Philosophy Statement
Children’s Dance Theater was founded in September 2006 with the mission to provide dance lessons to the Auburn community and surrounding areas through age appropriate choreography, costumes and music. Our programs works to provide high quality dance training in a family friendly atmosphere.
The Children’s Division consists of four levels and 
is for dancers from 2- 7 years old. These students come
to class once a week to gain a solid foundation in dance technique but to also gain self-confidence, develop a strong work ethic and a love of dance. The Children’s Division does have a dress code that is enforced; however we do realize that on occasion, life gets in the way. That is why we have a borrow box with shoes and various other items for those emergency situations. Hair help is always available if needed and we have a “better late then never” tardy policy. Our lobby has comfortable seating for parents to wait in and there is a small selection of toys for younger siblings to play with. Our studios have viewing windows so you can watch class progress and there are 4 observation weeks throughout the year so you can take your own photos and videos.
During class your child will enjoy a creative movement based method dance class. This syllabus system not only allows your child to learn basic dance steps but helps to teach them quality of movement and provides an imaginative and stimulating dance class. Dancers are rewarded for their good behavior and hard work through dance stamps to encourage appropriate class etiquette. Dancers 3 and up have the opportunity to be in our December and June shows. They learn a routine in class and perform this routine in the theatre during one of our 45-60 minute shows.
The School Division is for dancer’s ages 8 and above and marks the beginning of their formal training. Emphasis is placed on alignment, muscular strength and flexibility as well as continuing the step and technique knowledge learned in previous dance years. Dancers may be required to attend multiple classes a week, depending the class level. Our program values each child, and works to nurture the whole dancer. Our faculty get to know each of their students and help them to become the best dancer that their body will allow them to be. We acknowledge and teach the dancers about their personal challenges while encouraging them to attain each levels class standards. A love of dance and strong work ethic continues to grow in the School Division. Choreography becomes more complex through steps, formations, musicality, character, and concepts to begin creating the artist within each dancer.
Children’s Dance Theater also works to serve the families of dancers. Affordability is one of our founding values and we work hard to keep tuition, costume prices, tickets and other fees low. Our schedule is developed with families in mind; we work very hard to have back to back classes. Our unique dance software allows families to log-in and view their account, arrange for a make up class or take care of a payment 24 hours a day. We also have a parents association, where volunteers help out in various aspects to keep studio prices low.
In 2011 Children’s Dance Theater moved to a bigger location. We are now adding to our existing schedule, so that we can have simultaneous classes, making dance lessons even more convenient for our clients. A theatre program with acting classes and full scale productions is in the works. Our beautiful new facility has three sprung dance floors, surround sound systems, and wall mount barres. Our spacious lobby provides a great spot for parents to wait while your child dances and includes a in-studio botique that can provide you with all your dance retail needs. We have a great drop-off zone directly in front of our entrance for those parents who need to run a few errands.
In the future, we hope to develop a scholarship or reduced tuition program so that dance can be accessible to all children, regardless of economic backgrounds. Finally, we are expanding our Holiday show, a step forward in our goal of a full production of classical ballet, The Nutcracker.
