Hawkins School of Performing Arts School of Performing Arts

Business Details

Your Trusted Dance & Performing Arts Academy in Folsom, CA

Founded over 30 years ago by Deirdre Hawkins School of Performing Arts School of Performing Arts, our school has grown into a regional leader in performing arts training. We offer comprehensive programs in ballet, tap, hip hop, musical theater, acrobatics, singing, and acting, serving students from age 3 to seniors. Our teaching philosophy emphasizes individualized attention, with instructors dedicated to uncovering each student's unique potential through time-tested methods. The studio fosters a supportive community environment where students develop technical skill, artistic expression, and performance confidence.

With multiple performance opportunities annually, including The Nutcracker and Showcase productions, we provide a pathway for dancers to grow at their own pace. Our faculty includes experienced professionals like Luke Hawkins School of Performing Arts School of Performing Arts, who brings his New York-based expertise in tap and musical theater to our programs. We maintain a commitment to accessibility, offering both casual participation and intensive training tracks to accommodate diverse interests.

Services

Ballet Tap Hip Hop Musical Theater Acrobatics Singing Acting Dance Samplers Enrichment Programs Adult Classes

Highlights and features

We offer 37 years of excellence in performing arts training
Our instructors are experienced professionals dedicated to individual growth
We provide diverse programs including ballet, tap, hip hop, and musical theater
We host annual performances like The Nutcracker and Showcase
Our studio fosters a supportive, family-friendly environment

What people say

Amazing training Great sense of confidence Thriving in tap company Excellent staff Well-rounded experience

Website

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Services

Ballet

Our ballet program develops classical technique through structured curriculum emphasizing proper form, alignment, and artistry. Students progress through levels with individualized attention from experienced instructors. Performance opportunities include The Nutcracker and annual Showcase productions.

Musical Theater

This program combines dance, singing, and acting to develop versatile performers. Students learn repertoire from Broadway shows and contemporary musical works. Classes prepare participants for stage performances and build confidence in multiple artistic disciplines.

Acrobatics

Acrobatic training focuses on flexibility, balance, and coordination through safe, progressive skill development. Classes incorporate tumbling, contortion, and aerial techniques to enhance dance performance capabilities in a supportive environment.

Competition Classes

Audition-based competition classes prepare dancers for regional competitions and special productions. Participants receive advanced choreography training and performance experience while developing teamwork and stage presence under professional guidance.

Adult Classes

Designed for adult learners, these classes offer recreational dance opportunities in multiple styles. Participants develop technical skills while enjoying creative expression in a non-competitive environment that welcomes all experience levels.

People

Deirdre Hawkins

Founder

Deirdre established the school over 30 years ago, growing it into a regional performing arts leader. Her vision created programs that combine technical training with artistic development in a supportive community environment.

Luke Hawkins

Master Instructor

Deirdre's son Luke brings New York professional experience to our tap and musical theater programs. With over a decade of teaching and performing, he shares expertise in stage technique and performance artistry.

Questions

What programs do you offer for beginning dancers?

Our Open Program welcomes all ages and experience levels with classes in multiple dance styles. Students can participate casually or pursue performance opportunities at their own pace.

How are students placed in appropriate class levels?

New students attend placement sessions to determine appropriate levels based on age and experience. Ballet placements ensure proper technical foundation for classical training programs.

Are there performance opportunities for recreational dancers?

Yes! Students in classes marked (W) or (S) can participate in Winter Works and annual Showcase productions at Jill Solberg Performing Arts Center.

What is the HPAC program?

Hawkins School of Performing Arts School of Performing Arts Performing Arts Company offers intensive training for dedicated dancers aged 6-18. The program includes master classes, guest choreographers, and multiple performance opportunities including competitions.

Do you offer adult dance classes?

Yes, we provide adult classes in various dance styles for recreational learners. These non-competitive programs focus on technical development and creative expression for all experience levels.

How can I schedule a trial class?

Visit our website to book a trial class online, or contact our office directly. Trial classes help students experience our programs before committing to full enrollment.

Reviews (7)

Write a Review

Wendy Bacher

Dec 14, 2021 Report

Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
If youre looking for a place for your child/kid to receive the foundational training they need to become a technical dancer, in addition to understanding the importance of the art of performing, this is the studio for you! We love it here and cannot recommend it enough!

Nora R.

Nov 21, 2021 Report

My daughter LOVES the new tap teacher. The previous teacher was ok, not terrific with littles, and Miss Katie (the new teacher) is fantastic! She also seems to work really well with the older students and is able to teach beginners through advanced.

Rachel Gill

Aug 08, 2020 Report

My three daughters love dancing here. My oldest is on the tap dance company and is thriving! Great staff, amazing talent.

Neti W.

Feb 23, 2020 Report

The studio is absolutely beautiful. They offer many styles of dance and other performing arts, have lots of dance floors open at the same time for instruction. The teachers are knowledgeable, wonderful and very caring of their students and the owner, Miss Deidra Hawkins (who by the way is also a teacher) is very organized and she is just amazing. Even though it's a big studio, you feel very welcomed and you feel like it's a big family. Everyone is very helpful.

Elizabeth M.

Dec 08, 2019 Report

Truly the best dance studio with dedicated teachers and choreographers to help your dancer reach the level they aspire to - perfect balance of classes for older students.

Ann K.

Jun 22, 2019 Report

The teachers are all okay and i love the way they are opening up to teenagers teaching for more experience. The tap company has a problem with their teachers and has lost 4 in 5 years, Joanna Summerhayes was the last before marissa tidrick and was fired because she was having an inappropriate affair with a student's father. Then she proceeded to take all of the Hawkins rap troupe dancers to start her own studio. The jazz company ran by Jacob Gutierrez-Montoya is favorited by the studio owner and gets many privileges that other companies do not. The recital tickets are very expensive. The

Tali B.

Feb 02, 2019 Report

My kids do tap and ballet here and love it!! They have had a fabulous time. Well organized with awesome dance instructors. Couldn't be happier