Tacoma Urban Performing Arts Center

- 1105 M.L.K. Jr Way, Tacoma, WA 98405

Tacoma Urban Performing Arts Center (TUPAC) is a dynamic and essential part of the cultural landscape in Washington, offering an inclusive space where dance and artistry thrive. Founded with a powerful mission to provide quality performing arts training to a diverse community, TUPAC stands out as a Black-owned and women-owned business that is deeply committed to its students. This center is more than just a dance school; it's a performing arts group and a hub for community engagement, led by the highly regarded director and founder, Klair Ethridge. The studio is dedicated to nurturing talent and fostering a love for the arts in people of all ages, from children taking their first steps in ballet to adults exploring a new form of expression. TUPAC provides a safe and supportive environment where individuals can learn, grow, and express themselves uniquely, as the founder, Kabby Mitchell III, envisioned.

TUPAC is located at 1105 M.L.K. Jr Way, Tacoma, WA 98405, USA, a central location that places it right in the heart of the historic Hilltop community. The address itself, on Martin Luther King Jr. Way, underscores the center's mission and deep roots within the community it serves. For local residents in Tacoma and surrounding areas like Puyallup, Federal Way, and Olympia, the studio is highly accessible. TUPAC has made a clear commitment to inclusivity, featuring a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance, and seating. This level of consideration ensures that everyone, regardless of mobility, can participate in or attend classes and performances with ease and comfort. The studio's central location on a key thoroughfare means it's easy to get to, and its presence contributes significantly to the revitalization of the Hilltop arts community, providing a much-needed cultural anchor for the neighborhood.

Tacoma Urban Performing Arts Center offers a wide array of services that cater to a broad audience, from young children to pre-professional dancers. The class list is designed to provide a comprehensive and well-rounded performing arts education.

• Adaptive Dance: Classes tailored for students with diverse abilities, ensuring dance is accessible to all.
• Classical Ballet Technique: The foundation of TUPAC's program, focusing on core ballet principles.
• Intermediate Programme: A structured path for dancers to build on their foundational skills.
• Pointe Ballet: Specialized training for advanced students to dance on pointe.
• Pre-professional Programme: Intensive training for serious students aspiring to a career in dance.
• Repertory Ballet: Classes focused on learning and performing classic ballet pieces.
• Tap & Pre-Ballet: Fun, introductory classes for young children to explore rhythm and movement.
• Ballet Class and Ballet Classes: A variety of classes for all ages and levels, from beginner to advanced.
• Ballet Training: Comprehensive training programs focused on discipline and skill development.
• Barre Exercises: Essential conditioning and technique classes at the ballet barre.
• Boys Ballet: A dedicated program to encourage and support male dancers.
• Children's Program: A curriculum designed to introduce dance to children in a fun and nurturing way.
• Contemporary Ballet: Blending classical technique with modern movement for a unique dance style.
• Training Programs: Structured programs for dancers to advance through different skill levels.
• Weekly Classes: A consistent schedule of classes to allow for continuous practice.
• West African Dance: Culturally relevant classes that celebrate diverse dance traditions.
• Adult Lessons: Classes specifically for adults who want to learn dance at any age.
• Advanced, Beginner's, and Intermediate Classes: Tailored instruction for every skill level.
• Choreography Classes: Learn how to create and perform your own dance routines.
• Youth Classes: A full range of classes for children and teens to explore various dance styles.

TUPAC's commitment to both on-site and online classes provides flexibility, allowing students to continue their training from anywhere, a valuable service for busy Washington families. This wide range of offerings highlights the center’s dedication to providing a holistic performing arts education that is both culturally relevant and artistically excellent.

The Tacoma Urban Performing Arts Center is defined by its core values of inclusivity and excellence, which are reflected in its standout features. As a Black-owned and women-owned business, it is a source of pride and inspiration for the community. TUPAC is an LGBTQ+ friendly and transgender safe space, creating an environment where all individuals are welcome and celebrated for who they are.

• Black-owned and women-owned: These designations showcase TUPAC's commitment to diverse leadership and community empowerment.
• Online Classes and On-site Services: This hybrid model offers great flexibility for students.
• Wheelchair-accessible: The studio ensures full accessibility with wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance, and seating.
• Gender-neutral toilets: A clear sign of the center's inclusive policies and commitment to being a safe space for everyone.
• Good for kids: Reviews from parents consistently praise TUPAC as a wonderful place for children to learn and grow, with positive and supportive teachers and a friendly community of students and parents.
• Welcoming and Nurturing Environment: As one reviewer noted, "My daughter has been a student here for almost 6 months. She loves the teachers the students the parents. Just a great place to be and learn." Another student praised the founder, Klair, for being "super nice but also get it done," highlighting the balance between kindness and professional discipline.

These features demonstrate TUPAC's dedication to creating a truly safe, welcoming, and enriching experience for all who are interested in the performing arts. The center’s focus on serving underrepresented youth and providing a space where dancers have role models who look like them is a powerful and essential contribution to the arts in our local community.

To learn more about the center or to enroll in a class, you can contact the Tacoma Urban Performing Arts Center directly.

• Address: 1105 M.L.K. Jr Way, Tacoma, WA 98405, USA
• Phone: (253) 327-1873

The team is always available to answer your questions and help you or your child find the perfect class to begin or continue a journey in the performing arts. This direct and easy communication is a hallmark of the center's commitment to the people it serves in the Washington region.

Choosing Tacoma Urban Performing Arts Center is an investment in more than just dance classes; it's a choice to support a community-oriented, inclusive, and professionally-minded institution. The fact that it is a Black-owned and women-owned business, with a clear mission to serve underrepresented youth, makes it a valuable asset to the Tacoma community. The balance between professional excellence and a nurturing environment is a rare find. Students benefit from high-quality training in both classical ballet and a variety of other styles, all while being part of a community that celebrates diversity and personal growth. The welcoming atmosphere, as noted by students and parents alike, makes it an ideal place for both children and adults to explore their passion for dance without fear of judgment. The extensive list of accessible features, from wheelchair access to gender-neutral bathrooms, ensures that TUPAC is a space where everyone is truly welcome. For anyone in Washington seeking a performing arts center that stands for integrity, talent, and social purpose, Tacoma Urban Performing Arts Center is an exceptional and highly recommended choice.

Tacoma Urban Performing Arts Center

1105 M.L.K. Jr Way, Tacoma, WA 98405, USA