Whether as a recreational hobby or an intensive training program, studying dance benefits children in a wide variety of ways...In this world of instant-everything, preparing for a performance engages the student in long-term planning, skills often lacking in today's younger generations.  Dance engages students mind and body, promotes positive group interactions and cooperation with others, and provides focused, structured physical activity in a non-competitive atmosphere.  And, along with all of that, it can be lots of fun and promote a life-long interest in the arts.

History & General Studio Info

Since its inception in 1996, the program has grown from a single teacher with a couple dozen students to a staff of four to six teaching 200 students.  Students enjoy a warm, friendly atmosphere combined with a dedication to good quality technical instruction.  With studio space within the recently expanded, and beautifully maintained Academy Art Museum, students are offered not only the appreciation of dance, but numerous other fine and performing art opportunities as well.

Students from our program have been accepted as dance majors at Goucher College, Towson University, and UMBC,  have auditioned and been offered placement in Ballet Theatre of Maryland's Summer Intensive program, have performed in various performances of "The Nutcracker", and have performed in the Showcase Concert at the Maryland State Dance Festival.

Class Information:

            Offering a wide variety of classes for all ages and levels with reasonable tuition rates, the program makes dance accessible to all. 

We offer classes in:

• PreBallet - divided by age into 3's, 4's, and 5 & 6 years

• Classical Ballet - six levels by age and ability

• Pointe - for the serious ballet dancer

• Tap - four levels by ages and ability

• Jazz - four levels by age and ability

• Modern - four levels by age and ability

*Please note that combination classes (such as ballet and tap; or tap and jazz) are not offered, except for a combined PreBallet & Tap option for 5 & 6 year olds.  We believe the details and merits of each individual technique cannot be adequately addressed in the combination format.  Every effort is made however, to offer scheduling options that place frequently combined classes back-to-back for your convenience. 

            Classes run the length of the school year and conclude with an annual recital performance.  All enrolled students are welcome (but not required) to participate.  Students in pre-ballet and pre-tap classes present a matinee performance in mid-May.  Students in all levels of ballet, jazz, tap and modern together present an evening performance in mid-June.

Student Performance Group:

    Intermediate and Advanced level students may be invited to participate in special presentations, events, and/or performances as part of our student performance group.  Previous activities have included presenting The Nutcracker Tea at the Academy Art Museum,  master classes at the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, and performing in the Showcase Concert at the Maryland State Dance Festival.