Kaleidoscope Arts Project
Thank you for choosing The Kaleidoscope Arts Project as your performing and visual arts home. In 2013, we joined forces with Attitudes Center for the Performing and Visual Arts to create an artistic powerhouse in the Pikes Peak region. Our goal? To create a welcoming environment where everyone is welcome to pursue their passion for the performing arts.
We have been training students since 1978 and our alumni have appeared in productions of Sister Act (Broadway), The Addams Family (original cast, Broadway), The Producers (first national tour and Las Vegas), Grease (Broadway revival), West Side Story (Broadway revival), Shrek the Musical (original out of town tryouts), The Wizard of Oz (national tour with Eartha Kitt)Some Like It Hot (national tour), The Hot Shoe Shuffle (national tour), The Sound of Music (international tour), Martha Graham Dance Company, The Joffrey Ballet, School of American Ballet, State Street Ballet, Tulsa Ballet, Disneyland and Disney World as well as many other national tours, dance companies, cruise ships and regional theaters.
We truly believe that dance, music, theater and art are pivotal elements to a child’s development academically, creatively and artistically. Research has shown that children involved in music are better in math and science, while students involved in other aspects of the performing and visual arts are more proficient in areas of critical thinking, writing public speaking and sports.
Yes, the performing arts are our passion!
We have a dedicated faculty with decades of combined knowledge and experience. Our dance syllabus was developed by our Artistic Director, Betsy Acree-McClenahan, after many years of performing and teaching. Our faculty includes many professionals in their fields, our alumni, guest artists and students in our apprentice teaching program. You can rest assured that your child is receiving the best the arts has to offer.
Please feel free to talk with Ms. Betsy or with your teachers after class.
You may also contact us at
Happy dancing,
Ms. Betsy and Staff
PAYMENT FOR CLASSES: Kaleidoscope Arts Project is the only program in the Pikes Peak regions that does not charge a registration fee. Your tuition is due no later than the 10th of each month unless other arrangements have been made. On your registration form you may indicate when would be the most convenient time to pay (if not by the 10th) but we ask that if you do not pay by that date that you add a $5.00 late fee. We gladly accept checks, money orders and cash. You may also use your debit card when ISpace is open.
DRESS CODE: Your dancer is required to attend classes in appropriate dance attire. At no time will students be allowed to attend classes in their street clothing as this prohibits your teacher being able to see a clean line of the body.
Pre-dance and Levels 1-2 Ballet
Girls: Black leotard with attached skirt or for dancers small adult or larger black leotard and black dance skirt, pink tights, pink ballet slippers.
Boys: Black sweats or shorts, white T-shirt, black ballet slippers.
Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop
Students may wear dance short or leggings with leotards.
We suggest having a sweater for cold days….no jackets will be allowed in classes.
We suggest purchasing your dance supplies in our dance shop to assure correct color and style.
Upper Division (Levels 3+) and Adult Division please check with your individual as the expectations for their classes. At no time should you be in street attire unless it is specific to a project in class.
General Information
You should always bring a water bottle to class.
Females should always have their hair in a secured bun for Ballet and back for all other classes.
Students should try to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to class time to be dressed and stretched before classes begin.
Class Descriptions
Exploring Dance (1)is our youngest division and is designed for students 3-6 years of age. Students in this 45-minute class will have the opportunity to explore Ballet, jazz and tap while expressing themselves through creative movement and role-play.
Exploring Dance (2)is for students 6-9 years of age. Our Exploring Dance (2) syllabus continues enforcing the skills learned in Exploring Dance (1) while developing terminology, body alignment, discipline and performance skills. Classes offered in this level are Ballet and Hip Hop/Tap Combo.
Level 1 and Level 2are designed for students who are ready for more serious study and have completed Exploring Dance, are recommended by their teacher, or are starting at 10 years of age or older. Students will be required to master placement, technique, terminology, center work and performance skills prior to graduating to Level 3. Students are encouraged to take a minimum of two days per week in multiple disciplines (Ballet, hip hop, tap, jazz)
KAP Professional Training Program: Kaleidoscope Arts Project provides an opportunity for students interested in pursuing careers in Ballet, Musical Theater, or Contemporary Dance to train at an advanced level. We encourage all of our students to continue into these levels as there are many college opportunities available even for the student not looking to pursue dance as a career. Classes offered in this division are Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Broadway Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical and Contemporary.
Level 3is the first step in our pre-professional training program and only students who have passed their Level 2 exams, have been given a teacher recommendation, or have auditioned into this level will be accepted. Students are encouraged to dance a minimum of two days per week but more is encouraged. Students in the Level 3 program will be allowed to test for pointe shoes but must be ready to make the commitment of at least three days per week.
Level 4 and Level 5are by audition only.
Adult Program:Kaleidoscope Arts Project is proud to offer an extensive array of classes for the adult. Although our adults are welcome to take any class of their choosing (at their proficiency level) we also have several classes specifically designed with our adult in mind. Classes offered in this division are Strength and Conditioning (mornings) Tap to Health (mornings), Modern, Ballet, Jazz, and Tap.
Performance Opportunities
Our annual calendar is fun and exciting and provides many opportunities to hone the craft of performing. From January through December there is always, at least, one show in rehearsals…your choice is to audition or just continue taking classes!
A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Ballet) This production is studio inclusive and auditions for Principal roles as well as Specialty roles will be held during class. Performance dates will be prior to Spring Break.
Be-You-tiful Concert