Business Details
13 Years
experience
Premier Dance Education for All Ages in Dover, DE
Barbara's Dance Academy was founded in May 2013 by Barbara McDonald, a nationally certified dance instructor with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance Performance and Education from Towson University. Our academy offers comprehensive training in over 20 dance styles, including ballet, hip hop, jazz, and ballroom, taught by industry-certified professionals. We provide group classes, private lessons, and performance opportunities for students of all ages and skill levels. Barbara's expertise includes certifications from Dance Vision International and Fred Astaire, with over two decades of teaching and choreography experience. We emphasize technical excellence, artistic expression, and personalized instruction tailored to each student's goals.Our facility in Dover, Delaware, serves as a creative hub for dance education, hosting recitals, showcases, and community events throughout the year. With a focus on nurturing both competitive and recreational dancers, we combine professional instruction with a supportive learning environment. Our team includes Christina Butler, a certified dance educator and yoga master specializing in contemporary and hip hop techniques. Barbara's Dance Academy has earned recognition for excellence in choreography, costume design, and performance training across multiple states. We remain committed to fostering a lifelong passion for dance while maintaining the highest standards of technical proficiency and artistic development.
Services
Ballet
Hip Hop
Jazz
Ballroom
Yoga
Tap
Modern
Lyrical
Contemporary
Wedding Dances
Details
- Year established: 2013
Highlights and features
- We offer nationally certified instructors with decades of professional experience.
- Our curriculum includes over 20 dance styles for all skill levels.
- We provide performance opportunities through recitals and showcases.
- Our faculty includes specialized yoga and conditioning experts.
- We combine technical excellence with personalized instruction approaches.
Associations and certifications
- Dance Vision International Dance Association
- Fred Astaire
Services
Ballet
Our ballet program teaches traditional techniques including pointe work, barre exercises, and classical repertoire. Students develop posture, grace, and technical precision through structured lessons. Classes are available for all levels from beginner to advanced performers.
Hip Hop
Hip hop classes focus on street dance styles with emphasis on rhythm, isolations, and freestyle movement. Instructors teach current trends while developing students' creative expression and performance confidence in a high-energy environment.
Ballroom
We offer instruction in 12 ballroom styles including waltz, tango, and salsa. Classes cover both competitive techniques and social dance applications for weddings or special events with partner-focused training.
Yoga
Yoga and stretching classes improve flexibility, strength, and body awareness. Certified instructors guide students through poses and sequences that enhance dance performance and prevent injuries through proper muscle conditioning.
Wedding Dances
Custom wedding dance lessons prepare couples for their first dance with choreography tailored to their song choice and comfort level. Packages include private instruction and practice sessions for special occasions.
People
Barbara McDonald
Owner/Director
Founder Barbara McDonald holds a BFA in Dance from Towson University and certifications from Dance Vision International and Fred Astaire. With 20+ years teaching experience, she has won multiple awards for instruction and choreography nationwide.
Christina Butler
Instructor
Certified dance educator Christina Butler specializes in hip hop, lyrical, and contemporary styles. A yoga master with professional performance experience, she brings dynamic energy and technical expertise to her classes for students of all levels.
