Christian-based ballet school going the distance in Battle Ground

The Joy of Dance School of the Arts has enjoyed great growth and been a stable dance studio in Battle Ground for many years and Lower School Artistic Director Tasha Irwin gives God all the glory. 

“Yeah, it’s been so exciting to see all that God has done,’’ Irwin said. “This is the second location in Battle Ground that we’ve been at. We moved due to growth and we are currently looking for a new location in Battle Ground because we are maxed out with students but it’s very hard to find a spot (on Main Street).”

Joy of Dance opened in Vancouver in 1994 and moved to Battle Ground in 2000. That kind of longevity is a testament of their dedication to the community and the uniqueness of a Christian-based ballet school. According to Irwin, Joy of Dance is the only Christian ballet school in the Northwest. As a result, students travel from as far away as Beaverton though they draw a large amount of their student body from North County.

That fact alone has been instrumental in keeping Joy of Dance in Battle Ground despite their growth and they are committed to retaining a presence on Main Street this next move, if at all possible.

All seven instructors are dedicated to the call of Christ which does not make their background any less impressive. A couple of them trained exclusively at Joy of Dance, while others came straight from the Paradosi Ballet Company based in Seattle, which holds the distinction as the first professional Christian ballet company in the Northwest.  Still other instructors have danced with Ballet Magnificat!, the world’s premier Christian ballet company and instructors who hold degrees in dance round out the faculty.

Students range in age from 3 years old to ladies in their 50s, though last year Joy of Dance was graced with a 70-year-old woman taking ballet. As a ballet school, classes run from September-June. Throughout the year, however, Pilates classes are open to the public as well as eight-week workshops focusing on such diverse genres as hip hop and contemporary. This fall, they’re hoping to offer Jazz and African, as well.

Irwin and the other instructors at Joy of Dance have experienced first-hand how difficult the dance world can be for young women. Body image is a strongly-debated issue in the genre of ballet and Irwin believes they have a ripe opportunity to affect positive change in how young women see themselves through the time they spend with them.

“To be able to come alongside of these girls and to be able to use dance as a platform to be in their lives is a huge honor and something we do not take lightly,” Irwin said.

Under each instructor is a teacher trainee and one of the requirements of each of those girls is that they are meeting with an instructor outside of school where they have an accountability to their faith, be that through regular church attendance or a Bible study group. Joy of Dance currently has 11 teacher trainees ranging from 13-16 years of age. A byproduct of their practical faith is the two different Bible studies that meet at the Battle Ground Starbucks on Monday and Thursday of each week.

“So, we’re not only training these girls in the excellence of dance but walking through life with them and real life, hard things,” Irwin said.

The entire school, over 150 students, is currently working on a year-end recital which will be held June 26 and 27 at Prairie High School beginning at 7 p.m. Admission is free and it’s open to the public. Irwin views it as one more way to reach out to the community and share with them what Joy of Dance is about and the message of hope and love that is found in Jesus Christ.

Summer classes are coming up, as well. From camps for youth to maintenance classes for adults, July and August have a lot to offer area residents at Joy of Dance.

For summer or fall registration, contact Joy of Dance at (360) 666-2443. For more information on classes and camps, go to www.joyofdanceschool.com or contact them via email @ joyofdanceschool@outlook.com.