TURNING POINTE Dance of Tulsa

Turning Pointe Dance of Tulsa is a faith-based studio in Bixby, south Tulsa, owned and operated by Holly Columbus. In its 16th year of operation, the studio offers classes for ages 3 through adult in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Pointe, Acro, Musical Theatre, Hip-Hop, and Pom.

The studio is committed to technique and character development. Classes are organised by age group first, then split into dance levels—Primary, Level 1, 2, 3, 4—so dancers learn and apply corrections alongside peers of similar age. The studio specialises in beginners of all ages and offers training through pre-collegiate levels. Instructors have extensive teaching and performing experience and continue to attend seminars and conventions to stay current with choreography, motivational skills, and teaching techniques. The owner holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and has numerous years of teaching, choreographing, and judging experience around the United States. Staff are Acrobatic Arts Certified and Youth Protection Association for Dance Certified.

Classes follow the school year calendar. Dancers begin learning technique on day one and train weekly throughout the year. All classes perform in studio during Visitor Viewing Week in the last week of December classes before Christmas Break, and again at the Spring End of Year Performance held at a Professional Performing Arts Center. Costumes are purchased for the spring performance. The studio also offers a Summer Intensive with challenging classes, guest faculty, and opportunities to grow in technique, artistry, and confidence.

The studio runs several competition teams. The TPDT Company Team is invitational and based on a student's overall behaviour and discipline throughout the year; invites are sent in spring, and new students to the studio must audition. There is also an All Star POM programme and TPDT Storefront for apparel. Private lessons and choreography for competitions are available.

Registration opens in July for the following season. Tuition is paid monthly. The Performance Bundle, added to March tuition, includes unlimited tickets, a shirt, award medal, keepsake programmes, and a video download of the show. The studio communicates through its website, email, text, phone, and social media. Live viewing of classes is available on the lobby TV, and parents can email to set up a tour or arrange a trial class.

During a trial class, wear fitted clothes you can move in and pull your hair back in a ponytail or bun. Classes are taught by trained instructors who follow the studio's approach to technique and character. Once enrolled, you'll follow the studio's dress code and be placed in an age and level-appropriate class. All students perform at least twice a year—in studio in December and at the spring End of Year Performance.

The studio is owned and directed by Holly Columbus, who holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and has numerous years of teaching, choreographing, and judging experience. All instructors receive training and continued education, and are Acrobatic Arts Certified and Youth Protection Association for Dance Certified.

The studio specialises in beginners of all ages and carefully places dancers in age and level-appropriate classes to ensure they feel excited rather than overwhelmed.