Meet our team
Teacher Leighton
Favorite Ballet Storytime Story
My favorite ballet story has to be “The Nutcracker”! When I was in 4th grade, I was supposed to go on a field trip with my class to see the last dress rehearsal of it before opening night, and I ended up getting sick! I was so sad about it that I cried. My mom ended up surprising me with tickets a week later and I was so captivated the whole time in the audience. It was from that moment on I knew ballet would always have a special place in my heart.
Favorite Ballet Step
My go-to/favorite step has to be frappés! Those are personally my favorite and teaching them to the kids is such a joy. I always tell them to imagine their foot is a paint brush and when we strike the floor, we’re painting a beautiful picture! I can tell it’s one of their favorites, too. Their faces always light up and multiple dancers have told me it’s their favorite! Which makes me so happy.
Do you have a go-to animal for inspiration during Animal Dances?
My go-to animal has to be lions because we always leap like brave lions! It’s such a “grown-up” step so it always feels so special. I also love learning the difference between allegros (fast) and adagios (slow) by tip-toeing fast like fishes and walking slow like sloths.
Favorite Thing About Teaching at Tutu School
What makes Tutu School special to me is how it’s such a “safe space”. Dance is one of my greatest passions in life and to share a space with tiny dancers of both genders (and some family members!) to bond over a common love just fills my cup. Dance is where you can express your feelings when words fail you and to learn that from such a young age is so important! I feel a little lighter every time I teach a class so I’m so grateful for everything Tutu School has taught me so far, and will continue to in the future!
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Tutu School Calendar
Registration is always ongoing!
Please do not hesitate to contact your Tutu School to schedule a make-up class if you are unable to attend your regularly scheduled class.
5/3/25
Wine Walk
Join us 4-7 in the Mill Creek Town Center Wine Walk!
5/10/25
Mommy & Me Event
Our Mother’s Day Celebration full with a tea party, crafts, cupcake picnic, permanent jewelry and lots of twirling!
6/28/25
Spring Bravo Bash
Tutu School’s sweet twist on a traditional recital
July and August 2025
Unlimited Twirling
Unlimited classes all summer long!
7/4/25
Fourth of July
no classes ~ Happy Independence Day!
7/12/25
Mill Creek Festival
Our Tutu School Dancers take the community stage at 4pm!
8/4/25
Cinderella Day Camp
Summertime adventures in ballet, open to dancers 3-8 years old. (at Tutu School Shoreline)
8/14/25
Swan Lake Day Camp
Summertime adventures in ballet, open to dancers 3-8 years old. (at Tutu School Shoreline)
8/18/25
Sleeping Beauty Day Camp
Summertime adventures in ballet, open to dancers 3-8 years old. (at Tutu School Shoreline)
8/28/25
The Nutcracker Day Camp
Summertime adventures in ballet, open to dancers 3-8 years old. (at Tutu School Shoreline)
December 2025
Unlimited Twirling
Unlimited classes all December long!
Please note that classes WILL be held as scheduled on Indigenous Peoples’ Day/Columbus Day, Veteran’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Memorial Day. Please do not hesitate to contact the Tutu School office to schedule a make-up class if you are unable to attend your usual class.
TUTU SCHOOL CLASSES
All classes at Tutu School are intentionally limited in size to keep instruction personalized and to allow for a boutique ballet education experience.