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thePROGRAM

Pre-Professional Program for Young Dancers

WHAT TO KNOW

Begin as a dancer, Leave as an artist
eXit SPACE offers an exclusive program for dancers who are ready to seriously focus on their dance training and future. The Pre-Professional Program is a curriculum-based program designed for the dedicated dance student. Dancers must be between 8 and 18 years of age. Students are placed in one of three divisions based on age and ability, each with its own set of core classes and minimum class requirements.

Admission | A place for exploration and growth as a dancer, technician, artist and person.
Dancers accepted into thePROGRAM are nurtured, encouraged and challenged as the eXit SPACE faculty assists in their development and dedication to dance. Dancers involved in thePROGRAM are students who are serious about their commitment to dance. Many are committed to pursuing undergraduate studies in dance, pre-professional and/or professional careers in dance. Others are driven by their soulful passion for the art of dance and seeing it through to their greatest capacity no matter the long term outcome.

REQUIREMENTS

PROGRAM students are required to enroll in:
Ballet (two classes per week)
Modern (one class per week)
Jazz (one class per week)
Elective Classes (choice of at least one): Pointe, Pre-Pointe, Hip Hop, Acro/Progressions, Contemporary, Leaps & Turns, and Tap

The PROGRAM dancers rehearse one to three times per week depending on their company placement. Average weekly time commitment is approximately 6-14 hours.

There are four companies in thePROGRAM; Cadet, Squad, Junior, and Senior. Dancers are placed in a company based on their audition, technical and performance skills, potential as we view it, and work ethic. In general, the Cadet Company is the most beginner group, Squad and Junior are intermediate, and Senior is the most advanced. Each company has unique rehearsal and performance requirements and therefore separate tuition structures.

DETAILS

Company Rehearsals
Once per week, one hour rehearsal (scheduled between 4pm-9pm Mon-Thurs). Specific times TBA
One to four times per month Fridays 3:30-6:30pm and/or Saturdays 9:00am-12:00pm

Example Season
Guest Speakers – Nutrition and Body Image, Self-Care, and Professional Development
Mentorship Program – each dancer is assigned a faculty mentor for the season
Team Building Events
takePAUSE Oct 16 & 18 (performance)
BOOSTmeUP (classes and performance) January 6-9, 2022
New York City Dance Alliance January 14-16, 2022
Dance Makers (convention and competition) Feb 12-13, 2022
RiseUP (performance) March 5-6, 2022
In-Studio Workshop with Master Teachers TBA
eXit SPACE Family Matinee Series April 23, 24 & 30, May 1
Student Showcase May 21, 2022

Tuition | Contact Information

Tuition
$2895/season (or $289.50/mo over ten months)
Includes weekly Company Rehearsals, select Friday/Saturday rehearsals, all performances, conventions, and events.

Additional costs: participation in optional opportunities, costumes, and team apparel.
Program Tuition does not include technique class tuition

Scholarships
eXit SPACE offers numerous partial scholarships for thePROGRAM tuition. More information will be given at the Parent Meeting.

Questions
Please direct any questions regarding thePROGRAM to Marlo Martin (Artistic Director) or Karen Baskett (Assistant Director).

Auditions | 2024-25 Season

Newbie/Beginner
April 20 & April 27
2:00 - 4:00p Audition
Intermediate/Advanced
April 20 & April 27
4:00 - 7:00p Audition
Registration is open now
$45 audition fee, pre-registration required

Location | Studio NOD >>

How to enroll and what to expect:
  • Dancers ages 8 - 17 are encouraged to audition.
  • Dancers with 1-4* years experience should register for the Beginner/Newbie Audition.
  • Dancers with 5 or more* years of training should register for the Intermediate/Advanced Audition.
  • Register for the audition by purchasing the $45 Audition Fee via mindbody.
  • Following your dancer's registration you (the parent) will receive an email with audition info including location, a dancer questionnaire, and confirmation of audition level and time.
  • Dancers should arrive prepared for ballet; hair secured neatly away from face, leotard, tights, and ballet slippers. Warm ups are allowed until the audition begins.
  • Dancers should bring their printed Dancer Questionnaire, change of attire for the modern/jazz portion of audition, and a water bottle.
  • Auditions will begin promptly and end on time.
*do not include any years of training before age 7. We are happy to help with placement if needed.

New to eXit SPACE? CREATE DANCER PROFILE >>
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.
After successful account setup, please purchase the enrollment contract. You may need to log in using the credentials for the new account to check out.

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:
On successful enrollment you will receive a confirmation email that lists class details.
MindBody can create some confusion -- Please be aware:
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.

Studio A or B
theNEST
6600 1st Ave NE Seattle WA 98115
MAP>>
Studio Sea
410 NE 72nd Street Seattle WA 98115
MAP>>
Studio Oakland or NOD
1621 12th Ave Seattle WA 98122
MAP>>
**Your dancer must have an active MindBody Account for you to reserve a space in class or make purchases**

  • Make sure pop-ups are enabled in your browser
  • Make sure your browser accepts third party cookies from *.mindbodyonline.com
  • If you have multiple MindBody accounts and are using the phone app to access your account, you may have trouble. MindBody uses a single sign-on for all sites and your eXit SPACE access may be different. In this sitiation, we recommend not using the app to manage your account.
  • If you have multiple student accounts make sure you are signed in to the correct account when signing up for classes or making purchases. LOG OUT when complete.

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  • Make sure your browser accepts third party cookies from *.mindbodyonline.com
  • Try purchasing from here: Purchase Contract >>
    **remember to log out after you purchase the contract.

**You must have purchased the Young Dancer Contract to enroll your student in a class **
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  • Make sure your browser accepts third party cookies from *.mindbodyonline.com
  • A missing sign up button means the class is full or enrollment is closed
    • Waitlists are available for most classes -- please contact eXit SPACE to inquire

MindBody provides two methods to access your dancer's account, an inline pop-up and a separate portal on the MindBody website. The MindBody pop-up does not provide complete account status but does allow better access to modifying your dancers profile information. You can access your account either way using the links below.

Please Note: MindBody uses cookies to control your experience on their website and in the pop-up. The cookies might conflict and cause the pop-up or website to behave unexpectedly.
Make sure you are logged out of the pop-up when accessing the website and vice versa.

MindBody PopUp |

Access MindBody Portal | click here >>
Issue not resolved? Please contact us at info@exitspacedance.com>> or call during our office hours>>
Young Dancer Program Class Description

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.

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.

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).

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.

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
Young Dancer Program Faculty

Marlo Martin
Artistic Director

Marlo 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 Miranda Chantelois (she/her) is a Seattle-based dancer, performer, educator, writer, arts administrator, and advocate who has performed in the works of nationally renowned artists Kyle Abraham, Sidra Bell, and Mike Esperanza as well as dances by Bennyroyce Royon, Jason Ohlberg, Deborah Wolf, Marlo Martin, and others. A graduate of College of the Arts (magna cum laude – BFA, dance), Miranda is certified in Autism Movement Therapy®, Pilates Mat, Progressing Ballet Technique®, Youth Mental Health First Aid, and Youth Protection Advocates in Dance® with training in physically adaptive dance (Full Radius), Dance for PD® (Mark Morris Dance Group), and Brain-Compatible Dance Education. As an Early Childhood Educator in New York City, Miranda was awarded an Outstanding Contribution Award by NY Kids Club and Preschool and has since co-presented at the Dance Educators Association of Washington (DEAW) Conference. Miranda currently teaches for Seattle Theater Group's STG Dance for PD® and Dance with Life creative aging programs while on faculty at eXit SPACE School of Dance and Evergreen City Ballet. She is also a writer for SeattleDances, performer in Marlo Martin's project-based company badmarmarDANCE, and master's student in Eastern Washington University's Early Childhood Education M.Ed. program. At eXit SPACE and beyond, Miranda seeks to cultivate equitable classroom environments informed by physical accessibility, dance history, and social-emotional learning.

miranda@exitspacedance.com>>

Annie St Marie
Annie DeVuono 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.

anniestm@exitspacedance.com>>

Ashlynn Rodriguez
Ashlynn Ashlynn Rodriguez (she/her) is a multi-disciplinary dancer, performer, choreographer and dance educator with roots in contemporary, jazz and pom squad dance. She began her dance journey in Dallas, TX where she trained at Next Step Performing Arts Center, Contemporary Ballet Dallas, and the University of North Texas. While residing in Texas, she was a member of the Texas Legends Dancers, directed Odyssey Dance Collective, and toured with the Jordan Kahn Music Company.

Ashlynn moved to Seattle in 2021 to perform with the Seattle Seahawks Dancers and has continued to work in commercial and concert spaces. Ashlynn has been teaching for seven years and her undeniable strength is the ability to ignite fierce passion and creativity within her students. She shares a love for dance that is infectious to all, cultivating an environment which has allowed her students to truly enjoy the art of movement.

Bri Wilson
Bri 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@exitspacedance.com>>

DaeZhane Day
DaeZhane DaeZhane is a California native born in Vallejo, CA and raised in Sacramento, CA. In her adolescence, DaeZhane attended Creative Connections Arts Academy (CCAA), where she was able to study and compete at the Musical Theatre Competition of America (MTCA) for several years. Currently, DaeZhane is finishing her BFA in Dance at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, WA and works as a tour director for Fly Dance Competition this season. She has trained in various styles including but limited to Hip Hop, Breakdance, Hula, West-African and South African diasporas, Salsa, Pro Jazz/Jazz funk, and Tap. Before coming to Seattle, DaeZhane obtained an associates degree in Dance from Lane Community College and was able to work with choreographer and artistic director of Project Bandaloop, Melecio Estrella. DaeZhane has performed at half time for the Portland Trailblazers at the Moda Center, the Mondavi Center, and has participated in various conventions and summer intensives like Adrenaline and Project Bandaloop's Open level and Advanced level intensives, and University of Oregon's Cheer workshop. DaeZhane has taken class from artists like D-Trix, Charolette Boye-Christensen, and is currently in process of collaboration with Future Arts, a Seattle based AI inclusive art company. DaeZhane aspires to run her own institution one day for artists of all mediums to explore and flourish in their work.

daezhane@exitspacedance.com>>

Lauren Wlasichuk
Lauren 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@exitspacedance.com>>

Nicole Cardona
Nicole Nicole Cardona (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 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 Kopf
Tyra Tyra Kopf (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>>


Purchase Here>>

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.

Both ballet slippers and tap shoes are needed for class
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

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

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.

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

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

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 >>


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


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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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!

Follow these steps to enroll your student in eXit SPACE's Summer PROGRAM.

  1. Create a NEW account on the DSP Exit Space Parent Portal (or login to existing account)
  2. Add your students
  3. Choose your dancer's classes
  4. Accept the waiver
  5. Pay tuition for each dancer
We have created a document with a lot more detail to help guide you through the process.
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.

Go To DSP Exit Space Parent Portal >>