The Francia Russell Center

- 1611 136th Pl NE, Bellevue, WA 98005

The Francia Russell Center, a vital part of the renowned Pacific Northwest Ballet School, is a beacon of artistic excellence and community spirit right here on the Eastside. More than just a ballet school, it is a state-of-the-art facility designed to be a dedicated hub for education, creativity, and the shared joy of artistic expression. For decades, the Pacific Northwest Ballet School has been recognized as one of the top ballet training institutions in the United States, and the Francia Russell Center upholds this esteemed reputation. Our mission is to provide world-class ballet instruction and a comprehensive dance education to students of all ages and skill levels, from pre-ballet to professional-level training.

The center is a testament to the vision of its namesake, Francia Russell, a former New York City Ballet dancer and ballet mistress who co-founded the Pacific Northwest Ballet. Her legacy of providing exceptional dance education and creating a nurturing environment for students continues to inspire us. The facility itself is a modern marvel, featuring "seven state-of-the-art dance studios with high ceilings, sprung floors, and mirrored walls." The space is thoughtfully designed with the dancer in mind, incorporating features like acoustic panels and triple-height bars to accommodate students of all ages. One of the highlights of the new center is the addition of a performance space, which can seat 150 people, providing a wonderful venue for students to showcase their hard work for family and friends.

Beyond the physical space, The Francia Russell Center offers a wide range of programs that cater to the diverse needs of the community. From rigorous training for aspiring professional artists to joyful dance classes for young children and adults, there is a place for everyone here. We offer a holistic approach to dance education, with programs that include not only classical ballet instruction but also Pilates and other complementary training. We are committed to fostering a strong foundation in technique while encouraging creativity and a lifelong love for dance.

The Francia Russell Center is located at 1611 136th Pl NE, Bellevue, WA 98005, USA. Our position in a convenient part of Bellevue makes the center easily accessible to families across the Eastside, including those in Kirkland, Redmond, Issaquah, and Sammamish. The location is ideal for daily commutes, allowing parents to easily drop off and pick up their children for classes.

We are dedicated to ensuring our facility is accessible to everyone in the community. The center features a wheelchair-accessible car park and a wheelchair-accessible entrance, providing easy and convenient access for individuals with mobility challenges. Our modern building and thoughtful design aim to create a welcoming environment for all students and their families. This commitment to accessibility is a reflection of our core belief in making high-quality dance education available to a broad and inclusive community.

Services Offered

• Ballet Instruction: We offer a comprehensive curriculum of classical ballet training for all levels, from beginner's classes to advanced professional training. Our classes focus on technique, artistry, and musicality.
• Pre-Ballet and Children's Education: Our programs are "good for kids," with classes specifically designed for young children. We introduce them to the fundamentals of ballet in a fun and nurturing way, helping them develop coordination and a love for movement.
• Adult Classes: The center offers classes for adults of all skill levels, from those taking their very first ballet class to experienced dancers looking to maintain their skills.
• Performance Workshops and Community Performances: We provide students with opportunities to participate in performance workshops and community events, giving them valuable stage experience.
• Pilates Classes: We offer Pilates classes to help dancers and community members improve their core strength, flexibility, and overall physical conditioning.
• Adaptive Dance and Special Education Programs: We are committed to providing dance education to students with diverse needs through our specialized adaptive dance and special education programs.

Features / Highlights

• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Our center boasts seven studios with professional-grade amenities, including sprung floors, high ceilings, and acoustic panels.
• Dedicated Performance Space: The new center includes a 150-seat performance space, providing a dedicated venue for student showcases and community events.
• Wheelchair Accessibility: Our facilities are designed to be fully accessible with a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance.
• Community-Oriented Space: The center is intended to be a gathering space for the arts, with a library stocked with dance resources and comfortable lounge areas for students and families.
• Expert Instruction: The school's faculty is known for its exceptional training and dedication to a prestigious curriculum in the Balanchine tradition.

Contact Information

Address: 1611 136th Pl NE, Bellevue, WA 98005, USA

Phone: (425) 451-1241

What is worth choosing?

For parents and students in Washington who are serious about high-quality dance education, The Francia Russell Center is an outstanding choice. What makes this facility particularly worth choosing is its dual identity as both a world-class training institution and a welcoming community hub. The "state-of-the-art" facilities are truly a major draw, providing dancers with an optimal environment for training, from the sprung floors that protect their joints to the high ceilings that allow for grand movements. The addition of a performance space and a library stocked with dance resources creates a comprehensive and inspiring learning environment that goes far beyond a typical dance studio.

While a parent's review points out a desire for more parental involvement for very young children, it is important to understand the broader context of The Francia Russell Center's mission. The school is a professional institution with a focus on providing high-level training and discipline. This approach, which a parent mentioned provides "facility, technique, and instructor" excellence, is designed to prepare students for a potential professional career in dance while still offering a "good for kids" environment. The school's commitment to technique and discipline is a major reason why many choose it, as it prepares students for the highest levels of the art form. The rigorous curriculum is what sets it apart from many other local schools.

Furthermore, the center's commitment to community extends beyond the physical space. The school offers a variety of programs, including those for special education and adaptive dance, showcasing a dedication to inclusivity that is not always found in elite training schools. The option for adults to take classes is also a fantastic feature, making dance accessible to everyone regardless of age or experience. Choosing The Francia Russell Center means choosing a school that prioritizes excellence in instruction, provides top-tier facilities, and offers a comprehensive range of programs. For those who prioritize serious training in an unparalleled environment, The Francia Russell Center is the clear choice in the Washington region.

The Francia Russell Center

1611 136th Pl NE, Bellevue, WA 98005, USA