Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Premier Dance School in McDonough, GA
Founded in 1973 by Sandra Butcher, Dance Academy has cultivated a legacy of excellence in dance education for over 50 years. Our studio combines decades of expertise with a passion for nurturing talent, offering students access to instructors with extensive professional backgrounds in ballet, jazz, tap, and contemporary dance. We emphasize technical precision, artistic expression, and personal growth through structured training programs tailored to all skill levels. Our faculty includes industry-recognized professionals with experience in performance, choreography, and competitive dance coaching. With a commitment to community engagement, we provide opportunities for students to participate in recitals, holiday shows, and outreach initiatives.Our curriculum integrates foundational techniques with advanced performance training, ensuring a comprehensive dance education. We maintain affiliations with prestigious dance organizations and prioritize ongoing professional development for our instructors. Through personalized attention and a supportive environment, we empower students to achieve their full potential. Our studios longevity and reputation reflect our dedication to maintaining the highest standards in dance instruction.
Services
Ballet Classes
Tap Instruction
Jazz Dance
Lyrical Training
Hip Hop Workshops
Competition Teams
Pointe Technique
Contemporary Dance
Performance Prep
Details
- Year established: 1973
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of combined teaching experience from industry professionals
- Our faculty includes competition-winning choreographers and performance specialists
- We provide structured technical training with personalized student development plans
- Our alumni have earned prestigious dance honors and university scholarships
- We maintain small class sizes for individualized attention and progress tracking
What people say
Exceptional instructors
Professional performances
Technical excellence
Supportive environment
Progressive curriculum
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops proper technique through structured training in pointe work, barre exercises, and center combinations. Students progress through recognized skill levels while learning classical repertoire and performance pieces. Classes emphasize posture, alignment, and artistic expression for ages 3 through adult.
Competition Teams
Audition-based competition teams receive advanced training in choreography, stage presence, and technical precision. Dancers participate in regional competitions and receive personalized coaching in multiple genres including jazz, lyrical, and contemporary styles. Team members must commit to regular practice schedules and performance obligations.
Hip Hop Instruction
Contemporary hip hop classes teach fundamental moves and freestyle techniques in a high-energy environment. Students learn current choreography trends while developing rhythm, coordination, and personal style. Classes are available for ages 7-13 and teens with separate skill-level groupings.
Private Lessons
Customized one-on-one instruction available in all dance styles to address specific goals. Private sessions focus on technique refinement, competition preparation, or personalized choreography. Lessons are scheduled by appointment with certified instructors based on availability.
Holiday Performances
Annual holiday show opportunities include 'Twas the Night Before Christmas' production. Dancers of all levels participate in professionally staged performances with costume, lighting, and music elements. Auditions and rehearsals prepare participants for main-stage experiences at local performing arts centers.
People
Sandra Butcher
Founder
Established Dance Academy in 1973 after professional dance career. Studied with renowned instructors in New York. Charter member of Clayton Civic Ballet Company. Maintains active role in curriculum development and studio operations.
Keri Bell
Director
Director with 45+ years of teaching experience. Trained with industry leaders in New York and Los Angeles. Oversees faculty development and advanced student training programs. Former professional dancer with extensive performance background.
Olivia Bell
Competition Coordinator
Masters in Performing Arts from SCAD University. Former UGA Red Hotz member. Coordinates competition routines and choreography. Professional performance experience in musical theater productions. Focuses on competitive team development.
Erin Kilfoyle House
Assistant Director
Atlanta Festival Ballet alumna with Governors Honors Program recognition. Specializes in early childhood dance education. Creates engaging learning environments combining performance expertise with teaching innovation. Holds bachelor's degrees in dance education.
Kenadee Knight
Instructor
Kennesaw State University dance minor with choreography experience. Co-founder of KSU K-Pop dance team. Company member with Gwinnett Dance Project. Focuses on contemporary techniques and student choreography development.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, and pointe classes with specialized training programs for each style.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes! We host annual recitals, holiday shows, and competition team performances at local performing arts centers.
How do I register for classes?
Register online through our website or contact us directly during Bring A Friend To Dance Week for free trial classes.
What are your class age requirements?
We accept students starting at age 3 with specialized programs for children, teens, and adults of all skill levels.
Do you offer competitive dance teams?
Yes, we have audition-based competition teams with advanced training in multiple dance genres for dedicated performers.
What should I wear to class?
Wear fitted athletic wear with hair secured. Specific requirements vary by class type - contact us for detailed dress code information.
