Circle Modern Dance
Adult dance classes in modern, ballet, improvisation and hip hop since 1990.
Circle Modern Dance has been providing adult dance education in Knoxville for over thirty years.
Photo: Circle Modern Dance via Google
Before your first class
Yes—the studio explicitly welcomes beginners and people who started dancing later in life, with no upper age limit and a philosophy that everyone has the right to dance.
Comfortable clothing that does not hinder movement; avoid zippers, buttons, and large jewellery for safety.
Water bottle. For ballet: socks or ballet shoes.
First class free; drop-in $15, 5-class pass $60, semi-annual pass $200, annual pass $350.
About this studio
Circle Modern Dance has been providing adult dance education in Knoxville for over thirty years. Founded in 1990 by Mark Lamb, Claire Barratt, Wendy Nash Remick, and Kimberly Matibag, the studio operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organisation built on a clear philosophy: every body has the right to dance.
Classes run on a summer schedule with sessions held at the Tennessee Conservatory of Fine Arts. On Sundays from June through August, you can choose from Beginner Ballet (11:30 AM–1:00 PM), Open Level Ballet (1:00 PM–2:30 PM), Open Level Modern (2:30 PM–4:00 PM), and Open Level Improvisation (4:00 PM–5:30 PM), all in Studio A. Hip Hop Workshop—the studio's first offering in that style—runs select Sundays (July 12, 19, and 26) from 11:30 AM–1:00 PM in Studio B.
Your first class is free. Thereafter, drop-in rates are $15 per class, with passes available: a 5-class pass for $60, a semi-annual pass for $200, and an annual pass for $350. The studio welcomes adults and teenagers aged 16 and up; those under 18 need a parent or guardian waiver. There is no upper age limit, and the studio actively welcomes people who started dancing later in life.
Circle Modern Dance also runs Modern Dance Primitive Light, an annual winter solstice performance celebration held at the historic Laurel Theater in the Fort Sanders neighbourhood. This community-driven event invites dancers of all abilities and backgrounds to audition and perform alongside local choreographers, dancers, and musicians. The 2025 performances took place December 11–13; auditions for the 2026 event are scheduled for August 16, 2026.
What to expect
Your first visit
Arrive in comfortable clothing that allows movement; no shoes are needed for modern and improvisation classes, though socks or ballet shoes are recommended for ballet. Bring a water bottle. The teacher will introduce themselves at the start and get you signed up if you've arrived without pre-registering. If you've registered ahead, you'll be welcomed into a mixed-level class focused on inclusive, joyful dance-making.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Circle Modern Dance is led by a core group of dancers and choreographers including Louisa Rader (President), Sarah Whitaker, Angela Hill, Lydia Alford, and others listed as core members. The studio also features guest artists; recent performances have included set work from goco, a guest artist from New York. Hip Hop Workshop instruction is taught by Annell.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Yes—the studio explicitly welcomes beginners and people who started dancing later in life, with no upper age limit and a philosophy that everyone has the right to dance.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
Dress code
Comfortable clothing that does not hinder movement; avoid zippers, buttons, and large jewellery for safety.
What to bring
Water bottle. For ballet: socks or ballet shoes. Comfortable clothing without zippers, buttons, or large jewellery.
Studio history
Circle Modern Dance was founded in 1990 by Mark Lamb, Claire Barratt, Wendy Nash Remick, and Kimberly Matibag. It operates as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organisation.
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Circle Modern Dancehasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Circle Modern Dance, claiming the studio lets you add a public schedule in about 2 minutes. A free Google Calendar is the easiest path — visitors see your class times inline + can add events to their own calendar.
Frequently asked about Circle Modern Dance
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Circle Modern Dance teach?
Circle Modern Dance teaches General, Modern Dance, Ballet, Improvisation, Hip-Hop. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Circle Modern Dance located?
Circle Modern Dance is located in Knoxville, TN. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Circle Modern Dance offer private lessons?
Contact Circle Modern Dance directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Circle Modern Dance teach kids and adults?
Circle Modern Dance welcomes students of varied ages and experience levels. Contact the studio to learn which classes fit your age group and level.
How do I sign up for classes at Circle Modern Dance?
The fastest path is to visit Circle Modern Dance via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.