in Cecchetti method at Evanston School of Ballet, then studied at Ruth Page under Larry Long and went to Giordano Dance Chicago for modern and jazz. After moving to Seattle, she attended Cornish College of the Arts under Karen Irvin. Her teaching began in 1979 while being mentored by Helen Salter, an original member of Ballet Society, Balanchine's first company in this country. It was under Ms. Salter's guidance that her passion to teach was fully realized.
In addition to dance, Annie began working with costume design in 1985 and introduced her own millinery line; this was followed by numerous private commissions and eventually international recognition for her headwear devuonohats.com
Annie St Marie
Annie St.Marie (he/she/they) is a dance artist from the greater Seattle area. They trained for eight years at the Pacific Northwest Ballet School and went on to graduate magna cum laude with their BFA in Dance from Cornish College of the Arts through the dance department's three year Accelerated Degree Program. Annie has been fortunate to dance in work by Bruce Wells, Wade Madsen, Alia Swersky, Bruce McCormick, Bruno Roque, and Danielle Agami. Annie is equally passionate about classical and contemporary ballet and spends their free time training in acrobatic dance styles.
Annie St.Marie (he/she/they) is a dance artist from the greater Seattle area. They trained for eight years at the Pacific Northwest Ballet School and went on to graduate magna cum laude with their BFA in Dance from Cornish College of the Arts through the dance department's three year Accelerated Degree Program. Annie has been fortunate to dance in work by Bruce Wells, Wade Madsen, Alia Swersky, Bruce McCormick, Bruno Roque, and Danielle Agami. Annie is equally passionate about classical and contemporary ballet and spends their free time training in acrobatic dance styles.
Bri Wilson
Bri Wilson (she/her) grew up in northern Michigan before earning her BFA in dance at the Alonzo King LINES Ballet BFA Program at Dominican University of California. Since moving to Seattle in 2018, she has performed for The Three Yells, The Gray, Maia Durfee, Elia Mrak, and others while teaching at various settings across the city including Velocity Dance Center, North Seattle College, and The Creative Dance Center. As an educator certified in Brain-Compatible Dance Education, Bri strives to provide students with a comprehensive movement and choreographic toolbox while encouraging their growth as whole human beings. She is thrilled to be teaching in the supportive, nurturing environment that is eXit SPACE. When she is not teaching or dancing, Bri enjoys biking, hiking, and swimming in the Pacific Northwest.
Bri Wilson (she/her) grew up in northern Michigan before earning her BFA in dance at the Alonzo King LINES Ballet BFA Program at Dominican University of California. Since moving to Seattle in 2018, she has performed for The Three Yells, The Gray, Maia Durfee, Elia Mrak, and others while teaching at various settings across the city including Velocity Dance Center, North Seattle College, and The Creative Dance Center. As an educator certified in Brain-Compatible Dance Education, Bri strives to provide students with a comprehensive movement and choreographic toolbox while encouraging their growth as whole human beings. She is thrilled to be teaching in the supportive, nurturing environment that is eXit SPACE. When she is not teaching or dancing, Bri enjoys biking, hiking, and swimming in the Pacific Northwest.
Scarlett Folds/Micaela Gonazales
Micaela Gonzales is a native Texan that has dedicated her life to dance. Born and raised in San Antonio, she began her training at age three thanks to the help and support of her mother. Micaela studied with Connally's Dance Workshop and then later joined the studio's pre professional dance company, San Antonio Metropolitan Ballet. She graduated with her BFA at Cornish College of the Arts in 2018 where she was trained by local Seattle natives Pat Hon, Wade Madsen, Deborah Wolf, Michele Miller, and Lodi McClellan. Along with those, she has done past performances with Danielle Agami, Tinka Gutrik-Dailey, and Ethan Rome. In her last semester at Cornish, Micaela decided to explore a genre of dance outside of her comfort zone and took the Burlesque 101 class. This led to the discovery of her burlesque persona…
Scarlett Folds -- Miss Folds if you're nasty -- is THE raunchy red-lipped lady. Scarlett knows love can be tough sometimes. She also knows you like it that way. This latinx rebel will whip you into shape and light a fire inside you that only she can put out.
With her extensive background in dance as a performer and a movement director, Scarlett brings jaw-dropping shimmies and twirls that will mesmerize you to follow her every whim. She studied burlesque under Cherry Manhattan, and was a TA for the dirty debutante's Neo-Burlesque class at Cornish College of the Arts. Scarlett made her professional burlesque debut in 2018, and has since had a joyously naughty time in many shows such as BurlesKaraoke, Queer Prom, Hollywood Burlesque Festival and more.
A sought-after dancer, Scarlett is a member of The Devil's Advocates, The Dirty Darlings, Simone Pin and Noveltease Theatre. She has no time to mess around -- well, maybe just a little.
Micaela Gonzales is a native Texan that has dedicated her life to dance. Born and raised in San Antonio, she began her training at age three thanks to the help and support of her mother. Micaela studied with Connally's Dance Workshop and then later joined the studio's pre professional dance company, San Antonio Metropolitan Ballet. She graduated with her BFA at Cornish College of the Arts in 2018 where she was trained by local Seattle natives Pat Hon, Wade Madsen, Deborah Wolf, Michele Miller, and Lodi McClellan. Along with those, she has done past performances with Danielle Agami, Tinka Gutrik-Dailey, and Ethan Rome. In her last semester at Cornish, Micaela decided to explore a genre of dance outside of her comfort zone and took the Burlesque 101 class. This led to the discovery of her burlesque persona…
Scarlett Folds -- Miss Folds if you're nasty -- is THE raunchy red-lipped lady. Scarlett knows love can be tough sometimes. She also knows you like it that way. This latinx rebel will whip you into shape and light a fire inside you that only she can put out.
With her extensive background in dance as a performer and a movement director, Scarlett brings jaw-dropping shimmies and twirls that will mesmerize you to follow her every whim. She studied burlesque under Cherry Manhattan, and was a TA for the dirty debutante's Neo-Burlesque class at Cornish College of the Arts. Scarlett made her professional burlesque debut in 2018, and has since had a joyously naughty time in many shows such as BurlesKaraoke, Queer Prom, Hollywood Burlesque Festival and more.
A sought-after dancer, Scarlett is a member of The Devil's Advocates, The Dirty Darlings, Simone Pin and Noveltease Theatre. She has no time to mess around -- well, maybe just a little.
Miranda Chantelois
Young Dancer Program Director
ADP Basic Series Program & Development Coordinator
Miranda Chantelois (she/her) holds a BFA in dance from Cornish College of the Arts and a Master's of Education in Early Childhood Education from Eastern Washington University. As a student, Miranda performed in works by local and nationally-renowned artists including Kyle Abraham, Sidra Bell, Amy O'Neal, Walter Kennedy, and Jason Ohlberg and has since gone on to perform professionally for a wide variety of artists including Mike Esperanza, Deborah Wolf, Bennyroyce Royon, and Rachel Winchester. Her pursuit of visceral and emotive performance opportunities ultimately led her to join Marlo Martin's contemporary dance company, badmarmarDANCE, with whom she currently dances.
Beyond performance, Miranda has had a versatile professional career in arts education, dance criticism, arts administration, and child advocacy, but has ultimately spent the past decade specializing in dance education and curriculum integration for preschool-aged children and dancers of all ages with varying support needs. Miranda has taught Dance for PD® as a Teaching Artist for Seattle Theater Group, co-taught for Pacific Northwest Ballet's Dance for All program serving high- support-needs-youth, and is a current Teaching Artist for PNB's community education department bringing arts integration to K-5 schools. She embeds adaptive practices into all of her work, including classes of typically-developing children and non-disabled adults. Her approach has been informed by the lived experiences of autistic and disabled adults; graduate courses; certifications in Autism Movement Therapy®, Youth Mental Health First Aid, and Youth Protection Advocates in Dance®; and training in physically adaptive dance, Dance for PD®, and Brain-Compatible Dance Education to name a few. Most notably, Miranda's full time role is at her dance home eXit SPACE, where she serves as the Young Dancer Program Director and Adult Basic Program Coordinator, managing communications and programming for hundreds of students each year in addition to teaching in the classroom. Alongside Artistic Director Marlo Martin, she works to enrich the Seattle dance community as a whole with learning and artistic exploration opportunities for children and professionals alike. A firm believer that dance is for everybody, Miranda seeks to cultivate an equitable community informed by neurodiversity-affirming practice and joy.
miranda@exitspacedance.com>>
Young Dancer Program Director
ADP Basic Series Program & Development Coordinator
Miranda Chantelois (she/her) holds a BFA in dance from Cornish College of the Arts and a Master's of Education in Early Childhood Education from Eastern Washington University. As a student, Miranda performed in works by local and nationally-renowned artists including Kyle Abraham, Sidra Bell, Amy O'Neal, Walter Kennedy, and Jason Ohlberg and has since gone on to perform professionally for a wide variety of artists including Mike Esperanza, Deborah Wolf, Bennyroyce Royon, and Rachel Winchester. Her pursuit of visceral and emotive performance opportunities ultimately led her to join Marlo Martin's contemporary dance company, badmarmarDANCE, with whom she currently dances.Beyond performance, Miranda has had a versatile professional career in arts education, dance criticism, arts administration, and child advocacy, but has ultimately spent the past decade specializing in dance education and curriculum integration for preschool-aged children and dancers of all ages with varying support needs. Miranda has taught Dance for PD® as a Teaching Artist for Seattle Theater Group, co-taught for Pacific Northwest Ballet's Dance for All program serving high- support-needs-youth, and is a current Teaching Artist for PNB's community education department bringing arts integration to K-5 schools. She embeds adaptive practices into all of her work, including classes of typically-developing children and non-disabled adults. Her approach has been informed by the lived experiences of autistic and disabled adults; graduate courses; certifications in Autism Movement Therapy®, Youth Mental Health First Aid, and Youth Protection Advocates in Dance®; and training in physically adaptive dance, Dance for PD®, and Brain-Compatible Dance Education to name a few. Most notably, Miranda's full time role is at her dance home eXit SPACE, where she serves as the Young Dancer Program Director and Adult Basic Program Coordinator, managing communications and programming for hundreds of students each year in addition to teaching in the classroom. Alongside Artistic Director Marlo Martin, she works to enrich the Seattle dance community as a whole with learning and artistic exploration opportunities for children and professionals alike. A firm believer that dance is for everybody, Miranda seeks to cultivate an equitable community informed by neurodiversity-affirming practice and joy.
miranda@exitspacedance.com>>
Rose Amlin
Rose Amlin (she/her) grew up dancing in Seattle and is an alumni of the program at exit space. She continued her education at the University of Washington, pursuing a dual degree in dance and psychology. There she furthered her training in modern, jazz, and ballet as well as street and club styles. She has performed in works by Dani Tirrell, Mike "Majinn" O'Neal, Alethea Alexander, Rachel Lincon, Roel Seeber, Amy Lambert, and many others. Rose has also found joy through dance in the vertical space and has participated in workshops with BANDALOOP in Oakland, CA. She is interested in blurring the lines between genera and has a great love for finding community and shared experiences through dance.
Rose Amlin (she/her) grew up dancing in Seattle and is an alumni of the program at exit space. She continued her education at the University of Washington, pursuing a dual degree in dance and psychology. There she furthered her training in modern, jazz, and ballet as well as street and club styles. She has performed in works by Dani Tirrell, Mike "Majinn" O'Neal, Alethea Alexander, Rachel Lincon, Roel Seeber, Amy Lambert, and many others. Rose has also found joy through dance in the vertical space and has participated in workshops with BANDALOOP in Oakland, CA. She is interested in blurring the lines between genera and has a great love for finding community and shared experiences through dance.
Tyra Rose
Tyra Rose (she/her), originally from Des Plaines IL, moved to Seattle in 2017 in pursuit of building on her dance performance, education and choreography experience. She graduated magna cum laude with honors in 2016 from Webster University with a BFA in dance. Tyra studied ballet, jazz, modern, hip hop, aerial and Thai classical in school and furthered her artistic interests with painting and other art forms. Her multimedia explorations culminated in an evening length performance collaborating with Corbin Hall and produced through ANNONYArts in St. Louis, MO. Tyra presented her own work in St. Louis at the Spring to Dance Festival and Artica Fest, in Seattle with RAW Artists and the Full Tilt Dance Festival. She is grateful for the performance opportunities she's had here, notably with Catapult Dance (Michele Miller), AJnC Dance Theater (Amy J. Lambert), Gender Tender (Fox Whitney) and The Three Yells (Veronica Lee-Baik). Besides creating, performing, and teaching, Tyra spends most of her free time with her two dogs going on long walks.
Tyra Rose (she/her), originally from Des Plaines IL, moved to Seattle in 2017 in pursuit of building on her dance performance, education and choreography experience. She graduated magna cum laude with honors in 2016 from Webster University with a BFA in dance. Tyra studied ballet, jazz, modern, hip hop, aerial and Thai classical in school and furthered her artistic interests with painting and other art forms. Her multimedia explorations culminated in an evening length performance collaborating with Corbin Hall and produced through ANNONYArts in St. Louis, MO. Tyra presented her own work in St. Louis at the Spring to Dance Festival and Artica Fest, in Seattle with RAW Artists and the Full Tilt Dance Festival. She is grateful for the performance opportunities she's had here, notably with Catapult Dance (Michele Miller), AJnC Dance Theater (Amy J. Lambert), Gender Tender (Fox Whitney) and The Three Yells (Veronica Lee-Baik). Besides creating, performing, and teaching, Tyra spends most of her free time with her two dogs going on long walks.
Wade Madsen
Wade Madsen (he/him) has been a dance maker and teacher in Seattle since 1977. Madsen has created over 180 works and had various dance groups under the name of Wade Madsen and Dancers from 1979 till present, and has received multiple grants and fellowships for his choreography form the NEA, For Culture, Artist Trust, and Seattle Arts Commissions . Madsen has been commissioned for work by ON the Boards, University of Washington, Cal Poly, Riverside Community College, Velocity Dance Center, Full Tilt, Spectrum dance and Dance Gallery in Bellingham, along with commissions from Seattle Rep, Seattle Opera, and Seattle Men's Chorus. Wade received his bachelor degree from the University New Mexico where he majored in art, theater and dance. Wade toured and performed for various choreographers over his career most notably with Tandy Beal, Bill Evans, Dayna Hanson and Peggy Piacenza. Madsen has premiered over forty works for the Cornish dance company since joining the faculty in 1984, along with being an associate faculty at Dance Center Seattle and Velocity Dance Center since 1977. Wade has years of experience in teaching all levels of contemporary technique classes, multiple levels of Choreography and creative practice courses, Reparatory, partnering, and courses in Hybrid/Collaboration and pedagogy. As an instructor Madsen brings to his classes his years in contemporary training from Graham Limon, Cunningham and has found inspiration from Pina Bausch, Trisha Brown,Crystal Pite and many others. Wade is also a certified Yoga and Gyrotonic method teacher. He facilitates strength, ease of movement, and clear core connections in his contemporary classes. He utilizes all the above and addresses improvisation as a creative support tool for a more facile, adaptable, mover on their journey to becoming the creative dancer spirits they are meant to be.
Wade Madsen (he/him) has been a dance maker and teacher in Seattle since 1977. Madsen has created over 180 works and had various dance groups under the name of Wade Madsen and Dancers from 1979 till present, and has received multiple grants and fellowships for his choreography form the NEA, For Culture, Artist Trust, and Seattle Arts Commissions . Madsen has been commissioned for work by ON the Boards, University of Washington, Cal Poly, Riverside Community College, Velocity Dance Center, Full Tilt, Spectrum dance and Dance Gallery in Bellingham, along with commissions from Seattle Rep, Seattle Opera, and Seattle Men's Chorus. Wade received his bachelor degree from the University New Mexico where he majored in art, theater and dance. Wade toured and performed for various choreographers over his career most notably with Tandy Beal, Bill Evans, Dayna Hanson and Peggy Piacenza. Madsen has premiered over forty works for the Cornish dance company since joining the faculty in 1984, along with being an associate faculty at Dance Center Seattle and Velocity Dance Center since 1977. Wade has years of experience in teaching all levels of contemporary technique classes, multiple levels of Choreography and creative practice courses, Reparatory, partnering, and courses in Hybrid/Collaboration and pedagogy. As an instructor Madsen brings to his classes his years in contemporary training from Graham Limon, Cunningham and has found inspiration from Pina Bausch, Trisha Brown,Crystal Pite and many others. Wade is also a certified Yoga and Gyrotonic method teacher. He facilitates strength, ease of movement, and clear core connections in his contemporary classes. He utilizes all the above and addresses improvisation as a creative support tool for a more facile, adaptable, mover on their journey to becoming the creative dancer spirits they are meant to be.
Robbi Moore
Robbi Moore from Hamden, CT, began dancing at New England Ballet and continued at Dee Dee's Dance Center and New Haven Ballet. Robbi is an alumnus of Earl Mosley's Institute of the Arts, the Ailey Summer Intensive, Cunningham Trust Workshop, Jacob's Pillow's Commercial Dance Program, and the Complexions Intensive. Robert graduated magna cum laude from the Ailey/Fordham BFA Program and has danced with Amanda Selwyn Dance Theatre, The Steps Repertory Ensemble, AATMA Performing Arts, Whidbey Island Dance Theatre, Tacoma Urban Performing Arts Center, Karin Stevens Dance, the Guild Dance Company, Kinesis Project Dance Theatre, The Gray, PRICEarts, Coriolis Dance, Khambatta Dance Company, and Spectrum Dance Theater.
Robbi Moore from Hamden, CT, began dancing at New England Ballet and continued at Dee Dee's Dance Center and New Haven Ballet. Robbi is an alumnus of Earl Mosley's Institute of the Arts, the Ailey Summer Intensive, Cunningham Trust Workshop, Jacob's Pillow's Commercial Dance Program, and the Complexions Intensive. Robert graduated magna cum laude from the Ailey/Fordham BFA Program and has danced with Amanda Selwyn Dance Theatre, The Steps Repertory Ensemble, AATMA Performing Arts, Whidbey Island Dance Theatre, Tacoma Urban Performing Arts Center, Karin Stevens Dance, the Guild Dance Company, Kinesis Project Dance Theatre, The Gray, PRICEarts, Coriolis Dance, Khambatta Dance Company, and Spectrum Dance Theater.
Kaitlin McCarthy
Kaitlin McCarthy is a Seattle-based dance artist, writer, and teacher. She has choreographed and performed across the city, as well as toured nationally and internationally as a dancer with MALACARNE Dance Company under the direction of Alice Gosti. As a teaching artist, Kaitlin has specialized in working with beginning adults since 2014, and prides herself on bringing safe practices, down-to-earth vibes, and the joy of dance to the classroom.
Kaitlin's Class: Traditional and not-so-traditional ballet exercises combine for a thoughtful, anatomically-aware workout while increasing grace, coordination, posture, and strength. Working through imagery and sensation, the class will help students develop a solid foundation in basic ballet steps as well as working with musicality and developing skills for learning choreography. The fun, supportive environment is perfect for the beginning dancer looking to tackle new steps, or more experienced dancers wanting to hone their technique. This class celebrates ballet's rich theatrical history with choreography that encourages a broad range of dramatic expression and unbridled, joyous dancing!
Kaitlin McCarthy is a Seattle-based dance artist, writer, and teacher. She has choreographed and performed across the city, as well as toured nationally and internationally as a dancer with MALACARNE Dance Company under the direction of Alice Gosti. As a teaching artist, Kaitlin has specialized in working with beginning adults since 2014, and prides herself on bringing safe practices, down-to-earth vibes, and the joy of dance to the classroom.Kaitlin's Class: Traditional and not-so-traditional ballet exercises combine for a thoughtful, anatomically-aware workout while increasing grace, coordination, posture, and strength. Working through imagery and sensation, the class will help students develop a solid foundation in basic ballet steps as well as working with musicality and developing skills for learning choreography. The fun, supportive environment is perfect for the beginning dancer looking to tackle new steps, or more experienced dancers wanting to hone their technique. This class celebrates ballet's rich theatrical history with choreography that encourages a broad range of dramatic expression and unbridled, joyous dancing!
Lauren Wlasichuk
Lauren (she/her) grew up dancing in Calgary, AB, Canada, where she first fell in love with teaching through her studio's student-teacher education program. When she moved to Edmonton to complete her BA and BEd at the University of Alberta, she continued her dancing journey with MOD Contemporary Dance Movement. At this time, she also began teaching tap and jazz at Flexpointe Studios, where she taught for eight years. She also taught at a junior high school in Edmonton where she developed and implemented a beginner dance program for 7th-9th grade students. Lauren has also been a part of Viva Dance Company, a professional company that has performed in numerous events throughout Edmonton and beyond.
Since moving to Seattle in 2020, Lauren has continued to train and perform, as well as teach. She currently teaches Dance and P.E. at a middle school in Bellevue and also enjoys hiking, camping, and biking. In her classes, Lauren encourages dancers to explore, develop, and celebrate their individual artistic expression, while challenging them through strong and balanced technical training to reach their fullest potential.
Lauren (she/her) grew up dancing in Calgary, AB, Canada, where she first fell in love with teaching through her studio's student-teacher education program. When she moved to Edmonton to complete her BA and BEd at the University of Alberta, she continued her dancing journey with MOD Contemporary Dance Movement. At this time, she also began teaching tap and jazz at Flexpointe Studios, where she taught for eight years. She also taught at a junior high school in Edmonton where she developed and implemented a beginner dance program for 7th-9th grade students. Lauren has also been a part of Viva Dance Company, a professional company that has performed in numerous events throughout Edmonton and beyond.
Since moving to Seattle in 2020, Lauren has continued to train and perform, as well as teach. She currently teaches Dance and P.E. at a middle school in Bellevue and also enjoys hiking, camping, and biking. In her classes, Lauren encourages dancers to explore, develop, and celebrate their individual artistic expression, while challenging them through strong and balanced technical training to reach their fullest potential.
Joseph Schanbeck
A dancing "jack-of-all-trades!" Joseph has performed with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, renowned tap artist Savion Glover, Seattle's ARC Ballet Company, and the Stone Contemporary Dance Collective of Seattle. Mr. Joseph is a graduate of the University of Washington with a degree in performance art focusing on physiology and dance pedagogy and a current faculty member for the Elite Performance Dance Convention. He is also a competitive dance judge for MOVE Productions and is the Ballet, Tap and Acro director of the Surge Dance Center. He currently choreographs for the Voltage competitive team at the Surge in Lake Tapps as well as with Nova Rhythmic Gymnastics in Bellevue. His choreography has won multiple regional and national top achievements and championship titles. Joseph's choreography has recently been featured in a music video for SYML's recent single entitled Girl. Currently he choreographs and teaches dance & acro in the greater Seattle area.
A dancing "jack-of-all-trades!" Joseph has performed with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, renowned tap artist Savion Glover, Seattle's ARC Ballet Company, and the Stone Contemporary Dance Collective of Seattle. Mr. Joseph is a graduate of the University of Washington with a degree in performance art focusing on physiology and dance pedagogy and a current faculty member for the Elite Performance Dance Convention. He is also a competitive dance judge for MOVE Productions and is the Ballet, Tap and Acro director of the Surge Dance Center. He currently choreographs for the Voltage competitive team at the Surge in Lake Tapps as well as with Nova Rhythmic Gymnastics in Bellevue. His choreography has won multiple regional and national top achievements and championship titles. Joseph's choreography has recently been featured in a music video for SYML's recent single entitled Girl. Currently he choreographs and teaches dance & acro in the greater Seattle area.
DaeZhane Day
Movement artist DaeZhane Day emulates the blend between Seattle contemporary dance and Bay Area street hip hop. With a BFA from Cornish College of the Arts DaeZhane shares her hybrid form in and around the Seattle area and beyond. DaeZhane has set work for Seattle Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet as well as performing in Intiman theatre's Black Navitiy last December as Mary. They have studied with artists like Melecio Estrella, Charolette Boye-Christensen, and Keyes Wiley, Rubberlegz, and more. DaeZhane has taught for Pacific Northwest Ballet, Whim Whim Contemporary Dance Center, Summer Dance Lab, and is currently on faculty at eXit Space School of Dance. DaeZhane hopes that her love of community and dance will further her expertise in her administration role at Cornish College of the Arts. You can find DaeZhane performing in Black Nativity again this December!
Movement artist DaeZhane Day emulates the blend between Seattle contemporary dance and Bay Area street hip hop. With a BFA from Cornish College of the Arts DaeZhane shares her hybrid form in and around the Seattle area and beyond. DaeZhane has set work for Seattle Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet as well as performing in Intiman theatre's Black Navitiy last December as Mary. They have studied with artists like Melecio Estrella, Charolette Boye-Christensen, and Keyes Wiley, Rubberlegz, and more. DaeZhane has taught for Pacific Northwest Ballet, Whim Whim Contemporary Dance Center, Summer Dance Lab, and is currently on faculty at eXit Space School of Dance. DaeZhane hopes that her love of community and dance will further her expertise in her administration role at Cornish College of the Arts. You can find DaeZhane performing in Black Nativity again this December!
Mike Esperanza
Born in Manila, Philippines and raised in Southern California, Mike Esperanza has established himself as a sought after teacher and choreographer throughout the nation. With a BFA in graphic design from California State University, Fullerton, Mike's approach to visual construction has influenced a unique movement orchestration on stage. His works have been commissioned by prestigious college and university dance programs including Chapman University, Loyola Marymount University, UNLV, Cal State Long Beach, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and Utah Valley University to name a few. Six choreographic works have made regional gala appearances at the American College Dance Festival with 3 going on to perform at the American College Dance Festival National Gala held at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.
In 2005, Mike was awarded the "Dance: Creation for Performance" grant presented by Dance/USA and the Irvine Foundation. With this distinguished award, BARE Dance Company began. BARE has produced numerous show around Southern California including the Lestor Horton Award nominated "Manhattan" - an alternative take on West Side Story.
Mike has also been a finalist at the Palm Desert Dance Under the Stars Choreography Festival in 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2010 taking second place in 2009 and winning the paid engagement award in 2010. BARE was recently part of the "Innerstate" roster presented by ODC Theater and funded by the Irvine Foundation. The program allowed the company to perform numerous cities in Southern and Northern California.
Born in Manila, Philippines and raised in Southern California, Mike Esperanza has established himself as a sought after teacher and choreographer throughout the nation. With a BFA in graphic design from California State University, Fullerton, Mike's approach to visual construction has influenced a unique movement orchestration on stage. His works have been commissioned by prestigious college and university dance programs including Chapman University, Loyola Marymount University, UNLV, Cal State Long Beach, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and Utah Valley University to name a few. Six choreographic works have made regional gala appearances at the American College Dance Festival with 3 going on to perform at the American College Dance Festival National Gala held at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.
In 2005, Mike was awarded the "Dance: Creation for Performance" grant presented by Dance/USA and the Irvine Foundation. With this distinguished award, BARE Dance Company began. BARE has produced numerous show around Southern California including the Lestor Horton Award nominated "Manhattan" - an alternative take on West Side Story.
Mike has also been a finalist at the Palm Desert Dance Under the Stars Choreography Festival in 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2010 taking second place in 2009 and winning the paid engagement award in 2010. BARE was recently part of the "Innerstate" roster presented by ODC Theater and funded by the Irvine Foundation. The program allowed the company to perform numerous cities in Southern and Northern California.
Nicole Flores
Nicole Flores (They/She) is a movement artist from Chicago Illinois. Holding a BFA from Columbia College Chicago, their midwest roots are sunken greatly into finding spaces where community can grow and flourish. After graduating in 2017, Nicole lived in Los Angeles full time, receiving secondary training from The American Musical and Dramatics Academy (AMDA). As her budding career continued to grow, Nicole was a scholarship recipient for the LA contemporary Dance Company's 2019 and 2021 Summer intensives, giving her the opportunity to perform as a Guest Artist in Genevieve Carson's work; "Ebba". Nicole joined Psychopomp Dance Theater in 2019 as a performing artist. They have been a co-facilitator for their 2021 and 2023 summer workshops as well as a close collaborator with Artistic Director, Shenandoah Harris. Now in bloom in Seattle since 2021, Nicole has truly found a home in the dance community here. Nicole has performed works by Dance Undercurrent, Coriolis Dance Collective, and Badmarmar DANCE, among others. Nicole was granted two residencies in January of 2023 through Velocity Dance and Coriolis Dance Collective. During these two separate but simultaneous residencies, Nicole created two iterations of "These Heavy Bones" - a work that deals with the weight that depression and anxiety holds on our bodies. Nicole hopes to combine these two iterations in the future, culminating in an evening length immersive experience. When Nicole is not dancing or choreographing they are also a certified personal trainer and is very passionate about how we can bring functionality and strength into our dance practices.
Nicole Flores (They/She) is a movement artist from Chicago Illinois. Holding a BFA from Columbia College Chicago, their midwest roots are sunken greatly into finding spaces where community can grow and flourish. After graduating in 2017, Nicole lived in Los Angeles full time, receiving secondary training from The American Musical and Dramatics Academy (AMDA). As her budding career continued to grow, Nicole was a scholarship recipient for the LA contemporary Dance Company's 2019 and 2021 Summer intensives, giving her the opportunity to perform as a Guest Artist in Genevieve Carson's work; "Ebba". Nicole joined Psychopomp Dance Theater in 2019 as a performing artist. They have been a co-facilitator for their 2021 and 2023 summer workshops as well as a close collaborator with Artistic Director, Shenandoah Harris. Now in bloom in Seattle since 2021, Nicole has truly found a home in the dance community here. Nicole has performed works by Dance Undercurrent, Coriolis Dance Collective, and Badmarmar DANCE, among others. Nicole was granted two residencies in January of 2023 through Velocity Dance and Coriolis Dance Collective. During these two separate but simultaneous residencies, Nicole created two iterations of "These Heavy Bones" - a work that deals with the weight that depression and anxiety holds on our bodies. Nicole hopes to combine these two iterations in the future, culminating in an evening length immersive experience. When Nicole is not dancing or choreographing they are also a certified personal trainer and is very passionate about how we can bring functionality and strength into our dance practices.
Hayley Keller
Hayley Keller (she/her) grew up as a gymnast and dancer in Grand Junction, Colorado before relocating to the PNW to continue her education in Dance and Political Science at the University of Oregon. She trained at Shawl Anderson Dance Center in Berkeley, California before finding her home here in Seattle in 2020. She has studied under and performed works set by Adam Parson, Mike Esperanza, Habib Iddrisu, Shannon Mockli, and Marlo Martin, among others, and spent three years dancing as a member of Dema, a West African Dance ensemble. Hayley seeks out community and authenticity in all parts of her life and is always working to bring those qualities to the spaces she inhabits.
Hayley Keller (she/her) grew up as a gymnast and dancer in Grand Junction, Colorado before relocating to the PNW to continue her education in Dance and Political Science at the University of Oregon. She trained at Shawl Anderson Dance Center in Berkeley, California before finding her home here in Seattle in 2020. She has studied under and performed works set by Adam Parson, Mike Esperanza, Habib Iddrisu, Shannon Mockli, and Marlo Martin, among others, and spent three years dancing as a member of Dema, a West African Dance ensemble. Hayley seeks out community and authenticity in all parts of her life and is always working to bring those qualities to the spaces she inhabits.
Roni Witbeck
From the moment Roni stepped into her first dance class at the age of four, it was love at first step. In the decades since then, she has learned countless skills and life lessons from her dance teachers and mentors. It is her passion to pay it forward whether that be as a teacher, mentor, role model, or friend. In 2013, Roni earned her B.A. in Dance with a Modern Emphasis from San Jose State University in California. During and since that time, she has had the opportunity to perform with SJSU's University Dance Theater and work with choreographers such as Kara Davis, Mike Esperanza, Rogelio Lopez, Marlo Martin, and more. After graduating, she spent eight years as an Outdoor Educator in the California Redwoods, teaching children how to comfortably explore, learn, and find independence outside. Roni is excited to expand upon her previous experiences in the dance space once again by creating a safe and welcome environment to foster creativity, self-exploration, and curiosity through movement. She can't wait to dance with you!
From the moment Roni stepped into her first dance class at the age of four, it was love at first step. In the decades since then, she has learned countless skills and life lessons from her dance teachers and mentors. It is her passion to pay it forward whether that be as a teacher, mentor, role model, or friend. In 2013, Roni earned her B.A. in Dance with a Modern Emphasis from San Jose State University in California. During and since that time, she has had the opportunity to perform with SJSU's University Dance Theater and work with choreographers such as Kara Davis, Mike Esperanza, Rogelio Lopez, Marlo Martin, and more. After graduating, she spent eight years as an Outdoor Educator in the California Redwoods, teaching children how to comfortably explore, learn, and find independence outside. Roni is excited to expand upon her previous experiences in the dance space once again by creating a safe and welcome environment to foster creativity, self-exploration, and curiosity through movement. She can't wait to dance with you!
Carol Davis
Carol (she/her) is a freelance dancer, teacher and Pilates instructor based in Seattle, WA. She holds a BFA in Modern Dance from Texas Christian University where she trained in performance, choreography and pedagogy. While teaching full time at Atlas Pilates, she has performed with artists such as Dance Undercurrent, Tariq Mitri, Emily Schoen Branch and badmarmarDANCE. As a teacher and performer, she relies on technique, tradition and curiosity as the groundwork for artistry and innovation. She hopes to give her students the tools they need to enjoy a lifetime of creativity and movement!
Carol (she/her) is a freelance dancer, teacher and Pilates instructor based in Seattle, WA. She holds a BFA in Modern Dance from Texas Christian University where she trained in performance, choreography and pedagogy. While teaching full time at Atlas Pilates, she has performed with artists such as Dance Undercurrent, Tariq Mitri, Emily Schoen Branch and badmarmarDANCE. As a teacher and performer, she relies on technique, tradition and curiosity as the groundwork for artistry and innovation. She hopes to give her students the tools they need to enjoy a lifetime of creativity and movement!
ENROLLMENT | 2024-25 Season
MODERN | JAZZ | BALLET | HIP HOP | CONTEMPORARY | POINTE
eXit SPACE is moving Young Dancer Program enrollment and account management to a new system! We are happy to begin using Dance Studio Pro (DSP) and hope you will find the process for signing up for classes and managing tuition much easier. There is also much better support for families with multiple dancers!Once your student has received their class placements, follow these steps to enroll in classes for the 2024-25 Season.
- Create a NEW account on the DSP Exit Space Parent Portal
- Add your students
- Sign up for autopayments
- Choose your dancer's classes
- Accept the waiver and 2024-25 Season policies
- Pay the $35 registration fee for each dancer
You can view it here
Check out the 2024-25 Class Schedule
NEW Students, ages 9+: please call or email for placements.
Free trial classes are available. Contact us by phone or email
PARENT PORTAL | 2023-24 Season
MODERN | JAZZ | BALLET | HIP HOP | CONTEMPORARY | POINTE
eXit SPACE has moved Young Dancer Program enrollment and account management to a new system!
We are happy to begin using Dance Studio Pro (DSP) and hope you will find the process for signing up for classes and managing tuition much easier. There is also much better support for families with multiple dancers!
We are happy to begin using Dance Studio Pro (DSP) and hope you will find the process for signing up for classes and managing tuition much easier. There is also much better support for families with multiple dancers!
We have five beautiful studio spaces in three locations - theNEST and Studio SEA, both in Greenlake, and our on Capitol Hill, NOD Theater. Please make sure to confirm the location of your dancer's in-person class, their teacher's name, and which studio (A, B, Sea, Oakland, or NOD) their class is in prior to the first in-studio day. If you have trouble finding your dancer's class when the time comes, not to fear! We will have office staff available to help guide you to the correct studio.
We know that social distancing can help reduce the risk of transmission of Covid therefore we will continue our efforts to decrease areas of congestion within our studios to support the health of our students and faculty/staff. Please review the drop off and pick up information for each studio location.
Most important for all locations is that dancers do not arrive more than 10 minutes early and are picked up on time.
theNEST: (Greenlake) Dancers should enter the building through the main entrance on 1st Ave NE; go down the stairs to Studio B or up the stairs to Studio A. Parents and dancers can access the lobby/front desk via the door at the top of the stairs outside of Studio A. Dancers will be dismissed on time and can be picked up at the south side of the building (Woodlawn Ave) where their teacher will be waiting with them. Our teachers are diligent about ensuring that all CM, Combo, and Level 1-2 students are connected with a trusted caregiver before returning to the classroom.
eXit SPACE | NOD Theater: (Capitol Hill) Only upper level courses are held at this location – our beautiful performance and class space which opened two years ago in Capitol Hill! Parking is available on all surrounding streets (make sure to pay your meter) and the light rail also has a main stop just 5 blocks away. There is a dancer's-only lounge area that our students will be given access to so they can wait safely inside the building for classes to begin or to be picked up. Both drop-off and pickup will take place at the main doors on 12th Avenue.
Studio Sea: (Greenlake) Studio SEA opened almost two years ago and is a gorgeous, 1,300 square foot studio with marley floors and expansive mirrors. It is on the same block as our original home near PCC. Street parking is available in the neighborhood, and PCC will validate parking for up to 90 minutes if you purchase an item from their store. Drop off and pickup will both occur at the front door outside of Studio SEA. Please do not enter the studio before class ends as it's disruptive to the students. Instructors will dismiss students out to you on the sidewalk and ensure that all Level 1-2 students are connected with a trusted caregiver before returning to the classroom.
Most important for all locations is that dancers do not arrive more than 10 minutes early and are picked up on time.
theNEST: (Greenlake) Dancers should enter the building through the main entrance on 1st Ave NE; go down the stairs to Studio B or up the stairs to Studio A. Parents and dancers can access the lobby/front desk via the door at the top of the stairs outside of Studio A. Dancers will be dismissed on time and can be picked up at the south side of the building (Woodlawn Ave) where their teacher will be waiting with them. Our teachers are diligent about ensuring that all CM, Combo, and Level 1-2 students are connected with a trusted caregiver before returning to the classroom.
eXit SPACE | NOD Theater: (Capitol Hill) Only upper level courses are held at this location – our beautiful performance and class space which opened two years ago in Capitol Hill! Parking is available on all surrounding streets (make sure to pay your meter) and the light rail also has a main stop just 5 blocks away. There is a dancer's-only lounge area that our students will be given access to so they can wait safely inside the building for classes to begin or to be picked up. Both drop-off and pickup will take place at the main doors on 12th Avenue.
Studio Sea: (Greenlake) Studio SEA opened almost two years ago and is a gorgeous, 1,300 square foot studio with marley floors and expansive mirrors. It is on the same block as our original home near PCC. Street parking is available in the neighborhood, and PCC will validate parking for up to 90 minutes if you purchase an item from their store. Drop off and pickup will both occur at the front door outside of Studio SEA. Please do not enter the studio before class ends as it's disruptive to the students. Instructors will dismiss students out to you on the sidewalk and ensure that all Level 1-2 students are connected with a trusted caregiver before returning to the classroom.
eXit SPACE values, respects, and supports students of all orientations and backgrounds. As a supportive and safe environment, we have amended our dress codes to coincide with these values. All dress codes are genderless, so students may choose to wear anything from the list of suitable attire options with the knowledge that we encourage dancers to choose whatever most empowers and emboldens them as dancers. Please review the dress code for each of your child's classes and be prepared to send them to class in one of the mandated attire options. All shoes including hip hop shoes MUST be indoor only to protect our floors.
Full details and sample items for our dress code
We suggest buying local at Center Stage Dance Shop>> or Dancewear Center Kirkland>>
Or online at Discount Dancewear
Full details and sample items for our dress code
We suggest buying local at Center Stage Dance Shop>> or Dancewear Center Kirkland>>
Or online at Discount Dancewear
eXit SPACE students and parents are expected to behave in a responsible and disciplined manner, and to adhere to the school's Code of Conduct. eXit SPACE strives to offer the highest level of dance instruction in a positive, respectful and caring environment. In order to develop and ensure this environment, we ask all of our students and our parents/caregivers/families to abide by the code of conduct. These guidelines are intended to provide all dance parents and students guidance in the type of culture we want to cultivate at eXit SPACE for dancers of all ages.
Please read through our Parent & Student Code of Conduct, as well as our Accessibility Statement, before the new Season begins.
CODE OF CONDUCT
Please read through our Parent & Student Code of Conduct, as well as our Accessibility Statement, before the new Season begins.
CODE OF CONDUCT
| 9.9.24 |
First Day of Classes! First Tuition Installment |
| 10.25.24 - 10.31.24 |
Halloween costume week Young dancers can wear costumes to class |
| 11.4.24 - 11.9.24 |
Family Watch Week #1 Parents and Family are invited to watch class! |
| 11.11.24 | Second Tuition Installment |
| 11.28.24 - 11.30.24 |
Happy Thanksgiving! No young dancer classes |
| 12.23.24 - 1.5.25 |
Happy Holidays! No young dancer classes |
| 1.6.25 |
Happy New Year! All classes resume |
| 1.13.25 | Third Tuition Installment |
| 1.20.25 | MLK Day No young dancer classes |
| 2.17.25 - 2.23.25 |
Mid Winter Break No young dancer classes |
| 3.3.25 - 3.8.25 |
Family Watch Week #2 Parents and Family are invited to watch class! |
| 3.17.25 | Final Tuition Installment |
| 4.14.25 - 4.19.25 |
Spring Break No young dancer classes |
| 4.28.25 - 5.3.25 |
Dress rehearsal week In-studio |
| 5.15.25 |
Last day of classes! |
| 5.16.25 - 5.18.25 |
YDP Performance Series Join us for the end of season show! Parents please keep these dates open as there will be shows each day. Specifics for class performances will be sent out later in the season. |
The eXit SPACE Young Dancer Program runs from September 9, 2024 through May 18, 2025.
Please review the 2024-25 Contract/Waiver on your Dance Studio Pro Exit Space account for important policy information
Please Note:
Please review the 2024-25 Contract/Waiver on your Dance Studio Pro Exit Space account for important policy information
Please Note:
- Total cost of tuition is dependent on class level and number of classes being taken
- Tuition can be paid in a single payment or in 4 installments. Installments are paid on:
- September 1
- November 11
- January 13
- March 17
- Tuition covers the cost of your dancer's class for the entire season. Our season is 36 weeks long and we provide installment payments as a convenience, broken into periods of nine weeks. Pro-rating of tuition is calculated based on the week during the season your dancer joins the class.
- A non-refundable enrollment fee (per dancer) is required to secure place in class and to participate in the young dancer program.
- All paid tuition is non-refundable with the exception of class cancellation by the studio or for medical reasons
- Mid-season withdrawal requires written notice, 30 days/1 month in advance. Tuition processed through withdrawal date is non-refundable. No further tuition will be processed.
eXit SPACE is proud of it's exceptional faculty and they are excited to start the new season with your dancer. Our 2024-25 season faculty are:
- Annie St Marie
- Bri Wilson
- DaeZhane Day
- Hayley Keller
- Lauren Wlasichuk
- Nicole Flores
- Marlo Martin
- Miranda Chantelois
- Rose Amlin
- Skylar Scharl
- Tyra Rose
Our staff are always happy to help -- please call, email or stop by.
theNEST:
- Marlo Martin: Owner, Artistic Director, Co-Director of thePROGRAM
- Miranda Chantelois: Young Dancer Program Director, Communications Director, Office Assistant
- Alex Goldstein: Office Administrator, Webmaster
- Rose Amlin: Tech Director, Office Assistant, Communications Assistant
- Christin Olyano: Facilities & Theater Rentals Manager
theNEST:
- Tues - Thurs: 3:00 - 8:00p
- Sat: 9:00a - 12:30p
- Mon: 3:30 - 8:00p
- Phone: 206.949.8643
- Email: info@exitspacedance.com
- Faculty Updates & Halloween Dress-Up Week | YDP October Newsletter
- Fall Dates & Tuition Reminders | YDP September Newsletter
- Welcome to Season 2024-25! | YDP August Newsletter
- Check your junk mail -- make sure to list us as NOT junk and/or add us to your safe senders list.
- Contact us to check the email we have on file
- You might need to re-subscribe if you unsubscribed in the past
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Create Your Young Dancer Profile
Please fill in ALL fields below -- even those marked optional.We require the information to ensure safety and a positive experience for your dancer.
- Personal Information should be for the dancer
- Emergency Contact Information should be Parent/Guardian names and contact information.
- Multiple Dancers? You can register using the same email to login but use a DIFFERENT password
- Complete set up for one dancer and make sure you have logged out of the account before beginning setup for another dancer
It is important you remain subscribed to email reminders and notifications so you can be informed about the program during the year.
Thank you!
Sign Up for Classes
The eXit SPACE Young Dancer Program runs from September 11, 2023 through May 23, 2024.The end of year student showcases will be held the final week of the season.
Please review the contract for important policy information
Please Note:
- Contract and non-refundable enrollment fee are required to secure place in class and to participate in the young dancer program.
- By enrolling your dancer, you are agreeing to the terms of the contract, even if it is not yet signed/on file.
- Cancellation or withdrawal of enrollment is available through August 15, 2023 with full refund of any paid tuition.
- After August 15, 2023 all paid tuition is non-refundable with the exception of class cancellation by the studio or for medical reasons
- Mid-season withdrawal from the program will be subject to a $75 fee. Tuition processed through withdrawal date is non-refundable. No further tuition will be processed.
- Tuition covers the cost of your dancer's class for the entire season. Our season is 36 weeks long and we provide installment payments as a convenience, broken into periods of nine weeks. Pro-rating of tuition is calculated based on the week during the season your dancer joins the class.
MindBody can create some confusion -- Please be aware:
- Clicking "View Schedule" in the MindBody pop-up may not show the class because the start date is too far in the future.
- Accurate class days and times, as recorded in MindBody, are listed below
Where is my class?
We have five beautiful studio spaces in three locations - theNEST and Studio SEA, both in Greenlake, and our on Capitol Hill, NOD Theater. Please make sure to confirm the location of your dancer's in-person class, their teacher's name, and which studio (A, B, Sea, Oakland, or NOD) their class is in prior to the first in-studio day. If you have trouble finding your dancer's class when the time comes, not to fear! We will have office staff available to help guide you to the correct studio.
Young Dancer Program Class Description
Join your toddler for a play-based, brain compatible creative dance class centering expressivity, multi-sensory engagement, and social emotional learning. With your support, dancing toddlers will work towards their motor and spatial-sense milestones while singing, dancing, and storytelling along the way! Families who enroll in Caregiver & Tot classes can expect an enriching and joyful experience guided by faculty Miranda Chantelois, who has over a decade of experience working with young children and a Master's degree in early childhood education.
- Welcome exploration: Dancers travel through the room with props, exploring the weekly concept.
- Hello song & Nursery Rhyme BrainDance: Dancers and grownups sing hello before transitioning into an 8-song series with corresponding movements rooted in foundational infant development patterns to wake up the brain. Singing and nursery rhymes build foundational phonological awareness while the BrainDance introduces neurological re-patterning; increases blood flow to the brain; and enhances coordination, core support, and alignment.
- Creative Exploration: Each week, dancers explore an element of movement related to space, time, energy, body, or action with structured, teacher-led improvisation to build perceptual and motor development and early mathematical/spatial thinking. Use of varying props and instruments integrates sensory stimulation, coordination skills, and rhythm.
- Circle dance: Dancers and grownups gather in a (standing) circle for an opportunity to reconnect in space, build community, practice rhythmic movements, and enjoy traveling around, into, and out of the circle. This portion of class embeds pre-dance skills alongside spatial thinking related to directionality and positioning.
- Rest & stretch: Dancers and grownups connect with touch and vestibular action during this low-sensory cool-down mid-class. Children get sheets to lie on and may choose to get a swing (like a hammock!) and/or a pull through the studio. Dancers transition out of rest with a brief, imagery-rich stretch series. This portion of class reduces overstimulation, re-centers dancers, connects them with their caregiver, and instills critical self-regulation skills.
- Obstacle course: This portion of class is intended to be a joyful and stimulating opportunity for dancers to travel through space and obstacles while practicing pre-dance steps that align with 2-3 yr physical motor milestones including: jumping on two feet (plié & sauté), galloping, spinning (vestibular sense), marching, tiptoeing (balance), crawling on hands and feet (upper body strength and cross-lateral coordination), monkey jumps (upper/lower body coordination, hip crease, head/tail connection & upper body strength), assisted forward rolls (head/tail connection & vestibular sense), etc.
- Instruments: If there's time at the end of class, dancers gather back in a (seated) circle to cool down with some instruments, practice making rhythms, engaging in call and response, and singing more songs.
- Goodbye song & stamps: Class always ends with a goodbye song and stamps!
Creative Movement (ages 3 - 4) classes provide essential tools for children in all areas of their social-emotional development including separation, socialization, balance, coordination, critical thinking, imagination, teamwork, and structured learning – whether they choose to continue with dance or not! Taught by highly trained faculty with extensive experience in preschool aged education, dancers explore tap and ballet in 30 minute increments, learning the basic structure and discipline of a dance class while embracing “fun” as a vital element through movement games, props, music, and physical storytelling. In addition to age-appropriate locomotor and non-locomotor technique skills, singing and imagination-based learning differentiate this class for young dancers; they engage in basic developmental movement patterns as well as weekly concepts related to space, time, energy, and effort through exploration activities that encourage self expression and creativity every step of the way! Join the fun!
Combo (ages 5 - 6) classes are the perfect bridge from Creative Movement to level 1+ classes, combining creativity and imagination with a greater focus on technical development. Students at this age are introduced to the basic principles of Modern, Ballet, Hip Hop, and Tap in 30 minute increments, learning the structure and discipline of each form with frequent integration of games, activity songs, and explorations related to specific skills or concepts of space, time, energy, and effort. Dancers become familiar with terminology, practicing center skills before moving through space with locomotor steps. Like creative movement classes, combo classes provide essential tools for children in all areas of their social-emotional development including socialization, balance, coordination, critical thinking, imagination, teamwork, and structured learning; these essential skills and techniques are required to progress to the next levels of dance.
eXit SPACE offers an array of modern technique classes, all focused on full-bodied movement and improving artistry in styles that range from Euro-influenced codified forms to new age contemporary forms and afro-diaspora movement. As a technique, modern dance allows students to develop a deep connection to their center, confidence in inversion techniques and acrobatic skills (cart wheels, hand and head stands, floor rolls, etc), refined articulation through the spine, improvisation practice, and freedom of movement. Dancers learn to focus their attention on traveling through space with intention and dynamic variation rather than just focusing on shapes and steps. eXit SPACE is proud to have a modern dance faculty composed of professional dancers and choreographers currently presenting work in the Greater Seattle Area and has become a vital hub for young modern dancers looking for both pre-professional level modern dance study and well-rounded foundational introductions to the form.
A brief history: Modern Dance is a style of western concert dance developed in the late 19th and early 20th century by European artists as an artistic rebellion against the perceived constraints of classical ballet and by European diasporic movers seeking to re-ground dance in indigenous and Black dance foundations. In Germany, dancers Rudolf Von Laban and Mary Wigman began abandoning the strict movement vocabulary, nymph-like portrayals of women, and confining expectations of ballet for more freeform movement characterized by organic body patterns, deliberate falls into the floor, and improvisatory scores – ideas later relayed to the United States by American dancer, educator, and modern dance pioneer, Isadora Duncan by 1914. By the 1930's Katherine Dunham, an African American anthropologist, ethnologue, dancer, and choreographer (among many other roles) revolutionized the form by rooting modern dance in Black culture and folk dance through her anthropological studies in Trinidad, Jamaica, and Haiti. Bolstered by the work of Lester Horton, Alvin Ailey, Pearl Primus, Merce Cunningham, Martha Graham, Paul Taylor, Pina Bausch, and so many others, modern dance has since evolved to encompass a multiplicity of techniques not limited to any specific vocabulary. From Horton and Graham Techniques – which explore linearity and contractions with an emphasis on flat backs, lateral extensions, tilts, and lunges – to more somatic-centered practices based on concepts of release, imagery, strength, and emotional embodiment, modern dance can encompass a wide variety of aesthetics ranging from its even broader history in european and afro-diasporan movement.
A brief history: Modern Dance is a style of western concert dance developed in the late 19th and early 20th century by European artists as an artistic rebellion against the perceived constraints of classical ballet and by European diasporic movers seeking to re-ground dance in indigenous and Black dance foundations. In Germany, dancers Rudolf Von Laban and Mary Wigman began abandoning the strict movement vocabulary, nymph-like portrayals of women, and confining expectations of ballet for more freeform movement characterized by organic body patterns, deliberate falls into the floor, and improvisatory scores – ideas later relayed to the United States by American dancer, educator, and modern dance pioneer, Isadora Duncan by 1914. By the 1930's Katherine Dunham, an African American anthropologist, ethnologue, dancer, and choreographer (among many other roles) revolutionized the form by rooting modern dance in Black culture and folk dance through her anthropological studies in Trinidad, Jamaica, and Haiti. Bolstered by the work of Lester Horton, Alvin Ailey, Pearl Primus, Merce Cunningham, Martha Graham, Paul Taylor, Pina Bausch, and so many others, modern dance has since evolved to encompass a multiplicity of techniques not limited to any specific vocabulary. From Horton and Graham Techniques – which explore linearity and contractions with an emphasis on flat backs, lateral extensions, tilts, and lunges – to more somatic-centered practices based on concepts of release, imagery, strength, and emotional embodiment, modern dance can encompass a wide variety of aesthetics ranging from its even broader history in european and afro-diasporan movement.
Ray Leeper once said that jazz dance requires three main skills of the dancer: precision of body placement, muscular resistance and stretch (strong lines), and personality/pizazz. Jazz classes at eXit SPACE honor this multifaceted nature of jazz dance through an emphasis on individuality, technique, and a variety of stylistic frameworks. Aesthetically, Jazz can range from vernacular styles such as the Charleston and Jitterbug, to lyrical, commercial, and Broadway forms that many will recognize from contemporary pop culture; classes at eXit SPACE are primarily informed by Euro-influenced forms of lyrical, commercial, and Broadway style jazz, depending on the instructor. Classes begin with a comprehensive warm-up focusing on strength-building, flexibility, isolation, extension, and rhythm accompanied by a wide range of popular music selections from pop to Broadway. Rooted into the ground through use of deep plié, jazz emphasizes strong footwork and confident gross motor movement, allowing students at eXit SPACE develop strength and precision through challenging leaps, turns, and progressions before ending class with a longer combination that incorporates a wide range of artistic concepts.
A brief history: Jazz can be traced back to seventeenth century African dance rituals characterized by polyrhythm, improvisation, and isolation. Vernacular jazz was formally developed by Black Americans in the early 20th century alongside the evolution of Jazz music as an embodiment of Black culture and liberation. Vernacular or authentic jazz refers to such forms as the Charleston, Lindy Hop, Jitterbug, and the Twist which were subsequently copied by white audiences as popularity increased. Jazz became concert dance when Black choreographer and anthropologist Katherine Dunham (1909–2006) brought works of performance ethnography to proscenium stages, having infused Carribean dance and African Diasporan traditions into her modern-based works, giving way to a new era of popular performance. Subsequent artists adapted, appropriated, and reimagined jazz, which has now branched off to include Lyrical jazz as well as commercial and Broadway jazz forms (informed by burlesque, vaudeville, and musical theater) now seen most commonly on stage and TV. Eugene Louis Faccuito (Luigi), Gus Giordano, and Matt Mattox furthered the evolution of the style in the mid to late 1900's and are training the next generation of teachers to this day.
A brief history: Jazz can be traced back to seventeenth century African dance rituals characterized by polyrhythm, improvisation, and isolation. Vernacular jazz was formally developed by Black Americans in the early 20th century alongside the evolution of Jazz music as an embodiment of Black culture and liberation. Vernacular or authentic jazz refers to such forms as the Charleston, Lindy Hop, Jitterbug, and the Twist which were subsequently copied by white audiences as popularity increased. Jazz became concert dance when Black choreographer and anthropologist Katherine Dunham (1909–2006) brought works of performance ethnography to proscenium stages, having infused Carribean dance and African Diasporan traditions into her modern-based works, giving way to a new era of popular performance. Subsequent artists adapted, appropriated, and reimagined jazz, which has now branched off to include Lyrical jazz as well as commercial and Broadway jazz forms (informed by burlesque, vaudeville, and musical theater) now seen most commonly on stage and TV. Eugene Louis Faccuito (Luigi), Gus Giordano, and Matt Mattox furthered the evolution of the style in the mid to late 1900's and are training the next generation of teachers to this day.
Emphasis in Ballet classes at eXit SPACE is on dynamic alignment, strength development, body awareness, artistic expression, and quality of movement, taught in styles ranging from purely classical to more contemporary with a frequent mix of methodologies. Every class includes a comprehensive barre (depending on level and readiness, classes may practice barre skills at center), center practice (preparing students for turns, balances, extensions, and jumps), and across the floor, allowing students to develop strong technical skills while exploring their individuality as artists. eXit SPACE is proud to be one of a growing number of dance education facilities that incorporates dance history into its curriculum and stands on the firm notion that ballet is for everybody and every body – ballet educators at eXit SPACE seek to elevate individual artistic voices, decenter the historic whiteness in ballet, and create spaces where dancers feel respected, safe, and honored in their dancing bodies.
A brief history: The roots of Ballet date back to European ethnic/folk dances copied by the Italian court during the Renaissance for aristocratic entertainment. An Italian social dance with choreographic elements, “balleto” or ballet, made its way to France in the 16th century where dancing masters instructed children and choreographed increasingly elaborate performances with sets, costumes and story elements. In the 17th century court, King Louis XIV emerged as a figurehead of ballet's codification, establishing the Royal Academy of Dance where Pierre Beauchamp established the five traditional rotated positions. Russia, subsequently, played a major role in Ballet’s further development and Russian dancers are often credited with “perfecting” the technique. Through the Baroque Period and into the Romantic Era and beyond, Ballet gained six codified teaching styles which are often adapted and/or mixed for ballet classes around the world (the Vaganova, Cecchetti Method, and RAD methods being the most common).
A brief history: The roots of Ballet date back to European ethnic/folk dances copied by the Italian court during the Renaissance for aristocratic entertainment. An Italian social dance with choreographic elements, “balleto” or ballet, made its way to France in the 16th century where dancing masters instructed children and choreographed increasingly elaborate performances with sets, costumes and story elements. In the 17th century court, King Louis XIV emerged as a figurehead of ballet's codification, establishing the Royal Academy of Dance where Pierre Beauchamp established the five traditional rotated positions. Russia, subsequently, played a major role in Ballet’s further development and Russian dancers are often credited with “perfecting” the technique. Through the Baroque Period and into the Romantic Era and beyond, Ballet gained six codified teaching styles which are often adapted and/or mixed for ballet classes around the world (the Vaganova, Cecchetti Method, and RAD methods being the most common).
At eXit SPACE, YDP families can expect teachers to be well-versed in the history of hip hop dance while providing a comprehensive, structured class. All hip hop classes at eXit SPACE begin with an aerobic warm up to practice basic steps and isolations with clear dynamics, all the while building the necessary strength and flexibility for full-bodied movement. After warmup and skill building, the majority of hip hop classes are spent learning choreography, allowing dancers to engage in an in-depth study on locomotor steps while advancing coordination, musicality, and self-expression. Many instructors take early hip hop styles and steps, integrating them into combinations that represent hip hop in its current state, while also emphasizing individuality, rhythm, theatricality and the roots of hip hop as an improvisational, cypher-based form.
A brief history: Hip hop dance emerged in the late 1960’s out of the South Bronx, an economically depressed neighborhood in New York City composed primarily of Black and Latinx families. As a way to connect with one another and distract from racial oppression and poverty, youth in the South Bronx (and later Brooklyn and Harlem) channelled their fear and anger into a new culture of movement and expression, often using vacant lots and abandoned buildings for house parties where the co-mingling of rapping, DJing, B-boying, and graffiti emerged as the pillars of hip hop culture. DJ Kool Herc, a Jamaican immigrant and the “father of hip hop music” invented the break beat, a looped musical interlude meant for dancers (b-boys and b-girls) to show off their respective talents; this invention and Herc’s musical/rhythmic contributions of the time made way for a new style of modern movement. Between east coast and west coast dancers, uprock, breaking, locking, roboting, freestyling, and popping styles began to make waves and – in combination with James Brown’s music, the formation of dance crews, and Don Cornelius’ creation of the television show Soul Train – Hip Hop dance has since made its way from the streets into the studios.
A brief history: Hip hop dance emerged in the late 1960’s out of the South Bronx, an economically depressed neighborhood in New York City composed primarily of Black and Latinx families. As a way to connect with one another and distract from racial oppression and poverty, youth in the South Bronx (and later Brooklyn and Harlem) channelled their fear and anger into a new culture of movement and expression, often using vacant lots and abandoned buildings for house parties where the co-mingling of rapping, DJing, B-boying, and graffiti emerged as the pillars of hip hop culture. DJ Kool Herc, a Jamaican immigrant and the “father of hip hop music” invented the break beat, a looped musical interlude meant for dancers (b-boys and b-girls) to show off their respective talents; this invention and Herc’s musical/rhythmic contributions of the time made way for a new style of modern movement. Between east coast and west coast dancers, uprock, breaking, locking, roboting, freestyling, and popping styles began to make waves and – in combination with James Brown’s music, the formation of dance crews, and Don Cornelius’ creation of the television show Soul Train – Hip Hop dance has since made its way from the streets into the studios.
Young tap dancers at eXit SPACE are trained in basic rhythmic skills, footwork, and traditional tap dances, exploring more detailed and difficult steps, syncopated rhythms, and challenging progressions from level to level. Our young dancer classes are influenced by both rhythm tap (which focuses on percussion, complex rhythms, and use of the feet as instruments) as well as Broadway style tap (which combines rhythm tap and jazz dance for a more theatrical aesthetic and physical storytelling), offering dancers a wide range of skill sets for versatility of performance. YDP teachers at eXit SPACE are both skilled dancers and educators, embedding tap history into the curriculum while acknowledging what a privilege it is to learn this art form in the studio.
A brief history: Tap is an American dance form that originated through the communication of enslaved Africans and Irish indentured servants, blending the percussive dances of their cultures. Enslaved Africans learned to embed traditional African rhythms with European instrumentation and court dance structures, ultimately using clapping, patting, and percussive footwork as rhythmic substitutes for drums on plantations. Later, through experimentation of innovative rhythms, acrobatic feats, and personal style alongside Irish Immigrants, Black Americans developed the foundations of what we know as tap dance today, epitomized by the works of Gregory Hines, Savion Glover, Chloe Arnold, and Michelle Dorance
A brief history: Tap is an American dance form that originated through the communication of enslaved Africans and Irish indentured servants, blending the percussive dances of their cultures. Enslaved Africans learned to embed traditional African rhythms with European instrumentation and court dance structures, ultimately using clapping, patting, and percussive footwork as rhythmic substitutes for drums on plantations. Later, through experimentation of innovative rhythms, acrobatic feats, and personal style alongside Irish Immigrants, Black Americans developed the foundations of what we know as tap dance today, epitomized by the works of Gregory Hines, Savion Glover, Chloe Arnold, and Michelle Dorance
Young Dancer Program Faculty
Marlo Martin
Artistic Director
Marlo Martin is a director, choreographer, teacher, and producer in Seattle, WA. She finds fulfillment and joy in celebrating and practicing all that encompasses and defines dance. Martin founded and currently directs eXit SPACE, a center for dance education and performance opportunities for the beginning student through professional level dancer. Martin has grown eXit SPACE from a single room studio (2006) with two teachers into a 2900 square foot facility with three studio spaces, 14 faculty members, housing for local dance companies, and over 80 classes per week.
While developing eXit SPACE Marlo has also continued to work as a choreographer. She has created works for her own company, oaklanDrive (2005-2009) and badmarmarDANCE (2010-2015). Since moving to Seattle in 2002 her work has been presented at numerous concerts and festivals including The Bridge Project Velocity Dance Center, the High Wire Series Seattle U, 12 Minutes Max On the Boards (2005, 2010, 2012), BASH theater, Redd Legg Dance, A Moving Conversation The Fremont Abbey, Evoke Dance Production's Full Tilt, Beyond the Threshold / Spotlight on Seattle (2011, 2013, 2015), the BOOST dance festival (2010-15), the Fall Kick Off Velocity Dance Center, NEXTfest NW Velocity Dance Center, self-produced full length tenSIDES (2012) and SPLIT BILL (2013), Cornish Dance Theater, Bellingham Rep Dance, Strictly Seattle (2013/2015), and Western Michigan University Dept. of Dance.
In 2016 Martin forged on to create a new artist's space called theNEST. It hosts major dance companies, workshops, classes, and events in the Greenlake neighborhood of Seattle. As a producer Marlo proudly presents the bi-annual BOOST dance festival, featuring PNW contemporary dance artists and companies alongside with the BOOSTmeUp Dance Festival for pre-professional dancers and schools.
Currently you can find Marlo teaching weekly technique classes at eXit SPACE while co-directing the pre-professional division, thePROGRAM . She has been a dance faculty member at Cornish College for the Arts. Ms. Martin is currently focusing on the development of NOD Theater in partnership with eXit SPACE and looks forward to doing her part to cultivate art, community, and positivity through dance in Seattle.
She is genuinely interested in sharing her vision and ideas through teaching and creating dance, by developing forums for the exploration and presentation of dance works, and by supporting and nurturing fellow dancers, artists, and director.
marlo@exitspacedance.com>>
Artistic Director
Marlo Martin is a director, choreographer, teacher, and producer in Seattle, WA. She finds fulfillment and joy in celebrating and practicing all that encompasses and defines dance. Martin founded and currently directs eXit SPACE, a center for dance education and performance opportunities for the beginning student through professional level dancer. Martin has grown eXit SPACE from a single room studio (2006) with two teachers into a 2900 square foot facility with three studio spaces, 14 faculty members, housing for local dance companies, and over 80 classes per week.While developing eXit SPACE Marlo has also continued to work as a choreographer. She has created works for her own company, oaklanDrive (2005-2009) and badmarmarDANCE (2010-2015). Since moving to Seattle in 2002 her work has been presented at numerous concerts and festivals including The Bridge Project Velocity Dance Center, the High Wire Series Seattle U, 12 Minutes Max On the Boards (2005, 2010, 2012), BASH theater, Redd Legg Dance, A Moving Conversation The Fremont Abbey, Evoke Dance Production's Full Tilt, Beyond the Threshold / Spotlight on Seattle (2011, 2013, 2015), the BOOST dance festival (2010-15), the Fall Kick Off Velocity Dance Center, NEXTfest NW Velocity Dance Center, self-produced full length tenSIDES (2012) and SPLIT BILL (2013), Cornish Dance Theater, Bellingham Rep Dance, Strictly Seattle (2013/2015), and Western Michigan University Dept. of Dance.
In 2016 Martin forged on to create a new artist's space called theNEST. It hosts major dance companies, workshops, classes, and events in the Greenlake neighborhood of Seattle. As a producer Marlo proudly presents the bi-annual BOOST dance festival, featuring PNW contemporary dance artists and companies alongside with the BOOSTmeUp Dance Festival for pre-professional dancers and schools.
Currently you can find Marlo teaching weekly technique classes at eXit SPACE while co-directing the pre-professional division, thePROGRAM . She has been a dance faculty member at Cornish College for the Arts. Ms. Martin is currently focusing on the development of NOD Theater in partnership with eXit SPACE and looks forward to doing her part to cultivate art, community, and positivity through dance in Seattle.
She is genuinely interested in sharing her vision and ideas through teaching and creating dance, by developing forums for the exploration and presentation of dance works, and by supporting and nurturing fellow dancers, artists, and director.
marlo@exitspacedance.com>>
Miranda Chantelois
Young Dancer Program Director
ADP Basic Series Program & Development Coordinator
Miranda Chantelois (she/her) holds a BFA in dance from Cornish College of the Arts and a Master's of Education in Early Childhood Education from Eastern Washington University. As a student, Miranda performed in works by local and nationally-renowned artists including Kyle Abraham, Sidra Bell, Amy O'Neal, Walter Kennedy, and Jason Ohlberg and has since gone on to perform professionally for a wide variety of artists including Mike Esperanza, Deborah Wolf, Bennyroyce Royon, and Rachel Winchester. Her pursuit of visceral and emotive performance opportunities ultimately led her to join Marlo Martin's contemporary dance company, badmarmarDANCE, with whom she currently dances.
Beyond performance, Miranda has had a versatile professional career in arts education, dance criticism, arts administration, and child advocacy, but has ultimately spent the past decade specializing in dance education and curriculum integration for preschool-aged children and dancers of all ages with varying support needs. Miranda has taught Dance for PD® as a Teaching Artist for Seattle Theater Group, co-taught for Pacific Northwest Ballet's Dance for All program serving high- support-needs-youth, and is a current Teaching Artist for PNB's community education department bringing arts integration to K-5 schools. She embeds adaptive practices into all of her work, including classes of typically-developing children and non-disabled adults. Her approach has been informed by the lived experiences of autistic and disabled adults; graduate courses; certifications in Autism Movement Therapy®, Youth Mental Health First Aid, and Youth Protection Advocates in Dance®; and training in physically adaptive dance, Dance for PD®, and Brain-Compatible Dance Education to name a few. Most notably, Miranda's full time role is at her dance home eXit SPACE, where she serves as the Young Dancer Program Director and Adult Basic Program Coordinator, managing communications and programming for hundreds of students each year in addition to teaching in the classroom. Alongside Artistic Director Marlo Martin, she works to enrich the Seattle dance community as a whole with learning and artistic exploration opportunities for children and professionals alike. A firm believer that dance is for everybody, Miranda seeks to cultivate an equitable community informed by neurodiversity-affirming practice and joy.
miranda@exitspacedance.com>>
Young Dancer Program Director
ADP Basic Series Program & Development Coordinator
Miranda Chantelois (she/her) holds a BFA in dance from Cornish College of the Arts and a Master's of Education in Early Childhood Education from Eastern Washington University. As a student, Miranda performed in works by local and nationally-renowned artists including Kyle Abraham, Sidra Bell, Amy O'Neal, Walter Kennedy, and Jason Ohlberg and has since gone on to perform professionally for a wide variety of artists including Mike Esperanza, Deborah Wolf, Bennyroyce Royon, and Rachel Winchester. Her pursuit of visceral and emotive performance opportunities ultimately led her to join Marlo Martin's contemporary dance company, badmarmarDANCE, with whom she currently dances.Beyond performance, Miranda has had a versatile professional career in arts education, dance criticism, arts administration, and child advocacy, but has ultimately spent the past decade specializing in dance education and curriculum integration for preschool-aged children and dancers of all ages with varying support needs. Miranda has taught Dance for PD® as a Teaching Artist for Seattle Theater Group, co-taught for Pacific Northwest Ballet's Dance for All program serving high- support-needs-youth, and is a current Teaching Artist for PNB's community education department bringing arts integration to K-5 schools. She embeds adaptive practices into all of her work, including classes of typically-developing children and non-disabled adults. Her approach has been informed by the lived experiences of autistic and disabled adults; graduate courses; certifications in Autism Movement Therapy®, Youth Mental Health First Aid, and Youth Protection Advocates in Dance®; and training in physically adaptive dance, Dance for PD®, and Brain-Compatible Dance Education to name a few. Most notably, Miranda's full time role is at her dance home eXit SPACE, where she serves as the Young Dancer Program Director and Adult Basic Program Coordinator, managing communications and programming for hundreds of students each year in addition to teaching in the classroom. Alongside Artistic Director Marlo Martin, she works to enrich the Seattle dance community as a whole with learning and artistic exploration opportunities for children and professionals alike. A firm believer that dance is for everybody, Miranda seeks to cultivate an equitable community informed by neurodiversity-affirming practice and joy.
miranda@exitspacedance.com>>
Annie St Marie
Annie St.Marie (he/she/they) is a dance artist from the greater Seattle area. They trained for eight years at the Pacific Northwest Ballet School and went on to graduate magna cum laude with their BFA in Dance from Cornish College of the Arts through the dance department's three year Accelerated Degree Program. Annie has been fortunate to dance in work by Bruce Wells, Wade Madsen, Alia Swersky, Bruce McCormick, Bruno Roque, and Danielle Agami. Annie is equally passionate about classical and contemporary ballet and spends their free time training in acrobatic dance styles.
Annie St.Marie (he/she/they) is a dance artist from the greater Seattle area. They trained for eight years at the Pacific Northwest Ballet School and went on to graduate magna cum laude with their BFA in Dance from Cornish College of the Arts through the dance department's three year Accelerated Degree Program. Annie has been fortunate to dance in work by Bruce Wells, Wade Madsen, Alia Swersky, Bruce McCormick, Bruno Roque, and Danielle Agami. Annie is equally passionate about classical and contemporary ballet and spends their free time training in acrobatic dance styles.
Bri Wilson
Bri Wilson (she/her) grew up in northern Michigan before earning her BFA in dance at the Alonzo King LINES Ballet BFA Program at Dominican University of California. Since moving to Seattle in 2018, she has performed for The Three Yells, The Gray, Maia Durfee, Elia Mrak, and others while teaching at various settings across the city including Velocity Dance Center, North Seattle College, and The Creative Dance Center. As an educator certified in Brain-Compatible Dance Education, Bri strives to provide students with a comprehensive movement and choreographic toolbox while encouraging their growth as whole human beings. She is thrilled to be teaching in the supportive, nurturing environment that is eXit SPACE. When she is not teaching or dancing, Bri enjoys biking, hiking, and swimming in the Pacific Northwest.
Bri Wilson (she/her) grew up in northern Michigan before earning her BFA in dance at the Alonzo King LINES Ballet BFA Program at Dominican University of California. Since moving to Seattle in 2018, she has performed for The Three Yells, The Gray, Maia Durfee, Elia Mrak, and others while teaching at various settings across the city including Velocity Dance Center, North Seattle College, and The Creative Dance Center. As an educator certified in Brain-Compatible Dance Education, Bri strives to provide students with a comprehensive movement and choreographic toolbox while encouraging their growth as whole human beings. She is thrilled to be teaching in the supportive, nurturing environment that is eXit SPACE. When she is not teaching or dancing, Bri enjoys biking, hiking, and swimming in the Pacific Northwest.
DaeZhane Day
Movement artist DaeZhane Day emulates the blend between Seattle contemporary dance and Bay Area street hip hop. With a BFA from Cornish College of the Arts DaeZhane shares her hybrid form in and around the Seattle area and beyond. DaeZhane has set work for Seattle Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet as well as performing in Intiman theatre's Black Navitiy last December as Mary. They have studied with artists like Melecio Estrella, Charolette Boye-Christensen, and Keyes Wiley, Rubberlegz, and more. DaeZhane has taught for Pacific Northwest Ballet, Whim Whim Contemporary Dance Center, Summer Dance Lab, and is currently on faculty at eXit Space School of Dance. DaeZhane hopes that her love of community and dance will further her expertise in her administration role at Cornish College of the Arts. You can find DaeZhane performing in Black Nativity again this December!
Movement artist DaeZhane Day emulates the blend between Seattle contemporary dance and Bay Area street hip hop. With a BFA from Cornish College of the Arts DaeZhane shares her hybrid form in and around the Seattle area and beyond. DaeZhane has set work for Seattle Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet as well as performing in Intiman theatre's Black Navitiy last December as Mary. They have studied with artists like Melecio Estrella, Charolette Boye-Christensen, and Keyes Wiley, Rubberlegz, and more. DaeZhane has taught for Pacific Northwest Ballet, Whim Whim Contemporary Dance Center, Summer Dance Lab, and is currently on faculty at eXit Space School of Dance. DaeZhane hopes that her love of community and dance will further her expertise in her administration role at Cornish College of the Arts. You can find DaeZhane performing in Black Nativity again this December!
Hayley Keller
Hayley Keller (she/her) grew up as a gymnast and dancer in Grand Junction, Colorado before relocating to the PNW to continue her education in Dance and Political Science at the University of Oregon. She trained at Shawl Anderson Dance Center in Berkeley, California before finding her home here in Seattle in 2020. She has studied under and performed works set by Adam Parson, Mike Esperanza, Habib Iddrisu, Shannon Mockli, and Marlo Martin, among others, and spent three years dancing as a member of Dema, a West African Dance ensemble. Hayley seeks out community and authenticity in all parts of her life and is always working to bring those qualities to the spaces she inhabits.
Hayley Keller (she/her) grew up as a gymnast and dancer in Grand Junction, Colorado before relocating to the PNW to continue her education in Dance and Political Science at the University of Oregon. She trained at Shawl Anderson Dance Center in Berkeley, California before finding her home here in Seattle in 2020. She has studied under and performed works set by Adam Parson, Mike Esperanza, Habib Iddrisu, Shannon Mockli, and Marlo Martin, among others, and spent three years dancing as a member of Dema, a West African Dance ensemble. Hayley seeks out community and authenticity in all parts of her life and is always working to bring those qualities to the spaces she inhabits.
Lauren Wlasichuk
Lauren (she/her) grew up dancing in Calgary, AB, Canada, where she first fell in love with teaching through her studio's student-teacher education program. When she moved to Edmonton to complete her BA and BEd at the University of Alberta, she continued her dancing journey with MOD Contemporary Dance Movement. At this time, she also began teaching tap and jazz at Flexpointe Studios, where she taught for eight years. She also taught at a junior high school in Edmonton where she developed and implemented a beginner dance program for 7th-9th grade students. Lauren has also been a part of Viva Dance Company, a professional company that has performed in numerous events throughout Edmonton and beyond.
Since moving to Seattle in 2020, Lauren has continued to train and perform, as well as teach. She currently teaches Dance and P.E. at a middle school in Bellevue and also enjoys hiking, camping, and biking. In her classes, Lauren encourages dancers to explore, develop, and celebrate their individual artistic expression, while challenging them through strong and balanced technical training to reach their fullest potential.
Lauren (she/her) grew up dancing in Calgary, AB, Canada, where she first fell in love with teaching through her studio's student-teacher education program. When she moved to Edmonton to complete her BA and BEd at the University of Alberta, she continued her dancing journey with MOD Contemporary Dance Movement. At this time, she also began teaching tap and jazz at Flexpointe Studios, where she taught for eight years. She also taught at a junior high school in Edmonton where she developed and implemented a beginner dance program for 7th-9th grade students. Lauren has also been a part of Viva Dance Company, a professional company that has performed in numerous events throughout Edmonton and beyond.
Since moving to Seattle in 2020, Lauren has continued to train and perform, as well as teach. She currently teaches Dance and P.E. at a middle school in Bellevue and also enjoys hiking, camping, and biking. In her classes, Lauren encourages dancers to explore, develop, and celebrate their individual artistic expression, while challenging them through strong and balanced technical training to reach their fullest potential.
Nicole Flores
Nicole Flores (They/She) is a movement artist from Chicago Illinois. Holding a BFA from Columbia College Chicago, their midwest roots are sunken greatly into finding spaces where community can grow and flourish. After graduating in 2017, Nicole lived in Los Angeles full time, receiving secondary training from The American Musical and Dramatics Academy (AMDA). As her budding career continued to grow, Nicole was a scholarship recipient for the LA contemporary Dance Company's 2019 and 2021 Summer intensives, giving her the opportunity to perform as a Guest Artist in Genevieve Carson's work; "Ebba". Nicole joined Psychopomp Dance Theater in 2019 as a performing artist. They have been a co-facilitator for their 2021 and 2023 summer workshops as well as a close collaborator with Artistic Director, Shenandoah Harris. Now in bloom in Seattle since 2021, Nicole has truly found a home in the dance community here. Nicole has performed works by Dance Undercurrent, Coriolis Dance Collective, and Badmarmar DANCE, among others. Nicole was granted two residencies in January of 2023 through Velocity Dance and Coriolis Dance Collective. During these two separate but simultaneous residencies, Nicole created two iterations of "These Heavy Bones" - a work that deals with the weight that depression and anxiety holds on our bodies. Nicole hopes to combine these two iterations in the future, culminating in an evening length immersive experience. When Nicole is not dancing or choreographing they are also a certified personal trainer and is very passionate about how we can bring functionality and strength into our dance practices.
Nicole Flores (They/She) is a movement artist from Chicago Illinois. Holding a BFA from Columbia College Chicago, their midwest roots are sunken greatly into finding spaces where community can grow and flourish. After graduating in 2017, Nicole lived in Los Angeles full time, receiving secondary training from The American Musical and Dramatics Academy (AMDA). As her budding career continued to grow, Nicole was a scholarship recipient for the LA contemporary Dance Company's 2019 and 2021 Summer intensives, giving her the opportunity to perform as a Guest Artist in Genevieve Carson's work; "Ebba". Nicole joined Psychopomp Dance Theater in 2019 as a performing artist. They have been a co-facilitator for their 2021 and 2023 summer workshops as well as a close collaborator with Artistic Director, Shenandoah Harris. Now in bloom in Seattle since 2021, Nicole has truly found a home in the dance community here. Nicole has performed works by Dance Undercurrent, Coriolis Dance Collective, and Badmarmar DANCE, among others. Nicole was granted two residencies in January of 2023 through Velocity Dance and Coriolis Dance Collective. During these two separate but simultaneous residencies, Nicole created two iterations of "These Heavy Bones" - a work that deals with the weight that depression and anxiety holds on our bodies. Nicole hopes to combine these two iterations in the future, culminating in an evening length immersive experience. When Nicole is not dancing or choreographing they are also a certified personal trainer and is very passionate about how we can bring functionality and strength into our dance practices.
Rose Amlin
Rose Amlin (she/her) grew up dancing in Seattle and is an alumni of the program at exit space. She continued her education at the University of Washington, pursuing a dual degree in dance and psychology. There she furthered her training in modern, jazz, and ballet as well as street and club styles. She has performed in works by Dani Tirrell, Mike "Majinn" O'Neal, Alethea Alexander, Rachel Lincon, Roel Seeber, Amy Lambert, and many others. Rose has also found joy through dance in the vertical space and has participated in workshops with BANDALOOP in Oakland, CA. She is interested in blurring the lines between genera and has a great love for finding community and shared experiences through dance.
rose@exitspacedance.com>>
Rose Amlin (she/her) grew up dancing in Seattle and is an alumni of the program at exit space. She continued her education at the University of Washington, pursuing a dual degree in dance and psychology. There she furthered her training in modern, jazz, and ballet as well as street and club styles. She has performed in works by Dani Tirrell, Mike "Majinn" O'Neal, Alethea Alexander, Rachel Lincon, Roel Seeber, Amy Lambert, and many others. Rose has also found joy through dance in the vertical space and has participated in workshops with BANDALOOP in Oakland, CA. She is interested in blurring the lines between genera and has a great love for finding community and shared experiences through dance.
rose@exitspacedance.com>>
Tyra Rose
Tyra Rose (she/her), originally from Des Plaines IL, moved to Seattle in 2017 in pursuit of building on her dance performance, education and choreography experience. She graduated magna cum laude with honors in 2016 from Webster University with a BFA in dance. Tyra studied ballet, jazz, modern, hip hop, aerial and Thai classical in school and furthered her artistic interests with painting and other art forms. Her multimedia explorations culminated in an evening length performance collaborating with Corbin Hall and produced through ANNONYArts in St. Louis, MO. Tyra presented her own work in St. Louis at the Spring to Dance Festival and Artica Fest, in Seattle with RAW Artists and the Full Tilt Dance Festival. She is grateful for the performance opportunities she's had here, notably with Catapult Dance (Michele Miller), AJnC Dance Theater (Amy J. Lambert), Gender Tender (Fox Whitney) and The Three Yells (Veronica Lee-Baik). Besides creating, performing, and teaching, Tyra spends most of her free time with her two dogs going on long walks.
tyra@exitspacedance.com>>
Tyra Rose (she/her), originally from Des Plaines IL, moved to Seattle in 2017 in pursuit of building on her dance performance, education and choreography experience. She graduated magna cum laude with honors in 2016 from Webster University with a BFA in dance. Tyra studied ballet, jazz, modern, hip hop, aerial and Thai classical in school and furthered her artistic interests with painting and other art forms. Her multimedia explorations culminated in an evening length performance collaborating with Corbin Hall and produced through ANNONYArts in St. Louis, MO. Tyra presented her own work in St. Louis at the Spring to Dance Festival and Artica Fest, in Seattle with RAW Artists and the Full Tilt Dance Festival. She is grateful for the performance opportunities she's had here, notably with Catapult Dance (Michele Miller), AJnC Dance Theater (Amy J. Lambert), Gender Tender (Fox Whitney) and The Three Yells (Veronica Lee-Baik). Besides creating, performing, and teaching, Tyra spends most of her free time with her two dogs going on long walks.
tyra@exitspacedance.com>>
Young Dancer Program Dress Code
As teachers and educators, our goal is to focus on your dancer’s training and progression without the distraction of excess fabric, colors, and patterns. Having a dress code enables teachers to best see dancer alignment in order to give corrections that maximize safety and learning while removing clothing and hair-related distractions for students. Proper attire is a matter of etiquette in dance since uniformity helps dancers feel like part of a group; teamwork and camaraderie are increased throughout the season and overall performance is boosted by putting students in a mindset of learning. Stress on parents is also eased -- you will know exactly what to purchase and your dancer will know what to bring every week without a reminder! To assist you in preparing your dancer completely for classes, below are the specifics of our eXit SPACE Young Dancer Dress Code.
• In every discipline hair should be secured away from the face and off the neck. Pony tails, buns, braids, your choice as long as it is secure! Keeping hair away from the face is important for safety, especially when turning or dancing next to others in class. Poorly secured hairstyles are disruptive to the learning process as unsecured hair can impair a dancer’s vision and loose pins can fall to the floor.
• When purchasing dance items online for class, be sure to pay attention to the sizing guides. Dance shoes and attire sizing can range greatly from street sizes and from brand to brand. We advise measuring your dancer properly to avoid making returns later.
How To Measure Your Dancer
• Please ensure that tights are clean and free of rips or tears; once shoes get holes in them… it’s time for another pair! You may want to consider ordering multiples of items like tights and leotards to cut down on your shipping costs and weekly laundry. ☺If purchasing new tights or shoes is not financially possible for your family, please contact us. We often have used shoes available for redistribution and can work with you to secure new tights, etc.
• Dancers should use a ‘DANCE BAG’ that is only used for their dance items so they can easily organize and keep track of their shoes and supplies. One with a designated space for a water bottle is ideal so they’re less likely to lose it!
• LABEL EVERYTHING. Shoes, leotards, tights, water bottles, bags… So many items get lost and left behind from week to week at the studio; having a label on the item helps us identify it and get it back to you easily.
• Pointe shoes for beginner pointe dancers should NOT be purchased until they are given guidelines by the teacher. Elastics and ribbons must be properly sewn to the pointe shoes once they are approved. A tutorial on how to properly sew pointe shoes will be distributed by the instructor.
• As weather turns colder in winter months, dancers are permitted to wear warm-up clothing at the beginning of class as long as it is form-fitting and dance or fitness specific. No hoodies or large, oversized items. Warm-up items should be removed after body temperature rises so range of movement is not affected and instructors can properly see and correct alignment.
• In every discipline hair should be secured away from the face and off the neck. Pony tails, buns, braids, your choice as long as it is secure! Keeping hair away from the face is important for safety, especially when turning or dancing next to others in class. Poorly secured hairstyles are disruptive to the learning process as unsecured hair can impair a dancer’s vision and loose pins can fall to the floor.
• When purchasing dance items online for class, be sure to pay attention to the sizing guides. Dance shoes and attire sizing can range greatly from street sizes and from brand to brand. We advise measuring your dancer properly to avoid making returns later.
How To Measure Your Dancer
• Please ensure that tights are clean and free of rips or tears; once shoes get holes in them… it’s time for another pair! You may want to consider ordering multiples of items like tights and leotards to cut down on your shipping costs and weekly laundry. ☺If purchasing new tights or shoes is not financially possible for your family, please contact us. We often have used shoes available for redistribution and can work with you to secure new tights, etc.
• Dancers should use a ‘DANCE BAG’ that is only used for their dance items so they can easily organize and keep track of their shoes and supplies. One with a designated space for a water bottle is ideal so they’re less likely to lose it!
• LABEL EVERYTHING. Shoes, leotards, tights, water bottles, bags… So many items get lost and left behind from week to week at the studio; having a label on the item helps us identify it and get it back to you easily.
• Pointe shoes for beginner pointe dancers should NOT be purchased until they are given guidelines by the teacher. Elastics and ribbons must be properly sewn to the pointe shoes once they are approved. A tutorial on how to properly sew pointe shoes will be distributed by the instructor.
• As weather turns colder in winter months, dancers are permitted to wear warm-up clothing at the beginning of class as long as it is form-fitting and dance or fitness specific. No hoodies or large, oversized items. Warm-up items should be removed after body temperature rises so range of movement is not affected and instructors can properly see and correct alignment.
Both ballet slippers and tap shoes are needed for class
Any combination and any color of leotard, tights, pants, tutu, or skirt
Any combination and any color of leotard, tights, pants, tutu, or skirt
Several dance styles are taught in Combo Class
Black pants or leggings are needed for class
Ballet slippers, black tap shoes, and black jazz shoes are needed for class
White leotard of any acceptable style (*see examples below) and
pink, bronze or brown CONVERTIBLE tights (tights transition between cropped and footed)
or
white top
Black pants or leggings are needed for class
Ballet slippers, black tap shoes, and black jazz shoes are needed for class
White leotard of any acceptable style (*see examples below) and
pink, bronze or brown CONVERTIBLE tights (tights transition between cropped and footed)
or
white top
Solid color BLACK leotard of any acceptable style (*see examples below), with pink, bronze, or brown tights, and ballet slippers
or
white, black, or grey top with black leggings or pants, ballet slipper
or
white, black, or grey top with black leggings or pants, ballet slipper
White or black leotard or top, black capri pants, leggings or long tapered pants
pants: click here for example
No shoes are needed, dancers learn in bare feet.
pants: click here for example
No shoes are needed, dancers learn in bare feet.
White or black leotard or top of any acceptable style (*see examples below), black jazz pants, black jazz shoes
Tank or tee-shirt (any color and style), with shorts, loose fitting pants or leggings (no jeans), and CLEAN tennis shoes with little to no tread (e.g. Vans, Converse, Puma)
click here for examples
Shoes should not be worn outside of class; the oils and debris from outside damage our floors
click here for examples
Shoes should not be worn outside of class; the oils and debris from outside damage our floors
white or black leotard, black jazz pants, black tap shoes
pants: click here for example
or
white or black top, black jazz pants, black tap shoes
pants: click here for example
pants: click here for example
or
white or black top, black jazz pants, black tap shoes
pants: click here for example
The following is a list of examples and online stores for purchasing dress code items:
Examples of acceptable SOLID COLOR Leotards (no ruffles, jewels, or skirts attached):
• Tank Style
• Camisole Style
• Cap Sleeve>>
• Long Sleeve
• Ballet Slipper (child sizes)
• Ballet Slipper (adult sizes)
• Ballet Slipper (men’s sizes)>
• Girls Toddler Size Tights
• Girls Child Size Tights
• Ladies Adult Size Tights
• Boys Tights
• Mens Tights
• Dance Belts for mature male dancers
• Jazz Pants
• Jazz Shoes
Examples of acceptable SOLID COLOR Leotards (no ruffles, jewels, or skirts attached):
• Tank Style
• Camisole Style
• Cap Sleeve>>
• Long Sleeve
• Ballet Slipper (child sizes)
• Ballet Slipper (adult sizes)
• Ballet Slipper (men’s sizes)>
• Girls Toddler Size Tights
• Girls Child Size Tights
• Ladies Adult Size Tights
• Boys Tights
• Mens Tights
• Dance Belts for mature male dancers
• Jazz Pants
• Jazz Shoes
eXit SPACE students and parents are expected to behave in a responsible and disciplined manner, and to adhere to the school’s Code of Conduct. eXit SPACE strives to offer the highest level of dance instruction in a positive, respectful and caring environment. In order to develop and ensure this environment, we ask all of our students and our parents/caregivers/families to abide by the following rules and code of conduct. These guidelines are intended to provide all dance parents and students guidance in the type of culture we want to cultivate at eXit SPACE for dancers of all ages.
Dancer Code of Conduct
Parent/Guardian Code of Conduct
Dancer Code of Conduct
- BE ON TIME - Dancers are expected to attend class weekly and to be punctual. Warm-up is conducted at the start of every class which prepares the body for physical activity. Missing warm-up could lead to an unnecessary injury so please make every effort to arrive on-time.
- BE TRUTHFUL - Honesty and Integrity are expected.
- BE RESPECTFUL - Dancers must participate within eXit SPACE rules and respect all teachers/staff/assistants/volunteers and their decisions. Respect all decisions and expertise from your teachers, and if you have an opinion to share, it’s best to do it in private before or after class.
- BE A FRIEND - Dancers will respect their fellow dancers, and will be friendly and welcoming to other dancers at the studio and in their classes. We encourage dancers to establish new friendships with their peers in an effort to build a sense of community, even at a young age.
- BE FOCUSED - Dancers must remain attentive in class and commit their attention to learning. We expect students not to distract, bully or harass other dancers.
- BE KIND - eXit SPACE is our home and its dancers are our family. Dancers must practice kindness, acceptance, and empathy towards their fellow students; intimidation and physical/verbal harassment of other dancers, faculty or staff will not be permitted. Cyber-bullying, which includes social media posts that reference directly or indirectly to a student, staff member, studio brand and/or any affiliations with the studio is also not permitted.
- BE PREPARED - Dancers must arrive in dress code, with hair properly secured and a water bottle for proper hydration.
- BE CLEAN - Street shoes must be removed upon entering all studios. All dancers must treat the studios, dressing areas, lobbies, and possessions of others with respect, care and consideration. Clean up after themselves, use trash receptacles, and neatly store their belongings in provided areas. No drinks, candy, gum or food allowed in studios or lobby areas. Water is permitted.
- The following behaviors are not allowed: theft or destruction of school property or the property of others, profanity or lewd behavior, sexual harassment or coercion, discrimination based on race, gender identity, or sexual orientation, self-destructive behavior, and any other illegal activities as defined by the City of Seattle and State of Washington.
- We do not allow any photography or filming of classes unless given express permission by a faculty or staff member.
Parent/Guardian Code of Conduct
- Parents are encouraged to support their child’s/children’s involvement in dance to help them get the most out of their eXit SPACE experience. Attend Parent Watch Week when possible, ask them to show you what new steps they’ve learned, or get them to spell the name of their favorite step!
- Parents will approach office staff or directors with concerns or questions. Please do not try to talk to teachers during class time or reach out to them on social media with studio questions. If you need to speak with your instructor, please send us an email and we can connect you.
- Parents/Caregivers will not engage in inappropriate conduct towards instructors, staff, other dancers and families and will refrain from acts of cyber-bullying, which includes social media posts that reference directly or indirectly to a student, staff member, studio brand and/or any affiliations with the studio.
- Parents will teach their children respect for other students, teachers, and dance styles, leading by example.
- Parents will encourage and guide their child to accept responsibility for their own performance and behavior.
On the occasion that repeated failure to comply with the Code of Conduct occurs, eXit SPACE reserves the right, at its discretion, to suspend, dismiss, or take disciplinary action on any student or parent/guardian/family member who breaks this code. If you witness any of the above actions, report them immediately to the Director. The Director will contact the parent or guardian to discuss the appropriate disciplinary actions, which may include but are not limited to: a probation period, suspension from the Young Dancer Program, and/or dismissal from the school.
As always, we are open to feedback, so if any requirements are unclear or concerning please send an email to info@exitspacedance.com.
Non-Discrimination Policy:
eXit SPACE School of Dance admits students of any race, color, sexual orientation, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally made available to dance students. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sexual orientation, national and ethnic origin in administration of our education policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs or any other programs.
Individualized Instruction: We work with dancers as individuals, embracing their uniqueness, creativity, and learning style with the understanding that every dancer is different in their needs, interests, and capabilities.
Financial Support: We are strongly committed to making dance opportunities available to as many students as possible regardless of ability to pay, prioritizing students of color. Need-based and merit-based scholarships as well as work-study options are available each season; please see the Scholarships & Financial Aid page for details.
Gender Identity & Sexual Orientation: We welcome dancers of all gender identities and sexual orientations. Our teachers and staff are committed to respecting preferred pronouns, dress code choices, and name changes without question. You are invited and encouraged to share your dancer’s preferred pronouns with us upon registration so that we can communicate them to their instructors or to communicate them directly to the instructor(s) yourself as you or your dancer feel most comfortable doing so.
Experience & Accessibility: We encourage dancers of all levels, abilities, and physical modalities to give our classes a try. We do our best to accommodate each dancer’s unique needs within the limits of our resources, studio features, staff expertise, student/teacher ratio, and other factors. If you or your child has specific learning or accessibility needs, please talk with the Director before registering to determine whether a particular class will be appropriate, and, if necessary, what the options are for classroom support and physically adaptive models. Please note that theNEST is not wheelchair accessible, but all other studios at eXit SPACE are; please contact us with questions.
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Make sure you are getting important Young Dancer Program information
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Make sure you are getting important Young Dancer Program information
**NOTE: If you are not seeing the subscribe form, you may need to pause/disable your ad blocker
Sign Up for Summer Dance 2023
eXit SPACE is moving Young Dancer Program enrollment and account management to a new system! We are happy to begin using Dance Studio Pro (DSP) and hope you will find the process for signing up for classes and managing tuition much easier. There is also much better support for families with multiple dancers!- New to eXit SPACE or no DSP Account? You will create an account for your dancer when you sign up.
- Current student with DSP Account? Use your new DSP login to sign up for the summer program
- Cancellation Policy:
- Cancellations up to one month prior will be charged a 10% fee
- Cancellations up to two weeks prior will be charged a 25% fee
- No refunds for cancellations within two weeks of camp/workshop start.
- Create a NEW account on the DSP Exit Space Parent Portal (or login to existing account)
- Add your students
- Choose your dancer's classes
- Accept the waiver
- Pay tuition for each dancer
You can view it here
If you need assistance please contact the office by email>> or call during our office hours>>. Payment will be required at time of enrollment.
Opportunity for new, returning, and potential dance families!
Our 20th season of dance at eXit SPACE is under one month away and we can't wait to see familiar faces and meet new dancers at the studio.
This year, we're excited to be hosting an Open House on August 31 from 9am -12pm at theNEST -- 6600 1st Ave NE 98115 -- MAP. Young dancers and their families are invited to get a tour of the space, meet eXit SPACE Faculty and Directors, and do some dancing!
All are welcome whether you're newly enrolled, considering enrollment, or are a veteran dancer at the studio.
Join us for:
RSVP via your Dance Studio Pro account** and register under the Summer 2024 tab.
** New to eXit SPACE? You will need to create a Dance Studio Pro account for your dancer.
Here's a handy help guide
Our 20th season of dance at eXit SPACE is under one month away and we can't wait to see familiar faces and meet new dancers at the studio.
This year, we're excited to be hosting an Open House on August 31 from 9am -12pm at theNEST -- 6600 1st Ave NE 98115 -- MAP. Young dancers and their families are invited to get a tour of the space, meet eXit SPACE Faculty and Directors, and do some dancing!
All are welcome whether you're newly enrolled, considering enrollment, or are a veteran dancer at the studio.
Join us for:
- 9a: Caregiver & Tot (2 - 3yrs) w/ Miss Miranda
- 9a: Modern/Jazz (7 - 11yrs) w/ Miss Rose
- 10a: Family Hip Hop (5+ yrs) w/ Teacher DaeZhane
- 11a: Open Level Hip Hop (11 - 17yrs) w/ Teacher DaeZhane
RSVP via your Dance Studio Pro account** and register under the Summer 2024 tab.
** New to eXit SPACE? You will need to create a Dance Studio Pro account for your dancer.
Here's a handy help guide