Normally I would be teaching on the nights I was able to surprise the Boot Campers in Bremerton, Tacoma, Gig Harbor, and Kirkland, but we had a week off of performance team rehearsals while the SJCC was observing a holiday. So I hopped in the car and made the rounds.
My first stop was at Gig Harbor’s Lead Dance Instructor Kristin Kiehl’s home to help Amber Jones with a private lesson. Amber has been working through a serious ankle injury since April, and this was her first time to dance a very fast Boot Boogie Babes performance level dance full out. I am so impressed at her fortitude in building up her strength not just with her ankle but with her spirit as well.
After this lesson, I went to Bremerton Boot Camp led by Cathi Morgan and Sarah Wright to say hello. It was my first time to see the Kitsap Dance Hall. It’s a huge space with wonderful hardwood floors for dancing! The Boot Campers were excited to be there and shared that they love making new friends in class. I was also very impressed with the way Cathi and Sarah led the class.
Then I made my way to the Tacoma Boot Camp at Tacoma Dance Studios on Broadway. I love how parking is plentiful and FREE after 6 pm. I’ve never had the pleasure to see this space and was impressed with the view from the studio windows of downtown Tacoma and the sound. I also loved how the Boot Campers enjoy one another and Megan and Donna lead the class. They were having a lot of fun together!
After Tacoma, I went back across the Tacoma Narrows bridge for the third time that day to visit the Gig Harbor Boot Campers at Dance Alley. I was lucky enough to get there between the 7:30 pm and 8:30 pm so I could say hello to both classes. The energy in the room was electric, and the Boot Campers were loving review night. Both Kristin and Kimberly do an incredible job leading and teaching the class. It was fun to get to dance with them too.
On Wednesday, I was able to get to Kirkland Boot Camp for a quick hello between their 6 pm and 7 pm classes. The intermediate ladies have a blast together! Kaeti and Sandy are excellent leaders, and you can see how much love is in the room. We are sad that Kirkland Dance Center will be closing it’s doors after 30 years in business. The owners have increased the rent 30% above market rate and KDC was unable to find another location suitable in the Kirkland area. We will have classes on Mercer Island in 2026, and we would love to have any of our Kirkland ladies come dance with us on our performance teams. We have four levels from Beginner to Advanced and start those classes this week. If you want more information, check out this link: https://deannaleedance.com/shop/seattle-audition-boot-camp/
Thanks for letting me crash your Boot Camps this past week! It was such a treat to see all of the instructors do what they do best and watch the Boot Campers enjoy every minute! I hope to see you at our Pink Party on October 18th at the Elks in Ballard. It’s free and open to all ages 6 pm – 9 pm.
