Business Details
23 Years
experience
Your Trusted Dance School in Cumming, GA
Cumming Dance Academy has been dedicated to fostering excellence in dance education since 2003. Our mission is to provide comprehensive training in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, and more, while nurturing confidence and character in students from age 2 to adults. With a team of professionally trained instructors, we create a supportive environment where dancers develop technical skills and personal growth. Our curriculum, designed by Owner/Artistic Director Niki J. Watkins, emphasizes individualized attention and placement based on ability.We offer performance opportunities through our acclaimed Company program, which includes competitive teams and community outreach. Over 22 years, we have built a reputation for excellence, combining technical rigor with a family-like atmosphere that values every student's unique journey. Our commitment to quality extends to flexible scheduling, multiple locations, and a focus on accessibility for all skill levels.
Services
Ballet Classes
Tap Dance
Jazz Instruction
Hip Hop Workshops
Clogging Programs
Contemporary Dance
Lyrical Dance
Irish Dance
Musical Theater
Private Lessons
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We offer 22 years of experience in professional dance education.
- Our professionally trained staff provides expert instruction in 10+ dance styles.
- We combine technical training with character development programs.
- We offer performance opportunities through our award-winning Company program.
- Our inclusive environment welcomes dancers of all skill levels and backgrounds.
What people say
Wonderful experience
Great teachers
Inclusive place
Excellent staff
Confidence growth
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops foundational technique through structured training in pointe, barre work, and classical repertoire. Students progress through skill-based levels while learning discipline and artistry. Classes emphasize proper alignment, musicality, and performance quality for ages 2 to adults.
Clogging Programs
Learn America's oldest folk dance with modern twists through percussive footwork combining tap, jazz, and hip hop elements. Our National Champion instructors teach recreational and competitive clogging with performance opportunities. Summer intensives and competition teams available for all skill levels.
Company Program
This elite program offers competitive dance experiences with professional choreographers and convention attendance. Dancers train in multiple styles while developing performance skills through community outreach and competition. Requires technical class enrollment and weekly rehearsals for grades 2+.
Private Lessons
Customized instruction focuses on individual goals with personalized attention from expert faculty. Sessions target specific skills, competition preparation, or accelerated progress in any dance style. Available for all ages and experience levels at multiple locations.
Hip Hop Workshops
Dynamic classes teach street-style hip hop techniques including popping, locking, and freestyle movement. Instructors emphasize rhythm, creativity, and self-expression while preparing dancers for performances and competitions. Offered in group classes and specialized workshops for ages 5+.
People
Niki Watkins
Owner/Artistic Director
With 22 years of dance education experience, Niki founded Cumming Dance Academy in 2003. She develops curriculum and oversees faculty training while maintaining a hands-on role in student development and studio operations.
Sarah Darby Hughes
Clogging Program Director
A 20-time National Champion and former Radio City Rockette, Sarah brings extensive competitive dance expertise. She directs the clogging program and competition team while sharing her passion through workshops and convention appearances.
Brennan Byrd Paulson
Company Director
Brennan oversees the elite performance program, developing choreography and competition strategies. With years of dance instruction experience, she mentors advanced students while coordinating community outreach performances and convention participation.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We teach ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, pointe, musical theater, contemporary, lyrical, Irish dance, and clogging for ages 2+.
Do you have competitive dance teams?
Yes, our Company program includes competitive teams in multiple styles with convention appearances and community performances.
What are your class placement policies?
Students are initially placed by age, with skill-based adjustments made by instructors and the Artistic Director as needed.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes, we offer recitals, community performances, and competition opportunities through our Company program.
Do you offer summer programs?
We provide summer clogging intensives, workshops, and specialized dance camps with flexible scheduling options.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Amanda Scott
Dec 22, 2021
Report
Positive:Communication,Quality,Value
My daughter loves dancing here. Shes 5 and has been dancing at this studio since she was 2. All the instructors are amazing. We love CDA!
My daughter loves dancing here. Shes 5 and has been dancing at this studio since she was 2. All the instructors are amazing. We love CDA!
Whitney Petty
Dec 22, 2021
Report
We love CDA! Our little girl has been dancing here for a couple of years and hasnt wanted to stop since! We love Mrs Jeney and all of the staff!
Taryn Davis
Dec 12, 2021
Report
Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
My daughter has been attending CDA for 3 years now. She loves the instructors and the staff are so nice and accommodating. I have seen them truly go above and beyond. Their Christmas and you're in performances are incredible. All of the dancers are truly talented. We look forward to many more years here.
My daughter has been attending CDA for 3 years now. She loves the instructors and the staff are so nice and accommodating. I have seen them truly go above and beyond. Their Christmas and you're in performances are incredible. All of the dancers are truly talented. We look forward to many more years here.
Mk Wood
Dec 05, 2021
Report
Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
My daughter has been dancing here for years and the memories and friends she has made will last a lifetime. The teachers and staff are amazing. We truly feel like part of a family here at CDA.
My daughter has been dancing here for years and the memories and friends she has made will last a lifetime. The teachers and staff are amazing. We truly feel like part of a family here at CDA.
Camron McClellan
Nov 28, 2021
Report
We have been with CDA for a few months now! My daughter absolutely loves to go and her teacher! Anytime I have a question or comment CDA is always quick to respond! Very professional and have always kept the parents in the loop of things by sending out WEEKLY reports which is amazing. We love CDA and plan to continue dance for a while! Thank you CDA for being so great to my little dancer
Melia Penrose
Nov 22, 2021
Report
Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
My girls love to dance and all of their teachers have been so supportive. They do an awesome job with their recitals twice a year. Their prices are fair. We feel so lucky to have found this studio.
My girls love to dance and all of their teachers have been so supportive. They do an awesome job with their recitals twice a year. Their prices are fair. We feel so lucky to have found this studio.
