New Here? Come Try a Class!
Experience our training in real time.
Dance, move, and connect at our Open House classes on May 5.
Perfect for new students ready to jump in.
Experience the Power of Hands-On Coaching.
Get ready Seattle.
Our in-person dance and strength training courses are built to give you lasting skills, not just quick wins. Each lesson is carefully designed to build on the last, teaching you foundational techniques, movement mechanics, and practical application.
You’re not just learning steps. You’re really understanding how to use these skills, both in class and in real life.
Enrollment for Summer Quarter opens April 24.
Expert-Guided Learning with Purpose
Comprehensive, Intentional Curriculum
Real-World Skills, Real Results
"Just want to say thank you for focusing on things like rhythm and grooves (in class).
The tools you gave me is like teaching the student how to fish versus just giving it to us."
Tony
Photographer, Proud Father of Two, Military Veteran, Rhythm & Grooves Student
ARETE ACADEMY
Summer Quarter Schedule
START YOUR JOURNEY
Summer Quarter Schedule
8-Week Courses
Every Sunday, Monday, Tuesday
May 4 - July 1, 2025
START YOUR JOURNEY
Every Sunday, Monday, Tuesday
May 4 - July 1, 2025
⚠️ IMPORTANT AETHER POLICY ⚠️
Only white, clear, or non-marking shoes are allowed. No black or colored soles, outside shoes, heels, or bare feet allowed. Failure to follow this rule will result in removal from class without a refund. This policy is non-negotiable.
Strength Training for Dancers
📅 Sundays, May 4 - June 22
⏰ 12:00 - 1:00pm
📍 FUELhouse Gym
Building strength, confidence, and connection to your body can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. This program is built specifically for dancers who want to move stronger, feel better, and support long-term body resilience. Whether you’re starting from scratch or adding structure to your training, you’ll follow a clear step-by-step plan designed to meet you where you are and help you grow.
You'll improve your movement quality, build resilience against injury, and develop the confidence to express yourself physically with more freedom. With expert coaching, a supportive community, and small class sizes to ensure personalized attention, you'll build the strength and endurance needed to support your dance—and your life.
⚠️ Class sizes are extremely small to ensure high-quality coaching. Spots are limited.
Instructor: Migs and Niecey 🧑🏻🦲👩🏻
Recommended Level: Open Level
Level of Hand-Holding:
In this course we will be working on:
- Whole body strength
- Functional mobility
- Building athleticism & power
- Dance endurance
Dance Foundations
📅 Mondays, May 12 - June 30
⏰ 7:00 - 8:15pm
📍 Aether Seattle
New to dance—or tried before but felt lost? Dance Foundations gives you the skills, knowledge, and confidence to feel at home in any dance space. You’ll develop essential movement patterns like groove, rhythm, and coordination, while also learning how to navigate the culture of dance: class etiquette, common terms, and unspoken social norms.
Rather than rush through choreography, you’ll build strong habits that support long-term growth. Expect a supportive, judgment-free environment where you’ll learn to connect to music, understand your body, and move with authenticity and confidence.
Dance isn’t just about steps—it’s about belonging. And that starts with building a solid foundation.
⚠️ Spots are limited. Secure yours early.
Instructor: Migs and Niecey 🧑🏻🦲👩🏻
Recommended Level: No Experience/Beg
Level of Hand-Holding:
In this course we will be working on:
- Groove Patterns
- Fundamental Rhythm Patterns
- Social Dancing
- Taking-Up Space
Rhythm & Grooves
📅 Mondays, May 12 - June 30
⏰ 8:30 - 9:45pm
📍 Aether Seattle
Ready to move beyond the basics? Rhythm & Grooves is for beginner-to-intermediate dancers who want to expand their groove vocabulary and move naturally across different genres. You’ll build on your bounce and rock with layered, compound grooves inspired by Hip Hop, Funk, R&B, House, and more—training your body to adapt without losing your personal style.
Rather than focus on memorizing steps, you’ll strengthen your coordination, sharpen your rhythm, and develop the ability to flow intuitively with music. This course moves at a faster pace and expects students to have a basic foundation already in place. If you're brand new to dance, we recommend starting with Dance Foundations first.
⚠️ Spots are limited. Secure yours early.
Instructor: Migs and Niecey 🧑🏻🦲👩🏻
Recommended Level: Beg to Int
Level of Hand-Holding:
In this course we will be working on:
- Musicality & rhythm
- Layered grooves
- Coordination & control
- Movement confidence
Freestyle Lab
📅 Tuesdays, May 13 - July 1
⏰ 7:30 - 9:30pm
📍 Just Move Studio
Freestyle Lab is a coaching program for intermediate to advanced dancers who are ready for serious personal development. This is not a traditional class—you won’t be taught steps. Instead, you’ll work closely with coaches through drills, movement concepts, and focused feedback to refine your freestyle, expand your vocabulary, and sharpen your instincts as a mover.
You’ll train with a small, curated group of dedicated artists, creating a supportive environment that challenges you to grow. Freestyle Lab is open-style, welcoming dancers from any background, but it is not open-level. Applicants must demonstrate strong foundational skills, proficiency in one or more forms, and a broad movement vocabulary. Admission is by application and video submission.
Whether your goals are battling, performing, or refining your artistry, Freestyle Lab offers the coaching, structure, and accountability needed to level up with intention and clarity.
⚠️ Admission is by application only. Spots are extremely limited.
Instructor: Migs and Niecey 🧑🏻🦲👩🏻
Recommended Level: Int/Adv
Level of Hand-Holding:
In this course we will be working on:
- Refining personal movement style
- Expanding and strengthening movement vocabulary
- Sharpening musicality, dynamics, and timing
- Identifying and closing knowledge gaps
- Training goal-specific skills
Our Courses Are For You If:
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You're serious about improving your dance skills with focused training.
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You prioritize building a strong, healthy connection with your body.
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You prefer a structured schedule and are committed to practicing outside class.
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You show up, put in the work during class, and take ownership of your growth.
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You’re open to feedback, and stepping out of your comfort zone to grow and mature.
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You respect the cultural roots of dance and are eager to learn their history.
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You believe in supporting and honoring the culture bearers of these dances.
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You’re ready to give back, share your time, and contribute to the Arete community.
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You learn by taking action, not by passively absorbing information.
Our Courses Are NOT For You If:
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You prefer one-on-one lessons—private sessions might better suit your needs.
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You're looking for a dance workout like Zumba—our focus is on building strong technique and fundamentals.
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You want quick results—growth takes time, effort, and dedication.
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You’re hoping for performances, battles or concept videos as the main goal—our priority is your learning journey, not just the end result.
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Your schedule doesn’t allow for consistent practice—we recommend going to drop-in classes.
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You’re only focused on individual success—we foster a supportive, collaborative community.
Frequently Asked Questions
That’s why we’re hosting our Open House on April 27 and May 5! It’s the perfect opportunity to explore a mini-trial version of our courses and get a feel for them before deciding on membership.
For more details and to reserve your spot, visit our Open House page.
For more details and to reserve your spot, visit our Open House page.
Unfortunately, transfers of any kind aren’t allowed.
If you have an unpredictable schedule or expect to miss classes, we recommend taking drop-in classes at other studios and waiting to apply until you can fully commit.
Thank you for your understanding.
If you have an unpredictable schedule or expect to miss classes, we recommend taking drop-in classes at other studios and waiting to apply until you can fully commit.
Thank you for your understanding.
Our courses run for 8 weeks, and because each lesson builds on the previous one, we do not offer make-up classes.
Students are welcome to drop into any Dance Foundation or Rhythm & Grooves class up to 2 times if they miss a session.
Strength Training (as we don’t offer other strength training courses) and the Freestyle Lab (which is a closed group) are not available options.
If your schedule is unpredictable, we recommend joining a course when you're sure you can fully commit to the entire 8 weeks.
⚠️ Please double-check your schedule and availability before enrolling.
Students are welcome to drop into any Dance Foundation or Rhythm & Grooves class up to 2 times if they miss a session.
Strength Training (as we don’t offer other strength training courses) and the Freestyle Lab (which is a closed group) are not available options.
If your schedule is unpredictable, we recommend joining a course when you're sure you can fully commit to the entire 8 weeks.
⚠️ Please double-check your schedule and availability before enrolling.
Drop-ins are only allowed for current members.
We may open drop-ins in the near future. Please follow @the_arete_project for any fu developments and updates.
We may open drop-ins in the near future. Please follow @the_arete_project for any fu developments and updates.
Absolutely! If you’re under 18, your parent or guardian must complete the required liability forms and waivers on your behalf.
We're currently accepting scholarships applications for our 8-Week Courses. The deadline to apply is Thursday, May 1, at 11:59 PM PST.
To learn more and apply, click here.
We’ll do our best to find a solution that works for you.
To learn more and apply, click here.
We’ll do our best to find a solution that works for you.
Feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]. We’re happy to help!
Masks are optional but encouraged. Kindness is a non-negotiable, so please respect the choices of those who wear them. Hand sanitizers will be available.
If you are feeling unwell, please stay home.
If you are feeling unwell, please stay home.
Wear clothing you feel comfortable moving in.
For Aether Seattle: To protect the venue’s high-quality sprung floors, all participants must wear clean, only white, clear, or non-marking shoes on the dance floor.
Black or colored soles, outside shoes, heels, and bare feet are strictly prohibited. Failure to follow this rule will result in removal from class without a refund.
For Aether Seattle: To protect the venue’s high-quality sprung floors, all participants must wear clean, only white, clear, or non-marking shoes on the dance floor.
Black or colored soles, outside shoes, heels, and bare feet are strictly prohibited. Failure to follow this rule will result in removal from class without a refund.
Yes, all locations offers a water station. However, we recommend bringing a filled water bottle to stay hydrated and avoid interruptions during class.
We want everyone to stay focused and fully present during class, so we ask that you hold off from recording. This helps us maintain a distraction-free environment. Don’t worry—we’ll let you know when recording is allowed so you can enjoy the moment fully without interruption 😊.
Yes, we’ll be capturing photos and videos during the courses to share our mission and highlight the programs.
We understand that not everyone may want to be filmed, so if this is a concern, please email [email protected] before the event, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
We understand that not everyone may want to be filmed, so if this is a concern, please email [email protected] before the event, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
Only parents or guardians of students under 18 are permitted to attend, and they must remain in the designated lobby area. Please note that video recording and photography are not allowed until the instructors grant permission.