Business Details
8 Years
experience
Your Premier Dance Destination in Seattle
At VAM Studios, we are dedicated to inspiring and empowering individuals through the transformative power of dance. Founded on the belief that dance is a universal language capable of fostering personal growth and community connection, we provide comprehensive training in a nurturing environment that celebrates creativity and technical excellence. Our experienced instructors bring decades of industry expertise, having performed and taught globally, while our curriculum balances rigorous technique with holistic development. We offer classes for all ages and skill levels, from beginner to master, spanning ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, and contemporary styles.Our mission extends beyond technical trainingwe cultivate a supportive space where dancers develop confidence, discipline, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts. Through workshops, camps, and collaborations with industry professionals, we ensure our students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for both artistic and personal success. Located in Seattle, we serve as a hub for dance innovation and community engagement, welcoming everyone from casual enthusiasts to aspiring professionals.
Services
Ballet
Tap
Contemporary
Jazz
Hip Hop
Conditioning
Workshops
Camps
Master Classes
Details
- Year established: 2018
Highlights and features
- We offer diverse dance styles taught by internationally experienced instructors.
- Our curriculum balances technical mastery with mental and physical well-being.
- We provide workshops with industry professionals for advanced training.
- Flexible scheduling includes in-person and virtual class options.
- Community-focused approach emphasizes individual growth and collaboration.
Services
Ballet
Our ballet program develops precision, grace, and strength through traditional techniques. Students progress from foundational positions to advanced pointe work, preparing for performances and competitions. Classes emphasize musicality, posture, and artistic expression for ages 3+.
Tap
Tap classes focus on rhythm, coordination, and musical interpretation using specialized footwear. Students learn percussive patterns from beginner to advanced levels, with opportunities to perform in recitals and community events.
Contemporary
Contemporary dance blends ballet and modern techniques to explore emotional storytelling and fluid movement. Classes encourage improvisation and personal style while building technical versatility for intermediate to advanced dancers.
Hip Hop
Hip-hop instruction covers street dance styles including breaking, popping, and locking. Students learn choreography to current hits while developing rhythm, confidence, and stage presence in a high-energy environment.
Workshops
Intensive workshops provide focused skill development with guest artists from the professional dance world. Topics include audition preparation, choreography, and genre-specific techniques to enhance students' artistic growth.
People
Veronica Mendonca
Owner/Director
Founder of VAM Studios with 30+ years in performance, choreography, and education. Trained with NYCB and Royal Ballet alumni, she has taught at Westside School of Ballet and Cornish College of the Arts.
Mark Mendonca
Co-Director
Co-director with 30 years of global teaching experience. Has led master classes worldwide and served on faculties at Loyola Marymount University and Santa Monica College, specializing in tap instruction.
Amanda White
Dance Instructor
Certified instructor in ballet, jazz, tap, and modern with experience teaching all ages. Performed with Eastside Moving Company and participated in the Chop Shop Dance Festival, emphasizing joyful learning.
Jasmine Morgan
Dance Instructor
Seattle native teaching ballet and contemporary with a focus on accessibility. Former Dance Fremont Company member, currently teaching adaptive dance classes for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Maceo Mendonca
Dance Instructor
Multi-disciplinary instructor trained in tap, ballet, jazz, and hip-hop. Experienced performer in musical theater and commercial productions, bringing energetic engagement to youth and adult classes.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer for children?
We provide ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, and contemporary classes for children starting at age 3, with levels from beginner to advanced.
Are adult dance classes available?
Yes, we offer ballet, tap, jazz, and contemporary classes for adults with options for both recreational and serious dancers.
Do you offer virtual class options?
Yes, we provide both in-person and virtual class formats to accommodate different learning preferences and schedules.
How can I register for classes?
Registration is available online through our website where you can view current schedules and purchase class cards.
Are there performance opportunities for students?
Yes, we host regular performances including the Teen and Adult Spring Show and collaborate with local arts organizations for additional showcases.
What qualifications do your instructors have?
Our faculty includes professionals with 10-30 years of teaching experience, many having performed internationally and taught at prestigious institutions.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Lynn Hautala
Jun 25, 2020
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Great opportunity for expert instruction no matter your age or skill level! A warm and friendly place that inspires creativity:)
Darcy P.
Jun 21, 2020
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The new online classes have been wonderful & I've really been enjoying being back in this great dance community. I came for the adult tap program but I've really enjoyed trying out other classes, such as conditioning and beginning ballet. Veronica and Mark are so talented and supportive!
Tiffani M.
May 31, 2020
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Dancing through life, virtually, has never been easier. You dont have to be local, as these amazing folks put in live classes, AND online zoom classes. Bravo!
Lymarie Perez
Dec 17, 2019
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A wonderful family owned business that provides an array of dance classes to the community . Check out their up coming event! Yule!!!
Susan F.
Jul 10, 2018
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We shopped around for dance studios where my teen daughter could continue to grow her love of tap dance. After visiting several dance studios my daughter was sold on VAM. She has been taking tap at VAM for 2 1/2 years and adores it so much that it's the highlight of her week. She has expanded to taking hip hop as well as loving all of the VAM performances that she has been in. Mark and Veronica have highly impressive dance credentials and have created a warm and welcoming community where dancers of all ages and experience levels have lots of fun while growing their dance skills. VAM is
