Pat Harris School of Dance
Boise dance studio and event venue with 50+ years of teaching heritage
Pat Harris School of Dance has been part of Boise's dance community since 1971, when Pat Harris founded the school after training with legendary instructors in New York — Thalia Mara for ballet, Paul Draper for tap, and Matt Mattox for jazz.
Photo: Pat Harris School of Dance via Google
Before your first class
Zumba Gold: $35.00 per month
About this studio
Pat Harris School of Dance has been part of Boise's dance community since 1971, when Pat Harris founded the school after training with legendary instructors in New York — Thalia Mara for ballet, Paul Draper for tap, and Matt Mattox for jazz. The original building was constructed in 1973 and remains the heart of the operation at 1225 N McKinney Lane. This is genuinely a three-generation family business: Pat Harris started her dance training at age 8 in Nampa, Idaho, earned a degree in Physical Education from the University of Washington, and has over 50 years of dance education teaching experience. Her daughter Diane, who began dance training at age 4, now serves as studio manager and assistant studio director alongside Pat, bringing her own expertise in ballet, pointe, tap and jazz.
The studio operates from two locations. The West Boise location at Pat Harris School of Dance offers hourly studio space rental for personal dance, workouts, meditation, stretching and yoga. The Broadway Dance and Event Center at 893 E. Boise Ave., originally started on Broadway Avenue in 1982, was renovated in the Holcomb Grange building and now serves as a rental facility for weddings, receptions, parties, family reunions and studio space.
The studio's teaching philosophy centres on building proper technique first, then progressively challenging students with increasingly complex steps. They emphasise technical proficiency, muscle and body development, self-discipline, poise, grace and self-esteem. Their programme combines progressive development lessons with a foundation in classical core technique, including ballet, tap, tumbling for younger students and progressive lessons for older ones. This foundation in technique translates to other activities: gymnastics, musical theatre, sports, skiing and soccer all benefit from the motor skills and body awareness developed through dance.
Students trained at Pat Harris schools have gone on to become professional dance teachers, performers in professional dance companies, professional sports dance teams, cruise ship performers, and owners of their own dance schools. The studio holds multiple awards and maintains active membership in the Idaho Dance Arts Alliance — Pat Harris herself is a lifetime member and former president of the organisation, and was also president of the Boise Dance Teachers' Association. She is a proud member of the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce.
The facilities are equipped with cushioned, floating wood and Marley floors, mirrors and barres designed specifically for dance. Adult Zumba classes are also available, including Zumba Gold — a low-impact alternative designed for active older adults — taught by a certified Zumba Gold instructor on Thursday mornings. The studio hosts one of its favourite events each year: a winter performance at the Idaho Veterans Home.
What to expect
Your first visit
The studio operates Monday to Thursday, 12:30 pm to 6:30 pm. You can visit the main office at 1225 N McKinney Lane or call for details about available classes, rental space or event hosting.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Pat Harris brings over 50 years of dance education teaching experience, having trained with legends including Thalia Mara (ballet), Paul Draper (tap) and Matt Mattox (jazz) in New York. Her daughter Diane, the studio manager and assistant director, has extensive experience teaching ballet, pointe, tap and jazz. Adult Zumba Gold classes are led by a certified Zumba Gold instructor.
Studio history
The studio evolved from the Maysco Dance Studio in Nampa, Idaho, founded in 1955. Pat Harris started her first dance school as a senior in high school and was head majorette for B.S.U., where she twirled and threw both sparkler and flame baton for college games. She founded Pat Harris School of Dance in 1971, and the building was constructed in 1973. The Broadway Dance Center, originally started on Broadway Avenue in 1982, was renovated in the Holcomb Grange building at its current East Boise Ave. location.
Styles offered
8 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Pat Harris School of Dancehasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Pat Harris School of 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 Pat Harris School of Dance
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Pat Harris School of Dance teach?
Pat Harris School of Dance teaches Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Hip-Hop, Acro Dance and 2 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Pat Harris School of Dance located?
Pat Harris School of Dance is located in Boise, ID. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Pat Harris School of Dance offer private lessons?
Contact Pat Harris School of Dance directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Pat Harris School of Dance teach kids and adults?
Pat Harris School of 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 Pat Harris School of Dance?
The fastest path is to visit Pat Harris School of Dance via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.