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.

A Brief History of Ballroom Dancing

Ballroom dancing is a unique discipline within the dance industry. With roots planted deep in tradition and European royalty, it’s one of the only styles that has evolved over time as both a social activity and as a judged sport. Both trajectories are seeing a modern-day resurgence driven by a post-pandemic desire for social connections and television shows like Dancing with the Stars—but how did this style of dance go from courts to crowds? Whether you’re preparing for the Daddy-Daughter Dance, brushing up on your footwork before the summer wedding season, or looking for ways to diversify your dance resume, there’s plenty to gain from a brief history of ballroom dancing.

The earliest ballroom dances date all the way back to the Renaissance, when promenade-style dances like the Minuet and Pavane were performed by elite society in the royal courts of England, Italy, and France. Throughout the 19th century, as court dances moved away from aristocratic displays and more toward crowd-pleasing entertainment, the side-by-side step sequences and group dances developed into more intricate footwork performed within a two-person framework. Dances like the waltz and polka were born from incorporating folk traditions into that traditional framework, and the rise of public dance halls made learning the art more accessible to the working class.

The Jazz Age of the early 20th century brought new dances like the Foxtrot and Quickstep, which moved away from fixed sequences, opting for more independent movement across the floor. (Read more about how the rise of jazz music influenced the dance industry here!) The first ballroom dance competition, held in Paris in 1909, led to even more formalized techniques, the foundation of the DanceSport organization, and the emergence of both Latin and Standard styles. Today, while it’s not a medaled event, DanceSport is recognized by the International Olympic Committee, with many advocating for ballroom dancing’s eventual inclusion in the Summer Olympic Games.

As the jazz era drove ballroom dancing forward, rising stars like Vernon and Irene Castle brought partnered styles to the forefront of dancing in the United States. Their fast-paced style was showcased on Broadway and in silent films between 1910 and 1920 before Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers took over the craze with blockbuster films throughout the 1930s. The Hollywood influence cemented ballroom’s glamorous, mainstream appeal, and drove the development of Americanized smooth and rhythm-style ballroom dance technique.

Today, ballroom technique and traditions are taught throughout the world, offering dancers of all levels and disciplines a unique blend of technical, physical, and mental benefits. Ballroom dancing enhances partnering skills, musicality, and posture. It strengthens core muscles, improves balance, and boosts cardiovascular health through structured movement. It also fosters  connection, adaptability, and cognitive skills, making it a valuable addition to any dancer's training.

Ballroom Dancing at Turning Pointe Dance

●      Fridays, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

What to Expect:

Turning Pointe’s ballroom dance class will introduce the basics of the American Smooth and American Rhythm styles of ballroom dancing. Students will develop posture, coordination, balance and control through a series of steps designed to carry each couple effortlessly across the dance floor. Upon completion, each student will have the ability to recognize and match each style of dance to the appropriate style of music and perform the basics and beginning supplemental steps of waltz, foxtrot, tango, east coast swing, salsa, cha-cha, and rhumba. Perfect to prepare for weddings, social dancing, or a unique workout. No partners necessary! Students should plan to wear comfortable clothes and shoes with rubber or suede soles. Heels for females are preferred but not necessary.

Three Dance Trends to Try in 2026

“Art imitates life.”

Chances are you’re familiar with Aristotle’s idea. But have you ever really thought about it? Art consists of creative works that often draw inspiration from an artist’s reality and personal experience. And dance is no different! It’s why the industrial revolution inspired the escape of romantic era ballet, and how music popularized in the early 20th century made way for the emergence of jazz and hip hop.

So what does 2026 have in store for the world of dance? Here are some trends to try this year in the classroom—and how you can embrace them at Turning Pointe Dance. Because as art and life both move forward, Hebrews 13:8 reminds us: “God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

The Trend: Mindful Movement

This year more than ever, people are inundated with rapid digital transformation. With technology-driven advancements in AI, social media, and virtual reality, expectations are set for instant response and gratification, affecting the way we work, socialize, and consume. The result? In creative spaces, more and more emphasis is being put on authentic connections and human empowerment. That’s why in 2026 you’ll see a rise in dance classes designed to build confidence and encourage personal time and strength.

Try This: Worship Dance

Turning Pointe Dance is committed to providing excellence in dance and theater instruction while cultivating hearts of worship and nurturing creativity. Our worship dance classes will encourage students to embrace their identity in Christ and be empowered by The Holy Spirit. Dancers will learn to tell a story or create the picture of song and Scripture, combining the fluid beauty of ballet with the more sharp moves of jazz. An emphasis is placed on personal prayer and exploration of God’s Word through improvisation, and each class focuses on cultivating individual expression and innovation through creative worship. Simply put, students learn to dance lyrically using Scripture and words to worship songs as motivation for movement.  

Worship Classes at Turning Pointe Dance:

●      Worship Teen: Tuesdays, 7:15-8:15 p.m.

●      *Worship 3: Tuesdays, 4-5 p.m.

●      *Worship 4: Mondays, 4:15-5:15 p.m.

●      *Worship 5: Tuesdays, 6-7 p.m.

*Must have teacher approval or placement class.

The Trend: Social Dancing

Driven by pop culture influences like Dancing with the Stars (and the desire for real social connection post-pandemic), 2026 will see a resurgence of social dancing. That is, dancing as a means of casual fitness and community rather than a serious individual endeavor. The twist? Traditional styles are getting modern updates for social settings, filling a void left by less interactive modern socializing.

Try This: Ballroom Dance

With no prior dance experience, teacher placement or partner required, ballroom is one of the most accessible classes you can try in 2026. Hence the genre’s trendy global comeback! It’s a fun, low-impact way to stay fit, reduce stress, and bond with classmates across all ages and abilities. At Turning Pointe Dance, ballroom students will develop posture, coordination, balance and control through a series of steps designed to carry each pair effortlessly across the dance floor. Upon completion, each student will have the ability to recognize and match each style of dance to the appropriate style of music and perform the basics and beginning supplemental steps of waltz, foxtrot, tango, east coast swing, salsa, cha-cha, and rhumba. Perfect to prepare for weddings, social dancing, or a unique workout!

Ballroom Dancing at Turning Pointe Dance:

 ●      Fridays, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

The Trend: Blending Styles

In 2026, the dance world is embracing a strong movement toward hybrid and fusion styles, characterized by blending diverse genres to create innovative, expressive, and culturally rich choreography. These fusions mirror global music trends and incorporate social media influence and technology. Expect to see seamless blending of ballet, hip-hop, contemporary, and street dance in innovative ways, moving beyond single-genre classes.

Try This: Try everything!

In order to blend styles, you’ll need to master them individually. So make 2026 the year you diversify your schedule—and your resume! Challenging yourself in a new genre is easier than ever at Turning Pointe Dance, with free trial weeks held every September, December, and January. Get your toes wet through Spark Sessions—special four-week classes—in February and April, or sign your smallest dancer up for Combo classes in the Twirl or Primary division.

Try something new at Turning Pointe Dance:

●      Registration deadline for Spring Recital classes: January 31

●      Summer class schedule release: February 14

●      Spark Sessions: Saturdays in February and April

●      Summer Session Classes: June 8-July 16

STARZ Theater Company presents: “The Prince of Egypt”

Ready to look at your life through Heaven’s eyes? Then “let my people go” to the ENT Center for the Arts this weekend as STARZ Theater Company presents: “The Prince of Egypt,” January 16-18, at the Shockley Zalabak Theater.

 “We’ve been working on this show since October, and this show has been so anticipated by our cast members and by our community,” STC Artistic Director Laura Bergen told FOX21’s Loving Living Local. “We cannot wait for opening night!”

 Based on the Biblical story of Moses from the book of Exodus, the musical follows Moses and Ramses, once brothers, whose diverging paths reshape a nation. Based on the 1998 DreamWorks animation film, the stage adaptation made its world premiere at TheatreWorks in Silicon Valley, California, in October 2017, before its acclaimed West End debut in London in February 2020.

 “When I watched the movie early on, I watched [the plagues] and it was just a beautiful work of art,” Cade Steinbart, who plays Ramses in STC’s production, told Loving Living Local. “I’m so excited to bring it on to the stage.”

 While the film has been a favorite throughout the theater community for nearly 30 years, “The Prince of Egypt” musical wasn’t officially available for licensing to theater companies like STC until one year ago, on November 7, 2024.

 “We’ve been waiting a long time for this one,” Bergen continued. “The five main songs from that film that everyone loves… you’ll hear them. They’re phenomenal. Stephen Schwartz was the composer for the stage adaptation, and he wrote a bunch of beautiful new songs. It’s a beautiful mix of favorites and new songs—that will be new favorites!”

 With music and lyrics by Schwartz, a Golden Globe, Grammy, and three-time Academy Award winner, and a book by Philip LaZebnik, this sweeping production blends ten new songs with five favorites from the DreamWorks film, including the Oscar-winning “When You Believe,” a favorite of STC senior Grace Gillespie.

 “I love ‘When You Believe’ because it’s where we find Moses at his end,” Gillespie, who portrays Tzipporah in the production, told Loving Living Local. “We’re able to encourage him and remind him that this story isn’t over, and if you have faith, we can accomplish anything.”

 A total of 94 students have worked 16 weeks to bring STC’s production to the stage, marking the beginning of the company’s 13th season. Since 2014, the theater performance division of Turning Pointe Dance has offered theater experiences for students ages 9-18, building a positive culture, uplifting community, and bright futures by developing well-rounded performers and young leaders who understand the power and purpose of the arts.

 “My favorite scene in the show is ‘For the Rest of My Life,’” Ethan Malick, who takes on the role of Moses, said. “This is toward the end of act two, in the deep emotional part of the show. There’s so much going on, and Moses is really questioning his faith and what he’s doing. It’s super powerful. It’s one of my favorite songs to sing.”

 Audiences can catch five live performances of “The Prince of Egypt” this weekend, starting with the premiere on Friday, January 16, at 6 p.m.  The 1 p.m. matinee on Saturday, January 17, will have ASL interpreters visible in the lower-left section of the orchestra, followed by three encore performances Saturday night at 6 p.m., and at 1 and 6 p.m. on Sunday, January 18.

 Tickets are available at STARZTheater.org, or directly through the ENT Center by clicking here. Use the code STC2Off to save $2 per ticket! (Code must be entered prior to selecting seats.)

Celebrate “The Nutcracker!”

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and that means Nutcracker season is in full swing!
We’ll be closed December 21-January 4, but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate this beloved holiday classic at home. Looking for some fun Nutcracker-themed activities to try over Christmas break? Let’s get started!

●      Host a Watch Party
Can’t make it to the theater? Bring the theater to you! Performances of The Nutcracker are available in full on plenty of streaming services, or even on YouTube. Make popcorn and hot cocoa or set out bowls from the Land of Sweets, get cozy on the couch, and enjoy the performance! (Homemade tickets, theater attire, tutus, or Christmas jammies optional.)

●      Put on a Show
This one is simple! Dance out your own Nutcracker production at home. Find an open space, pull out your old recital costumes or dress-up bins, make some props, and set the stage! Cast siblings, stuffed animals, or even the family pets as the stars. Turn on The Nutcracker soundtrack and have fun with your very own moves and costumes!

●      Arts and Crafts
Why not make it a whole Nutcracker day? From coloring sheets and DIY ornaments to fairy wands and paper snowflakes, there are lots of ways to make a piece of this story. Cook up some sugar plums, go on a Nutcracker Ballet Scavenger Hunt, or even Save The Nutcracker from the Mouse King with escape-room style clues. Just search “Nutcracker crafts” in Pinterest or your favorite browser!

Hungry for more? We’re ready to help!

 Nutcracker-Inspired Classes to Try in 2026
Free Trial Week is coming up again January 5-10, 2026. Did a workshop, performance, or video of “The Nutcracker” leave you inspired? Here are a few places to start:

●      Pre-Pointe
Did you love the snowflakes, flowers, and Sugar Plum Fairy? Start working toward some pointe shoes of your own! Turning Pointe’s pre-pointe class is a pre-requisite for pointe work designed for students ages 11 and up who have had at least 2-3 consecutive years of ballet training.

Students will need a yoga mat, beach/bath towel, foam roller, and tennis ball. Students will be assessed by our team of pointe teachers in April to determine if they are ready to move into Beginning Pointe. Taking a minimum of 2 weekly ballet technique classes along with pre-pointe is encouraged and preferred!

●      Combo Classes
The best thing about “The Nutcracker” is that it features all kinds of dancing! From the passionate flamenco-inspired movements of the Spanish Coffee to the quick, nimble footwork and precise gestures of the Chinese Tea, just like our favorite Christmas treats, no two sweets are exactly alike.

At Turning Pointe Dance, Twirl and Primary-level students can embrace different movement qualities in a combo class! Students will increase their understanding of ballet while developing coordination and rhythm through tap dance. Combo classes are a great way to try new styles and decide what you like best.

●      Ballroom
Did you love party scene dances? Try your hand at partnered steps in Turning Pointe’s ballroom class! You’ll learn the basics of American Smooth and American Rhythm style dances as you develop posture, coordination, balance, and control through a series of steps designed to carry each couple effortlessly across the dance floor.

Upon completion, each student will have the ability to recognize and match each style of dance to the appropriate style of music and perform the basics and beginning supplemental steps of waltz, foxtrot and tango, east coast swing, salsa, cha-cha, and rhumba. It’s the perfect way to prepare for weddings, social dancing, or the next Stahlbaum Christmas party. No partners necessary!

Ready to start the journey to your own magical stage experience? Don’t delay! The last day to register for 2026 recital classes is January 31!

Five Reasons to Dance at Turning Pointe in 2026

Whether you take one or two classes a week to stay in shape, you’re taking your first dance class this semester, or you’ve been training hard for a future career, there’s one thing we can all agree on: Dancing is fun! Think physical activity with human connection and a heart of worship. New year’s resolutions are right around the corner, so let’s talk about dancing your way through 2026—and why you should join us next year at Turning Pointe Dance!

1. We’re Committed to Excellence

 For more than 20 years, Turning Pointe Dance has been dedicated to providing high-quality dance and theater instruction while cultivating hearts of worship and nurturing creativity. We specialize in beginners of all ages and offer training through pre-collegiate levels. 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.

 How do we do it? Turning Pointe provides a carefully-constructed curriculum that introduces steps and concepts at an age-appropriate pace to make sure our students develop their skills in a safe and healthy way. We believe that a well-designed curriculum plays a significant role in helping our instructors achieve growth in each and every student! Our class structure allows students to take responsibility for their progress, supports our instructors, and unifies training across levels and genres. You can read more about that here! And since we’re developing a performing art, our training structure incorporates three parent Peek Weeks per dance year, along with a spring recital each May so students of all ages and levels can show off their skills and practice performing.

2. We’re the Premier Faith-Based Dance Studio in Colorado Springs

 Turning Pointe 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. Our mission is to fully develop a dancer’s skills and talents in an atmosphere that is glorifying to God. Our vision is to be a faith based center for the arts in our community that empowers students with grit, grace, and gratitude for the arts and for His Kingdom. Our long-term goal is to see Turning Pointe students flourish in their gifts, and equipping students to reach their unique calling by strengthening the body, mind, and spirit. We offer excellence in training in a safe and secure facility, with instructors who are background checked and CPR certified.

 Our mission and vision statements begin to play out in the ways we differentiate ourselves from the surrounding dance studio culture. We choose music that fits the wholeness of our endeavor and the culture we are trying to create which reaches beyond just dancing. We carefully choose costumes that are age appropriate, beautiful but appropriately modest, yet fun that both parents and children love! Our choreography is appropriate for audiences and dancers of any age and our professional staff members are great role models for students. Each of our dance classes incorporate prayer and verse of the month, keeping the focus of class time on the Lord, and put our faith in action through monthly outreach and community service initiatives.

3. We Offer Unique Opportunities for Training and Advancement

 In addition to our regular session classes, Turning Pointe is proud to offer pre-professional training through special programs and performance companies. Students interested in classical ballet development can audition for the Training Division, or enroll in Cecchetti Syllabus and Exam courses. Students seeking growth in musical theater can audition for STARZ Theater Company, and students interested in dance performance and arts-based mission work can audition for Fidèle Youth Dance Company. Turning Pointe Dance even offers an extensive Teaching Assistant and Intern Program for students interested in becoming a student teacher or pursuing a career in dance or theater education.

●      Learn more about the Training Division/Cecchetti Syllabus

●      Learn more about STARZ Theater Company

●      Learn more about Fidèle Youth Dance Company

●      Learn more about Turning Pointe’s TAI program

4. We’re “The Best of the Springs”

 Don’t take our word for it! “Best of the Springs” is a survey of Colorado Springs Gazette readers’ favorites in six categories. If appropriately nominated, businesses appear on a ballot of the city’s top 10 most-loved establishments. Members of the Colorado Springs community can vote for their favorites beginning in December before winners are announced each April.

 Through your support, Turning Pointe Dance has been awarded “Best of the Springs” for the last 10 consecutive years, earning a “Gold” distinction in the categories of Dance Studio for Kids and Dance Studio for Adults.

 We’re honored to be nominated again for “Best of the Springs 2026,” and we’d love your support! Vote for Turning Pointe Dance in these Arts & Entertainment categories: Dance Studio for Kids; Dance Studio for Adults, and vote for STARZ as best Theater Company, or best musical (Peter Pan, Fiddler on the Roof).

 Click here to cast your votes!

5. You Have Plenty of Options

 The bottom line? We want you to love dancing! Come and experience the Turning Pointe Difference in a way that aligns with your schedule, budget, and goals.

 Not sure which classes are a good fit? We have Free Trial Weeks coming up December 15-20, 2025, and January 5-10, 2026. Just check-in with a staff member at the front desk before giving class a try!

 Ready to join the school-year session for the second semester? Don’t miss your chance to join us on stage this spring! Registration for 2025-26 recital classes ends January 31.

 Looking for a smaller commitment? Try new Spark Sessions at Turning Pointe! Coming up Saturdays in February and April, these special 4-week mini sessions are designed for flexibility, fun, and discovery. Whether you're popping in just for the month or adding it to your regular schedule (at a discounted rate!), Spark Sessions are a low-commitment, high-energy way to explore new styles, challenge yourself, or simply keep moving. Perfect for all levels!

Check out what’s coming up or enroll for Spark Sessions here.

 If you’re on board but you’re not sure your dancer is ready, try a one-day event like The Nutcracker Sweet Workshop (December 13), Daddy-Daughter Dance (Feb. 7), or Mother-Daughter Tea (May 2). These special dance days can give younger students a taste of what to expect and leave them excited to come back for more!

A Brief History of Jazz Dance

Adding a jazz class gives an advantage to any dancer’s training schedule. Not only do the athletic and energetic movements improve strength and endurance, but the expressive nature and upbeat music of this genre have been proven to boost mental well being. There are plenty of other fast-paced classes and styles of dance to choose from though, right? So why is jazz so important to dance? Simply put, jazz has the unique ability to cross-train between genres. That is, students who take jazz have the advantage of cross-training their skills by increasing their musicality and dynamic performance qualities. To understand what we mean, you’ll need a brief history of jazz dance. That’s why, at Turning Pointe Dance, we incorporate History & Connection Targets in every level of our jazz curriculum.

 Jazz dance is deeply tied to American social history and cultural fusion, with roots in African rhythms and movements that have continuously evolved over time. Its roots lie in African-American communities in the early 20th century, blending African traditions with European influences in response to jazz music. It evolved through social dance, and later developed into more commercial use by choreographers like Jack Cole, Matt Mattox, Luigi, and Gus Giordano. The style has continually adapted, incorporating elements from other forms and styles, while remaining a dynamic part of modern day dance programs.

 Turning Pointe’s jazz curriculum incorporates seven different styles as students progress through the genre: Authentic Jazz and Classic Jazz (all levels), Broadway Jazz (Levels 2 and above), Lyrical Jazz (levels 3 and above), and Commercial Jazz, Contemporary Jazz, and Jazz Funk (Levels 4 and 5). As Christians, we study the Bible to deepen our faith through better understanding of God’s character and will. As dancers, we study the history of our movements to deepen our training through better understanding of each style. While Authentic Jazz Dance developed alongside the Jazz music of the 1920s-1940s — with a visible connection to African movement qualities — it developed into recent dances like the Twist, the Moonwalk, and the Cha Cha Slide. Classic Jazz began to fuse Authentic Jazz with elements of ballet, which lent itself to musical theater to create the Broadway Jazz still performed around the world today.

 By studying the Bible, we can adapt, adjust, and change our character to be more like His, studying His word and planting ourselves in His promises. In blending its authentic roots with different elements like contemporary, lyrical, and hip-hop/funk, jazz dance has uniquely continued to evolve and reflect the culture of music and dance. In studying its history, students of jazz at Turning Pointe are able to embrace the changes by dancing firmly on the genre’s roots.

 “Behold, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs forth; do you not perceive and know it and will you not give heed to it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” 

 — Isaiah 43:19

Jazz Classes at Turning Pointe Dance (2025-26)

Primary Jazz/Hip Hop: Wednesdays, 5:30-6:15 p.m.

Jazz 1: Tuesdays, 4-5 p.m.

Jazz 2: Tuesdays, 6-7 p.m.

Jazz Teen: Mondays, 6:45-7:45 p.m.

Jazz 3*: Tuesdays, 5-6 p.m.

Jazz 4/5*: Mondays, 5:15-6:30 p.m.

*In order to enroll in Jazz 3-5, students must have been promoted from another Jazz level or have been placed by an instructor after evaluation at a Placement Day.

 What to Expect

At Turning Pointe Dance, students are introduced to a jazz dance vocabulary including stretches, isolations, turns, jumps, and combinations. Students will gain a better understanding of rhythms, all choreographed to wholesome music. In jazz class you will learn the fundamentals of jazz, muscle isolation, and movement to different beats. This class is a fun way for boys and girls to learn a different style of dance that is very popular with a different energy.  Be ready to let loose and have fun!

 What You’ll Need

Primary Jazz/Hip Hop Dress Code: A solid color tank top or fitted tee, black joggers, leggings, or shorts, tan slip on jazz shoes and black sneakers with very little white or grey. No colors, reflective material, or blinking lights. Option to choose a jazz sneaker.

Jazz 1-5 Dress Code: A solid-color tank top or fitted tee, black joggers, leggings, or shorts, and skin tone or tan slip on jazz shoes. No dangly jewelry of any kind, and hair must be pulled back in a braid, ponytail, or bun for all classes. Other useful items: A water bottle, pen, notebook or prayer journal.

Give it a Try:

●      Free Trial Week: December 15-20, 2025; January 5-10, 2026

●      Last day to register/order recital costume: January 31, 2026

TP Top 3: Reasons to Wear a Costume

October 27-November 1 is wear-a-costume week at Turning Pointe Dance! Sure, it’s a colorful way to add some fun to your classes between fall and Christmas Peek Weeks, but did you know there’s even more purpose behind it? Yes, it certainly is fun. But it’s also so much more! Curious? Keep reading for a TP Top 3: Reasons to wear a costume to dance class this week.

1. Celebrate History

 Dancers have been performing in costumes since the 5th century BCE. The dramas of Ancient Greece were passed on to the Romans, with several similarly-timed records showing costumed dance performance documented in Europe and India. Soon after, elaborately dressed productions of Shakesphere plays took over the Renaissance period, and the rest, as they say, is history! (Want to learn more? Check out our “Brief History of Dance Costumes” here.)

 Did you know? In addition to progressive skill development, the Turning Pointe Dance curriculum includes a “History & Connection” learning target designed to help dancers understand the history of what they’re learning as they connect it to the training we receive in the studio today. Not only does studying this history provide context for modern-day dance, it shows students how dance intertwines with cultural events, and how it intertwines with our faith, creating a deeper understanding of dance as a form of worship throughout history.

 This week, we invite students to celebrate that history with costumed classes! Embrace the history of dance as you steward each step for His glory.

2. Practice Your Art

 Dance is a performing art. And just like any artform, it requires practice! We practice our steps and technique in class each week, but it’s not that often we get to practice the art of performance, and that includes practicing in costume. Our regular classwear can often feel safe and comfortable, acting as a security blanket of sorts. Challenging yourself to dance in costume can build confidence, test a costume’s effect on your movement, and help you get into character as you perform your steps for your teacher.

 Costumes play an important part on the stage, helping to enhance the visual appeal and narrative of a performance. Costumes can be used to convey the mood, style, and theme of a dance, as well as distinguish between different characters or groups within a performance. They are meant to complement the song, scene or piece, and create uniformity among the dancers. Simply put, costumes bring the entire dance to life! (Read more about all of that here.) Handling our steps with all that flare takes practice. Why save it all for recital day?

3. Embrace the Dress Code(s)

 Students at Turning Pointe Dance adhere to a strict and modest dress code, enforced in all levels and classes. Why? Dressing in proper dancewear allows your teachers to better see your movements, eliminates distractions, and allows you to move safely and properly through each combination. But as important as it is to embrace the disciplined nuances of practice, it’s also important to embrace the exciting aspects of performance. After all, it’s a big part of what we do!

 No, it’s not practical for every week. But this week, as the sun is beginning to set earlier and earlier during classes, with Peek Week behind and recitals still far away, it’s good to start building excitement toward the big picture.

 Believe it or not, that big picture is not so far away! Students have been measured for recital costumes over the last few weeks, and your costume fee is due in just a few weeks on December 1. Students opting out of recitals must do so by November 30. (More about all of that here.) So this week, grab your favorite tutu, a costume from recitals past, or anything that makes you feel confident in character. Let’s embrace one of the many things that makes this artform so special!

Why Bring a Friend to Dance?

Bring a friend week is here, and we’re so excited to share our love of dance! Year after year, when we ask our students to share their favorite parts of class, it’s never the steps or the choreography that make the list. Instead it’s the friendships—the bonds that transcend the studio walls and the relationships that encourage them in their journey to Jesus—that come front and center. And while sometimes it’s difficult to invite others to church, from October 13-18, you can invite a friend to come and experience the Turning Pointe difference as you dance together for His glory. At Turning Pointe, we know we’ve been made new in Christ, washed by the blood of the Lamb. Our community looks different. This week, let’s invite others to take part as we dance for Jesus—together!

Bring a Friend to Boost Your Friendship

Having a friend in class will help foster deeper connections. Dancing together requires synchronization and participation that take your relationships beyond typical social activities like small talk that allow you to stay safely inside your comfort zone. Whether you’re laughing at a mistake or perfectly executing a dance move, you’ll create lasting memories together in class.

Good friends know you really well, and still like you. And so it is with God, our best friend. He knows us inside out, and still loves us. Proverbs 17:17 reminds us that “A friend loves at all times.” How wonderful it is to love and pray for one another through challenges and fun, difficult exercises, our favorite choreography, and progress reports. The Lord calls us to walk together as we walk with Him. This week, we invite you to turn that walk into a dance!

Bring a Friend to Boost Your Mood

This time of year can be stressful. Midterms, auditions, looming holidays, and extra curricular activities? It can feel like a lot! Leave it all at the door this week. Let go, and encourage your friends to dance with God. Did you know dance has been proven to boost your mood, reduce stress, and build confidence? Did you also know that good friendships and social connections can improve cognitive function, create healthy habits, and provide emotional support? So just imagine what dancing with a friend can do!

Just like joining a small group at church, building your unique community at Turning Pointe can be SO beneficial—even if you’re starting small with one friend this week. Having a friend in class means you can offer each other support and encouragement in the studio and beyond. Just like in our church congregations, friends encourage deeper community and accountability within the studio, and develop leaders that can help grow our mission to make Christ easier to see in everything we do. To put it simply, dancing has been known to inspire joy. So have the best friendships. When we put those two things together in His name, there’s no stress or shadow that can stand in our way!

Ready to Bring a Friend to Dance?

 From October 13-18, all it takes is an invitation! Then have your friends sign in at the front desk before class. That’s it!

Can’t make it this week? There are plenty of other opportunities coming your way:

●      December 13, 2025: Nutcracker Workshop/Parents Afternoon Out

●      December 15-20, 2025: Free Trial Week

●      January 5-10, 2025: Free Trial Week

●      February 7, 2026: Daddy-Daughter Dance

●      May 2, 2026: Mother-Daughter Tea

A Brief History of Modern Dance

Modern dance can borrow style from genres like hip hop, break dancing, and jazz—all of which

have fascinating histories of their own. It even made way for the emergence of other popular

styles like contemporary. But what makes modern dance unique? And why is it important to

learn today? It’s more than the physical benefits of better balance, muscle strength, flexibility,

and coordination. Enrolling in modern dance class allows students to find and experience a

grounded freedom of movement—and taking modern class at Turning Pointe Dance allows those

movements to be rooted in Christ.

Modern dance is based on the broad ideas of “the opposite of ballet.” That is, it began as

rebellion from the rigidity of classical ballet. Driven by socioeconomic changes across the

United States and Europe—and a strong desire among dancers for expressive, more creative

movement—the pioneers of modern dance stepped away from structured movements, rigid

corsets, tutus and pointe shoes, in favor of breath-driven movements, natural gestures and bare

feet. As a result, the early 1900s saw dancing shift from a focus on uniformity to an emphasis on

individuality and personal expression.

The “Golden Age” followed from the 1920s-1950s, which saw the development of modern dance

techniques and the emergence of masters like Martha Graham, and Doris Humphrey and Charles

Weidman, who developed theories on modern dance composition and choreography. In the

1960s, ‘70s, and ‘80s, the genre’s original pioneers were replaced with successors like José

Limón and Merce Cunningham, who developed new styles and non-narrative variations. The

postmodern era brought a further re-examination of the style, emphasizing simple movements,

repetition, and moving in non-traditional spaces. Alvin Ailey and Twyla Tharp became icons of

the genre, personifying the innovative spirit of modern dance, and expanding the vocabulary of

classes, choreography and curriculums around the world.

Modern classes at Turning Pointe Dance are designed to honor the genre and honor the Lord.

Each genre’s curriculum includes a “History & Connection” target that encourages students to

understand the history of what they’re doing as they connect it to what they’re learning in class

today. And by taking modern class at Turning Pointe Dance, they’re also encouraged to connect

that history to their walk in His Kingdom.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect

will.” —Romans 12:2 (NIV)

Modern Dance Classes at Turning Pointe Dance (2025-26)

Modern 2: Tuesdays, 4-5 p.m.

Modern Teen/3: Fridays, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Modern 4/5*: Thursdays, 6:45-7:45 p.m.

*In order to enroll in Modern 3-5, students must have been promoted from another Modern level

or have been placed by an instructor after evaluation at a Placement Day.

What to Expect

Modern dance classes at Turning Pointe are based off of Limón technique with infusions from

other masters like Isadora Duncan, Doris Humphrey, Lester Horton, Martha Graham, and

Katherine Dunham. Our teachers know modern is its own unique technique, not to be confused

with contemporary or jazz. While ballet is traditionally ethereal and other worldly, modern is

grounded and current. While jazz is presentational, modern is about your own internal voice. If

you are one to learn something new, this is the class! Come explore all ways we can dance using

the air, the floor, and each other.

Classes are taught through a structured curriculum designed to safely progress students from

beginning to advanced levels. Students will focus on overall development through targets that

focus on techniques, concepts specific to the genre, and etiquette, skills, gospel connections,

historical connections, and community connections.

What You’ll Need

Dress Code: A solid colored leotard or fitted shirt, black joggers, leggings, or shorts, and bare

feet. No dangly jewelry of any kind, and hair must be pulled back in a braid, ponytail, or bun for

all classes. Other useful items: A water bottle, pen, notebook or prayer journal.

Give it a Try:

● Bring a Friend to Modern Dance Class: October 13-18, 2025

● Free Trial Week: December 15-20, 2025; January 5-10, 2026

● Last day to register/order recital costume: January 31, 2026