A long-time Tacoma ballerina is reaching out to dance enthusiasts through a developing project she has created simply titled: the DanceLab.

Crystal Smith, a classically trained professional ballet dancer, has been dancing for 27 years, and teaching for much of that time.

She left the professional ballet company Tacoma City Ballet two years ago to concentrate on raising her three children, but found she could not cut dance out of her life.

She began hosting workshops with the ballroom dancers at Pacific Ballroom Dance in Auburn part time, and found that dancers from all backgrounds could benefit from some formal classic ballet training.

Smith is now gearing up to offer her first series of weekly classes, open to dancers with all experience levels, from all styles and backgrounds.

She invites everyone to come in for one-and-a-half hours a week to get some classical training that she believes will only strengthen their skills in their dance of choice, and broaden their range.

“That is kind of the vibe that I want to give off. It’s a collective of different dance genres, music and art - my love of the arts in essence,” she said. “I love getting local people and their talents involved in things.”

Smith said a long-term goal would also be to partner with local musicians, and create a collaborative body of work to present to the community, showcasing the local talent in all its glory.

For dancers who may drop in to the DanceLab, they can expect to learn new things and techniques that Smith believes will help them become stronger dancers in whatever genre they prefer.

“It’s something that will enhance what they’re doing already. Discover something new in yourself whether you’ve been dancing your whole life or not.”

Smith stressed that the DanceLab is open to all dancers, whether already established with a professional company, or dancers with no prior formal dance training.

While the dance Smith teaches is based off of classical ballet, she noted the atmosphere aims to be fun, light and energetic.

“It’s a totally casual atmosphere. I’m working off my iPod with the music that I have, so were going to be dancing to The Cure, or Regina Spektor - whatever music goes with the experience. It makes it fun for the dancers - it’s a little more upbeat.”

Instructors from other dance backgrounds will come in and share moves and techniques as the DanceLab becomes more established.

Currently, all dancers age 10 and up are welcome to sign up for the 12-week session that runs from 6:30-8 p.m. on Wednesdays starting Sept. 15 and ending Dec. 15. Dancers can also drop in on a weekly basis. Interested dancers can register for the fall session online at www.dancelabnorthwest.com for $156. Drop-ins can expect to pay $5 to $10 per class. DanceLab is located at Pacific Ballroom Dance, 1604 15th St. S.W. in Auburn.

Contact the writer at cjensen@tacomaweekly.com