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Opus Performing Arts
114 W Holly St, Bellingham, WA 98225, United States
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Am
Review №1

Opus is Amazing! So friendly, very welcoming. Allan is wonderful, the teachers are great with the students. The dance studio is nice, bright and well organized. Im looking for to watching my daughter grow as a dancer with Opus.

el
Review №2

There is hardly any place my daughter and son would rather be! Opus beloved owners Allan and Marie and the incredible, inspired teachers have created a truly rare community where students feel accepted, encouraged, and challenged towards excellence all at once. The fact that Opus manages to sustain such a joyful atmosphere of fun while also maintaining a rigorous commitment to technique sets Opus apart from other dance schools.My daughter has been dancing contemporary and Ballet at Opus since 2016, and she and my son began dancing Tap together in 2018. They still want to go early and stay late after class just to hang out at Opus because they LOVE LOVE LOVE their Opus family so much!It is truly impossible to put into words how fantastic this dance school and community is. Thank you Opus- We love you!

J
Review №3

Our Grand-daughter started coming to Opus when she was one to attend Miss Danas Music Playground! Miss Danas love of children and music fills the room with joy and laughter! At the age of 3, our Grand-daughter started the Ballet/Tap Combo Class and is so excited each week to get to class! The staff are so talented and professional while also being so patient and loving with their students!The owners Marie and Allan have such love for all the students, their families and our community! Their strong character, outstanding artistic vision and loving hearts shows through every aspect of Opus Performing Arts!!

E
Review №4

My family absolutely loves Opus. The teachers and staff support our whole family as we all attempted dance over the past year. My son takes multiple classes and always leaves with a smile and tapping toes. My daughter tried dance for the first time at 3 and since we weren’t sure how it would go, Opus suggested we try it out and then decide about class. While it didn’t work out (totally my daughter’s personality to not try new things), we appreciated the help and accommodations made! As a parent, I’ve taken adult classes that are great. The Opus family is always so helpful, supportive, and not to mention, talented. When it came time to choose one dance school in the upcoming season, (after trying a few last year) Opus was our pick!!

La
Review №5

Our daughter has been dancing at Opus since she was 3 years old, and I can not say enough good things about Opus and the Community they have built.The Owners are THE BEST- so welcoming and friendly- they truly have put their hearts into the building and business.The schedules are posted clearly, easy to communicate with and accommodating with specials requests/needs.The teachers are wonderful- so much knowledge is brought into each classroom. They know how to bring fun to the class as well. They clearly care for the kids- teaching them to be well rounded humans- not only on the dance floor, but off.Thank you, Opus, for all you have been for our family! We look forward to class every week because of you!

Am
Review №6

Opus is a very welcoming place. It’s low key and friendly. My kids love they’d ballet/tap combo classes and I appreciate the boxes of shoes free to use when we forget ours! Plus Marie and Alan add lots of magical touches like a craft table for kids to keep busy while they wait for their classes. This place is a gem.

M
Review №7

My 8 year old daughter has taken ballet classes at Opus for 3 years and my son enjoys the youth hip hop classes. They both love the teachers and the energy at Opus. We feel supported whether we want to dance for fun or would like to pursue a more serious dance path. Marie and Allan are amazing and we feel very fortunate to be a part of the Opus family!

Be
Review №8

We are grateful for the whole experience of Opus—the training, the kindness, the encouragement, the amazingly polished feel of the performances (staging, lighting, costumes). We are thankful that our daughter felt so welcome when she started dancing at Opus two years ago--especially given that she was an older student who had never taken a dance class before age 11. She was provided such a soft landing and developed a sense of belonging from the very beginning. Being a dancer is a huge part of her identity now and we are grateful for her to have the opportunity to strive for excellence without a feeling of competition. She was filled to bursting with excitement about the Spring Showcase performance last week and we are delighted to have her carry that joy home with her.The warmth, kindness, camaraderie and professionalism of Opus make it the sort of place we all want our kids to spend time.

Li
Review №9

They have been so warm and welcoming to me and my daughters! We love the music playground classes that Dana teaches. They are the best toddler music and movement classes we have ever been to -- very engaging and developmentally appropriate. My daughter is always asking to go to her dance class. And as a mama, I have been taking great classes I loved the beginning ballet classes -- and they have been so accommodating in modifying the class schedule as requested by regular class attendees. And I love that they are drop-in classes, as sometimes things come up, and its hard to attend EVERY week. Also -- the new baby-wearing ballet classes are so much fun!

Me
Review №10

This is such was an amazing 1st ballet experience for my daughter. The teachers were very creative and welcoming! The performance were wonderful with amazing handmade costumes!

An
Review №11

Tara is a fun and dedicated Ballet/Tap teacher. I want to give a shout-out to her! She seems to be very friendly with the kids and not to mention patient hehe! I like her dance style and the way she teaches the classroom. Opus in general is great because it is a generously spacious place for kids to roam and run around in. If you have little ones then they have a play room upstairs and you can watch your kids perform from up there through a glass. The price is good, no complaints.

As
Review №12

We love teacher Dana and her music playground class! The kids use instruments, sing songs, learn sign language, dance and use a parachute in each class. Dana is full of energy and brings a passion for music to her class and young students. I always look forward to our music days. My two year old can be found singing songs learned at music playground frequently around the house or in the car. Thank you for providing such an enriching and fun experience for our youngest musicians.

Sa
Review №13

I recently started bringing my 5 year old daughter to Opus for Ballet and Tap classes. The little ones teacher, Tatiana, is so wonderful. The way she regards the children is so sweet yet firm, and they listen to her. They have a very nice class routine, which flows nicely and keeps the little kids attention.As a parent (or if you have other kids with you while one is in class), you can peek in on class from an upper room what has a window above the ballet studio, which is also a very nicely appointed play room for those siblings who have to wait for big sister or brother to finish class. One thing I love about Opus is the space thats available to wait in. In addition to the play/viewing room, there are also several other light, airy, furnished spaces to wait, and the wifi is fast and free so I can get some work done.Another aspect I enjoy is that they do their recitals at the Mount Baker Theater. It was such a treat to sit down in such a nice theater to see our daughter perform. It also feels to the dancers more serious and special to perform in a real theater with a real backstage, leaving an inspiring impression on these young aspiring dancers. Very memorable for all!And last but certainly not least, the heart and soul of Opus, the owners Alan and Marie...I get the feeling that where they may have a great love of dance, their true passion is kids. The atmosphere that they have created at Opus is not high pressure, its not strict...its about enjoyment, fun, and yes, discipline, but with a loving touch.One last thought: at first I was concerned about the downtown location...will I be able to find parking and still get her to class on time? It hasnt been a problem AT ALL because a) oddly, there usually IS a convenient street space and b) if theres not, the parking structure is literally right next door and all of the upper levels are free, which I never knew until coming to Opus!

Ka
Review №14

I wanted to get back into dancing after being away for many years, and Im so glad I chose Opus to do it! Everyone has been so welcoming and encouraging -- studio owners, teachers and students. Amys ballet class is both technical and fun. She focuses on proper, healthy technique, and reminds us to dance -- really dance -- as if were performing in front of an audience. Love the fact that there are classes just for adults, so Im dancing with other women who are supportive and understanding about some of our, shall we say, shared challenges. And Cheyennes adult hip hop class has been a blast. She is patient and funny, cool and friendly. Ive never done hip hop before, and despite feeling really awkward in my own body, Im definitely feeling improvement as a result of Cheyennes instruction. Both teachers have been very accommodating and understanding about those of us with injuries. And, in addition to being skilled teachers, both instructors are clearly talented dancers and a joy to watch. Even though you might say Im over the hill for a dancer, the instructors are so respectful and positive. They work with us, give us notes, and cheer us on as if were going to audition for a company. Sounds like the sprung floor is nearly finished. Its going to be a huge space for big traveling combinations. Looking forward to it! Joining the Opus family has been the best thing Ive done for myself in a very long time.

Su
Review №15

We first found opus performing arts on line before moving to Washington. Upon our arrival at the studio everyone easily made my daughter and I so welcome.. The physical environment is everything that is presented on their web site and and so much more. Couldnt feel more special or welcome. We enter happy to be there and leave looking forward to when next we are.

La
Review №16

Our experience at Opus has been top-notch in every way. I couldnt imagine a better place for my daughter to fall in love with dance and learn the fundamentals correctly the first time. Id recommend Opus to everyone. My daughters teacher Talia, is the perfect balance of kind, fun, and disciplined.

Li
Review №17

We are so pleased with Opus Performing Arts! The attention to technique and each individual student is outstanding! The staff is very warm and friendly. My daughters thoroughly love attending classes there. I would highly recommend Opus Performing Arts to anyone looking for a dance studio!

LO
Review №18

We tried several dance schools before we found our home at Opus. Bellinghams dancers are lucky to have the fantastic instructors at Opus. Real technique is the focus here, in a compassionate and supportive environment. The studio owners are welcoming to all new students.

As
Review №19

I really enjoyed my dance experience here they are instructive and kind to all levels. I am an adult with minimal experience but have always wanted to be a ballerina (they meet you where you are and help build you up). I would recommend this dance studio to anyone. The prices are reasonable and the instructors are wonderful.

Hy
Review №20

I love Opus. The teachers and staffs are so nice. If you find some dance class, you should check here.

Ke
Review №21

We love Opus Performing Arts. Our daughter enjoys her beginning ballet classes. She is 6 years old. Her instructor is magic. My wife takes adult Ballet. How lucky she feels learning from the best. All of us are so grateful that this place exists in Bellingham. The academy is spacious and inviting. The academy founders make our family and all other families and visitors feel comfortable and welcome. They have created a wonderful and nurturing atmosphere for performing artists, young and mature, to learn, explore, grow and develop.We cant say enough good things to express how thankful we are to be a part of this special performing arts community!

Me
Review №22

My 6-year-old daughter just started ballet lessons at Opus a month ago. I am no dance aficionado, so I judge Opus by what I DO know: how much my daughter is enjoying herself (A LOT) and how easy and pleasant the owners and staff are to work with (VERY). I also really appreciate the fact that I dont have to commit to anything more than a months worth of dance (and even that theyve offered to prorate because well be out of town for a week and might not be able to make it to a makeup class).

Ki
Review №23

Opus is such a fabulous place. If you are looking for a dance studio for your child look no further. My daughter started Ballet class two years ago at Opus and just started Pointe class. She also added Jazz and contemporary classes this fall. She is so excited to go to all of her classes. Opus provides such a welcoming and supportive environment with high expectations. All teachers are professional and passionate at what they do. They give amazing individual attention to each student and kids can progress as fast as they can. My daughter never attended other studios so I have nothing to compare but what I hear from other families at a different studios makes me really happy that she goes to Opus. My daughter went to Summer intensive program this summer and she reconfirmed that she is getting really good foundation from her instructors at Opus. As a mom new to dance world, I really appreciate teachers communicate well with parents on kids progress through annual report and what is happening by email/text. Brooke let us know about summer intensive auditions and ways to get scholarship and came to the audition to support them. She also took kids to Bellvue for pointe shoe fitting and theater to watch Royal Ballet performance. They do so much for their students outside of class room because they care.The owners of Opus, Allan and Marie are amazing as well. They are so sweet and principled and I always can trust them that they will do everything they can do to make things right and help students.

Ki
Review №24

The owners are truly lovely people and opus is a gem in our city.

So
Review №25

Written by dancing daughter: Opus is a wonderful place to learn and grow as a dancer. The instruction is truly preprofessional and every teacher is invested in our success. I am in the intermediate ll level and we are pushed hard but supported and encouraged. I love it here and have become a completely different dancer since becoming a student here.

Ma
Review №26

I am 13 and have been dancing at opus for 3 years. There is no place I would rather be. So far I have taken Diannes contemporary and jazz classes, Brooke and Celestes ballet and pre-point classes, Susans ballet and pilates classes, and Tatianas tap class. All of them are wonderful. The teachers make sure to give each student careful corrections and prompts so that they can get the most out of every combination without being injured.Also, they take great care and time developing basic skills and habits so that bad ones arent formed, especially for students going on pointe.One thing that I feel makes Opus special is the spectacular productions. Its not every day that you get to perform in a show as diverse as the Spring Showcase or as ambitious as the Nutcracker, with gorgeous handmade costumes and sets in the historic Mt. Baker Theater.Allan and Marie (the owners) really do make every one feel like family and all the teachers genuinely care about each and every student so much. I always feel so good while Im dancing, and I really dont think there could possibly be a better dance studio.Thank you Opus!!!

El
Review №27

This is the nicest place to take your kids for lessons, or take classes yourself. Dont let the downtown location scare you away: there is lots of parking. Call ahead if you are not sure where. Parking is free on weekends and after 5 PM. The instructors are all top notch and very personable.

Ly
Review №28

My Daughter is currently enrolled in a Hip Hop Class. She has so much fun and loves her instructor. Its very impressive to see how much she has learned in a short time. We found it helpful to be able to do trial classes before committing.

Ra
Review №29

My 6 year old daughter is currently enrolled in Ballet I have been looking for something I could afford since she was 2! I am so grateful to have found a place that truly cares about the childrens development. I cant wait to see what else they offer

Al
Review №30

Their open adult classes on Sundays are fantastic. These classes are involved enough to keep non-beginners working hard, but also welcoming to any and all skill levels. The addition of the new floors upstairs makes it even better. So glad Opus has come to Bellingham!

Ha
Review №31

Bellinghams newest dance school with excellent ballet instructors!What can I say....they are amazing! Their staff, faculty...their professionalism is just perfect, also for our daughters the ballet instructions are exactly what we have been looking for without going to Seattle or Vancouver, Canada. They carefully evaluate students to their LEVEL, not just by AGE. Also each instructor is excellent providing students with individual guidance and support according to their strength and need.

Dr
Review №32

We are so thrilled to be a part of this new school. Our daughter is progressing from the level of excellence of the instruction and the overall positive atmosphere. She is thriving here.

Ji
Review №33

I am 12 years old and have been attending Opus Performing Arts for two years. From the first day I started classes Ive loved every bit of it, and I continue to appreciate Opus even more as time goes on. I highly recommend Opus for any level or age of dance student.I have had classes with Brooke Evans, Celeste Hartsook, Diane Williams, and Tatyanna Stahler. They are all beautiful dancers and amazing supportive teachers. They care about each student so much and take the time to give us one on one time. They take the time to make carefully thought over evaluations at the middle and end of each year with goals, strengths and exercises and stretches that can help us improve our dancing.The owners of Opus: Allan and Marie are wonderful. They make sure that Opus is a place of laughter and fun as well as a place to learn which makes Opus exciting for all the students.Something that really sets Opus apart is the level of attention to foundational technique. The way the classes are built make sure that the alignment and technique are spot on so that further more difficult steps can be done safely and bad habits are not built.At Opus there is a system so that students can be safe and ready when they begin pointe work. There is a class specifically for pointe preperation as well as an evaluation so that pointe can be a pain-free experience.Overall, Opus is just one of my favorite places in the world and brings so much joy to me and all of my fellow classmates!

De
Review №34

Opus is such a wonderful place, my children really enjoy their dance classes. The space is warm and inviting and the people are great!! We are very happy there!

Hi
Review №35

Our family loves both the Tutus and Tap and Music Playground classes. Very professional, yet family friendly environment. Highly recommend!

Bi
Review №36

Both my children are having a wonderful experience and excelling greatly since joining Opus. The high quality of instruction for all the dance styles offered, as well as the level of professionalism, positive learning and friendly environment makes Opus a very special dance academy. Learning dance technique correctly requires qualified, skilled instructors and the right environment; all of which are present at Opus. The difference at Opus is clear and I highly recommend it.

As
Review №37

I take Adult Tap Dance at Opus and I absolutely adore it! The entire Opus staff is always incredibly warm, welcoming, and professional. My time at Opus is always the highlight of my week.

ab
Review №38

I loved my experience with Opus. The instructors were lovely and they made it so relaxing to spend time there as a parent!

Ma
Review №39

My daughter loves going to Opus... great instructors and friendly staff.

Ka
Review №40

I have lived in Bellingham for about four months now, and I have been dancing at Opus the entire time. I would like to dance nowhere else, and I will tell you why:I am an adult beginner ballet student. I have been dancing for about 1.5 years now, and Im now not-so-shaky enough to sometimes attempt open classes, even though I usually end up looking like a hippo in a tutu gallumphing (spelling?) across the floor next to the uber-talented dancers who usually populate the open classes.This place, however, has two different levels for adult students in ballet. They have a beginner ballet class, taught by the lovely and absolutely brilliant Maya, and they have an open level that currently meets on Tuesday nights and Sunday mornings. I have been to both levels, although I attend Mayas class with a regularity that borders on stalking.I have been really impressed with this place. The open level is definitely intermediate/advanced with an optional pointe class after the regular 1.5 hours, but they are so friendly and kind! They didnt laugh at me once and they sure to introduce themselves and make me feel like part of the class.Mayas class is amazing. If you have never danced in your life, you can fall right onto the barre and feel at home. She will make sure that you know your tendu from your degage and that you feel comfortable and not lost.Added bonus, she met with me separately when I shyly announced that my one life ambition, besides owning my own utopian island, was to be en pointe one day. Not only did she not laugh, but she came up with theraband exercises for me to do and very seriously considered what some teachers would consider laughable: an adult with no dance experience who wants to dance en pointe one day.AND Alan, who runs the place, is truly wonderful. You can buy a dance card at the front, or pay by session, and he always remembers your name and greets you with a smile. You feel at home almost instantly, and its in a truly beautiful building in downtown Bellingham. Parking is typically reasonable, although you might have to walk a few blocks.Go today! Dont wait until the ripe old age of 32 like I did! Or do wait! But go today!

H
Review №41

I am a student at Opus and I LOVE ALL THE TEACHERS at Opus! Most of the teachers at Opus have received at least 1 award. Opus has teachers that founded Bellingham Repertory Dance (BRD) and teach dance at Western Washington University. Opus has a large comfortable lounge/waiting area, nice sized dressing room, three dance rooms on the main floor, a tutu shop and a choir practice space in the basement. ALL the teachers CARE about their students. When I danced at my last dance studio I developed bad habits and when I got to Opus after one class with Susan Haines I was sweating and breathing hard and all my bad habits disappeared in just a few classes. The syllabus is challenging yet achievable. They place people at the most appropriate level taking into account age and skill level. But most of all they make sure all their dancers dont get hurt and if they do the teachers would like the dancers who have injuries to come and sit in on a class. I look forward to attending Opus summer intensive, Miye Bishops original ballet Herr Drosselmeyer (a ballet about the toy maker from The Nutcracker and all the characters we love from it), Master Classes and the spring performances. No matter where you dance go check out Opus! All dancers are welcome!

Se
Review №42

Daughter loves the instruction and feels attended to.

Ka
Review №43

Opus has the best dance faculty in town!

Information
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43 Comments
5 Rating
  • Address:114 W Holly St, Bellingham, WA 98225, United States
  • Site:https://www.opusbellingham.com/
  • Phone:+1 360-734-5300
Categories
  • Dance school
  • Ballet school
Working hours
  • Monday:9AM–8:30PM
  • Tuesday:9AM–8:30PM
  • Wednesday:8:30AM–8:30PM
  • Thursday:4–7PM
  • Friday:9:30AM–5PM
  • Saturday:10AM–12PM
  • Sunday:8:30AM–8:30PM
Service options
  • Online classes:Yes
  • Onsite services:No
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance:Yes
Amenities
  • Good for kids:Yes
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