Business Details
23 Years
experience
Your Trusted Dance Academy in Cumming, GA
Cumming Dance Academy was founded in 2003 with a mission to provide quality dance education, character development, and performance opportunities for recreational and pre-professional dancers. Our studio offers classes in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, pointe, musical theater, contemporary, lyrical, Irish, and more for students aged 2 through adulthood. We prioritize creating an inclusive environment where all dancers feel known, challenged, and valued. Our professionally trained staff and faculty follow a graduated syllabus designed to develop confident, well-rounded dancers and young people. With multiple locations in Georgia, we combine technical excellence with community engagement through performance groups, competition teams, and outreach programs.Our Company program provides elite dancers with opportunities to work with professional choreographers, attend conventions, and compete nationally. We maintain flexible enrollment options, sibling discounts, and a dancewear boutique to support our students' needs. Our team of award-winning instructors includes nationally recognized clogging experts and former Radio City Rockettes performers. We pride ourselves on adapting to challenges while maintaining high-quality instruction, as demonstrated during the 2020 pandemic when we successfully pivoted to virtual programming. Our 22-year legacy reflects our commitment to dance education that extends beyond technical skills to build character and confidence.
Services
Ballet Classes
Hip Hop Dance
Clogging Instruction
Jazz Dance
Tap Dance
Contemporary Dance
Lyrical Dance
Musical Theater
Dance Competitions
Private Lessons
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We offer 22 years of experience in dance education with professionally trained staff
- Our graduated syllabus develops confident dancers and well-rounded young people
- We provide multiple performance opportunities including community outreach programs
- Our award-winning clogging program is led by nationally recognized instructors
- We maintain flexible enrollment options and sibling discounts for family support
What people say
Positive organization
Inclusive place
Challenging choreography
Patient teachers
Fun experience
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops technical proficiency and artistic expression through structured training. Students learn proper technique, posture, and performance skills while building foundational dance abilities. Classes are available for ages 2 through adults with progressive levels that challenge dancers at every stage of development.
Clogging Instruction
Learn traditional American clogging with modern elements from award-winning instructors. Our program combines jazz, hip hop, and tap influences with competitive training opportunities. Students work with nationally recognized champions who have appeared on television and performed professionally.
Dance Competitions
Elite dancers can join our competition teams that attend national events and conventions. The program includes regular rehearsals, professional choreography, and community performance opportunities. Dancers receive comprehensive training across multiple styles while developing stage presence and teamwork skills.
Private Lessons
Personalized instruction available for all dance styles and skill levels. Lessons focus on technical improvement, performance preparation, and individualized attention to help dancers achieve specific goals. Sessions are tailored to each student's learning pace and artistic development needs.
Summer Workshops
Seasonal dance intensives provide focused training in specific styles and techniques. These programs offer concentrated instruction from experienced faculty, with options for different age groups and skill levels. Participants develop technical skills while building connections with fellow dancers.
People
Niki Watkins
Owner/Artistic Director
Founder with 22 years of dance education experience, creating a graduated syllabus and establishing three studio locations. Leads with a focus on character development and technical excellence.
Sarah Darby Hughes
Clogging Program Director
Twenty-time national champion with teaching accolades, former Radio City Rockette, and featured TLC television performer. Brings extensive competitive and performance experience to the clogging program.
Brennan Byrd Paulson
Company Director
Manages the competitive dance company program, overseeing auditions, rehearsals, and performance scheduling while maintaining high artistic standards for advanced dancers.
Callie Kalashian
Instructor
Recognized by parents for exceptional teaching with young children, combining technical instruction with encouraging environment to develop foundational dance skills.
Lydia Littlefield
Instructor
Dawsonville location teacher praised for technical expertise and personalized attention, helping students progress while maintaining positive learning atmosphere.
Questions
What age groups do you teach?
We offer classes for dancers aged 2 through adults with progressive levels based on age and technical ability.
Do you offer competitive dance opportunities?
Yes, our Company program includes competition teams for grades 2-12 with national performance and competition opportunities.
What dance styles are available?
We teach 18+ styles including ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, lyrical, Irish, and specialized clogging programs.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes, we offer community performances, annual recitals, and special events like our Holiday Celebration production.
Do you have summer programs?
We offer summer workshops and intensive sessions for various dance styles and skill levels throughout the summer months.
What makes CDA unique?
Our combination of technical excellence, character development, and family-like community creates a distinctive dance education experience.
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