Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Anchorage's Trusted Dance School Since 1973
Barbaras School Of Dance has been a cornerstone of Anchorage's arts community since 1973. As a family-owned institution, we've dedicated over five decades to nurturing dancers of all ages through personalized instruction and a supportive environment. Our curriculum emphasizes technical excellence while fostering confidence and lifelong friendships. Founded by Barbara Clausen, a dance educator with 60+ years of experience, we combine professional expertise with a warm, student-centered approach.Our faculty includes industry professionals like Tori Roberts, a former Radio City Rockette, ensuring students receive top-tier training. We specialize in multiple dance styles including tap, acrobatics, jazz, and ballet, serving thousands of local families while maintaining a strong community focus.
Services
Tap Dance
Acrobatics
Jazz Dance
Ballet
Hip-Hop
Contemporary
Musical Theatre
Details
- Year established: 1973
Highlights and features
- We've served Anchorage families for over 50 years with dance education excellence
- Our faculty includes certified instructors with professional performance backgrounds
- We offer seven distinct dance styles from beginner to advanced levels
- Our program develops both technical skill and personal confidence simultaneously
- We've trained award-winning competitive dance teams for national competitions
Associations and certifications
- Dance Masters of America
Services
Tap Dance
Our nationally recognized tap program develops rhythm and musicality through dynamic movement. Students begin with tap/acrobatics combination classes, learning fundamental skills while building strength and coordination. The curriculum progresses from basic steps to complex patterns, preparing dancers for advanced performance opportunities while maintaining fun and creativity.
Acrobatics
This strength-focused program teaches flexibility and technical control through progressive skill development. Starting with cartwheels and backbends, students advance through levels while improving physical conditioning. Classes combine dance technique with acrobatic elements, creating well-rounded performers who excel in multiple dance disciplines while maintaining safety and proper form.
Ballet
Our ballet instruction builds foundational technique that enhances all dance styles. Starting in 2nd grade, students develop strength and control through structured barre work and center practice. The curriculum emphasizes proper alignment and classical vocabulary, transforming dancers' posture and movement quality while maintaining age-appropriate progression.
Musical Theatre
This performance-based class explores dance in theatrical contexts through film analysis and choreography. Students study iconic musicals like West Side Story while learning production numbers. The program develops storytelling ability and stage presence, combining technical precision with expressive performance skills for aspiring stage performers.
Competitive Teams
Our award-winning competitive program trains dancers for national competitions in multiple styles. Under Tori Roberts' direction, teams have earned top honors in choreography and performance categories. The program focuses on technical excellence, artistic expression, and teamwork, preparing students for high-level competition while maintaining a supportive learning environment.
People
Barbara Clausen
Founder & Co-Owner
Barbara has dedicated 60+ years to dance education, holding degrees from University of Colorado. A former USO soloist and Radio City Rockettes instructor, she received Northrim Bank's Business Leadership Award. Her teaching philosophy combines technical mastery with character development.
Tori Roberts
Co-Owner & Instructor
Tori brings 30+ years teaching experience and professional performance background including 7 years as Radio City Rockette. She holds dual degrees from Chapman University and has choreographed award-winning routines for national competitions, specializing in jazz and musical theatre.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer for beginners?
We offer tap/acrobatics combo classes for ages 4+, with separate beginning classes in jazz, ballet, and hip-hop starting in 2nd grade.
Are there adult dance classes available?
Yes, we offer beginning and intermediate tap classes for adults with no prior experience required.
What are your tuition payment options?
We offer three payment plans with bi-monthly payments. Tuition includes a $25 registration fee and family discounts for multiple members.
Do you have competitive dance teams?
Yes, our award-winning teams compete nationally in multiple styles under Tori Roberts' direction, with titles in choreography and performance categories.
What dance attire is required?
Basic requirements include black tap shoes, white acro shoes, leotards/tights (no skirts), with specific styles available through our dancewear link.
How can I schedule a placement class?
Contact us directly to schedule a $25 placement class for transfer students to determine appropriate skill level before enrollment.
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