Sitka Studio of Dance Annual Recitals
Sitka Studio of Dance performs its annual recitals throughout the day on Saturday, May 11 at the Sitka Performing Arts Center. A theme has yet to be decided. Details of times and ages will be announced later this fall.
Ticket information will be announced in April 2024.
Fireweed Dance Theatre Annual Gala
Fireweed Dance Theatre performs at their annual gala event on Saturday, March 2, 7pm at Sitka Performing Arts Center. With a variety of choreographers and styles, this evening of dance is sure to entertain everyone. Dancers are chosen from Sitka Studio of Dance .
Ticket information will be published in February, 2024.
The Nutcracker, An Alaska Tale
The Nutcracker, An Alaskan Tale is a retelling of the Nutcracker using Alaska as a backdrop. Performers are ages 2nd grade through adults and include dancers from Sitka Studio of Dance and the public. Performances include: slime line tap dancers, a Fireweed Fairy, an evil mosquito Queen, Mother Ginger, with plenty of classical pieces. Something for everyone!
Performances times are:
Friday, December 1, 7pm
Saturday, December 2, 2pm
Saturday, December 2, 7pm
Sunday, December 3, 3pm
Ticket information and how to purchase will be posted here in November, 2023
Classes Begin!
Classes begin the day after Labor Day.
A complete calendar is posted in your parent portal.
Although starting from the beginning is best, we accept new students any time.
Registration Opens!
Online registration opens on Sunday, August 1, 2021.
Current students as well as those on the mailing list will receive details via email.
New students and anyone with questions should get in touch with Melinda at sitkastudioofdance@gmail.com.
Registration Opens!
Registration Open August 15th. (details coming soon)
Classes start August 31st.
Junior Recital Dress Rehearsal
Please enter through PAC through the Performer's door. The ending time for the rehearsal is only an estimate.
Senior Recital Dress Rehearsal
Please enter through the Performer's door. The ending time for the rehearsal is only an estimate.
Free Cardio Hip Hop Class
Sitka Studio of Dance instructor Nancy Neel will teach a FREE cardio hip hop class.
This class is geared toward teens and adults.
Nancy will be teaching hip hop to everyone this year (Kindergarten through adults) so get in touch if you'd like a schedule.
Aurora Dance Ensemble Information Meeting
This is a group of dancers who are not yet eligible for Fireweed, but still interested in an extra dance opportunity. Eligible dancers are fifth grade and above, in a Topaz or high level of dance, and taking both ballet and jazz. There is no audition. There is an extra fee. We meet and learn a dance and perform when and where we can. We always perform at the recital. This is not a class and tuition is not necessary. We will have an informational meeting at the studio. We will then take a break until after Nutcracker is over.
Empire Dance Shop Clothing and Shoe Sale
Empire Dance Shop will be in Sitka to sell dance shoes, clothing, and accessories. This is your one opportunity to try on clothes and stock up on dance items in Sitka.
He will also be holding a pointe shoe fitting clinic for dancers who need a new pair of shoes as well as dancers that will be starting pointe this fall. Melinda recommends everyone get re-fitted for pointe shoes every year - your feet change. If you'd like to discuss your progress toward pointe shoes, don't hesitate to get in touch. These fittings are by appointment. Contact Melinda to set up a time for your pointe shoe fitting.
Amethyst/Sapphire Summer Dance Intensive
Who: Amethyst and Sapphire Levels
When: August 14th - August 19th
Time: 8:00am - 12:30pm
What: We’ll explore new dance genres and workout routines
Cost: $200.00
We will have a guest teacher!!!!! Miranda Hein!!!!!!
We will have a pool party.
We will have a sleepover.
We will learn a dance to perform at a Monthly Grind.
Select Fireweed members may be asked to learn a dance from our guest choreographer. Rehearsals will be late afternoon/early evening.
Call Melinda for more information or to register.
Topaz/Emerald Summer Dance Camp
Who: Topaz/Emerald Levels (this year)
When: August 7th - August 12th
Time: 8:00am - 12:30pm
What: We’ll explore new dance genres and workout routines
Cost: $200.00
We will have a pool party.
We will have a sleepover at the dance studio. (not required)
We will learn a dance to perform at a Monthly Grind.
Call Melinda for more information or to register.
Keet Kids Summer Dance Workshop
Who: Keet Kids
When: June 26th - June 29th
Time: 9:00am - noon
Where: Sitka Studio of Dance (1310 SMC)
What: We’ll explore dance genres, work on choreography,
play games, use props, and have fun!
Cost: $200.00
We’ll have a pool party.
We’ll have a fun sleepover at the studio. (not required)
We will learn a dance to perform at a Monthly Grind.
Call Melinda for more information or to register.
Preschool/KIndergarten Summer Dance Workshop
Join us at the studio for games, stories, props, crafts, dress-up and fun! This workshop is for young dancers from 4 years old to first grade. The cost is $75.
The workshop will be held at the Sitka Studio of Dance from Tuesday, May 30th, through Friday, June 2nd, from 9:30 to noon.
Creative Movement Recitals
Creative Movement I will have their recital at 1:00 pm, and Creative Movement II will be at 3:00 pm.
Alaska Nutcracker Auditions
Auditions for the 2017 Nutcracker will be Saturday, May 20th starting at 1:30pm in the Keet Commons.
They will last several hours - the exact time will depend on how many people show up. Both dancers and actors need to attend. Actors will be done first, then the younger kids; the older kids will be the last to go home. We will be done no later than 6pm.
Kids in the Nutcracker must be in second grade at the time of the auditions. All dancers (except grown ups) must be taking class twice a week (any style) next year.
Most rehearsals meet once a week - usually (but not always) on the weekends.
Our tentative performance dates are December 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.
There are mandatory rehearsals on the first three Saturdays in November. Depending on your part, you do not have to attend all three. We do not rehearse over Thanksgiving Break.
There will be an application to fill out before the audition. You do not need to prepare anything. It's pretty painless actually.
As we get closer, you will receive an outline of the story and the highlights of the 2017 production.
Many thank to Susan Brandt-Ferguson for chaperoning the auditions!
Sitka Studio of Dance Junior Recital
Please come and watch the dancers as we present dances inspired by fairytales, legends, myths, and fables.
The following classes will perform: Ruby Ballet, Diamond Ballet, Abalone Ballet, Turquoise Ballet, Keet Jazz, Hip Hop I, Topaz Ballet, Topaz Jazz, and Boys Crew.
There will also be three dances of siblings: Leah and Alli Christner, Sienna and Muriel Reid, and Laura, Theo, and Sally Everson.
Special Guests: Amethyst Jazz, and Sapphire Ballet.
Tickets are $5 and will be available at Old Harbor Books starting on April 29th and at the door.
Sitka Studio of Dance Senior Recital
Please come and watch the dancers as we present dances inspired by fairytales, myths, legends, and fables.
Classes include: Emerald Ballet, Emerald Jazz, Amethyst Ballet, Amethyst Jazz, Sapphire Ballet, Sapphire Jazz, Ballet I, Ballet II, Lyrical I, Lyrical II, Modern I, Modern II, Hip Hop II, Girls’ Variations I, II, III and Boys’ Variations. There will also be solos from four senior dancers: Emma Combs, Aidan Horner Raffaele, Sienna Reid, and Ali Venneberg.
Tickets are $5 and will be available at Old Harbor Books starting on April 29th, and at the door.
Junior Recital Dress Rehearsal
Please enter through PAC through the Performer's door. The ending time for the rehearsal is only an estimate.
Senior Recital Dress Rehearsal
Please enter through the Performer's door. The ending time for the rehearsal is only an estimate.
Fireweed Dance Theatre Annual Gala Performance
Fireweed Dance Guild is excited to present Fireweed Dance Theatre's Gala Performance on Saturday, March 4th at 7pm at the Performing Arts Center. This is Sitka's local concert dance company and will present pieces in a variety of dance styles. The show is family friendly and typically lasts for 1 hour and fifteen minutes with an intermission. Tickets are available at Old Harbor Books (2 weeks before the show), from company members, and at the door. For more information, call Melinda at 966-2557.
International Dance Monthly Grind
Sitka Studio of Dance owner Melinda McAdams is coordinating the International Monthly Grind Performance. Keet students who attended the studio's summer dance intensive will be performing to Edith Piaf. Fireweed Dance Theatre will be previewing a taste of their upcoming March program. Other performing groups will be the New Archangel Dancers®, Sitka Spruce Celtic Dancers, Dionne Brady-Howard will be presenting Tlingit dancers. Other genres include traditional Chinese dance, hip hop, ballet, salsa, swing, and Yupik.
Tickets are available at Old Harbor Books ($5.00 adults, $1.00 children under 10, lap children free) two weeks prior to the performance and usually sell out before the day of the event. Admission will be refunded at the door if you bring a plate of homemade desserts. Prizes will be given for best desserts. There will also be door prizes. To reduce waste, please bring our own mug.
Sitkans Can Dance
Sitka Studio of Dance and the Greater Sitka Arts Council are planning the 2nd Sitkans Can Dance! event for Oct 22nd at the Sitka Performing Arts Center.
Local dancers will perform both solos and duets. The soloists are high school through adult dancers. They will be adjudicated by three judges and the high score honored. The winner will be invited to perform at Sitka Studio of Dance’s annual recital in May. The duets are not adjudicated.
There will be guest performances by Fireweed Dance Theatre and the New Archangel Dancers. The New Archangel Dancers will be performing their famous “Gliding” dance. Fireweed Dance Theatre will be premiering a new dance in the style of Bob Fosse.
Soloists are Jayla Ewers, Camryn Grant, Jo DiGennaro DeBell, Makayla Murphy, Kincaid Parsons, Sienna Reid, Gavi Stroemer, Ali Venneberg, Allison Winger, Skye Workman.
Couples are Andrew and Kristin Hames, Beth and Owen Kindig, Jeff Budd and Mim McConnell, Bobbi and Jeremy, Zach and Alice.
Rob Woosley will be the Master of Ceremonies. This event is a fundraiser to provide scholarships for art students and dancers.
For more information, contact Melinda at 966-2557, Sitka Studio of Dance on FB, sitkastudioofdance@gmail.com, or stop by 1310 SMC
Free Ballet Class with Phillip Broadbent!
Phillip Broadbent from Empire Dance Shop in Spokane, WA will be teaching a free ballet class on Monday, August 15th from 1-2:30pm. This will be an advanced-intermediate ballet class. Dancers from the studio in Amethyst and Sapphire levels should attend. Dancers from the public are invited as well. The class will end with a partnering section. If you dance en pointe (in the center), please bring a partner - brother, father, boyfriend - to assist you, No experience necessary. It's not necessary to do the partnering section. Please feel free to just take class.
We are so lucky to have Phillip sharing his knowledge with us. Please thank him when you see him at the clothing sale!
Sitka Studio of Dance Registration
It is recommended that you register through the mail before the school year begins. If you need information, please contact Melinda. There will be in-person registration Saturday and Sunday, August 13 and 14, 12:00-7:00pm at the studio.
If you are a dancer and are interested in Sitka Studio of Dance, please check out our summer workshops - that's a great way to start. Contact Melinda McAdams for more information at 966-2557 or sitkastudioofdance.com or FB.
This event coincides with the Gear Sale.
Free Ballet Class in the Style of George Balanchine
Taught by Adam McKinney - professional dancer and instructor - currently teaching at the Sitka Fine Arts Camp.
Class will be Monday, June 27th, 6:00-7:30pm at Sitka Studio of Dance (1310 SMC) and is open to advanced-intermediate dancers. (Amethyst and Sapphire) If you are an Emerald who came to Friday Amethyst class, you are also invited.
There is no fee, but you do need to sign up to hold your place.
Please contact Melinda McAdams at Sitka Studio of Dance, 966-2557 or Facebook, to sign up.
Dancer with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Alonzo King LINES Ballet, Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet, and more.
Former US Embassy Culture Connect Envoy to South Africa
School of American Ballet Teaching Fellow
Assistant Professor of Dance at Texas Christian University