Business Details
38 Years
experience
Premier Performing Arts Training in Folsom, CA
Founded by Deirdre Hawkins Dance Academy over 37 years ago, Hawkins Dance Academy has evolved into the premier dance and performing arts academy in Folsom and the greater Sacramento area. Our studio fosters a constructive, individualized learning environment, emphasizing foundational training in classical disciplines while encouraging exploration in musical theater, acrobatics, and voice. With a faculty of accomplished professionals, including Luke Hawkins Dance Academy, a guest artist with extensive New York performance experience, we provide tailored programs for all skill levelsfrom recreational dancers to competitive performers. Our commitment to nurturing artistic potential through placements, workshops, and masterclasses has earned us recognition as a regional leader.The Hawkins Dance Academy community thrives as a second family, uniting students, parents, and instructors in a shared passion for the arts. We maintain state-of-the-art facilities, including multiple studios named after legendary performers, and collaborate with local partners to expand our offerings. Over decades, our students have consistently achieved artistic growth, confidence, and performance excellence, reflected in testimonials praising our transformative impact. With a focus on technical mastery and creative expression, Hawkins Dance Academy remains dedicated to cultivating the next generation of performing artists.
Services
Ballet
Tap
Hip Hop
Musical Theater
Acrobatics
Voice Training
Adult Classes
Summer Camps
Studio Rentals
Enrichment Programs
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- We offer 37+ years of dedicated dance and performing arts education.
- Our faculty includes professionals with decades of performance and teaching experience.
- We provide individualized training through ballet placements and level-appropriate classes.
- We foster a supportive community environment for artistic growth.
- We integrate musical theater, acrobatics, and voice into our dance curriculum.
What people say
Amazing training
Love for the art
Thriving experience
Well-rounded experience
Foundation for growth
Services
Ballet
Our ballet program offers comprehensive training from beginner to advanced levels, focusing on proper technique, alignment, and grace. Students develop strength, flexibility, and artistry through structured lessons rooted in classical foundations. The curriculum prepares dancers for performances and potential careers in professional ballet.
Musical Theater
This program combines dance, singing, and acting to create well-rounded performers. Students learn theatrical techniques, character development, and stage presence through workshops and production rehearsals. The curriculum prepares young artists for competitive auditions and stage performances like our annual Nutcracker production.
Adult Classes
Designed for non-professional dancers, these classes provide fitness benefits and artistic expression opportunities. Adults enjoy ballet, tap, and hip hop instruction tailored to their skill level and goals. Participants gain physical conditioning while experiencing the joy of dance in a fun, judgment-free environment.
Summer Camps
Our summer camps offer immersive performing arts experiences with specialized tracks in dance, theater, and acrobatics. Instructors focus on skill development, teamwork, and creative expression through daily workshops and final showcases. Camps cater to various age groups, providing age-appropriate challenges and engagement.
Studio Rentals
We offer professional-grade studio spaces for rent to performing artists and organizations. Each room features sprung floors, full-length mirrors, and sound systems suitable for rehearsals and classes. Our eight studios, named after legends like Astaire and Baryshnikov, accommodate various artistic needs and group sizes.
People
Deirdre Hawkins
Founder and Artistic Director
MA in Education with dance specialization, trained under Christensen brothers and Shawl-Anderson Dance Center. Co-founded Stanford Children's Dance program and established Friends of Dance at Stanford. Recognized by Folsom City Council for performing arts contributions.
Luke Hawkins
Guest Artist Tap Instructor
Professional performer with NYC experience in touring productions. Specializes in tap dance instruction, maintaining the Hawkins Dance Academy family legacy of teaching excellence and artistic passion through guest masterclasses and workshops.
Jacob Gutierrez-Montoya
Director of Performing Arts Company
Leads company dancers in advanced training and performance preparation. Focuses on developing technical proficiency and artistic expression for competitive and professional pathways.
Kendra Barrera
Performing Arts Company Director
Guides dancers through advanced repertoire and performance techniques. Emphasizes stagecraft and professional development for company-level students.
Ariel Krystyne Wright
Hip Hop Director
Specializes in hip hop curriculum development and adjudication. Brings contemporary urban dance styles and competition preparation expertise to Hawkins Dance Academy students.
Questions
What age groups do you accept?
We offer classes for children as young as 2, youth programs, and adult dance classes.
Do you require prior dance experience?
No, classes accommodate all levels from beginners to advanced performers.
What performance opportunities exist?
Students participate in annual productions like Spooktacular and The Nutcracker, plus showcases.
How do you place students in appropriate levels?
Ballet placements and trial classes determine optimal class levels for each student.
Do you offer summer programs?
Yes, our summer camps provide immersive dance and theater training for various age groups.
What dance styles do you teach?
We offer ballet, tap, hip hop, contemporary, jazz, musical theater, and acrobatics.
