Leisure Services School of Dance

School of Dance

The Leisure Services School of Dance was founded to:

o Foster the understanding of dance as an art form within the community through class instruction and studio performances

o Guide students toward a strong technical foundation through quality dance instruction

o Provide students with a broad dance education through exposure to various dance forms

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School of Dance

The Cookeville Department of Leisure Services is pleased to present its dance program offerings. Classes are held at the Cane Creek Recreation Center. Students may register online or by contacting the School of Dance at the Cookeville Performing Arts Center at 931-520-5296. Registering in person or over the phone allows for the option for a zero-interest payment plan (see below). 

Weather Reminder - The school of dance does not follow the Putnam County school schedule as it relates to dismissal or cancellation for inclement weather. When classes are cancelled due to weather a text and email will be sent to all students. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to give us a call at 931-520-5296.

Our Instructors

Carolyn Bennett teaches the Adult/Teen Ballet Technique and Performance classes. 

Jan Carter-Stumbo teaches Theatre Jazz I/II and III classes and Ballet II, III/IV, and Pre-Pointe classes. 

Emily Rose Clark teaches Dance for Young Children Intro, I, and II. 

Maggie Pelton teaches Ballet II, III/IV, Pre-Pointe, and Modern II and III classes. 

Jenny Thurman teaches Pre-Technique, Ballet IA and IB, and Modern I classes.

Class Offerings

DANCE FOR YOUNG CHILDREN INTRO (3yo), DANCE FOR YOUNG CHILDREN I (4yo) DANCE FOR YOUNG CHILDREN II (5/6yo) and PRE-TECHNIQUE (1st grade) - DYC attempts to expand the child’s understanding of how his/her body moves in space, to encourage the child’s development of basic movement skills, to provide him/her with a positive self-image in movement, and to broaden his/her understanding of dance as an art form - communicating through body movement. Children in DYC classes experience movement, music and creative expression. They build confidence and a sense of achievement while mastering fundamental skills and the basics of dance. Completion of the DYC program prepares young dancers for more advanced Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Modern dance classes. A performance opportunity at the Cookeville Performing Arts Center is offered for the Dance for Young Children students in May.

BALLET IA is designed for students beginning Ballet technique for the first time. Generally for ages 2nd-4th grade.

BALLET IB is designed for students who have been taking Ballet I or IA for 1-2 years. Placement in this level is generally by instructor recommendation and for 3rd-4th grade and up.

BALLET II, BALLET III/IV - Technique Classes are offered for ages 7 years through adult in the areas of classical ballet and modern. Technique classes are designed to enhance student growth and development by: familiarizing students with the movement vocabulary of the selected dance form; increasing flexibility, muscular control, coordination, strength, and stamina; focusing on proper body alignment; emphasizing rhythmic accuracy; and providing an awareness of the elements of dance - the body, space, force, and time.

PRE-POINTE - Pre-Pointe teaches the beginning body movements needed for developing skills to move to en pointe ballet. 

ADULT/TEEN BALLET TECHNIQUE AND PERFORMANCE - The teen and adult classes are for students wishing to further their dance training in a non-competitive recreational atmosphere. Dance classes provide opportunities for artistic expression and improved coordination, strength, posture, flexibility, grace, and confidence. Classes are designed to be stimulating and fun.

THEATRE JAZZ I/II, III - Theatre Jazz prepares students for contemporary choreography and musical theatre. Students may begin theatre jazz classes at the teacher’s discretion.

MODERN I, II, III - Classes will focus on the fundamental philosophies of modern dance. Students will be encouraged to develop dance sequences and compositions.

Schedule 2025-2026

MONDAY-JENNY
4:00-5:00 Ballet 1A
5:15-6:15 Modern 1
6:30-7:30 Ballet 1B/C

MONDAY-MAGGIE
4:00-5:00 Modern 2
5:00-6:00 Ballet 2
6:00-6:45 Pre-pointe/pointe
6:45-8:00 Ballet 3/4
8:00-9:00 Modern 3

TUESDAY-JENNY

4:00-5:00 Pre-technique

TUESDAY-CAROLYN
6:00-7:15 Adult/Teen Ballet Technique
7:15-8:00 Adult/Teen Ballet Performance

THURSDAY-EMILY ROSE
4:30-5:00 DYC Intro
5:15-5:45 DYC 1
6:00-6:45 DYC 2

THURSDAY-JAN
4:00-5:00 Theatre Jazz 1/2
5:00-6:00 Ballet 2
6:00-6:45 Pre-Pointe/Pointe
6:45-8:00 Ballet 3/4
8:00-9:00 Theatre Jazz 3

Tuition & Fees

Tuition is based on an entire dance season; August through May.

Tuition

1 class per week = $350.00 per year

2nd class per week = 5% discount/$332.50 per year

3rd class per week = 10% discount/$315.00 per year

4th class per week = 15% discount/$297.50 per year

5th class per week = 20% discount/$280.00 per year

6th class per week = 25% discount/$262.50 per year

7th class per week = 30% discount/$245.00 per year

Pre-Pointe/Pointe Class = $325.00 per year

Adult/Teen Ballet Performance Class = $250.00 per year

Costume Fee - Students are responsible for a performance costume fee of $100 per class in addition to tuition fees. Ballet III/IV has a costume fee of $125. 

Registration Fee

NOTE: $10 registration fee waived for early enrollment through July 15! A $10 per family annual non-refundable registration fee is required to register. The Leisure Services School of Dance’s instructional year is designed for continual training August through May. When a student registers for a class, that student occupies a spot in that class for the entire instructional year. Payments may be set up on an individual schedule, and are made for the entire year, regardless of the actual number of classes attended.

Payment Plans

Multiple options are available for making payment for classes. When registering, ask about plans that suit your budget. Zero interest payment plans are available if you call to register or register in person. Call (931) 520-5296 for more information and to register. 

Performances

Students, including Dance for Young Children, will participate in a spring performance at the Performing Arts Center scheduled in early May.