Dancers at Creation Dance Studio (CDS) are moving, grooving, leaping, and gliding in a new location on the south end of Mercer Island. Dance instructor and owner Stevie Hagen has been busy polishing up the space for existing adult students and is excited to welcome new teen and tiny dancers as well.
The buzz is about Creation’s new youth program, which incorporates multiple facets of dance into traditional disciplines. The magical “Tiny Tutus” class for 3- to 5-year-olds explores ballet through storytelling and props, while more energetic options for that age group include “Tiny Movers & Groovers.” Kids who love to dance can let loose in this program through jazz, hip-hop, and Creative Movement. Parents join the action in a “Dance With Me” class for ages 20 months up to 3 years old.
Budding ballerinas from 5 to 7 years old can test the waters in a pre-ballet class, discovering and developing their love for dance, and then opt for more with ballet/tap and mini hip-hop. Starting with age 8 and continuing through the teen years, it’s a whirlwind of immersive movement through ballet, lyrical dance, jazz, musical theatre, and even cheer.
As a native Mercer Islander who started dancing at age 2 with Camille Chrysler of Mercerart Dance, Stevie Hagen knew early on that she was destined to foster creativity through the art of movement and dance. She delved into her dance career at Pacific Northwest Ballet School, followed by a BFA in Dance at Cornish College of the Arts.
Continuing the legacy of Mercer Island dance instructor Deena Dunning, who entrusted her ballet program to Stevie before passing away, the Creation Dance Studio team is eager to grow in their new location at the south end in the Mercer Village Shopping Center.
“I believe in encouraging and inspiring each child within a positive environment that promotes listening, following direction, teamwork, and, most importantly, fostering their love and passion for dance,” Stevie said. “I am so excited to provide a studio and community on Mercer Island where children can fall in love with dance just like I did.”
It’s easy to get started this summer with pop-up classes at the new studio space, which lets you meet the teachers and try out different styles of dance before autumn programs swing into full gear. Community members are invited to sign up for as many classes as they’d like on any day, with no longer-term commitment required or expected for the drop-in summer classes.
“Every child, teen and adult dancer who walks through the door will be welcomed into our CDS community with open arms,” Stevie said.
Visit www.creationdancestudio.com/summer for more information.
