Business Details
23 Years
experience
Premier Dance Classes in Burien, WA
Momentum Dance Academy has been dedicated to enriching the human spirit through dance since 2003. Our mission combines performance, education, and community outreach to foster creativity, self-esteem, and discipline. We provide high-quality dance instruction for ages 3 to adult in Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Irish, Jazz, and Tap, emphasizing technical excellence and artistic expression. Our pre-professional programs prepare dancers for advanced performance opportunities, while our community outreach initiatives bring dance to senior living residences in Burien, Renton, Des Moines, and Seattle. With over $40,000 in scholarships awarded annually, we ensure accessibility for all socioeconomic backgrounds.Our teen mentorship programs develop leadership skills through behind-the-scenes arts management. The studio's non-competitive environment cultivates lifelong advocates of the arts through two annual performances and regional dance festivals. Our faculty includes certified professionals with decades of combined experience in dance education and performance. We maintain professional sprung floors in dedicated studios and offer flexible class formats including private lessons and online instruction. Our commitment to excellence is demonstrated through partnerships with local arts organizations and tax-deductible donation programs supporting youth development in dance.
Services
Ballet
Contemporary
Hip Hop
Irish Dance
Jazz
Tap
Musical Theater
Creative Dance
Performance Division
Adult Fitness
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of experience in professional dance education
- Our faculty includes certified instructors with performance backgrounds
- We provide $40,000+ in annual dance scholarships
- We host two full-length ballet productions annually
- Our teen leadership program develops arts management skills
What people say
Second family atmosphere
Qualified instructors
Excellent birthday events
Welcoming environment
Professional facilities
Services
Ballet
Our ballet program develops technical proficiency in classical technique through barre work, center exercises, and performance pieces. Students learn proper body alignment, musicality, and performance skills while building strength and flexibility. The curriculum prepares dancers for both recreational enjoyment and pre-professional opportunities through graded levels and annual productions.
Contemporary
This program blends elements of ballet and modern dance to emphasize self-expression and creative movement. Classes focus on fluid transitions, floor work, and emotional storytelling while maintaining technical discipline. Dancers explore choreography that challenges traditional forms while developing individual artistic voice within structured technique training.
Hip Hop
Our hip hop classes teach street-style dance techniques including isolations, floor work, and rhythmic patterns. Students learn age-appropriate choreography to contemporary music while developing personal style and performance energy. The program emphasizes musicality, creativity, and confidence in a dynamic group setting.
Irish Dance
This traditional program teaches both soft shoe and hard shoe techniques from Irish dance heritage. Students progress from basic steps to complex routines while learning performance presentation and rhythmic precision. Classes maintain authentic teaching methods while incorporating modern performance opportunities.
Creative Dance
Designed for children ages 3-6, this program introduces dance fundamentals through imaginative play and themed activities. Classes develop motor skills, coordination, and musical awareness while building social skills in a supportive environment. The curriculum uses props and imagery to engage young learners in foundational dance concepts.
People
Rachael Forstrom
Executive Artistic Director
BFA graduate from Ohio University with 20+ years teaching experience. Staged 12 full-length ballets and created MERGE NW dance festival. Focuses on positive learning environments for all skill levels.
Nikki Wells
Contemporary Program Coordinator
Cornish College graduate with 15+ years teaching jazz, tap, and ballet. Former University of Houston Dance Ensemble member. Creates original choreography for biannual productions while teaching all skill levels.
Mario Manansala
Ballet Instructor
Trained at Momentum Dance Ensemble and Moscow Ballet. Experienced in multiple dance styles including partnering techniques. Offers expertise from both performance and competition backgrounds through professional mentorship.
Denise Smithhisler
Tap Instructor
31-year studio owner with experience teaching all ages. Brings expertise from Disneyland performances and professional halftime shows. Specializes in making technical training accessible and engaging for diverse learners.
Kathleen O'Grady-Graham
Irish Dance Instructor
Certified Irish dance teacher with competition experience. Founder member of Northwest Irish Dancers. Combines traditional instruction with community performance opportunities through regular dance calling engagements.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer for children?
We offer Creative Ballet (ages 3-5), Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Irish, and Contemporary for children. Classes use age-appropriate themes to develop motor skills and musical awareness.
Do you have performance opportunities for students?
Yes! We present two full-length ballet productions annually plus contemporary performances. Our Performance Division offers roles in Ballet, Jazz/Contemporary, Hip Hop, and Tap at regional festivals.
Are there adult dance classes available?
Yes, we offer Teen/Adult classes in Ballet, Tap, Jazz/Contemporary, and Hip Hop. These fitness-focused classes accommodate all experience levels in a relaxed atmosphere.
Do you offer birthday party packages?
Yes, our birthday packages include 50 minutes of dance instruction, craft projects, and performance opportunities for ages 3-12. Parties run $200-$300 with customizable themes and add-ons.
Are scholarships available for dance classes?
Yes, our Arts Access Scholarship program awarded over $40,000 in financial assistance during the 2023-2024 academic year. Applications are available through our website for qualifying families.
What makes your dance academy different from others?
We combine technical excellence with holistic development through our community outreach programs, teen leadership initiatives, and annual regional dance festival. Our faculty includes award-winning instructors with professional performance backgrounds.
