Business Details
9 Years
experience
Dance Classes for All Ages in Pagosa Springs
Pagosa Springs Dance Academy was established in 2017 as Pagosa Springs Dance Academy (PSDA), serving the community with a commitment to accessible, high-quality dance education. In 2022, we transitioned to a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to better fulfill our mission of making dance affordable and accessible while expanding scholarship programs. Our team of experienced instructors brings decades of expertise in ballet, lyrical, jazz, tap, and modern dance, many with certifications from prestigious institutions like the Royal Academy of Dance. We prioritize community partnerships with local schools and performing arts organizations to enrich arts education in rural Archuleta County, Colorado. Our philosophy centers on empowering students through creativity, discipline, and self-expression, fostering a welcoming environment where young artists thrive.We offer classes for ages 3 and up, including specialized programs like the Storybook Nutcracker and annual recitals. Our leadership team combines deep local roots with national and international experience in dance instruction and performance. We maintain rigorous safety standards and emphasize proper technique to ensure students develop strength, flexibility, and artistic confidence. Our facility supports both recreational and competitive dance training, with opportunities for students to explore choreography and performance. Through our nonprofit status, we continue to grow programs that remove financial barriers to arts education while maintaining exceptional instructional quality.
Services
Ballet
Lyrical
Jazz
Tap
Modern
Character
Acrobatics
Contemporary
Musical Theater
Irish Dance
Details
- Year established: 2017
Highlights and features
- Our instructors include Royal Academy of Dance-certified professionals with Olympic-level coaching experience
- We offer a 10+ style dance curriculum from age 3 through competitive programs
- Nonprofit status enables expanded scholarship opportunities and community partnerships
- Annual productions like the Storybook Nutcracker provide professional performance experience
- Family-owned operation with 20+ years combined local dance education experience
Associations and certifications
- Royal Academy of Dance
Services
Ballet
Our ballet program follows Royal Academy of Dance curriculum for ages 3+. Students develop proper technique through barre and center work, learning French terminology and musicality. Classes emphasize body alignment, strength, and grace, with advanced students progressing to pointe work.
Lyrical
Lyrical classes combine ballet and jazz techniques to tell stories through movement. Students focus on spatial awareness, floor work, and safe body mechanics while developing emotional expression and artistic interpretation skills.
Tap
Tap dancing classes teach rhythm creation using feet as percussion instruments. Students learn flat tap and Broadway styles, building ankle strength and control while mastering increasingly complex step patterns.
Modern
Modern dance instruction covers Horton and Graham techniques with improvisation training. Students explore contrasting movement styles, learning how modern complements ballet while developing choreographic creativity and body awareness.
Character
Character dance classes teach traditional Hungarian, Russian, and Polish styles adapted for theater. Students learn rhythmic patterns and theatrical presentation techniques that enhance classical ballet performance capabilities.
People
Katrina Thomas
Executive Director
Begun dancing at 3, Katrina holds music and education degrees from Colorado Christian University. She has directed local dance programs since 2016 and teaches K-8 music in Archuleta School District. Homeschools four children while leading Pagosa Springs Dance Academy.
Denise Pitchon
Ballet Director
Royal Academy of Dance-certified instructor with US Figure Skating Association choreography credentials. Trained Olympic-level skaters and dancers in California before relocating to Pagosa. Specializes in ballet technique and body mechanics for dancers of all ages.
Lesley Peck
Company Director
Started dancing at 4, Lesley brings competition experience from high school through adult coaching. Focuses on helping students overcome performance fears while building company camaraderie. Also teaches middle school and enjoys outdoor activities with her family.
Anika Thomas
Instructor
Ballet and lyrical specialist since age 11, Anika holds a music education degree from Colorado Christian University. Teaches elementary music and private lessons while choreographing for the academy. Performs in musical theater productions locally.
Heather Earles
Instructor
Trained from age 3 at Ladonna's Dance Company, Heather combines dance instruction with Chinese medicine studies. Former modeling industry professional and published author, she teaches dance while running her wellness blog and podcast.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, lyrical, jazz, tap, modern, character, acrobatics, contemporary, musical theater, and Irish dance classes for ages 3 and up.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes! Students participate in annual productions like the Storybook Nutcracker and May recital, with rehearsal schedules provided at the start of each season.
Do you have competitive dance teams?
We offer competitive programs including show groups and competition teams with experienced coaches and regular participation in regional dance competitions.
What are your class registration deadlines?
Fall registration deadline is October 15th, spring registration runs December 1st - January 15th. Add/drop deadlines and costume payment schedules are published annually.
Do you provide dance scholarships?
As a nonprofit organization, we offer need-based scholarships and work-study opportunities to ensure dance education remains accessible to all interested students.
Are parent observation days available?
We host scheduled observation days throughout the year and provide regular student progress updates. Check our calendar for specific dates during each dance season.
Reviews (1)
Todd Wintersteen
Jul 05, 2021
Report
We Love this studio Jazlyn has had wonderful times for last 6 years and we will continue to do this for a long time and Laura is awesome
