Business Details
30 Years
experience
Your Trusted Dance & Performing Arts School in Vermont
Founded in 1996 by Jen and Tim Barden, Spotlight Vermont is a premier private performing arts school dedicated to teaching, encouraging, and inspiring students through dance and the performing arts. Our mission emphasizes fostering confidence, self-esteem, and community while prioritizing technique, creativity, and personal growth. With two locations in South Burlington and Vergennes, we offer a wide range of classes for all ages, from preschool to adults, including ballet, hip hop, tap, and musical theatre. Our experienced faculty focuses on creating a non-competitive, inclusive environment where students develop not only as performers but also as individuals.We prioritize safe, child-centered spaces with observable classes and a commitment to life lessons beyond dance. Our summer intensives, workshops, and community events reflect our dedication to Vermonts cultural and artistic growth. Over 25 years of experience informs our approach to nurturing talent, building community, and celebrating individuality through the transformative power of dance.
Services
Ballet Classes
Hip Hop Classes
Tap Classes
Summer Intensives
Private Lessons
Musical Theatre
Acting Classes
Dance Workshops
Community Performances
Scholarship Programs
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We offer non-competitive dance education focusing on technique and personal growth.
- Our faculty prioritizes confidence-building and self-esteem through the arts.
- We provide screen-free social environments for children and teens.
- Our inclusive community celebrates individuality and fosters belonging.
- We combine 25+ years of experience with innovative teaching methods.
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program builds foundational technique for ages 3 to adult. Students learn proper form, discipline, and artistry through structured curricula. Classes emphasize grace, strength, and musicality while fostering a lifelong appreciation for classical dance.
Summer Intensives
Week-long summer programs combine ballet, lyrical, and theatre training with guest instructors. Designed for focused skill development, intensives include performance opportunities and mentorship. Ages 8-18 participate in immersive dance experiences with professional artists.
Private Lessons
Customized instruction available in dance, acting, and voice for all skill levels. Tailored sessions address individual goals, competition preparation, or audition readiness. Our faculty adapts to each student's learning pace and artistic aspirations.
Musical Theatre
Integrated training in singing, dancing, and acting for stage productions. Students develop versatility through ensemble work and solo performances. Programs prepare youth and teens for theatrical roles while emphasizing storytelling and stagecraft fundamentals.
Community Performances
Annual recitals and special events showcase student progress in a professional setting. Performances include classical and contemporary pieces across multiple genres. These events build confidence and celebrate artistic growth within Vermont's cultural community.
People
Jen Barden
Co-Founder & Director
Jen Barden co-founded Spotlight Vermont in 1996, bringing decades of dance education experience. She oversees curriculum development and faculty training while maintaining a hands-on role in teaching and student mentorship.
Tim Barden
Co-Founder & Administrator
Tim Barden co-founded Spotlight Vermont, managing operations and facility development. He ensures organizational stability while supporting community outreach initiatives and long-term strategic planning for the school.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We offer classes for children aged 3-12, teens 13-19, and adults of all ages.
Do you offer summer programs?
Yes! Summer intensives, dance camps, and workshops run June through August at both locations.
Are there performance opportunities?
Students participate in annual recitals, community showcases, and special guest collaborations throughout the year.
What dance styles do you teach?
We offer ballet, hip hop, tap, lyrical, modern, and musical theatre classes for all skill levels.
Can I observe classes?
Our studios have observation windows for parent viewing in all South Burlington locations.
Do you have competitive teams?
We focus on non-competitive education, though advanced students may participate in performance troupes.
Videos
