Pre-Professional Level Dance Training
The Academy of Dance offers non-credit, pre-professional dance classes for ages 3 to adult in our newly renovated studios on TJC's Central campus.
Enroll in Camps
The TJC Academy of Dance offers pre-professional level training in a progressively graded program of ballet and other dance forms to students of all ages and levels; ranging from three to adult.
Our students have gone on to dance in professional dance companies around the United States, as well as receive scholarships to study dance in major universities.
Emphasis is placed upon correct body alignment, discipline, strength development, coordination, and flexibility through knowledge of proper technique, terminology, musical awareness and artistry. We offer classes in Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Tap, Pilates and Dance Conditioning.
Enrollment and Registration
Fall 2024 registration opens mid-summer. Check back soon for updates to registration dates and times.
All dance classes begin in the fall and progress through the spring session. Students should register for the same dance class for the entire academic year. For beginner and lower-level classes, new students should enroll according to the age requirements stated in the schedule. All new students with questions about placement level or schedule should email us at dance@tjc.edu for more information.
Returning students will be advised by email before a new session regarding class assignments or should email the address above. Please do not call the Registrar’s Office for placement information. Enrollments are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Classes are in the Ornelas Center for Band, Apache Belles & Dance, formerly the Ornelas Healthy and Physical Education building (OHPE). Parking is available on adjacent streets or in student lots. Permits for student parking lots can be mailed upon request. Please call our Continuing Studies offices at 903-510-2900 for more information.
Pre-Professional Division
The pre-professional program, housed in the Academy of Dance, is a rigorous training and performing program designed to prepare students for a professional dance career or to obtain a higher education in dance. Through multiple weekly classes and additional performance opportunities, students gain first-hand knowledge of the physical and mental strength needed for their future goals. The TJC Academy of Dance pre-professional program is the only program in East Texas to provide the training and performing opportunities needed for students to continue their dance education and career beyond TJC. Students may begin the pre-professional division around age eight and graduate the program at age eighteen.
For more information about this program, please contact our Pre-Professional Division Director, Shurrell Wiebe at swie@tjc.edu or call us at 903-510-2483.
Support the Academy of Dance
TJC Academy of Dance Guild
The Academy of Dance Guild members serve as advocates for dance and ballet in our Tyler community. Our mission is to raise awareness and support for our Academy through various efforts, special events and fundraising drives. Guild members will enjoy special presentations from guest choreographers and musicians, while also receiving exclusive invitations to "behind the scenes" looks at upcoming performances. We plan to gather socially a few times a year and of course encourage others to join us in attending the TJC Academy of Dance performances!
Guild Membership Levels (annually)
- Guild Member: $100
- Two Guild Members in one household: $160
- Guild Relevé Member: $250*
- Two Guild Relevé Members in one household: $400
*Guild Relevé Members provide support through their dues to director-specific projects for dancers and performances. These dues make possible dancer scholarships, guest artists and unique programming for TJC. Members at this level receive advance ticket sales to all performances and invitations to post-performance receptions!
For more information about the Academy of Dance Guild, please contact Katie Gale at katieogale@gmail.com.
Join the TJC Academy of Dance Guild
Subheading #2: TJC Dance Endowment
The Dance Endowment fund is an opportunity to support annual funding and scholarships for dancers in the Pre-Professional Division, housed in the TJC Academy of Dance. Our current committee members include TJC Dance faculty and avid dance supporters from our community: Jennifer Bailey, Kristi Franks, Katie Gale, Carolyn Hanna, Tisa Hibbs, Amber James, Allison Jarvis, Holly Mazzaré, Margaret Perkins, Anne Rhodus, Dr. Cheryl Rogers and Shurrell Wiebe.
For more information about the TJC Dance Endowment Fund, please contact Jennifer Bailey at jbai@tjc.edu.
Dance Degree Program
Interested in being a Dance major? Find out more about TJC's Dance Department.
