About
Our Program:
Our children's dance program offers year-round fun and fitness for kids as young as 4 years old. Our entry level classes are held once a week with the option to add additional classes at a discounted rate.
Our dance program operates on a trimester basis. The first trimesterr runs from September through December, and the second trimester runs from January through May. Our summer trimester runs from June through August. Trimester 1 and 2 concludes with a recital, where students will showcase their hard work. (There are rehearsals and recital fees associated with each trimester's recital.) Students can join mid semester as long as it doesn't interfere with choreography. Our summer classes are not a full trimester commitment and run on a month by month basis.
Our Directors:
Rakel Tangvald competed in dance for 15 years before studying at the University of Montana, where she earned a BA in Dance with a minor in Media Arts. Trained in multiple styles, she specializes in teaching hip-hop, tap, and jazz.
Sophi Petersen began dancing at age 3, training in ballet with Marchant Ballet Company and Oregon Ballet Theatre. She later joined a pre-professional program, mastering jazz, contemporary, and modern. Now a scholarship recipient at the University of Montana, she blends classical technique with modern movement. Returning for her fifth year at Roots, she balances teaching, choreography, and her own creative growth.
Our Values:
At Roots, we firmly believe that learning should be an enjoyable experience, where the joy of movement is at the forefront. We are dedicated to creating an environment where children feel welcomed and accepted, nurturing their love for dance. We understand that daily successes are the building blocks of confidence, and we ensure that children are appropriately challenged to exceed their own expectations, helping them grow not just as dancers but as individuals. We are committed to seeking excellence, as we believe that personal fulfillment comes from becoming the best version of oneself, both as an individual and a team member. Through teamwork, dedication, and an appreciation for the art of dance, we aim to instill a lifelong passion for the performing arts in our students.
Classes
Tumble Dance (Level 1)
Level 1
Ages 5-7
90 min
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Ages: 5-7
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Class Length: 90 min once per week
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Class Level: Entry Level
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Class Ratio: 8 Children to 1 Coach
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Dress Code: Comfortable form-fitting athletic clothing (leotards highly encouraged)
This is the place to start! Tumble dance is fast paced, highly engaging, and fun! Kids love that they get to work on both dance and gymnastics skills in one combo class. Tumble Dance includes the following curriculum:
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Ballet & Jazz foundation technique and terminology
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Beginning gymnastics floor skills that can be easily incorporated into dance.
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Creative movement. Dance requires a strong theatrical, emotive element to really bring it to life, to make it a powerful art form. Creative movement can help beginners shed inhibitions, unleash imagination, and explore authentic self-expression which is so fundamental to dance.
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Rhythms, counting, and connecting to music.
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Conditioning & flexibility as age appropriate.
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Social and emotional development to build listening skills, confidence, teamwork, and self awareness.
Acro Hip Hop (Level 1)
Level 1
Ages 4-5
45 min
Level 1
Ages 6-8
90 min
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Ages: 4-5 or 6-8
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Class Length: 45 or 90 min once per week
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Class Level: Entry Level
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Class Ratio: 8 Children to 1 Coach
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Dress Code: Comfortable, movable clothing & clean tennis shoes.
Acro Hip Hop is an introductory class that will include dance instruction in the studio and gymnastics instruction on the floor. This class starts with the fundamentals, introducing and exploring the various styles and roots of hip hop movement (popping, locking, waving, breaking, etc.). Focusing on grooves, rhythm, footwork, personality in movement, and working to build confidence in self-expression.
In the acro portion of class, students will learn basic gymnastics skills that they can incorporate into choreography. Acro skills help build confidence as well as develop strength, flexibility, speed, coordination, power and balance.
Curriculum also includes social and emotional development to build listening skills, confidence, teamwork, and self awareness.
Hip Hop (Level 1-2)
Level 1
Ages 9+
60 min
Level 2
Ages 9+
60 min
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Ages: 9+
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Class Length: 60 min once per week
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Class Level: Level 1 or Level 2
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Class Ratio: 10 Children to 1 Coach
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Dress Code: Comfortable, movable clothing & clean tennis shoes.
Hip Hop is an introductory class that will include dance instruction in the studio. This class starts with the fundamentals, introducing and exploring the various styles and roots of hip hop movement (popping, locking, waving, breaking, etc.). Focusing on grooves, rhythm, footwork, personality in movement, and working to build confidence in self-expression.
Jazz/Ballet (Level 1-2)
Level 1
Ages 9+
60 min
Level 2
Ages 9+
60 min
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Ages: 9+
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Class Length: 60 min once per week
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Class Level: Level 1 or Level 2
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Class Ratio: 10 Children to 1 Coach
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Dress Code: Comfortable form-fitting athletic clothing (leotards highly encouraged)
Our Jazz/Ballet Combo class provides a fun and supportive environment where students will explore the fundamentals of both jazz and ballet. Through engaging exercises and choreography, students will develop basic skills in body alignment, coordination, and rhythm.
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In Jazz, students will learn the essential movements and styles that define this energetic and expressive dance form. They'll practice basic steps, develop a sense of musicality, and work on building confidence through simple choreography.
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In Ballet, dancers will focus on foundational techniques, including proper posture, basic positions, and gentle stretching. This component of the class helps improve strength, flexibility, and grace while fostering an appreciation for classical ballet.
Ballet/Contemporary (Level 2)
Level 2
Ages 9+
60 min
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Ages: 9+
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Class Length: 60 min once per week
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Class Level: Level 2
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Class Ratio: 10 Children to 1 Coach
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Dress Code: Comfortable form-fitting athletic clothing (leotards highly encouraged)
Elevate your dance experience with our Level 2 Ballet/Contemporary Combo class, designed for students with a foundational understanding of ballet and contemporary techniques who are ready to delve deeper into both styles. This class aims to refine skills and explore more advanced concepts in a stimulating and creative environment.
Jazz (Level 2)
Level 2
Ages 9+
60 min
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Ages: 9+
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Class Length: 60 min once per week
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Class Level: Level 2
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Class Ratio: 10 Children to 1 Coach
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Dress Code: Comfortable form-fitting athletic clothing (leotards highly encouraged)
Step up your dance game with our Level 2 Jazz Class, designed for students who have a basic understanding of jazz and are ready to advance their skills. This class focuses on refining technique and exploring more complex jazz movements and styles. In this class, dancers will work on improving their technique with more intricate steps, including advanced turns, jumps, and combinations. The curriculum emphasizes performance quality, dynamic movement, and the development of personal style, challenging students to push their boundaries and express themselves more fully through dance.
Adult Hip Hop
All Levels
Ages 18+
Wednesdays
7:00-8:00 pm
All Levels Welcome. No Experience Needed!
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Ages: 18+
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Class Length: 1 hour
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What to Wear/Bring: Dress comfortably in casual attire. Dance in clean sneakers (indoor use only) or socks/barefoot. (This helps us keep our dance floors clean!)
Whether you're a complete beginner or have some moves under your belt, this class is designed to be fun, inclusive, and judgment-free. Each session starts with a warm-up, followed by learning essential hip-hop grooves and footwork—mixing both old-school classics and today's modern styles. Then, we’ll put it all together in dynamic choreography that changes weekly.
This class is all about letting go of the “I’m not a dancer” mentality and connecting to your body through a positive and judgement-free environment.
Pricing:
Pre-registration is highly encouraged to secure your spot. Drop-ins welcome!
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$15 per class (Drop-in rate)
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$12 per class when you sign up for the full month. *Must call the office to receive this discount. No refunds for missed classes.
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Sign up
Here are some ways you can get your child registered:
In Person
216 Commerce St.
Missoula, MT 59808