Love yourself and take a dance class!

A good place to start: Open Beginner Ballet:  Come and join us at T.U.P.A.C. a fun, welcoming and focused dance environment! 

Every Friday 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm

   https://www.discovergates.org/exhibition/wethefuture/local-changemakers/ 

Renee is an African American Tacoma-based ballet dancer. She has been dancing with the Tacoma Urban Performing Arts Center (T.U.P.A.C.) for three years and utilizes dance

as a medium for community healing. Renee is committed to advocating for access to the arts and dance for more young people of color.

Instagram: @Tacoma.upac 

YouTube

Website: tacomaupac.org/who-we-are

"Olivia  has learned so much in the so many months that she's been taking dance  classes at T.U.P.A.C. Its amazing to see her growth. She loves every  class, especially ballet and calls herself a 'ballet nerd.' 

The  many performance opportunities give the kids a chance to be in front of  an audience and more importantly,  they allow the parents and kids a  chance to connect with the community. I love that. Through T.U.P.A.C, we  have also had the opportunity to see high quality performances, which  has helped to fuel my daughter's desire to learn, dance and perform. 

One  of the my favorite things about Olivia taking class at T.U.P.A.C is  that she now has so many mentors. The school helps to guide the children  to be healthy human beings and good community members. We look forward  to the Girls Hearts On Fire meetings, which help to empower girls and  provide holistic enrichment through creative projects, discussions and  other programs.   Thanks!" ~ Jenna Frieson (parent) 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/a-ballerina-just-suffered-a-terrible-injury-is-her-career-over/2018/06/29/86cb5740-68ff-11e8-bf8c-f9ed2e672adf_story.html?utm_term=.7081d5525868

There is a strict dress code for each level of T.U.P.A.C. YDP students. So that we may accurately instruct students in proper techniques, the body must be visible. Showing respect for our art in conduct as well as a dress code helps foster the required discipline it takes to learn a classical art.

Leotards, tights and shoes can be purchased  online at Discount dance.com. 

Dancers who are not in dress code may be asked to sit out and observe class for that day.For safety and etiquette, only small post earrings may be worn. Facial jewelry must be flush (even) with the skin. No other jewelry including necklaces, watches, and bracelets or rings may be worn. Hair must be secured to keep hair out of eyes, and off of the neck – this is necessary for proper spotting. Hair clips and bows should not dangle from the ends of braids or twists. If hair is short there is no need to force it into a bun.

GIRLS 6-10:     Class assigned colored leotard, transition tights that match student’s skin color, canvas split soled ballet slippers – nude, pink or white (to be colored to match students skin color).

GIRLS & YOUNG WOMEN 11-18: Class assigned colored leotard,  transition tights that match student’s skin color, canvas or leather split soled ballet slippers – nude, pink or white (to be colored to match students skin color).

BOYS & YOUNG MEN 6-18:  White short-sleeve fitted tee shirt or leotard, black dance belt, black dance shorts or black transition tights, short white socks, white canvas or leather split  soled ballet shoes. 

PLEASE LET US KNOW IF THERE ARE FINANCIAL ISSUES IN ACQUIRING THE NECESSARY DANCE WEAR.   

                                                                     FAQ

Q. Where is T.U.P.A.C. located?

A. T.U.P.A.C. is located at  1301 Martin Luther King Jr. Way. 

Q. What qualifications are necessary to register for dance classes?

A. Auditions for placement are not necessary. The Autumn/Winter YDP Session will be divided by maturity and will follow the guidelines for the age and development of students as set by the National Coalition for Core Arts Standards (NCCAS).  

Q. How is the school year organized?

A. The 2020/2021 Autumn/Winter/Spring Session  

Q. Are classes open to observation throughout the year?

A. No, parents and outside guests may not observe classes, it is disruptive to the student and instructor. Parent observation will occur one week in each session.

Q. Are scholarships available?

A. There are merit and need based scholarships available for YDP students.

Q. Will there be performance opportunities?

A. All T.U.P.A.C. YDP students in good standing have the opportunity to participate in various productions throughout each session.

Q. Who do I contact if I have any questions?

A. Email: office@tacomaupac.org, or call: 253-327-1873. All students should also report their absences her