Business Details
10 Years
experience
Premier Dance Education for All Ages in Washington, DC
Founded in 2016, Candace Sheppard Dance Academy (CSDA) provides comprehensive dance education for students aged 2 to 18. Our mission is to cultivate a lifelong appreciation for dance through a creative, inclusive environment that emphasizes discipline, teamwork, and artistic expression. With three state-of-the-art studios and over 50 weekly classes, we offer diverse genres including ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, and contemporary. Our faculty comprises experienced professionals dedicated to personalized instruction, ensuring each student achieves their full potential. CSDA fosters a supportive community where dancers develop confidence, agility, and performance skills through recitals, competitions, and community engagements.We prioritize accessibility, offering classes for all skill levels and ages, from beginners to advanced performers. Our structured curriculum balances technical training with creative exploration, preparing students for roles in productions like The Nutcracker and end-of-year recitals. By maintaining small class sizes and individualized attention, we ensure every student feels valued and motivated. CSDAs commitment to excellence extends to private coaching and specialized programs for competition teams. We pride ourselves on creating a welcoming space where dance becomes a transformative, lifelong journey.
Services
Ballet
Tap
Jazz
Hip Hop
Contemporary
Musical Theatre
Lyrical
Pointe
Acro
Private Coaching
Details
- Year established: 2016
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ weekly classes across three studios with expert instructors.
- Our faculty provides personalized attention to students aged 2-18.
- We host annual performances including The Nutcracker and end-of-year recitals.
- Private coaching available for advanced skill development.
- Diverse curriculum covering ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, and contemporary styles.
What people say
Nurturing instructors
High-quality performances
Welcoming community
Personalized attention
Diverse class options
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program builds foundational technique and artistry for ages 2-18. Students progress through structured levels, mastering classical movements and performance skills. Classes emphasize posture, grace, and discipline, preparing dancers for recitals and advanced training. We offer beginner to pre-professional levels with twice-weekly sessions for intermediate and advanced students.
Private Coaching
Personalized one-on-one instruction enhances individual skill development for ages 9-18. Sessions focus on technical refinement, competition preparation, or audition readiness. Our expert instructors tailor lessons to address specific goals, whether improving pirouettes or mastering complex choreography. Private coaching complements group classes for dedicated dancers seeking accelerated progress.
Competition Teams
Audition-based teams develop performance excellence through rigorous training and regional competitions. Dancers refine precision, stage presence, and teamwork in jazz, contemporary, and musical theatre. This program challenges advanced students to achieve artistic growth while representing CSDA at prestigious events, fostering camaraderie and competitive spirit.
Acro Dance
Acro classes blend dance and tumbling for ages 7-18, focusing on flexibility, strength, and controlled movements. Students learn cartwheels, walkovers, and aerials while maintaining proper alignment. This dynamic style enhances coordination and body awareness, integrating acrobatic skills seamlessly into dance routines for recitals and performances.
Musical Theatre
Our musical theatre program trains students in dance, acting, and singing for stage performances. Ages 6-18 develop versatility through Broadway-style choreography and character interpretation. Participants gain confidence in ensemble work and solo performances, preparing for roles in CSDAs annual productions and external auditions.
People
Candace Sheppard
Founder/Owner
Candace established CSDA in 2016, drawing from childhood experiences at her mothers dance studio. She emphasizes holistic development through dance, creating a community-focused academy that nurtures technical skill and artistic expression.
Candi
Instructor
Candi teaches ballet, jazz, and musical theatre classes, bringing expertise in classical techniques and performance preparation. She mentors students across multiple levels, fostering growth through personalized attention and creative choreography.
Reagan
Instructor
Reagan specializes in advanced ballet, lyrical, and competition team training. With professional performance experience, she guides dancers in technical mastery and stage artistry, preparing them for roles in The Nutcracker and recitals.
Sierra
Instructor
Sierra leads classical ballet and acro classes, emphasizing proper technique and safe progression. Her structured approach ensures students develop strength and precision, advancing through levels with confidence and discipline.
Lauren
Instructor
Lauren teaches hip hop and musical theatre, infusing energetic choreography that builds rhythm and stage presence. She creates engaging lessons for younger students while preparing advanced dancers for competitive routines.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We teach ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, lyrical, musical theatre, acro, and pointe for ages 2-18.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes! Students participate in The Nutcracker, end-of-year recitals, community festivals, and competition teams.
What are class sizes?
We maintain small classes to ensure individualized attention, with 8-15 students per instructor.
Do you offer private lessons?
Yes, private coaching is available for ages 9-18 to refine technique or prepare for competitions.
How do I register?
Register online via our website or contact us directly for assistance with enrollment and scheduling.
What is your dress code?
Specific attire is required for each class type, with uniform colors and shoe styles outlined in our guidelines.
Videos
Reviews (1)
Ava Faghani
Aug 25, 2021
Report
CSDA is the best!! Ms. Candi, Ms. Reagan, and all the other staff create a perfect balance in the studio of hard work, etiquette, technique, fun, and family! If youre interested in a healthy, yet challenging competition team this is the studio for you. Or if just interested in normal classes. CSDA is my escape, my happy place, and a second home to me! I look forward to every class. Ive made so many forever friends at CSDA and been able to grow as a dancer, and person. All the teachers are extremely qualified dancers, and terrific people. Much love to CSDA
