Business Details
43 Years
experience
Premier Dance Classes for Children & Adults in Columbia, MD
Ballet with Cindee Velle has been nurturing young dancers since 1983, founded on the belief that dance education fosters confidence, creativity, and lifelong friendships. Our studio cultivates a family-oriented environment where children and adults develop technical skills while embracing the joy of movement. With a focus on classical ballet training influenced by the Vaganova method, we offer diverse classes from creative dance for toddlers to advanced contemporary for seasoned dancers.Our experienced instructors prioritize individual growth over competition, ensuring students build coordination, work ethic, and self-expression. Located in Columbia, Maryland, we serve Howard County and surrounding areas with year-round programming, summer camps, and performance opportunities that create lasting memories for families.
Services
Ballet
Tap/Jazz Combo
Lyrical
Contemporary
Hip Hop
Adult Classes
Pointe
Nutcracker Program
Private Lessons
Summer Dance Camps
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of experience in dance education with certified instructors
- Our Vaganova-influenced curriculum builds strong technical foundations
- Family-oriented environment prioritizes creativity over competition
- Summer camps combine dance training with arts and imaginative play
- Performance opportunities include annual Nutcracker and community events
What people say
Loves it
Professional environment
Builds confidence
Amazing instructors
Wonderful experience
Services
Ballet
Our ballet program develops technical proficiency through a Vaganova-influenced curriculum. Students master foundational techniques while cultivating grace, discipline, and artistic expression. Classes prepare dancers for advanced training in multiple styles.
Tap/Jazz Combo
Combining tap's percussive elements with jazz's energetic movements, this class enhances musicality and coordination. Students learn syncopation patterns and contemporary choreography in a fun, dynamic environment.
Lyrical
Lyrical classes blend ballet and jazz techniques to interpret music emotionally. Dancers develop fluid movement quality and storytelling abilities through choreography focused on musical interpretation.
Adult Classes
Designed for adult learners, these classes offer ballet and tap instruction at beginner to intermediate levels. Participants improve core strength, flexibility, and coordination in a supportive, non-competitive setting.
Summer Camps
Themed summer camps combine dance training with arts and crafts in a playful environment. Children aged 3-13 develop motor skills and creativity through structured dance activities and collaborative performances.
People
Cindee White
Founder & Director
With over 40 years of experience, Cindee White established Ballet with Cindee Velle in 1983. A certified dance instructor, she specializes in Vaganova method training and has directed local satellite programs while maintaining active involvement in dance education organizations.
Aimee Velle Moran
Competition Director
Aimee Velle Moran holds a BFA in Dance Performance from East Carolina University. As Competition Director, she oversees competitive teams while drawing on professional experience from Royal Caribbean performances and modern dance companies.
Rachel Otten
Senior Instructor
Rachel Otten, a University of Maryland graduate, brings expertise in modern and jazz techniques. With over 15 years teaching experience, she coaches competition students and teaches technique classes from beginner through advanced levels.
Nikki Kelly
Program Coordinator
Nikki Kelly, a Towson University BFA graduate, coordinates programs while leveraging her award-winning choreography background. She has taught diverse dance styles at multiple studios and performed with regional dance companies.
Anna Carlisle
Instructor
Anna Carlisle, a Maryland native with a BFA from Towson University, teaches ballet and contemporary classes. Her New York training at Broadway Dance Center complements her experience developing inclusive dance environments for students.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We teach ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, and pointe classes using a Vaganova-influenced curriculum with performance opportunities in multiple genres.
Do you have classes for adults?
Yes, we offer beginner to intermediate ballet and tap classes for adults focusing on technique development and physical fitness in a supportive environment.
What summer programs are available?
Our themed summer camps combine dance training with arts activities for ages 3-13, featuring daily classes and end-of-week performances with options for half-day and full-day attendance.
How do you place students in classes?
Students are placed by age, experience, and skill level. Contact our office for personalized placement recommendations based on individual dance experience.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes, we offer annual Nutcracker productions, competition teams, and community performances. Qualified students may audition for additional performance programs.
What is your teaching philosophy?
We prioritize creativity and confidence-building over competition, fostering a family-oriented environment where technical excellence develops through joyful, structured dance education.
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