The ATD Company was borne in direct response to the desires of our upper-level dancers who wanted a challenging, intense experience that would serve as an additional outlet for their creative and artistic expressions. And each year since 2003, the Company has been doing just that for about 70 avid dancers.

Students and parents rave about the experience, which is not just about dance but about being part of a dance troupe and all the commitment, camaraderie and fun that goes with that. Dancers are stretched by learning choreography that has a complexity and depth beyond that learned in their class performances. As part of that, they also often learn some dance genres beyond their primary experience.

In the end, they showcase their creations in a dance concert run at Shorecrest High's performing arts hall.

Each year, the Company's goals are to:

• Create opportunities for dancers to experience different styles of movement and work with different choreographers that allow them to grow
• Create a sense of unity and pride among our upper-level dancers -- older and younger students alike
• Build upon dancers' technique -- hard-earned from taking regular classes -- and allow them to focus on the performance-quality aspect that is so vital to dance
• Educate dancers on theater etiquette, performance responsibilities and what it means to dance in a company
• Present a diverse performance to the community that highlights our dancers' talent and dedication to their craft

To learn more about the Company, send an email to
atdcompany@all-that-dance.com.

A favorite program among our teen dancers is the ATD Honor Club, the local chapter of a national dance association whose mission is to help make dance more accessible in communities.

The ATD chapter, which goes by the name “Phillia,” each year puts on the “Day of Dance” at All That Dance. The event consists of a day of classes in which all kids in the community, not just dancers at the studio, are able to take short classes in an array of styles, all for a nominal fee. The event is planned and staged — including the teaching of the classes — by club members.

The Honor Club also recently has begun assisting the teaching of dance classes twice per month at the Seattle Ronald McDonald House. The kids who take class are staying in Seattle with their families while either they or their sibling receive treatment for a serious illness.

The Honor Club also has staged sleepover events that consist of learning dance numbers, movies, food and just plain fun.

Club members also get advanced opportunities in choreography and performance. More activities are planned.