Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Premier Dance Destination in Vienna, VA
Cuppett Performing Arts Center has been a cornerstone of Vienna, Virginia's arts community since 1962. Founded by Alzine Cuppett, a former Rockette and dance pioneer, our studio has evolved from a home-based operation to an 8,000-square-foot facility while maintaining our family-centric values. We offer comprehensive dance education for ages 3 to adult across four professionally equipped studios, specializing in ballet (including the Cecchetti method), tap, jazz, contemporary/lyrical, acro-dance, and musical theatre. Our faculty comprises certified professionals from prestigious organizations like Dance Masters of America and the Cecchetti Council of America, many of whom choose to teach exclusively at our center.We emphasize individualized attention, fostering creativity and self-confidence while maintaining strict standards of artistic integrity and age-appropriate content. Our annual productions, including full-length spring ballets and June recitals, showcase student achievements while cultivating community engagement through outreach performances and charitable initiatives.
Services
Ballet Classes
Tap Dance
Jazz Instruction
Contemporary/Lyrical
Acro-Dance
Musical Theatre
Pointe Work
Cecchetti Method
Summer Camps
Dance Company
Details
- Year established: 1962
Highlights and features
- Certified instructors from prestigious dance organizations
- Over 60 years serving Vienna's dance community
- Comprehensive curriculum from beginner to pre-professional levels
- Family-owned studio with personalized student attention
- Community-focused performances and charitable initiatives
Associations and certifications
- Dance Masters of America
- Cecchetti Council of America
- American Ballet Theatre
What people say
Amazing instructors
Family-friendly environment
Professional performances
Excellent technique development
Community involvement
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program combines Russian (Vaganova) and Italian (Cecchetti) methods, offering levels from creative movement for ages 3-6 to advanced pointe work. Students develop technical precision, strength, and artistry through structured curricula with annual performance opportunities in full-length productions.
Cecchetti Method
We offer the complete Cecchetti syllabus from Grades I-VII, with national examinations that validate technical progress. This systematic approach builds strong foundations for ballet and cross-disciplinary dance training, taught by certified instructors with professional performance backgrounds.
Dance Company
The Cuppett Dance Company provides serious students aged 7-18 with performance and competition opportunities. Members participate in community events, workshops, and annual productions while developing teamwork and leadership through charitable fundraising initiatives.
Summer Camps
Our themed summer camps combine dance training with creative activities for children ages 3-12. Participants receive technical instruction in multiple styles while preparing a showcase performance, fostering artistic growth in a fun, supportive environment.
Dance Boutique
Allegra's Dance Boutique offers required dancewear, pointe shoes, and accessories for all training levels. Located on-site, our store provides expert fittings for proper dance attire while offering custom spirit wear and performance essentials.
People
Amy Cuppett
Artistic Director and Owner/President
Amy Cuppett has served as Artistic Director since 2002, following 20 years working alongside her mother, founder Alzine Cuppett. With experience as student, parent, teacher, and administrator, she maintains the studio's family-oriented philosophy while advancing its professional standards.
Kelsey Gaydos
Ballet Instructor
A former Cuppett student and scholarship recipient, Kelsey Gaydos holds a BA in Dance Performance from the University of South Carolina. An ABT-certified teacher, she brings professional performance experience from the USC Dance Company and Terra Firma Dance to her instruction.
Nikki Ranee Gambhir
Hip Hop & Tap Instructor
Professional dancer and choreographer Nikki Gambhir has performed with Cirque du Soleil and on Broadway. She directs community outreach programs and teaches diverse styles including hip hop, contemporary, and Bollywood fusion at the studio.
Jennifer Meyer
Cecchetti Instructor
Certified through Cecchetti Grade VII, Jennifer Meyer holds a Teachers Training Diploma from Kent State University. With over 12 years on the Cecchetti Council of America board, she specializes in preparing students for examinations and teacher training.
Michelle Michaels
Tap Instructor
A founding member of Tappening and Play Time Tap, Michelle Michaels brings 25+ years of professional tap experience. She performs with Sundays on Tap and has appeared with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet (including Cecchetti method), tap, jazz, contemporary/lyrical, acro-dance, musical theatre, and character dance for ages 3 to adult.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes! Students participate in annual Spring Ballet productions and June Recitals, with additional community performance chances through our Cuppett Dance Company.
How are ballet class placements determined?
Students are evaluated annually for appropriate placement. Requirements include specific class frequencies for pointe preparation and advancement through Cecchetti grades.
Do you offer summer programs?
We provide themed summer camps combining dance training with creative activities, plus specialized intensives for advanced students during June and July.
Is there a dancewear store onsite?
Yes, Allegra's Dance Boutique offers required dance attire, pointe shoes, and accessories with expert fittings to ensure proper sizing and quality.
How can students join the dance company?
Auditions for the Cuppett Dance Company occur annually in June. Company members commit to additional rehearsals and participate in community performances and charitable initiatives.
