Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Dance School in Durham, NC
Nina's School of Dance was founded in 1974 by Nina, a lifelong dance educator whose passion for movement began at age 3 under the mentorship of Olive Godwin in Durham, N.C. With formal training from the Dance Educators of America and affiliations with New York University, I established this institution to nurture dancers of all ages and skill levels. Over 44 years, our school has grown to two locations in Durham while maintaining a commitment to technical excellence and artistic expression. We offer comprehensive instruction in jazz, ballet, tap, acrobatics, and contemporary styles, taught by qualified instructors dedicated to individual growth.Our community involvement spans decades, highlighted by the 'Multiple Choices for the Children' initiative supporting Duke Children's Hospital. As a former choreographer for the Miss North Carolina Scholarship Pageant and instructor at Elon and Duke Universities, I emphasize character development alongside dance mastery. Our philosophy centers on fostering dedication, integrity, and philanthropy through the transformative power of dance.
Services
Jazz Dance
Ballet
Tap Dance
Acrobatics
Lyrical Dance
Modern Dance
Contemporary Dance
Private Lessons
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- We offer 44 years of dance education expertise in Durham
- Our instructors include university-trained professionals
- We combine technical mastery with character development
- Community involvement through 'Multiple Choices for the Children'
- Qualified instructors provide personalized attention
Services
Jazz Dance
Jazz dance instruction focuses on isolated movements with proper technique, combining upbeat music with stamina development. Our curriculum integrates ballet foundations and tap rhythm, offering both rhythm (jazz) tap and Broadway tap variations. Classes emphasize musicality and performance skills for dancers aged 3 through adult.
Ballet
Ballet classes establish foundational techniques through alignment focus and terminology instruction. Younger students develop classical movement appreciation while advanced learners refine technical precision. As the 'mother of all dance,' our ballet program emphasizes proper form and discipline for all skill levels.
Acrobatics
Acrobatics dance instruction develops flexibility, strength, and control through tumbling techniques. Our program safely progresses students through skill levels while maintaining dance artistry. Classes integrate technical precision with performance quality for ages 3 and up.
Private Lessons
Personalized dance instruction available with qualified instructors for individual skill development. Sessions focus on specific technique improvement, competition preparation, or personalized choreography. Private lessons complement group class participation for dedicated students.
Contemporary Dance
Contemporary dance classes emphasize interpretive movement combining acrobatics, ballet, and modern techniques. Our program teaches emotional expression through choreography, focusing on fluid transitions and storytelling. Advanced students develop performance-ready pieces for recitals and competitions.
People
Nina
Founder & Lead Instructor
Nina established the school in 1974 after studying at Dance Educators of America and NYU. With 44 years of experience, she has taught at Duke and Elon Universities while maintaining community involvement through charity initiatives like Multiple Choices for the Children.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer jazz, ballet, tap, acrobatics, lyrical, modern, and contemporary dance classes for ages 3 through adult.
Do you have classes for beginners?
Yes, all our dance styles accommodate beginners with age-appropriate instruction focusing on foundational techniques.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes, we participate in community events and produce annual performances like the Multiple Choices Jazz Show.
Do you offer private instruction?
Private lessons with qualified instructors are available for personalized dance training and skill development.
What community programs do you support?
Our Multiple Choices for the Children initiative raises funds for Duke Children's Hospital through annual performances and market events.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Harmony Katie Rose
Apr 17, 2019
Report
Went here as a child, and some of the fondest memories of my childhood are built around this dance school and the experiences I had there.
Kelly Bidwell-Bukowski
Dec 09, 2018
Report
Nina's school of dance is amazing. My daughter has been dancing with Nina for 7 years. It is more than just dance, she teaches morals, manners, self respect, and she loves each and one...once a Nina's girl/guy, ALWAYS a Nina's girl/guy!
Stephen Wood
Nov 16, 2018
Report
Outstanding dance school. The teachers as well as guest teachers are so professional, caring, patient with all ages. Nina herself is not only a highly skilled professional dance teacher but someone who teaches ALL her students how to become young adults and to give back to others who are in need. Here in Durham, NC outside my home, I would not let me daughter dance, or grow up any where else but at Ninas School of Dance.
Jaimie McBride
Oct 31, 2018
Report
This studio is truly the best. I danced here as a child and now my daughter does. Nina and her staff are amazing and care about her students. This studio is like family.
Lisa Sealy
Aug 03, 2017
Report
My granddaughter loves Ms. Nina. She loves that she feels she is part of the family. She knows that Nina loves her even when she corrects her. It helps her to reach her greatest potential. The many life lessons my granddaughter has learned through Nina are irreplaceable! The way she guides all the kids through giving back to the community is amazing. The memories that are created with this dance company will always be remembered.
