Business Details
22 Years
experience
Premier Dance and Performing Arts Training in Worcester, MA
Central Mass Dance Academy has been inspiring dancers since 2004, offering professional performance art training in dance, singing, acting, and modeling. Our experienced instructors mentor students of all levels in a positive, structured environment designed to nurture talent and build confidence. With programs ranging from Twinkle Babies to advanced acro and lyrical classes, we provide ample performance opportunities and a curriculum rooted in both technical skill development and creative expression.Our faculty includes award-winning choreographers and educators dedicated to fostering individual growth, while our partnerships with local schools and community organizations reinforce our commitment to accessible arts education. We prioritize consistency through a 10-month schedule and maintain small class sizes to ensure personalized attention for every student.
Services
Dance Classes
Acting Lessons
Vocal Training
Modeling Programs
Twinkle Babies
Hip Hop
Acro
Lyrical/Contemporary
Show Stars Program
Performance Teams
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of combined teaching experience from award-winning instructors
- Our curriculum includes specialized programs for toddlers through advanced dancers
- We provide personalized mentorship with small class sizes and individual attention
- Our students gain performance experience through annual recitals and community events
- We maintain partnerships with local schools and arts organizations for expanded opportunities
What people say
Wonderful with younger children
Best part of her week
Increased self-esteem
Loves it daily
Amazing journey
Services
Twinkle Babies
This introductory dance program for 18-month to 3-year-olds combines ballet, tap, and creative movement with imaginative play. Using props like Twinkle bears and hula hoops, our instructors teach basic dance concepts while developing coordination and social skills in a fun environment. Classes emphasize positive reinforcement and gradual learning to create a strong foundation for future dance education.
Show Stars Ballet
Our ballet program develops technical proficiency through structured classes focusing on body awareness, musicality, and classical technique. Based on Laban and Bartinieff principles, students learn proper alignment, spatial awareness, and expressive movement while preparing for advanced ballet training. Classes emphasize both individual artistry and ensemble performance skills through progressive exercises and choreography.
Hip Hop
This energetic program teaches current hip hop styles and trends to students aged 4+. Classes develop rhythm, coordination, and performance energy through age-appropriate choreography that balances technical skill with creative expression. Instructors focus on safe technique while maintaining the authentic street dance style that makes hip hop performance exciting and accessible.
Acting Classes
Led by professional theater educators, our acting programs develop performance skills through scene study, improvisation, and character development techniques. Students learn script analysis, cold reading strategies, and stage presence while working on monologues and ensemble pieces that prepare them for auditions and live performances in a supportive learning environment.
Lyrical/Contemporary
Combining ballet and jazz techniques, this expressive program teaches dancers to interpret music emotionally through movement. Classes require ballet prerequisites and focus on fluid transitions, off-balance movements, and storytelling through dance. Instructors emphasize technical precision while encouraging individual artistic interpretation and emotional authenticity in performance.
People
Kellie Shea
Owner/Director
With 30+ years dance experience and 16+ years teaching, Kellie Shea founded Central Mass Dance Academy and developed its comprehensive curriculum. A licensed dance educator, she also directs the Burncoat High School dance program and serves on the S.O.F.A. committee for arts advocacy.
Jennifer Byrnes
Instructor
This accomplished instructor brings 30+ years dance experience and 20+ years teaching expertise. A former Boston Ballet dancer with advanced degrees in education, she has choreographed award-winning routines and taught master classes with renowned dance professionals.
Jenn Benson
Dance Educator
With formal training from Diane Kelley Dance Studios and Sherry Gold Studios, Jenn Benson has 20+ years teaching experience. She has earned multiple choreography awards and combines technical expertise with early childhood education specialization in her instruction.
Siobhan Petrella
Vocal Coach
A certified music educator with Worcester Public Schools, Siobhan brings 40+ years vocal training experience. She received Teacher of the Year honors in 2012 and specializes in classical training while preparing students for performance opportunities.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We provide comprehensive training in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical/contemporary, acro, and musical theater styles for students aged 18 months through adults.
Do you have programs for very young children?
Yes! Our Twinkle Babies program accepts students starting at 18 months with no potty training requirement, featuring developmentally appropriate dance instruction in a fun environment.
Are there performance opportunities?
All students participate in our annual recital, with additional performance opportunities through competition teams and community events throughout the year.
What are your class pricing options?
Monthly tuition ranges from $62 for 30-minute classes to $195 for 5-hour classes, with discounts available for multiple classes and siblings.
Do you offer acting and vocal training?
Yes, we provide specialized acting classes for youth and adults, plus vocal lessons focusing on proper technique and performance preparation in a supportive environment.
