What’s the Best Age to Start Dance Classes?

What’s the Best Age to Start Dance Classes?

Let’s be honest. There’s probably no single “best” age to start dance classes. Just like there’s never a perfect time to make a big change or start something new! While readiness entirely depends on your child’s developmental stage, interest, and uniquely God-given personality, there’s truly never a bad time to start dance classes. If you’re looking for a beneficial activity, here’s what you can expect at every age in dance class—and why you should get started at Turning Pointe Dance.

Dance for Students Ages 18 months to 3 years

Classes for this age group typically center around confidence and creativity as students learn to take on an activity, often for the very first time. Of course there may be a few tears at first. But usually once mom or dad is out of sight and everyone is dancing, your child quickly forgets and has so much fun!

This process does take trust on the parents' part, but in Turning Pointe’s Twirl Program, you can rest assured that your child is in a loving and encouraging environment, and we will do our very best to make them feel safe and secure. If they continue to cry after a few minutes, a teacher will come and get you. And if neither one of you is quite ready for that step? Our Twirl with Me class is a perfect mommy-and-me style introduction to dance class you can enjoy together.

All that to say—don't be discouraged if all your tiny dancer does is observe class and not move during the first few weeks. Usually they just need to see what we're doing, think about it at home, and after a few times, they’ll join right in. Some students take longer to warm up than others, and that is perfectly fine with us! We love giving them the space to feel comfortable and grow in their confidence.

Dance for Students Ages 3-5

Preschool dance classes introduce listening skills, basic motor control, and group participation through imaginative play. They also introduce basic dance terminology, positions, and etiquette. So are they learning real dance or just creative movement? The answer is both! 

A dance education offers a unique experience that you won’t find in any other early childhood activity. As an artist, we must develop our creativity and ability to storytell and express emotion. As an athlete, we must develop the stamina, coordination, and strength to perform dance skills. In addition, dance educators have a responsibility to honor the young child by offering a developmentally appropriate curriculum. In our Twirl Program classes, we are growing our foundational skills that support the development of your child. We are exploring our conceptual skills that support the artist within your child. And, we are developing our codified dance skills that support the athlete within your child. Only when these three skills are developed together, can one truly learn dance. It’s a beautiful interwoven process that is 100% “real” dance and we look forward to celebrating your child’s progress with you each and every week.

Dance for Students Ages 5-7

This is the “sweet spot” for structured beginner classes like tap, jazz, or classical ballet. At Turning Pointe, it’s where students move from Twirl classes to more individual dance genres. With a focus on fun and friendship, Turning Pointe’s older Twirl and Primary-level classes are the perfect opportunity for the early-elementary school-age dancer to grow in confidence as they develop basic technique. They begin to have their first on-stage performance opportunities, like Spring recital, and learn from Godly role models as they continue to develop their skills in a longer, more structured classroom setting.

Dance for Students Ages 7-9

By the time students are 7, they’re ready to “begin and build” foundations in training. In Turning Pointe’s Level 1 and 2 classes, they’ll begin to move through a carefully-designed, development-focused curriculum. At this age you’ll start to see more class options, like lyrical, tap, and Irish, since students this age begin to develop stronger focus and coordination. Turning Pointe’s Enrichment Division classes at these levels offer a carefully constructed curriculum that introduces steps and concepts at an age-appropriate pace, with performance opportunities at Christmas time and in the Spring recital. 

Dance for Students Ages 9-18

Once your student is committed to dance, they won’t just grow—they’ll thrive! Even if they’ve never danced before, it is never too late to start. Older kids and teens often catch up quickly, especially with regular practice and enthusiasm! Turning Pointe’s Level 3 and Teen classes build foundations in vocabulary, technique, and choreography. Additionally, students at this age (and in these levels) are encouraged to try new styles like worship, modern, and our performance companies to expand their knowledge, experience, and skillsets. 

By Levels 4 and 5, students will build on the foundations set in earlier classes as they build strength, control and flexibility—all while gaining confidence in artistic expression and new styles of movement. In addition, students Level 3 and higher become eligible for more advanced classes like Leaps & Turns, pointe/pre-pointe, and ballet variations. 

Dance Classes for Adults

It’s never too late to dance! Whether you’re itching to get back to the studio after a years-long break, if you’ve never danced, or if you never stopped, there’s always space to praise His name with dancing. Turning Pointe offers adult classes in the genres of ballet (beginning and intermediate/advanced), contemporary, hip hop, and tap, with flexible tuition options for busy and unpredictable adult schedules. Pay monthly tuition, drop in when you can, or grab yourself a punch card! Adult dance classes are proven to boost physical health and fitness, mental health and brain power, and even social connections and confidence. 

From your child’s first class to their graduation performance and beyond, Turning Pointe has a class for everyone. We specialize in beginners of all ages and offer training through pre-collegiate levels and adults. Our dancers go beyond technique to develop important life skills including learning to be respectful and confident, and share their gifts and talents with the community and beyond. 

Ready to get started? Registration is still open for the 2026-27 session! Free trial week is coming up October 12-17, and we’d love to see you there. 

Welcome to Season 23 at Turning Pointe Dance!

Welcome to Season 23 at Turning Pointe Dance! 

As we open the doors to a brand-new dance year, our hearts are full of gratitude, anticipation, and awe. This season marks 23 years since Turning Pointe first began! What started as a small dream has grown into a vibrant community of dancers, families, and friends who share not only dance, but joy, faith, and connection.

We know that adding another piece to your school-year schedule can be overwhelming. Let us help with that! Below you’ll find some helpful lifelines, resources, and studio knowledge to get you started in the best way possible — feeling comfortable and confident, ready to praise His name with dancing! 

2026-27 Studio Theme: MIRACLES

Have you seen the names of God on the banners in our lobby this week? This year we’re going to learn more about them together as we explore the studio theme: Miracles. Miracles are used throughout Scripture as evidence that God exists. The names used for God throughout the scriptures reveal the vastness of His character. This dance year, we encourage you to look for the miraculous ways He reveals Himself still, and fall in love with God’s wonderful names. Because the more deeply we explore our God, the more we are able to move beyond simply knowing about Him to truly knowing Him. 

Together, we’ll look for God in the miracles—both the extraordinary moments that leave us amazed, and the everyday moments where His goodness, power, and presence are revealed. From the miracle of creation to stories of healing, provision, and transformation, we’ll be reminded that the same God we read about in Scripture is still at work today. Just as Miriam danced before the Lord in victory at the very beginning of scripture, we, too, dance before the very same God in every class, celebrating the victory of our deliverance from sin through Jesus. Our prayer is that throughout this year, we would have eyes to see His goodness, hearts to recognize His presence, and faith to believe that He is still the God of miracles. 

2026-27 Studio Policies

As we all head back to dance this week, now is a great time to familiarize yourself with our studio policies! From tuition and dress code to absences and make-up classes, you can find the answers to our most-asked questions on the Policies & Fees page of our website. Studio rules and classroom etiquette? You’ll find those there, too, along with expectations for parking and personal belongings, and what to expect for your first week in the studio. 

2026-27 Studio Resources

Browse the Blog: Did we mention we’ve been keeping Colorado Springs on its toes for more than 22 years? Over the years we’ve watched tiny dancers grow into confident young adults, friendships blossom in the studio lobby, and countless moments of courage, growth, and joy unfold in the classroom and on stage. Through it all, we’ve built up a treasure trove of great resources for Turning Pointe families right here on the To The Pointe Blog. Check out our Top 3 Tips for Navigating the Dance Year here, or read all about our class curriculum (and why we use it) here. Looking ahead to our first Parent Peek Week? Read our favorite ways to support your student through every step of their performance journey here. Looking ahead to auditions and collegiate dance program applications? We’ve got some helpful information for you, too. Take a look through the archives. There’s plenty of great information for parents and students alike! 

Email Communication: Each month, you’ll receive a newsletter with important information, reminders, and upcoming events. You’ll also receive our Weekly Wednesday updates, which include helpful links and timely updates for what’s going on at the studio. Need to update your email preferences? See a member of our administrative team at the front desk to add/remove email addresses from our contact list. (And be sure to tell your spam folder Turning Pointe communication belongs in the primary inbox!) 

Text Message Communication: Inclement weather will be here before we know it! To stay informed on class cancellations and early closures, account reminders and other important notifications, opt in to our text reminders by texting START to 719-722-3902.

In-Person Communication: Have a question? Our administrative team is here to help! Stop by the front desk any time during operating hours. While you’re there, check out the monthly announcements posted on the doors to each classroom. Our teachers will make any class-specific announcements in the lobby before and after class, too! 

Bonus: Get connected! Are you following us on social media? Following @turningpointedancecolorado on Facebook and Instagram is a great way to see the latest and greatest from inside the studio. You might even see yourself in a class highlight or fun reel! Make sure you take lots of photos throughout the year and use the hashtag #turningpointeco. We love seeing our dance families making memories and being part of the Turning Pointe community. 

Whether you’re stepping into your very first dance class this week or you’re coming back to the studio for your senior year, on behalf of the entire Turning Pointe Dance team, we can’t wait to partner with you for another incredible season!

Celebrating 22 Years of Turning Pointe Dance

Before we close out our 22nd year of dancing with Him, we want to pause and say a huge thank you. This year, Turning Pointe families showed up, supported their students, and helped build an incredible community within the walls of the studio and beyond. This year brought some of our best memories yet, and we’re so thankful for the Lord’s hand in every detail. Let’s celebrate the 2025-26 dance year together!

Studio Highlights

This year, Turning Pointe Dance was honored to win “Best of the Springs” GOLD in the categories of Best Dance Studio for Adults and Best Dance Studio for Kids for the 11th time and 10th consecutive year. This year the studio was also awarded GOLD in the categories of Best After School Program, Best Theater Company (STARZ Theater Company), and Best Musical (Fiddler on the Roof), and SILVER for Best Music Instructor (Ms. Kristi). Including Fiddler on the Roof, Turning Pointe’s performance companies completed 13 live performances of three staged productions, each one to to completely or near sold-out crowds (The Prince of Egypt, STC; and Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor, Fidéle Youth Dance Company).

Over the last nine months, more than 850 students filled more than 1,475 spaces in 121 classes at Turning Pointe. In addition to quality training and instruction, each class incorporated the theme of “God’s Promises” through monthly memory verses and devotions. Each class finished the year strong at nine recital performances that culminated in a celebration of 28 graduating seniors.

To close out the year, 16 preschool dance classes showed off their skills through 29 rounds of Red Carpet Recital performances.

Community Partnerships

In addition to collecting and donating more than 100 lbs. of food to Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado, this year Turning Pointe Dance participated in events with Hillside Community Center, The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and Children’s Hospital Colorado. Students also performed for the communities at Riviera, Liberty Heights, Mackenzie Place, and The Gardens at View Pointe, plus additional outreach performances with The Vanguard School, Holmes Middle School’s international students, Vista Grande Baptist Church, Sunrise United Methodist Church, The Vail Church, and First Presbyterian Church Downtown.

Turning Pointe also continued its partnership with Amazing Love Missions with 11 FYDC students serving a week in El Salvador. Over spring break, students performed and used dance as a means of ministry to hundreds of students at schools in San Salvador, Ahuachapan, and Comasagua, along with the resident children of Tia Ana’s home in Sonsonate.

Thank YOU!

Over the last 22 years, we’ve watched tiny dancers grow into confident young adults, friendships blossom in the studio lobby, and countless moments of courage unfold on stage. None of it would be possible without you—our dedicated dancers, supportive families, and passionate teachers who bring Turning Pointe to life each day. What started as a small dream has grown into a vibrant community of dancers, families, and friends who share not just steps and routines, but joy, faith, and connection. As we give Him the glory for each and every victory this season, we also extend a heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you. What a joy it is to walk in His promises together!

Keep Calm: It’s Recital Week!

It’s here! The culmination of months of hard work! The week when students can celebrate their progress, and make lasting memories. The stage will be full, the lights will be bright, and the costumes will be vibrant! And while sharing the joy of dancing with our friends and loved ones can be a thrilling experience, it can be an overwhelming one, too. (May has enough going on, am I right?) If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Take a deep breath—we’re here to help! Recital week should be a joyful celebration for students and families, and we’re committed to walking through this season together. That’s why we’ve compiled our top five ways to keep calm during recital week!

1. Remember the purpose

Overwhelm often occurs when the brain’s rational center is hijacked by the emotional center, making tasks feel insurmountable. Remembering the “why” (the underlying purpose, value, or goal behind your actions) can create calm by shifting your focus from the sheer volume of tasks to the meaningful outcome of each one. We dance because we’re learning a performing art. We dance because it provides a sense of accomplishment and motivation to keep improving. We dance because we want to share our progress and celebrate our hard work with loved ones. And at Turning Pointe, we dance for a greater purpose. Luke 1:46 says “My soul magnifies the Lord.” Our goal is for every dancer to be a “Big Light,” shining for Jesus, glorifying God through movement, and sharing the Gospel. Yes, there are plenty of details and extras to keep on top of this week. But they’re all absolutely worth it.

2. Cover the week in prayer

As Colorado Springs’ premier faith-based studio, this step truly sets this week apart. When you’re feeling anxious about recitals, take it to Jesus. At our spring performances, we’re dancing with and for the Lord—and that includes rehearsal! Inviting God into stressful preparation transforms our anxious labor into a trusted, purposeful process, allowing His peace that surpasses understanding to prevail. It shifts focus from self-reliance to divine strength, turning overwhelming challenges into opportunities for growth, breakthrough, and spiritual maturity. So turn up that worship playlist when you’re driving to the theater. Pray through the music of your recital piece(s). Worship dance in your costume(s). Fill the spaces linked to nerves with His overwhelming goodness and joy.

3. Use your resources

Using your resources (whether they’re people, tools, or technology) during big weeks is critical to keep calm and maximize success. We’ve made keeping recital details straight as simple as possible, but only if communication is mutual! Read your emails carefully in their entirety. Read the Recital Handbook. Reduce the stress of searching for important details. We’ll link it all here:

● All About Recital

Performance dates, performance location and times, dress rehearsal information, ticket information, keepsake memories, performance information by color, performance policies, etc.

● Recital Handbook

Reminders for parents, performance day information, costume change information, audience etiquette, checklists, etc.

● Recital Quick Reference Guide

At-a-glance dates and times for rehearsals and performances, hairstyle, tights and shoes

needed, organized by class.

Still can’t find what you need? Our administrative team is ready to help!

Recital week front desk hours:

● Monday, 9:30 a.m.-Noon and 4-7:30 p.m.

● Tuesday, 9:30 a.m.-Noon and 4-7:30 p.m.

● Wednesday, Noon-2 p.m. and 4-7:30 p.m.

● Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-Noon and 4-7:30 p.m.

● Friday, 4-6:30 p.m.

4. Create routine

I know what you’re thinking. There is no consistency in May! Between all of the end-of-year events, extras, and obligations, you’re hard-pressed to find a day with a “normal” schedule. That’s why it’s important to find routine where you can! This isn’t the week to try brand new food, drinks, or snacks. It’s not the week to try a totally different warm up, or listen to a playlist full of unfamiliar songs. Find consistency where you can to avoid drowning in all the extras and changes! Stock up on your favorite dance snacks and ways to hydrate through class and rehearsals. Stick to the warm up exercises you know, love, and trust. Spend your time on familiar details to combat the one-off details that can be overwhelming this week.

5. Practice the details

There’s a reason they say “practice makes perfect.” If the details of your dances are adding anxiety, practice them! Play your music and walk through your dances each night before bed. Don’t stop with the steps! Practice doing your hair and makeup so you’re familiar with the process and how long it takes. Keep your costumes, hairpieces, makeup, tights, etc. in a consistent place and practice getting everything together for theater days. Why? Practicing is essential for improving skills, achieving mastery, and building confidence. It turns conscious efforts into automatic, habitual behaviors. Simply put, the more you run through your steps now, the less you’ll have to think about them on stage. And the more you practice the other preparations, the less likely you are to forget a shoe or two when it matters most. Your body and mind will know what to do because you’ve trained them! And I think we can all agree, the less we have to think about this week, the better.

Participating in a recital isn’t just about dancing or acting—it builds confidence and self-esteem, public speaking and presentation skills, teamwork and adaptability, retention and memory skills. We’re here to clarify expectations and ensure a wonderful recital experience for dancers, teachers, parents, and the audience. It’s going to be an amazing recital weekend! We can’t wait to feel His presence, and to share it with all of you!

Highlighting History: Summer Ballet at Turning Pointe Dance

The summer session at Turning Pointe School of Dance spans six weeks during June and July. During this time, dancers can maintain and enhance their technique while exploring unique aspects of ballet not usually covered during the school-year session. Unlike the school-year curriculum, there are no targets specific to the summer curriculum, and no progress reports at the end of each session since students cannot advance levels in six weeks time.

Instead, during the summer, teachers use appropriate school-year targets and skills to safely guide class content for their level within a weekly theme designed to help students grow in flexibility, strength and technique, but also in historical context, ballet appreciation, and theater knowledge.

The summer ballet curriculum at Turning Pointe Dance follows a repeating three-year cycle. Students of all levels explore a common weekly focus corresponding to the theme of that summer. Summer A focuses on famous classical ballets. Summer B focuses on groundbreaking ballet choreographers, and Summer C focuses on contemporary ballets like Rodeo, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. While the annual and weekly themes are given, teachers have the freedom to integrate the theme into their classes in various creative ways, like learning choreography (original or modified) from the ballet/choreographer, using music from the ballet/choreographer’s work, or discussing the historical and cultural context of each topic and any Christian truths or true-to-life themes observed in the ballet/choreographer’s work.

This summer, students will follow the Summer A syllabus, immersing themselves in history as they dance, create, and learn about famous classical ballets.

Week 1: Swan Lake

Week 2: Coppélia

Week 3: The Sleeping Beauty

Week 4: Don Quixote

Week 5: Cinderella

Week 6: Firebird

With fewer distractions, less pressure, and no recital choreography to remember, students can focus on the joy of dancing as they study the history of the artform they’re learning in fun, new, and exciting ways that only the summer curriculum allows. More than that, taking a ballet class this summer will help dancers retain muscle memory, minimize muscle soreness and chance for injury, increase flexibility, strength and technique so they don't miss a beat in September when our school year session begins.

Summer enrollment is now open for 2026! Join us in the following weekly ballet classes at Turning Pointe Dance:

June 8-July 16, 2026

●      Primary Ballet: Mondays, 4:15-5 p.m.

●      Level 1 Ballet/Worship: Tuesdays, 5-6 p.m.

●      Level 2 Ballet/Worship: Tuesdays, 5-6 p.m.

●      Teen Ballet: Thursdays, 4-5 p.m.

●      Ballet 3-5*: Mondays, 4-5:30 p.m.

●      Pointe*: Mondays, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

●      Training Tech Class*: Mondays, 4-5:30 p.m.

●      Adult Ballet (Beginning/Intermediate): Wednesdays, 6:30-7:45 p.m.

●      Adult Ballet (Intermediate/Advanced)*: Mondays, 6:30-7:45 p.m.

*Must have teacher approval or placement class.

 Brush up on our summer policies here, then sign up for ballet class. You’ll be glad you did!

It’s Time for the Baylee Hope Fun Run!

Join us at 1 p.m. this Sunday, April 26, as we run for the Baylee Hope Scholarship Fund!

The Baylee Hope Fun Run, first held in 2022, is Turning Pointe’s premier scholarship fundraiser. Students, families, classmates, coworkers, and friends are invited to run, walk, or dance 2.2 (tutu) miles as we celebrate the life of Baylee Hope Nelson.

Runners will meet at 1 p.m. in the parking lot near the start of the Palmer Lake Trail, located at 104 Oakdale Dr. (Just look for the Turning Pointe welcome table!) Registration is $50 per family or $15 per person in advance, or $55 per family and $20 in advance for in-person registration on Sunday. Registration fees include a Fun Run Swag Bag, and all proceeds benefit the Baylee Hope Scholarship Fund.

The Baylee Hope Scholarship was created in honor of Baylee Hope Nelson, beloved daughter of Turning Pointe teacher Ms. Morgan Nelson. Baylee was born on March 19, 2019, and passed away suddenly on March 15. While Baylee didn’t get the chance to be a dancer, her memory lives on through the graduating seniors who receive her namesake scholarship each year. Since 2020, the Baylee Hope Scholarship has awarded more than $13,000 to 19 recipients. The hope of each gift is to leave a legacy of love in Baylee’s honor, and spur on a new generation of dancers who will go on to share their love of Jesus Christ with the world.

Details and Links At-A-Glance:

Who: Everyone! Feel free to spread the word about this amazing cause.

What: The Fourth Annual Baylee Hope 2.2 (tutu)-Mile Fun Run

When: Sunday, April 26, at 1 p.m.

Where: Palmer Lake Trail (104 Oakdale Drive, Palmer Lake, CO). A 25 minute drive from Turning Pointe. Look for the welcome tables in the parking lot at the start of the trail.

Wear: Tutus optional!

Registration:

In-Advance: $50 per family or $15 per person (includes a Fun Run Swag Bag)

Click here to register in advance

In-Person: $55 per family or $20 per person (includes a Fun Run Swag Bag)

 Can’t make it this weekend?

Click here to make a separate or additional donation to the Baylee Hope Scholarship Fund

A Brief History of Dancing on Pointe

When most people think of ballet, they think of pointe shoes—and with good reason! Pointe work creates the dramatic, elongated, and elegant aesthetic that is essential to classical ballet. It proves technical mastery that allows for unique artistic expression, and for ballet dancers, it also represents a milestone that requires years of preparation to build the necessary strength and technical expertise. More than that, it demonstrates the advancement of technical innovation within the dance industry, and allows ballet dancers to be part of these historical developments.

So what developments led to the pointe shoes we see on stage today? And why were these specialized shoes created in the first place? Ready to learn more? Read on for a brief history of dancing on pointe—and how you can start your pointe journey at Turning Pointe Dance.

Believe it or not, pointe work didn’t start with shoes at all. In fact it all started in 1796, when French dancer Charles Didelot created a wire rigging system that lifted dancers onto their toes to create the illusion of dancers “flying” within their choreography. By 1823, Italian ballerina Amalia Brugnoli was able to create the same effect, not with complicated wiring, but with sheer foot and ankle strength using lightly darned, soft slippers. Then in 1832, Marie Taglioni—a prominent figure in Italian romantic-era ballet—became the first dancer to perform a full-length ballet, La Sylphide, on pointe. This feat celebrated pointe technique and how it can be used to effectively convey ethereal, romantic characters by gently “floating” across the stage. Her shoes notably lacked a hard box, requiring immense strength and technical control.

In the late 19th century, Italian dancers such as Pierina Legnani pushed for harder, flatter-toed shoes to facilitate faster footwork and turns using pointe technique. At the start of the 20th century, Russian prima ballerina Anna Pavlova helped make this vision a reality, working to develop the first sturdy pointe shoes that resemble the pairs worn around the world today. These early pointe shoes used layers of fabric, glue, and stiffer leather soles to provide support.

As ballet dance continued to evolve with both technological and scientific advancements, so did the anatomy of pointe shoes. Today, each pointe shoe is comprised of eight parts, including the shank, a thick leather “spine” that runs along the bottom of the foot to hold dancers up on their toes; the box, a rigid compartment that supports the toes themselves; the platform, which creates a flat space to balance on at the bottom of the box; and the wings, which extend from the sides of the box to stabilize the ankle. There are more than 80 brands of pointe shoes sold worldwide (though only a handful dominate the industry), all of which are still carefully handmade. Students are set up for success with a wide range of customizable padding, in-person shoe fittings, and an extensive training and evaluation process for promotion to pointework that encourages both physical enjoyment and career longevity.

Dancing on Pointe at Turning Pointe Dance

Where you’ll start: Students working toward dancing on pointe will enroll in the school-year session pre-pointe class. This class is a pre-requisite for pointe work at Turning Pointe Dance, and is designed for students ages 11 and up who have had at least 2-3 consecutive years of ballet training. Why? Dancing on pointe is serious business, and keeping students safe is our number one priority. We want our pointe students to enjoy their pointe journey free of injuries, dancing on their toes for many years to come.

Pre-pointe students will need to bring a yoga mat, beach/bath towel, foam roller, and tennis ball to class. Each April, pre-pointe students are assessed by our team of pointe teachers to determine strengths and areas that need improvement heading into summer pointe evaluations. Taking a minimum of two weekly ballet technique classes along with pre-pointe is preferred for a successful and positive experience.

After completing the pre-pointe class, students are invited to sign up for August pointe evaluations. Through this process, students are observed by our team of pointe teachers as they complete a series of stretches and exercises designed to demonstrate whether or not a dancer is safely ready for pointe shoes. Each student is given a “yes” or a “keep practicing” at the end of their evaluation, as well as their evaluation forms from all three instructors within the week to provide feedback and encourage continued development.

What comes next: Students who are approved for pointe shoes in August will enroll in the Pointe 1 class for the next school-year session. Together as a class, Pointe 1 students will be professionally fitted for pointe shoes, and learn how to sew and tie them properly. Students will then progress through Turning Pointe’s progressive pointe curriculum, advancing when level-appropriate proficiency is shown. Pointe students will participate in the annual spring recital. The expected duration in each level is approximately 2-3 years, though every student’s journey is different. Students who are asked to show more improvement before enrolling in Pointe 1 are encouraged to re-enroll in pre-pointe class, using feedback from their evaluation forms to continue their development before being re-evaluated the following year.

Get started: Pre-pointe is offered in our 2026 six-week summer class session Mondays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Fast Track Registration for the 2026-27 school-year session runs May 15-June 1. Open registration begins July 15.

Turning Pointe Top 3: Ways to Dance This Summer

It’s time to start locking in those summer activities, and we have some brand new summer programs on the calendar at Turning Pointe! Why? We prioritize student safety through ongoing training, cross training, and intentional periods of rest. Which is exactly why we think summer is a great time to refine your focus and set some new goals! Want to master that pirouette before classes start back up in the fall? How about getting all the way down in those left splits? Even if it's as simple as building strength in your ankles or improving your turnout, summer is the perfect time to work toward those milestones in a low pressure, low commitment atmosphere—not to mention there are fewer distractions, less homework, and no recital choreography to remember!

Ready to keep dancing? Here’s a look at all the exciting programs coming up this summer at

Turning Pointe Dance!

1. NEW This Summer!

Summer Dance Intensives: This NEW summer class option is the perfect way to keep growing while keeping your calendar flexible. Dancers will train four days in ballet technique, jazz, and contemporary, with rotating instructors and focused sessions like floorwork, turns, improv, and combos. With a variety of instructors and fresh perspectives, classes stay exciting and challenging while giving students valuable summer training hours!

●      Age 12+

●      Levels teen, 3, 4, & 5

●      First session: June 8-11, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

●      Second session: June 22-25, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Exclusive Summer Session Classes: These are opportunities you only get in the summer, so get ready to take advantage! Build your resume the only chance you have, or just mix up your routine and try something new.

●      Switcharoo Classes: Two styles. Two teachers. One awesome hour! In Switcheroo class, dancers start with one style, then halfway through—switcheroo!—they change teachers and styles. It keeps class exciting, gives students more variety, and lets them learn from multiple instructors every week.

●      Fight Choreography/Stage Combat Class: Have you ever watched a movie or play and wondered how the Jedi fight so fluidly or how a pair of samurai exchange sword blows and never even hit each other?  The answer: fight choreography! Come learn how to safely swing a sword, duck a blow, and make it look real!

●      Swing Dance: Swing dancing is a fun, social dance that involves easy to learn movement, exciting steps and great music. It dates all the way from the Jazz Age, the 1920s, and has continued to be a popular form of dancing. There are many different styles of swing dancing, each has its own tempo, steps and tricks. In this class, we will be learning the basics of East Coast, Lindy and Charleston styles. Come join us as we dance the summer away by learning this fun style of social dancing! Bring a partner, or show up solo.

●      Country Swing/Line Dancing: A high-energy class that mixes classic line dances with partner-style country swing. Dancers build rhythm, coordination, and confidence while having a boot-scootin’ good time! No partner needed! 

2. Summer Dance Camps/Workshops

Summer workshops and camps are a great way to dance over the summer, especially if your calendar is already filling up. Turning Pointe Dance offers options for every dancer age 3 to adult, from your first time in the studio to advanced intensive sessions.

For our youngest dancers: Sign up for a three-day mini camp featuring your favorite characters from “Frozen,” “Bluey,” “Encanto,” “Moana,” and more! Perfect for students itching to stay in dance, or budding ballerinas too nervous to dive into the full school year session just yet.

For Level 1, 2, and teen dancers: Spend your summer inspired by the stage with the STARZ Theater Young Performers Summit, or theater camps for Mary Poppins and High School Musical. Or dive into ballet history and technique with Tutus and Timeless Tales, or the Turn it Out Workshop with Turning Pointe owner Ms. Tina!

For advanced students: Try your hand at aerial silks, a Young Performers Summit, or challenge your ballet technique in the Turn It Out Workshop. The Ignite Dance Intensive is always a highlight of the summer, providing students with a week of highly challenging and nurturing instruction from TP alumni and professional guests from across the country. Sign up for Broadway Bootcamp to spend your summer Finding Neverland, or head Back-to-the-Barre every Tuesday in August.

3. Six Week Summer Class Session

Running June 8-July 16, 2026, this option is perfect for students looking to keep consistent movement and training in their summer schedule. Classes run on a fresh/fun summer curriculum, and are consistent with school-year session genres and levels. (Current students should enroll in the same level as their school year class—promotions begin in fall!) Enroll in classes you’re already loving, or try something totally new. Afterall, it’s only six weeks! Love your new style? Add it to your school-year session with six weeks of knowledge to your credit.

The Bible tells us in Romans 12:1 that our bodies are temples. As dancers, they're also our tools for worship. Summer classes are a great time to focus on the care and maintenance of your temple, whether that's maintaining progress in a Ballet class, re-energizing your heart in a worship class, or unwinding after a long season with a fun new style or improv concept class. Retain muscle memory, minimize muscle soreness and chance for injury, increase flexibility, strength and technique so you don't miss a beat in September when our school year session begins! Whether refining technique or trying something completely new, summer dance keeps dancers moving, motivated, and inspired.

More information/Sign up for summer classes here!

A Brief History of Irish Step Dancing

There are plenty of reasons to take up Irish step dancing. In addition to being a fantastic cardiovascular workout, the precise patterns and footwork exercise memory, concentration, and focus. The family-style ceili builds social connections, bringing friendship and teamwork to every class. It’s uniquely versatile with soft shoe (similar to ballet) and hard shoe (similar to tap) styles. More than that, Irish step dancing is one of the best artforms to foster a cultural connection, offering an education rich in both history and technique. Ready to learn more? Let’s celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a brief history of Irish step dancing, and how you can give it a try at Turning Pointe Dance.

With roots in Celtic and Druid circular dances dating back to 1700s Ireland, Irish step dancing has developed over centuries into a highly athletic and technical style. But not without plenty of folklore and challenges! During the 17th and 18th centuries, the British colonization of Ireland led to the prohibition of Irish culture. As a result, traditional folk dancing went mostly underground. Dance teachers were forced to teach the then-outlawed dance in secret in order to keep the artform alive. Like most of Ireland’s ancient culture, the origin and evolution of this particular dance style is widely speculated, but there are known accounts of Irish step dancing being practiced in secret on tabletops or in small spaces, contributing to the style’s trademark rigid upper-body style.

Between 1778 and 1829, the Catholic Relief Acts began to implement the end of cultural restrictions—a process still unfolding as recently as last year. As a result, traveling teachers known as “The Dancing Masters” began touring Ireland, moving village-to-village, standardizing dance steps, and fostering a culture of uniformity and competition among dancers. From these newly-solidified steps—and the foundation of The Gaelic League, an Irish nationalist body formed with the purpose of preserving traditional Irish language and culture in 1893—traditional folk dancing began to take the shape of the Irish step dancing practiced and performed today. The artform spread globally primarily through 19th-century immigration to the U.S., Canada, and Australia, where it was further popularized through the Gaelic League's promotion and the establishment of formal competitions in the 20th century.

The establishment of the Irish Dancing Commission followed The Gaelic League in 1930, followed by the premiere of the Irish Dancing World Championships in 1970. The World Championships are still competed each year, and typically host approximately 6,000 dancers from more than 30 countries around the world. Modern Irish step dancing enjoyed a massive rise in popularity two decades later when Michael Flatley’s “Riverdance” premiered at Eurovision in 1994. The show went on to achieve worldwide success during its remarkable 15 year run, successfully introducing a whole new generation to traditional Irish dance.

Today, Irish step dance has evolved from a post-Riverdance cultural phenomenon into a highly athletic, globally recognized, and digital-era performance art. The fast development of media and technology, coupled with the dance industry’s necessary shift into digital content creation during the 2020 pandemic, have made significant strides in keeping this tradition and culture relevant. And with social celebrities like The Gardiner Brothers, whose viral jigs have accumulated more than 3.6 million followers on TikTok and another 1.7 million on Instagram, the future of Irish step dance is seemingly in good hands.

Ready to give it a try? Here are some opportunities coming up at Turning Pointe Dance!

 Irish Step Dancing at Turning Pointe Dance
Fast track registration for 2026-27 school-year session classes runs May 15 – June 1. Open registration begins July 15.

 Irish Demo and Free Community Classes:

●      Monday, March 23: 1 p.m., Cheyenne Mountain Library (1785 S 8th St. #100, 80905)

●      Wednesday, March 25: 9:30 and 11 a.m., PPLD East Library (5550 N. Union Blvd. 80918)

Six-Week Summer Session (June 8 – July 16, 2026):

●      Irish 1/2: Mondays, 4-5 p.m.

 What to Expect:

Irish Step Dance at Turning Pointe is a fun and fast-paced class that emphasizes the rhythms of beautiful celtic music with a unique technique all its own. Dancers will learn that technique through warm up exercises, across the floor work and traditional folk dances including the jig, reel and hornpipe, which all focus on very specific footwork. They will also participate in group dances called Ceilis, which develop teamwork skills and coordination. Students will learn choreographed work that combines all the elements they learn within the class, performed at the studio’s annual spring recital in May.

Students should plan to wear a solid-color top and black leggings. Ankles must be visible. Black ballet shoes or black ghillies preferred. Black tap shoes for hard shoe class (needed for ages 9 and up, not for Irish 1/2 class). Traditional Irish hard shoes are encouraged for Irish 4 and 5, optional for Irish 3.

Turning Pointe Top 3: Tips for Building Your Dance Resume

Building a dance resume is essential for students, whether they want to dance professionally or not. Yes, in a competitive industry where casting directors and choreographers often make hiring decisions in seconds, a well-crafted resume helps dancers secure auditions, callbacks, and jobs. But it also documents training and performances, showcases versatility and experience, and verifies skills, achievements, and certifications that transcend the studio into real-world experience.

Have you looked back at all the Lord has brought you through on the stage and in the studio? Colossians 3:23 reminds us that whatever we do, “work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” Building a dance resume can provide opportunity for personal prayer and reflection, boosting your confidence, and building positive momentum for the future. So how do you build a dance resume? And what should be on it? Let’s get started! It’s easy at Turning Pointe Dance.

1. List Your Technical Experience

This section of your dance resume includes all the styles of dance you’ve studied, the levels in which you’ve reached proficiency, and the studios, schools, and intensive programs you’ve attended—including names of key instructors. You should list specific dance techniques (e.g. pointe, broadway-style jazz or tap, Horton modern techniques, etc.), along with related skills like partnering, acrobatics, acting, or singing.

Why? A well-crafted technical resume reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, demonstrating a commitment to your craft, and seriousness to a prospective director or employer. Being able to list a variety of different skills and techniques also allows you to tailor your experience to show you are the best fit for a specific position.

How to Build It:

To say it simply… try everything! If you’ve only taken ballet, enroll in a jazz class! Is your resume full of Musical Theater classes? Add a ballet or tap class to your schedule. Diversifying your dance resume highlights versatility, proving to artistic directors and employers alike that you are adaptable, technically proficient in multiple styles, and capable of handling various types of demands.

Build it at Turning Pointe:

Summer classes are a great time to try something new. By enrolling in the six-week summer session, students can add a new style of dance to their resume without committing to long-term schedule changes or recital performances. Love your new class? Enroll for the next school-year session with six weeks of experience to your name, and know exactly what you’re getting into.

Learn more about Turning Pointe’s 2026 Summer Classes and Camps here!

●      Be looking for our summer camp SALE March 1st-7th for the only chance for summer camp discounts!

2. List Your Performance Roles

In this section of your dance resume, you’ll list all performance company work, along with productions, music videos, or films you’ve been part of, including the title, director, and your role. Highlight relevant performance experience as well as notable stage roles and community productions. Prioritize featured roles and, for beginners, include workshops, showcases, and school performances.

Why? Listing these experiences showcases your range, and a background of professionalism to directors and employers. It highlights collaboration with reputable instructors, directors and choreographers, and proves your capability to handle different types of specific roles and their demands.

How to Build It:

Audition for theater seasons, holiday performances, or companies with productions rather than just year-end performances. While recitals focus on showcasing student progress as a class, a production is a large-scale, themed, or staged event involving a larger cast and more complex technical elements. Adding production experience to your dance resume proves your ability to handle such elements. It provides evidence of your ability to follow direction and work as a team, handle performance week stress and pressure, and adapt to different scripts and situations.

Build It at Turning Pointe:

Turning Pointe Dance has two performance companies: STARZ Theater, and Fidèle Youth Dance Company. Both divisions of the studio offer pre-professional training and performance experience in a Christ-centered environment that allows students to find their voice, tell their story, and shine His light on stage in full-length productions.

Bonus Builder: Training Division

Turning Pointe’s Training Division is for students ages 10 and up who have had two or more consecutive years of ballet. Studying classical ballet takes repetition, drive, and commitment. Adding experience with the classical ballet division to your resume proves your skill development in these areas. At Turning Pointe, we provide unique pre-collegiate Classical Ballet training for students, encouraging participants to train their bodies and spirits for the glory of God.

Learn more about all three companies this weekend at Turning Pointe’s Informational Meeting:

●      Saturday, February 21, 2026: Training = 10-10:30 a.m.; FYDC = 10:30-11:15 a.m.; STC = 11:15 a.m.-Noon

3. List Your Accolades & Achievements

This section highlights significant industry recognition, awards, or scholarships. List any relevant affiliations, invitations to attend prestigious programs or performances, memberships, and certifications, along with any special achievements you’ve collected throughout your training and career.

Why? Honored positions, awards, and scholarships serve as recognition from industry professionals, confirming your proficiency level to potential employers. High-level awards also demonstrate that you have exceeded expectations and are committed to excellence in your craft.

How to Build It:

Apply for scholarships, interview for positions, and audition for leadership roles outside of class. Attend renowned intensives or summer training programs that offer specialized training, scholarships and training grants, or take master classes with renowned instructors and at reputable studios. Participate in opportunities like student leadership, captain positions, and student choreography showcases. All of these things demonstrate industry recognition and skills recognized outside the studio.

Build It at Turning Pointe:

Affiliations, certifications & awards: Turning Pointe is once again offering students the opportunity to participate in Cecchetti Syllabus ballet classes and exams. Students who study for these exams benefit from a strong knowledge of terminology and theory, as well as technique.  The syllabus work is based on the globally recognized teachings of Maestro Enrico Cecchetti. Exams are both physical as well as oral. In groups of four, students present themselves to two examiners. They demonstrate the material they have been perfecting and receive feedback along with a pass or fail level, with the opportunity to be awarded pass plus, pass commended, pass highly commended, or pass with honors (extremely rare).

Including Cecchetti training on a dance resume highlights a strong foundation in classical technique, emphasizing precise, anatomically sound training. Listing specific exam levels passed (e.g., Cecchetti Advanced 1) demonstrates proficiency. Mentioning the Cecchetti Council of America or affiliated boards confirms rigorous, standardized training in this specific, respected methodology, and listing any passing level awards demonstrates a commitment to excellence.

For more information on The Cecchetti Council, Cecchetti classes and examinations, contact Ms. Sara at tp.sarajmurdaugh1@gmail.com.

Student Leadership: The Turning Pointe Dance Teacher’s Assistant and Internship Program exists to train future leaders to provide basic classroom assistance to teachers and studio management as they serve, observe, and are examples to younger students. Students must prepare and complete an application and interview process to determine placement in the program. If selected, student leaders participate in summer training on classroom management, team building, creating a culture of hospitality and worship, solving problems inside and outside of the classroom, building relationships, and communicating with students and teachers.

Including a Teacher’s Assistant or Intern position on your dance resume showcases initiative, teamwork, and responsibility. It proves you have developed transferable, real-world skills in communication, responsibility, and team management. For aspiring professionals, student leadership roles act as a substitute for extensive professional work history, highlighting your ability to take initiative, motivate others, and deliver results.

Learn more about the Turning Pointe TAI Program here!

 Scholarships: Created in 2019 in honor of Baylee Hope Nelson, Baylee Hope Scholarships are awarded by Turning Pointe Dance to eligible graduating seniors at the studio’s annual spring recital. Each gift is intended to assist dancers as they continue their journeys beyond the studio doors to spur on a new generation of dancers who will share their love for Jesus Christ with the world.

 Including scholarships like the Baylee Hope on a dance resume highlights a dancer’s recognized talent, dedication, and work ethic to potential employers, schools, or artistic directors.

 Graduating seniors will be informed on the scholarship and application process at the studio’s annual senior breakfast.

 Keep an eye out for upcoming events to support the Baylee Hope Scholarship Fund, or make a direct donation here.