Business Details
44 Years
experience
English Theatre Arts - Excellence in Dance Education
At English Theatre Arts, we are dedicated to cultivating excellence in dance education through professional instruction and a nurturing environment. Founded on the belief that dance should be accessible to all, we provide comprehensive training across all genres, from classical ballet to contemporary and hip-hop. Our mission is to nurture artistic growth, instill strong work ethics, and empower students to express themselves creatively. With over four decades of teaching experience, our team has prepared students for prestigious institutions like the South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and professional dance careers.We emphasize individualized attention, ensuring each student progresses at their own pace while maintaining age-appropriate, engaging productions. Our commitment to quality extends to costume design and curriculum development, reflecting our passion for dance as both an art form and a pathway to personal growth.
Services
Ballet
Contemporary
Tap
Acro
Jazz
Hip Hop
Drama
PBT/PCT
Preschool Classes
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- 40 years of professional dance instruction experience
- Proven track record preparing students for elite arts institutions
- Personalized attention with placement-based class levels
- Diverse curriculum spanning 8+ dance genres
- Costume design and production expertise
Associations and certifications
- International Dance Teachers Association
What people say
Top notch instruction
Caring environment
Clean studio
Professional training
Age appropriate productions
Services
Ballet
Our ballet program develops technical mastery through Royal Academy of Dance and Vaganova methods. Students progress through 8 levels from ages 6+ with specialized pointe and partnering classes for advanced dancers. The curriculum builds grace, precision, and artistic expression while preparing students for professional opportunities.
Contemporary
This expressive style blends ballet, jazz, and modern techniques to explore emotional storytelling through movement. Classes focus on core strength, floor work, and improvisation for intermediate/advanced dancers. Students develop versatility and artistry through choreography that challenges technical and emotional boundaries.
Tap
Our tap program teaches rhythm creation and musicality through progressive skill development. Students learn from basic shuffles to complex combinations in classes for ages 2+. The curriculum emphasizes clear sound production, speed control, and improvisation while building coordination and musical awareness.
Acro
This hybrid style combines dance with acrobatic skills like handstands, walkovers, and aerials. Classes for ages 7+ focus on flexibility, strength, and safe technique progression. Students learn to integrate acrobatics seamlessly into dance routines while developing body awareness and performance quality.
PBT/PCT
Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) and Contemporary Technique (PCT) use resistance training to enhance dance performance. These programs improve core stability, weight placement, and muscle activation for dancers ages 8+. The evidence-based methods reduce injury risk while increasing technical capacity across all dance styles.
People
Barbara English
Owner & Creative Director
Barbara English, originally from Liverpool, England, has taught dance for 40 years. She trained at Liverpool Theatre School and holds an IDTA degree in ballet education. She has prepared students for professional careers and elite institutions while developing curriculum and costumes for ETA's productions.
Stephanie Cureton
Director & Instructor
Stephanie Cureton graduated from South Carolina Governor's School and Agnes Scott College with dance/psychology degrees. She teaches various styles while pursuing graduate studies in dance and physical therapy. Her choreography experience spans professional and educational settings in Greenville and Atlanta.
Samantha Italiano
Instructor
Samantha Italiano specializes in tap dance, having studied at Elon University with Gene Medler. She brings expertise in performance skills and dance history from teaching experiences across multiple states. Her background includes guest artist performances with professional companies in Little Rock and Minneapolis.
Tabitha Murphy
Office Manager
Tabitha Murphy manages daily operations at ETA while applying her early childhood development diploma. A homeschooling parent of four, she transitioned from volunteer parent to office manager in 2019, supporting families and staff with administrative expertise.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, contemporary, tap, acro, jazz, hip-hop, drama, PBT/PCT, and preschool classes with 8+ genres available for all skill levels.
How do I register for classes?
Registration is available online through our website. Visit the 'Class Schedule' section to view offerings and complete the registration process.
What qualifications do your instructors have?
Our instructors hold degrees in dance education, have professional performance experience, and maintain teaching certifications from recognized institutions like IDTA.
Do you offer payment plans or financial assistance?
We provide tuition assistance and scholarships. Contact our office manager for details about payment options and financial support programs.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Greenville County and surrounding areas in Upstate South Carolina with convenient access for local families.
