EXCELLENCE IN DANCE EDUCATION
Nevada Union Dance is one of Northern California’s premier public school dance programs, offering comprehensive dance education through a unique partnership between Nevada Union High School and the Grass Valley Museum & Cultural Center. Under the direction of Courtney Wadman, the program combines exceptional artistic training with academic rigor, leadership development, and community engagement while expanding access to high-quality dance education throughout Nevada County.
Students receive comprehensive instruction in classical ballet, contemporary, modern, jazz, hip hop, musical theatre, Pilates, and yoga through a curriculum that emphasizes technical excellence, creativity, artistry, anatomy-informed training, choreography, dance history, performance, and creative inquiry. Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced courses are offered during the school day, complemented by extensive after-school rehearsals, productions, leadership opportunities, internships, masterclasses, educational travel, and regional and national dance festivals.
Beyond the school day, Nevada Union Dance’s community enrichment division offers year-round classes for children, teens, adults, and seniors at its studios within the Grass Valley Museum & Cultural Center. Led by Founder and Director Tsal’gyur Starbuck, the community division expands access to exceptional dance education while serving as a fundraiser that directly supports the Nevada Union High School dance program. All community enrichment classes are offered free of charge to currently enrolled Nevada Union Dance students.
Throughout the year, students and community dancers perform in multiple productions, choreography showcases, festivals, outreach performances, and special events, working alongside distinguished guest artists and faculty in a collaborative environment that fosters artistry, scholarship, leadership, wellness, and lifelong engagement with dance.
Rooted in a culture of excellence, curiosity, and care, Nevada Union Dance is committed to developing not only skilled dancers, but thoughtful artists, engaged leaders, and lifelong learners.

2026-2027 School Year Program Overview
Stay up-to-date with our online calendar, where you can find rehearsal and performance schedules, special events, and class activities.
A Sneak Peak at Some 2026-2027 Special Events, Productions, and More!
- Summer Dance Class Series at NUHS – June 16-August 1, 2026
- Grand Opening & Open House: Tour + Open Class at Grass Valley Museum & Cultural Center – July 1, 2026: 10am to 2pm
- Summer Intensive at GVMCC & Pioneer Park Performance – July 6-18, 2026
- Summer Adult Ballet & Open Division Classes at GVMCC – July 7-17, 2026
- Nutcracker Ballet Camp with Lauren – August 4-7, 2026
- Fall Community Classes & Production Rehearsals Begin – August 17, 2026
- Performing Arts Tour – November 5, 2026
- Fall for Dance Production – November 19-21, 2026
- The Nutcracker – December 11 & 12, 2026
- Student Choreography Showcase – February 18-20, 2027
- Auditions for the 27-28 Int/Adv Levels at NUHS – February 24, 2027: 3:45-6:15pm
- National High School Dance Festival – March 6-10, 2027
- Spring Dance Concert – April 29-May 1, 2027
- Summer Dance Production – June 10-12, 2027
2026-2027 School Year Program Overview
Stay up-to-date with our online calendar, where you can find rehearsal and performance schedules, special events, and class activities.
A Sneak Peak at Some 2026-2027 Special Events, Productions, and More!
- Summer Dance Class Series at NUHS – June 16-August 1, 2026
- Grand Opening & Open House: Tour + Open Class at Grass Valley Museum & Cultural Center – July 1, 2026: 10am to 2pm
- Summer Intensive at GVMCC & Pioneer Park Performance – July 6-18, 2026
- Summer Adult Ballet & Open Division Classes at GVMCC – July 7-17, 2026
- Nutcracker Ballet Camp with Lauren – August 4-7, 2026
- Fall Community Classes & Production Rehearsals Begin – August 17, 2026
- Performing Arts Tour – November 5, 2026
- Fall for Dance Production – November 19-21, 2026
- The Nutcracker – December 11 & 12, 2026
- Student Choreography Showcase – February 18-20, 2027
- Auditions for the 27-28 Int/Adv Levels at NUHS – February 24, 2027: 3:45-6:15pm
- National High School Dance Festival – March 6-10, 2027
- Spring Dance Concert – April 29-May 1, 2027
- Summer Dance Production – June 10-12, 2027



