Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Premier Dance School in McDonough, GA
Founded in 1973 by Sandra Butcher, Dance Academy has served the metro Atlanta area for over 50 years. Our legacy began with a commitment to excellence in dance education, shaped by Ms. Sandra's extensive training in New York with renowned instructors like Luigi and Joe Tremaine. As a charter member of the Clayton Civic Ballet Company, she brought professional performance experience to our teaching philosophy. Today, our team of certified instructors includes industry leaders like Keri Bell, with 45+ years of faculty leadership, and Erin Kilfoyle House, a Georgia Governors Honors Program alumna.We maintain affiliations with prestigious organizations such as Dance Educators of America while fostering local talent through community performances and competition teams. Our multi-generational approach combines classical technique with contemporary styles, preparing students for both professional dance careers and lifelong appreciation of the arts.
Services
Ballet
Tap
Jazz
Hip Hop
Lyrical
Contemporary
Pointe
Competition Teams
Details
- Year established: 1973
Highlights and features
- Certified instructors with 40+ years of combined teaching experience
- Competition teams with award-winning performance history
- Affiliated with Dance Educators of America and ASCAP
- Annual professional productions at local performing arts centers
- Progressive curriculum from beginner to advanced levels
What people say
Exceptional instructors
Professional performances
Technical excellence
Nurturing environment
Award-winning teams
Services
Ballet
Our ballet program develops technical precision through graded levels from beginner to advanced. Students learn traditional techniques from instructors trained by Atlanta Festival Ballet and professional companies. Classes incorporate barre work, center combinations, and performance preparation for both recreational and competition pathways.
Hip Hop
Contemporary hip hop classes focus on street-style movement with emphasis on rhythm and musicality. Certified instructors teach age-appropriate choreography from basic grooves to complex combinations. The curriculum includes freestyle elements and performance opportunities at local events and competitions.
Competition Teams
Audition-based competition teams offer advanced training in multiple dance styles. Members receive specialized coaching in choreography, stage presence, and technical execution. Teams regularly place in regional competitions and perform at community events including the annual 'Twas The Night Before Christmas' production.
Private Lessons
Customized one-on-one instruction available for all dance styles and skill levels. Sessions focus on specific goals like competition preparation, recital choreography, or technique refinement. Taught by senior instructors with professional performance backgrounds and pedagogy certifications.
Summer Intensives
Annual summer programs provide immersive training with guest artists from New York and Los Angeles. Participants receive technique classes, choreography workshops, and performance coaching. The program culminates in a showcase featuring works by industry professionals and faculty members.
People
Sandra Butcher
Founder
Founder of Dance Academy with 40+ years teaching experience. Former Clayton Civic Ballet Company member and ASCAP affiliate. Trained with New York masters including Luigi and Melissa Hayden. Established studio in 1973.
Keri Bell
Director
Director since 1978 with 45+ years faculty experience. Trained with Frank Hatchett and Joe Tremaine. Oversees curriculum development and instructor training. Holds leadership roles in multiple dance education associations.
Erin Kilfoyle House
Assistant Director
Atlanta Festival Ballet alumna and Georgia Governors Honors graduate. Specializes in early childhood dance education. Holds Bachelor's degrees in dance pedagogy. Creates curriculum for beginner through advanced levels.
Olivia Bell
Competition Coordinator
Competition coordinator with MFA from SCAD University. Former UGA Red Hotz member and professional performer in 'Mamma Mia!' and 'Crazy For You'. Develops choreography for award-winning competition routines.
Kenadee Knight
Instructor
Kennesaw State graduate with dance minor. Former KSU Dance Company member and Seoul in Kennesaw co-founder. Teaches contemporary techniques and choreographs for teen performance groups.
Questions
What age groups do you accept?
We offer classes for children aged 3 through adults. Our curriculum includes beginner to advanced levels in all dance styles.
Do you offer competitive dance teams?
Yes, we have audition-based competition teams with regional and national performance opportunities. Teams regularly place in awards categories.
What dance styles are available?
We teach ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, and pointe. Each style has multiple proficiency levels.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes, we present annual productions at McDonough Performing Arts Center and participate in community events throughout the year.
How are instructors qualified?
All instructors hold professional dance certifications and have performance backgrounds. Many maintain affiliations with national dance education organizations.
What holiday breaks do you observe?
We follow a schedule with closures for Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Winter Break, Spring Break, and major holidays listed in our annual calendar.
Reviews (4)
Jessica Wilson
Jun 21, 2020
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These teachers just love each and every kid so much. We are very happy to be a part of their dance family.
Heather Smith
Jun 19, 2020
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Miss Arrah made my daughter's first year of dance an AMAZING experience for her. Now she wants to keep doing it every year! Miss Kerri went above and beyond to make sure she had her dance costumes ready in time… for the recital and for that.... I am extremely grateful! I'd recommend The Dance Academy of McDonough 1000 times over to anyone!
Kayla Anastasia Palan
Jun 12, 2020
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My Lani loves dancing with Miss Arrah and her friends! we are so happy to have found such a great studio!
Jean Marchant
Jan 24, 2018
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I’ve noticed Abby loving Dance more and more everyday. She loves her teachers and friends. She’s excelled and grown so much since being a part of the Dance acadamy. Thank you so much ! I recommend this Dance acadamy to anyone and everyone who’s thinking of signing their child up for Dance. They’re awesome and a loving group. ********** I personally give a 10 star
