Business Details
16 Years
experience
Your Trusted Dance Academy in Dawsonville, GA
Founded in 2010 by Mary Murdaugh, Dawsonville Dance Academy has been a cornerstone of dance education in Dawson County. In 2020, Ensley Sisk, a former student and graduate of our program, took ownership, bringing fresh energy while maintaining our commitment to excellence. Our mission is to provide high-quality dance instruction in a safe, wholesome environment where children develop technical skills, confidence, and lifelong memories. We prioritize student well-being through modest costuming, age-appropriate choreography, and a focus on character development. With classes in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, and Hip-Hop, we cater to students aged 3 through teens. Our performance-based curriculum includes two annual theater productions, fostering stage experience and public presentation skills.We emphasize structured learning with kid-friendly music and movements, ensuring students remain engaged and physically active. Our experienced instructors, including certified teachers with decades of combined expertise, create a supportive atmosphere where childhood innocence is celebrated. We maintain strict dress codes for safety and proper technique development, and we offer trial classes for young beginners. As a locally rooted studio, we serve Dawson County and surrounding areas, building community through dance since 2010.
Services
Ballet Classes
Tap Dance
Jazz Instruction
Lyrical Dance
Hip-Hop Workshops
Creative Dance Program
Pointe Training
Pre-Pointe Preparation
Costume Rentals
Theater Performances
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- We offer 14 years of combined experience through our owner and instructors
- Our performance-based curriculum includes two annual theater productions
- We maintain strict safety-focused dress codes and age-appropriate choreography
- Our owner is a former student with formal teacher training credentials
- We provide trial classes to help young dancers transition into structured learning
What people say
Boost confidence
Great job equipping students
Wholesome environment
Fresh energy and experience
Best childhood memories
Services
Ballet Classes
Our Ballet program introduces foundational techniques through imaginative movement. Students develop posture, grace, and coordination while learning classical ballet positions and terminology. Classes incorporate storytelling elements to maintain engagement for younger dancers while building technical proficiency for advanced students.
Tap Dance
Tap classes focus on developing rhythm, timing, and foot coordination. Students learn various tap styles from Broadway to rhythm tap while improving musicality and spatial awareness. Our curriculum emphasizes clean sounds and precise footwork progression.
Jazz Instruction
Jazz classes combine technical training with energetic choreography. Students learn isolations, turns, and leaps while developing performance quality. Our jazz program emphasizes proper warm-up techniques and safe progression through skill levels.
Lyrical Dance
Lyrical classes blend ballet technique with emotional storytelling. Students learn to interpret music through movement, focusing on fluid transitions and expressive body language. Our program emphasizes safe stretching practices and controlled strength development.
Hip-Hop Workshops
Hip-Hop classes teach street dance styles with age-appropriate choreography. Students develop rhythm, coordination, and personal style while learning current dance trends. Our workshops emphasize creativity and self-expression within structured routines.
People
Ensley Sisk
Owner & Director
Former student turned owner with extensive local performance experience. Completed teacher training program and holds college degree in dance education. Brings fresh vision while maintaining studio's founding values since 2020 purchase.
Kaylin Sheffield
Instructor
Teaching since age 13 with expertise in Ballet and Pointe. Completed advanced training including master classes with former Moscow Stanislavsky Ballet dancers. Specializes in youth ballet instruction and early dance development.
Questions
What age groups do you accept?
We accept students aged 3 through teens. Classes are structured by age group with progressive difficulty levels.
Are performances mandatory?
Yes, our Christmas Show and Spring Recital are mandatory to build confidence and ensure equal participation opportunities.
What dance styles do you offer?
We teach Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip-Hop, and Pointe with age-appropriate choreography and music.
Do you have a dress code?
Yes, we enforce specific dress codes for safety and proper technique development in each class.
How long is your program year?
Our season runs August through May with required commitment to complete the full year.
Can I try a class before enrolling?
We offer free trial classes for 3-year-olds to assess readiness for structured learning.
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