In a large and very hot dance studio in a converted warehouse in Oakland, Tecsia Evans talks through a microphone to about 30 women and girls. “God made you masterpieces,” Evans says as fans whir.

Six women, dressed in flowing white skirts and purple tunics, move gently to the recorded music that echoes through the Tacoma, Wash., sanctuary. Their white-gloved hands and ballet-slippered feet ...

will offer classes in pre-ballet and ballet for children ages 4-7 and jazz, modern and praise dance classes for ages 8-17 as a part of their new “Saturday Dance Project." The classes are open to the ...