Business Details
Premier Dance Education in Severna Park, MD
Maryland Performing Arts Center (MPAC) is a family-owned dance studio in Severna Park, MD, dedicated to nurturing artistic excellence in students of all ages. Since our founding, we have provided comprehensive training in dance, acrobatics, and vocal performance, guided by a team of degreed instructors with decades of combined industry experience. Our curriculum emphasizes technical precision, creative expression, and community engagement, preparing students for careers in the performing arts and beyond.We maintain a supportive, inclusive environment where individualized attention fosters personal growth and professional development. Our graduates have gained admission to prestigious colleges and pursued successful careers in dance, theater, and music. Through partnerships with local charities and participation in statewide events, we prioritize giving back to the community while maintaining state-of-the-art facilities that prioritize student safety and well-being.
Services
Ballet Classes
Acrobatics Training
Vocal Lessons
Hip Hop Dance
Private Coaching
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of combined teaching experience from degreed instructors
- Our studio provides individualized attention for technical and artistic growth
- We maintain state-of-the-art facilities with sprung floors for dancer safety
- Our community involvement includes annual charity performances and scholarships
- We offer specialized programs for competitive and recreational dancers
Associations and certifications
- Dance Masters of America
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops technical proficiency through structured training from beginner to advanced levels. Students learn proper alignment, pointe work, and classical repertoire while building foundational skills applicable to all dance genres. Classes are offered for ages 3 through adults with experienced instructors who emphasize safety and artistry.
Acrobatics Training
This program focuses on developing strength, flexibility, and aerial techniques in a safe environment. Certified instructors teach progressions for cartwheels, walkovers, and advanced acro tricks while emphasizing proper conditioning. Classes are available for recreational and competitive dancers seeking to enhance their performance abilities.
Vocal Lessons
Our vocal training program develops singing technique through individualized instruction in breath control, pitch accuracy, and performance skills. Students prepare for recitals, competitions, and musical theater roles with guidance from experienced vocal coaches who emphasize healthy vocal production and artistic expression.
Private Coaching
Personalized instruction addresses specific performance goals through tailored dance, vocal, or audition preparation sessions. Instructors create customized plans for students seeking extra attention to refine technique, prepare for competitions, or develop performance confidence in a focused learning environment.
Hip Hop Dance
This energetic program teaches street dance techniques including breaking, popping, and locking in a creative environment. Classes focus on rhythm, musicality, and self-expression while developing coordination and performance skills for students interested in contemporary commercial dance styles.
People
Kelsey King
Owner and Artistic Director
Award-winning choreographer with Dance Masters of America certification. Professional dancer and vocal coach with Peabody Conservatory training. Director of Stevenson University Dance Team and creator of Barre 360 method.
Kristy Cooke
General Manager
Dance educator with University of Maryland, Baltimore County degree. Certified Zumba instructor and former member of Anne Arundel Community College Dance Company. Promoted to General Manager in 2015 after teaching for several years.
Lyssa Wopat
Ballet Director
Professional ballet dancer with The Georgia Ballet. Master's degree in Sport and Performance Psychology. Trained at University of North Carolina School of the Arts under renowned instructors including Susan Jaffe and Mikhail Tchoupakov.
Michael Gellert
Vocal Department Director
Opera performer with 40+ productions experience. Director of award-winning women's acapella chorus. Former Baltimore Opera Company member with extensive private vocal instruction background dating to 1973.
Jordan Browning
Assistant Dance Team Coach
Stevenson University Dance Team Captain for three years. Trained in multiple genres including hip hop and pom. Guest instructor for multiple dance camps and high school choreographer with 20+ years of experience.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We teach ballet, tap, hip hop, contemporary, modern, jazz, lyrical, pointe, acrobatics, and musical theater. Classes are available for all skill levels from beginner to advanced dancers.
Are there classes for young children?
Yes! We offer beginner combo classes for ages 3-5 focusing on ballet and tap fundamentals. Petite level classes for ages 5-7 include jazz instruction alongside ballet and tap training.
Do you offer performance opportunities?
Our students participate in annual recitals, community events, and charity performances. We also offer competition teams and professional company opportunities for advanced dancers.
Can adults take classes?
Yes, we welcome adult students. Private lessons are available in all disciplines, and our Barre 360 class was specifically designed for adult fitness and dance conditioning.
Do you provide audition preparation?
Yes, our private coaching includes audition preparation for college programs, professional companies, and theatrical productions. Instructors help develop performance pieces and technique tailored to specific audition requirements.
Are scholarships available?
We offer scholarships for our Young Men's Ballet Program to promote diversity and inclusion. Need-based financial assistance may also be available for qualifying families.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Vesta
Aug 18, 2021
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The teachers are wonderful with children and very experienced! I really appreciated how careful and attentive they have been especially during COVID with clean up and following cdc and county guidelines. You can tell the owner really cares about the well-being of their students. I have been at MPAC since 2014 and loved every season and recital!
Rachel Endo
Mar 22, 2021
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I've tried several dance studios in the area and I have to say the quality of the teachers and facility at Maryland Performing Arts is the best in the area. I tried Dances Dream (Pasadena) and Creative Force Dance (Severna Park), and while they were acceptable, they didn't meet my needs any where near as well as Maryland Performing Arts did. With Dancers Dreams the responses to my email inquires always seemed very short/curt. When I inquired for ballet and/or tap classes for my girls we were placed into a technique class with a teacher who caters to younger students. The girls liked the teacher
The Guy
Jan 29, 2020
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I provided a similar review on Facebook but thought it appropriate to post on Google as well:
I rarely take the time to write reviews but make this exception for Maryland Performing Arts Center. Both of my daughters take various classes at MPAC and are also part of the center's East Coast Dance Company. They absolutely love it and as parents, my wife and I are ecstatic with respect to the quality of instruction and the care that they demonstrate to the girls, not only as dancers but the efforts to build personal relationships as well. With other activities and events, we often found ourselves
I rarely take the time to write reviews but make this exception for Maryland Performing Arts Center. Both of my daughters take various classes at MPAC and are also part of the center's East Coast Dance Company. They absolutely love it and as parents, my wife and I are ecstatic with respect to the quality of instruction and the care that they demonstrate to the girls, not only as dancers but the efforts to build personal relationships as well. With other activities and events, we often found ourselves
Wayne Sarro
Jan 25, 2020
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This arts studio is the best in the area, from their attention given to each childs success to the cleanliness of the environment where the classes are held. My daughter is going on her third year at this studio she could not be in better hands in developing into an amazing young dancer! I would fully recommend MPAC to anyone looking for a studio to further develop their childrens dreams, aspirations and potential.
