Business Details
22 Years
experience
Creative & Modern Dance Classes for All Ages in Sandy, Utah
South Valley Creative Dance has been nurturing artistic expression through movement since 2004. Our studio prioritizes holistic development, offering creative and modern dance training for ages 18 months to 55+. With faculty holding minimum Bachelor's degrees in Dance and decades of collective experience, we emphasize artistry over competition. Our nonprofit status allows reinvestment in community programs including scholarships, senior classes, and outreach initiatives. We maintain affiliations with national dance education organizations while fostering local community connections through performance opportunities and collaborative projects. 
Services
Creative Dance
Ballet
Modern Dance
Adult Movement
Performing Company
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of experience in creative dance education with degreed faculty
- Our curriculum emphasizes artistic expression over technical perfection
- We provide inclusive, affordable classes for ages 18 months to adult
- As a nonprofit, we reinvest in community programs and scholarships
- We offer performance opportunities for dancers ages 3-18
Associations and certifications
- NDEO
- UDEO
- daCi
- daCiUSA
Services
Creative Dance
Creative dance classes for ages 18 months to 3rd grade focus on natural movement exploration. Using elements of time, space, and energy, children develop movement vocabulary through play and improvisation. Our approach nurtures artistic expression while incorporating educational concepts from literature, science, and mathematics in a supportive environment.
Modern Dance
Modern dance training for grades 4 and up develops technical proficiency and artistic expression. Classes include improvisation, choreography, and conditioning with instruction from professional dancers. Our curriculum builds on creative movement foundations while emphasizing clarity of line, body articulation, and fluid motion in a non-competitive environment.
Ballet Technique
Ballet technique classes focus on proper alignment, strength, and grace. Students receive conditioning and technical training that complements their modern dance education. Our approach emphasizes body awareness and proper execution while maintaining artistic expression for students 6th grade and older.
Adult Movement
Adult movement classes offer restorative dance-based exercise for all experience levels. These Wednesday evening sessions focus on community building and creative exploration through movement. Classes accommodate both beginners and experienced dancers in a supportive environment that emphasizes joy and physical wellness.
Performing Company
Creativity in Action is our performing company for grades 6-12. Dancers work with guest choreographers, develop original works, and perform in annual productions. The program includes two age-based companies with opportunities for choreographic development and professional performance experience beyond regular class instruction.
People
Nicholas Cendese
Co-Artistic Director
Nicholas Cendese co-owns South Valley Creative Dance with 20+ years teaching experience. He directs Creativity in Action company and teaches homeschool classes while maintaining administrative roles.
Tami Knubel
Co-Artistic Director
Tami Knubel co-founded SVCD in 2004 with a B.S. in Modern Dance and Social Work. She teaches creative movement and summer camps while serving as studio administrator.
Julie Johnston
Co-Artistic Director
Julie Johnston holds a Master's in Dance from BYU with 10 years teaching experience. She co-directs Creativity in Action company and teaches musical theatre while managing studio operations.
Carrie Peterson
Faculty Member
Carrie Peterson graduated with a BFA in Modern Dance from the University of Utah. She teaches creative movement classes and summer camps while contributing to administrative functions.
Kristen Messenger
Studio Administrator
Kristen Messenger serves as studio administrator with 15 years in education. She manages administrative operations while supporting teachers and co-owners in maintaining studio standards.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We offer classes for ages 18 months through 55+, including toddler creative movement, youth dance education, and adult movement classes.
Are your instructors qualified?
All educators hold minimum Bachelor's degrees in Dance with extensive experience teaching children and adults.
Do you offer performance opportunities?
Yes, our annual performance includes dancers ages 3-18 with additional opportunities through our Creativity in Action company.
Are you a competition studio?
No, we focus on artistic development rather than competition, emphasizing creative expression over routine memorization.
Do you offer financial assistance?
As a nonprofit, we provide scholarships and maintain affordable pricing with family discounts for multiple classes.
