Generations upon generations of young dancers have been touched by instructor Roseanne Casper, owner of Roseanne’s School of Dance, now celebrating its 40th anniversary. Over the decades, children who attended the school have, in turn, sent their children to the school, creating a circle-of-life moment that is rare.
“I feel privileged that parents share their children with me throughout the years,” Casper said. “The school is not only teaching children subject matter but helping them grow up in their journey to adulthood. I’m thrilled they take dance with me and then send their children, nieces and nephews.”
Classes provide more than just beautiful spins, leaps and glides, she said: “It teaches dedication, patience and tolerance for each other, kindness and how to get along with others.”
The physical benefits are equally powerful.
“Dancing increases children’s coordination, flexibility and body awareness,” she said. “It gives them self-confidence that they can carry with them their whole lives, in whatever career they choose.”
However, Casper said the school’s greatest strength lies in the sense of community it creates.
“It’s a place that’s a community school — most students come from Queen Anne, Magnolia and Ballard — providing a chance for everyone to get together,” she said. “It’s a loving atmosphere.”
Students enjoy Casper as much as they enjoy dancing.
Leanne Kehoe, high school student at Holy Names Academy, has been part of the school for 11 years, since she was 4 years old. She takes jazz, ballet and point.
“I really like how it’s all-inclusive: Every one of different ages and ability levels can come and learn,” said, Kehoe, who is now also a teaching assistant at the school. “It’s helped with my self-confidence.”
Kehoe also has high praise for Casper.
“She is so patient with everybody. If someone doesn’t understand how to do it, she works with them until they do,” Kehoe said. “Her work ethic is amazing. She’s there every night until 9:30 or 10 p.m. and has been doing that for a long time. I look up to her.”
Others say that the inspiration Casper provided them as kids helped shape the rest of their lives. Lynda Turat, a dance student from ages 5 to 18, said she wouldn’t be where she was without her.
“I’m a graduate student in geography at the University of Washington and also a violin and dance instructor, which is testament to how she’s influenced me,” Turat said. “She’s been longstanding in her business, having been there for so many generations, and I think the impact she has had on children’s lives in Magnolia continues.”
Starting out young
Casper, herself, began ballet classes when she was 6 years old, coincidentally at the same studio she now teaches in.
By the time she was 16, she started teaching dance at several studios in the Magnolia neighborhood. Casper attended the University of Washington, majoring in sociology while also participating in dance opportunities.
As a young adult, Casper taught at a former dance school in Ballard before opening her own studio in Magnolia. Her teaching career spans a total of five studios, all in Magnolia. She’s been at her current studio on West Smith St. for 21 years.
Casper also studied dance in Hollywood, Calif., and London.
Roseanne’s School of Dance is for children 3 to 18 years of age. It offers pre-ballet for 3- to 5-year-olds, tap and ballet starting at age 6, jazz starting at age 7 and point starting at age 12.
Classes are 45 minutes to an hour and a half and take place after school on weekdays. Classes are offered the entire school year, from October to June. There are no tryouts.
There are approximately 15 students per class for the younger kids and seven students per class for the older ones. Each class usually has one to two teaching assistants. Approximately 150 students are enrolled in the school at any given time.
All students perform in a grand recital at the end of each year.
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