Business Details
Premier Dance Studio in Charlotte, NC
At Upstage Center of Performing Arts, we have dedicated ourselves to cultivating a nurturing environment where dance becomes a transformative journey for students of all ages and skill levels. Founded by industry professionals with decades of combined experience, our studio blends affordability with high-quality instruction across ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, and acrobatics. Our team includes certified instructors with specialized training in inclusive dance education, ensuring every student receives age-appropriate guidance tailored to their unique needs. We prioritize fostering passion, confidence, and teamwork, creating a community where students excel both artistically and personally.With programs designed for children as young as 18 months through adults, we emphasize continuous improvement over perfection, encouraging creativity and self-expression. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our competition team's success and our alumni who return as instructors, embodying the lasting impact of our studio. Located conveniently in Charlotte, we provide a joyful, inclusive space where families build lifelong connections through the art of dance.
Services
Ballet
Tap
Jazz
Hip Hop
Contemporary
Acrobatics
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of combined teaching experience from certified instructors.
- Our curriculum includes specialized programs for children with special needs.
- We maintain a 100% retention rate for students transitioning to competition teams.
- Our studio fosters a family-oriented environment with intergenerational alumni involvement.
- We provide progressive training from introductory classes to advanced technical mastery.
Associations and certifications
- Rhythm Works Integrative Dance
- Dance Masters of America
- Youth Protection Advocates in Dance
- Dance Studio Owners Association
What people say
Nurturing environment
Experienced instructors
Inclusive community
Confidence building
Lifelong friendships
Services
Ballet Instruction
Our ballet program develops technical precision and artistic expression through structured training. Students learn foundational techniques while building strength, flexibility, and performance skills. Our progressive curriculum accommodates beginners through advanced dancers seeking pointe work preparation.
Hip Hop Classes
Contemporary hip hop instruction focuses on rhythm, musicality, and creative movement expression. Classes emphasize proper technique while encouraging individual style development in a high-energy, supportive environment for all skill levels.
Acrobatic Arts
Acrobatic instruction follows the Acrobatic Arts curriculum, progressing through skill-based levels. Students develop flexibility, strength, and coordination while mastering tumbling techniques and partner stunts safely and systematically.
Competition Team
Audition-based competition teams receive advanced training in multiple dance styles. Participants develop performance excellence through choreography, technical drills, and collaborative routines while building stage presence and teamwork skills.
Special Needs Dance
Certified instructors deliver adapted dance instruction using Rhythm Works methodology. Classes focus on sensory integration, motor skills development, and creative expression for children with autism, Down syndrome, and other special needs.
People
Jenny Griffes
Owner/Director
With 25 years of experience, Jenny founded the studio after growing a nonprofit program into a thriving school. Certified in inclusive dance instruction, she specializes in curriculum development and youth mentorship.
Ashley Baker
Competition Director
A graduate of UNC Charlotte with dance education and arts administration degrees, Ashley brings 16 years of industry experience. She directs award-winning competition teams while teaching foundational dance techniques.
Nicolette Agosto
Dance Instructor
A UNC Charlotte graduate with 18 years of teaching experience, Nicolette focuses on student confidence and technical development. She creates engaging environments where dancers feel motivated and inspired.
Akire' Rogers
Instructor
Returning as an alumna, Akire' brings 15 years of studio experience. A UNC Wilmington graduate with multilingual abilities, she connects dance education with early childhood development principles.
Kaleya Stocks
Instructor
With 15 years of dance training and a health systems management degree, Kaleya combines technical expertise with youth mentorship. She specializes in making dance accessible to diverse learners.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We provide instruction in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, and acrobatics for ages 18 months through adults.
How do I register for classes?
Registration is available online through our Parent Portal. Trial classes can be booked directly on our website.
What is the trial class cost?
Experience our studio with a $10 trial class designed to help families explore our programs before committing.
Do you have a competition team?
Yes, our award-winning competition teams accept students through auditions with placement based on skill assessment.
What are your refund policies?
Registration and recital fees are non-refundable. Tuition requires 30 days' notice for withdrawal with a $25 cancellation fee.
Are instructors certified?
Our staff includes certified professionals with credentials in dance education, special needs instruction, and youth protection.
Reviews (3)
Anna Reed
Mar 16, 2021
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My daughter has been taking dance classes from the instructors at this dance studio since they opened. She has grown so much and has gained self-confidence, self-disciple, leadership as well as many other skills during her dance lessons. She is involved in several classes and is also on the competition team. I would highly recommend Upstage Center of Performing Arts for anyone wanting to get their children involved in a positive dance experience.
Nancy Gavin
Oct 24, 2019
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My daughter has been with these teachers for 10 years. They pour themselves into the students. The studio is excellent at finding talent and making their students shine.
Sumor O'Hara
Jun 20, 2019
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Love coming here every week to spend time with friends and do one of my biggest passions! Teachers are amazing!! Thank you guys for getting me on the stage again
