Business Details
14 Years
experience
Your Trusted Dance School in Statesboro, GA
Statesboro School of Dance has been a cornerstone of dance education in southeast Georgia since 2012. Founded by Artistic Director Shay Thompson Morgan, a Statesboro native with over 25 years of professional dance experience, the school specializes in classical ballet, tap, modern jazz, and hip hop. Our faculty includes certified instructors with extensive training from institutions like the University of South Carolina and Joffrey Ballet School. We offer age-specific classes for students aged 2.5 through 12th grade, emphasizing technical excellence and creative expression. The school produces three annual performances, including the Nutcracker, Faith in Motion, and Spring Recital, providing students with valuable stage experience.Community engagement remains central to our mission, with outreach programs and partnerships with local organizations. Our alumni have attended prestigious summer intensives and continued dance education at universities across the country. We maintain rigorous safety standards and prioritize individualized attention in all classes. With over 150 students enrolled annually, we serve as a cultural hub for dance in Bulloch County. Our commitment to quality instruction and performance opportunities has established us as a trusted name in regional dance education.
Services
Ballet Classes
Tap Instruction
Jazz Dance
Hip Hop Workshops
Summer Intensives
Performance Coaching
Costume Rentals
Dance Camps
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years combined teaching experience from certified dance professionals
- Our students gain performance experience through three annual productions
- We provide age-specific curriculum developed by Royal Academy of Dancing graduates
- Our faculty includes instructors with Joffrey Ballet and Columbia City Ballet training
- We maintain 8:1 student-teacher ratios for personalized instruction
What people say
Amazing instructors
Professional productions
Supportive environment
Technical excellence
Community involvement
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program follows Royal Academy of Dancing syllabus with focus on proper technique and artistry. Students learn foundational positions, barre work, and center combinations. Classes emphasize posture, grace, and musicality while preparing dancers for performance opportunities.
Tap Instruction
Tap classes develop rhythm, coordination, and musical timing using specialized footwear. Students progress through technical levels while learning various tap styles from Broadway to contemporary. Emphasis on clear sounds and improvisation skills.
Jazz Dance
Jazz curriculum combines technical training with performance skills. Classes include warm-ups, across-the-floor progressions, and choreography. Students explore different jazz styles while building strength, flexibility, and stage presence.
Hip Hop Workshops
Hip hop classes teach street dance styles with emphasis on rhythm, isolation, and freestyle. Students learn current trends while developing personal style in a high-energy environment. No prior experience required.
Summer Intensives
Our summer programs offer concentrated training with guest instructors. Participants receive technique classes, choreography workshops, and performance preparation. Designed to improve skills and build dance endurance during school breaks.
People
Shay Thompson Morgan
Artistic Director
Shay Thompson Morgan, a Statesboro native, has over 25 years of professional dance experience. She studied under renowned instructors and performed with Columbia City Ballet. She holds a BBA from Georgia Southern University and has received multiple community service awards.
Makayla Chambers
Dance Instructor
Makayla Chambers, a Georgia Southern University student, teaches recreational dance classes. She trained at East Athens Educational Dance Center and attended prestigious summer intensives. With experience in multiple dance styles, she focuses on creating inclusive learning environments for young dancers.
Mandy Edwards
Marketing Director
Mandy Edwards owns ME Marketing Services and manages SSOD's marketing operations. A dance parent with over 20 years of local business experience, she serves on multiple community boards and previously taught dance while raising two daughters who trained at SSOD.
Diana Ray
Backstage Director
Diana Ray, a Georgia Southern graduate and Critical Care Director at East Georgia Regional Medical Center, oversees all SSOD performances. She has danced professionally, won awards in community dance fundraisers, and serves on multiple local boards while managing her family's dance activities.
Mallory Rosche
Guest Faculty
Mallory Rosche, an Augusta University professor, teaches adaptive ballet through her Steps of Grace program. With 13 years of experience creating inclusive dance opportunities for children with special needs, she combines occupational therapy expertise with dance education in her guest teaching.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach?
We offer classical ballet, tap, modern jazz, and hip hop instruction for all skill levels.
What age groups do you accept?
We teach students aged 2.5 through 12th grade in developmentally appropriate classes.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes! Students participate in three annual productions: Nutcracker, Faith in Motion, and Spring Recital.
What qualifications do your instructors have?
Our faculty includes Royal Academy of Dancing graduates and instructors with professional ballet company experience.
How do I register for classes?
Registration details and online forms are available on our website under the Dance Registration section.
Reviews (1)
Ashley Nobles
Jan 15, 2021
Report
My daughter is in her 3rd year with Mrs. Shay and her staff and she absolutely loves it. It's her favorite part of the week. Shay and her staff are amazing and her recitals are worthy of a big city.
