Business Details
10 Years
experience
Premier Dance Education in Rockwall
Rockwall Dance Academy is a family-focused dance studio rooted in integrity, dedicated to providing exceptional dance instruction within a culture of positivity and respect. Our mission emphasizes developing technical skill alongside life skills such as confidence, discipline, and perseverance. All instructors undergo annual background checks, CPR certification, and ongoing training, bringing professional performance experience, dance degrees, or 15+ years of teaching expertise. As a More Than Just Great Dancing affiliated studio, we offer programs for every dancer, including recreational classes, competitive teams, ballet competition prep, and our annual Nutcracker production.Our faculty includes industry professionals with experience in companies like Ballet North Texas and Avant Chamber Ballet. We prioritize small class sizes to ensure personalized attention, fostering a supportive environment where dancers grow technically and personally. With structured pathways for all skill levels, we prepare students for elite competitions, local drill teams, and lifelong dance appreciation. Our commitment to excellence extends to technique-focused classes, summer camps, and masterclasses with industry leaders. We pride ourselves on transparency, community engagement, and creating memorable experiences like our annual Spring Recital and Nutcracker tradition.
Services
Competitive Dance Teams
Ballet Competition Prep
Recreational Classes
Nutcracker Production
Drill Team Training
Technique Workshops
Private Evaluations
Summer Camps
Masterclasses
Company Track
Details
- Year established: 2016
Highlights and features
- Our instructors undergo annual background checks and CPR certification.
- Faculty includes professionals from Ballet North Texas and Avant Chamber Ballet.
- Small class sizes ensure personalized attention and care.
- Affiliated with More Than Just Great Dancing for elite training standards.
- Structured pathways prepare dancers for YAGP, ADC-IBC, and local competitions.
What people say
Outstanding instructors
Professional competition preparation
Supportive community
Memorable Nutcracker production
Excellent technique training
Services
Competitive Dance Teams
Our Competitive Company Track offers structured training for ages 4-18, combining core classes like ballet and technique with weekly team rehearsals. Dancers gain stage experience through community performances and spring competitions, building technical skills and lasting connections. The program includes small/large group opportunities and a solo program for ages 6+.
Ballet Competition Prep
BCPP trains dancers for elite competitions like YAGP with pre-approved variations and private lessons. Participants must complete level 2 training and receive director approval. The program includes winter clinics and opportunities to compete at RDA-attended events, led by former Ballet West company members.
Recreational Classes
Weekly classes for ages 2-18 in jazz, lyrical, hip hop, tap, and acro follow skill-based syllabi. Dancers receive end-of-year report cards and level recommendations while developing technique in a fun, supportive environment. Classes emphasize progressive learning and foundational skill development.
Nutcracker Production
Annual December production provides performance opportunities for ages 2-18. The classic ballet showcases student talent in roles like Clara and the Snow Queen, featuring elaborate costumes and professional staging. This family-friendly tradition includes casting for primary, company, and solo performers.
Drill Team Training
Specialized technique classes prepare dancers for drill team auditions with focus on acro, leaps & turns, and strength training. Winter clinics led by former Highsteppers teach audition techniques, while ongoing classes maintain technical proficiency for current drill team members at middle school and high school levels.
People
Emily Hatch
Owner & Company Director
Founder of RDA in 2016 with a degree in Entrepreneurship and Dance from Baylor University. Former cheer captain at NCAA Final Four events and award-winning choreographer with experience at Frisco Dance Studio.
Tori Lear
Program Director
BFA in Dance Performance from Oklahoma City University. Former Disney Cruise Line performer and Rockwall-Heath Highsteppers captain with expertise in technique, ballet, and contemporary instruction since 2017.
Alexi Grant
Company Director
Tap specialist and former All-American Dancer with Dallas Christian Chargerettes. Holds BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Baylor University, teaching since 2018 with professional experience in Moscow Russian Ballet.
Mackenzie Oborny
BCPP Director
Former Ballet West II company member with performance experience in Balanchine works and full-length ballets. Directs RDA's Ballet Competition Prep Program, training dancers for YAGP and ADC-IBC competitions since 2022.
Ani Vera
Hip Hop Instructor
30+ years professional experience including performances with Will Smith and Selena Gomez. Former NBA San Antonio Spurs dancer and award-winning choreographer with expertise in hip hop and musical theatre since 2024.
Questions
What age groups do your dance programs accommodate?
We offer classes for dancers aged 2 through adults, with specific programs for toddlers, primary students (ages 2-5), youth, teens, and adult ballet.
How do you determine class placement for new students?
New students can take free trial classes August-October to determine level placement. Private evaluations with our Technique Director are available for experienced dancers seeking specific pathway guidance.
What payment methods do you accept for tuition?
We accept auto-pay through our Parent Portal, check, or cash payments. Monthly tuition is due by the 3rd of each month with late fees applied after the 8th.
Do you offer summer dance programs?
Yes, we provide summer camps, masterclasses, and a 6-week Drill Prep Clinic in January-March to prepare for spring auditions and maintain technical proficiency.
What performance opportunities are available for students?
Our annual Spring Recital showcases all dancers, while the December Nutcracker production features roles for ages 2-18. Competitive teams perform at community events and regional competitions.
Are there opportunities for advanced ballet training?
Our Ballet Competition Prep Program (BCPP) trains students for elite competitions like YAGP with private lessons, masterclasses, and participation in RDA-attended events.
