Business Details
Premier Dance Education for Aspiring Performers
Ovations Dance Academy has been cultivating excellence in dance education for over three decades. Founded by director Linda Schugel, our academy combines rigorous technical training with a nurturing environment to develop dancers of all skill levels. Our faculty includes award-winning instructors with extensive professional experience, including Broadway performers and nationally recognized choreographers. We offer comprehensive training in ballet, jazz, hip-hop, tap, and more, with a curriculum designed to build both technical proficiency and artistic expression. Our students have gained acceptance to prestigious institutions like Juilliard and performed at venues including Radio City Music Hall.With state-of-the-art facilities featuring injury-preventative flooring systems, we prioritize both safety and artistic growth. Our commitment to individualized instruction ensures each student receives personalized attention to maximize their potential. Through regular performance opportunities and competition preparation, we help dancers translate technical skills into stage-ready artistry. The academy's accolades include recognition in Dance Spirit Magazine as one of North America's top 50 studios, reflecting our industry leadership. Our holistic approach combines dance education with character development, fostering confidence and discipline that extends beyond the studio.
Services
Ballet
Jazz
Hip-Hop
Tap
Lyrical
Musical Theater
Acrobatics
Pointe
Voice Training
Zumba Fitness
Highlights and features
- Award-winning faculty with decades of professional dance experience
- State-of-the-art facilities with injury-preventative floating floors
- Personalized class placement based on skill level, not age
- Proven track record of students accepted to top-tier performing arts schools
- Regular performance opportunities at prestigious venues nationwide
Services
Ballet
Our ballet program develops technical precision and artistic expression through Vaganova, Cecchetti, and RAD training methods. Students learn proper alignment, pointe work, and partnering techniques while building foundational skills applicable to all dance styles. The curriculum balances traditional training with contemporary approaches to create versatile performers.
Hip-Hop
This dynamic class teaches foundational hip-hop techniques including popping, locking, and breaking while emphasizing musicality and personal style. Instructors blend freestyle elements with choreographed routines to develop both technical skill and creative expression in a high-energy environment.
Acrobatics
Our acrobatic program builds strength, flexibility, and control through progressive tumbling skills and partner work. Classes include conditioning exercises and contortion training to enhance performance abilities while emphasizing safe technique development for dancers of all levels.
Musical Theater
This interdisciplinary class combines dance, acting, and singing to prepare students for theatrical performances. Curriculum includes Broadway-style choreography, character development, and vocal techniques to create well-rounded stage performers ready for productions and auditions.
Voice Training
Private voice lessons focus on healthy singing techniques, ear training, and repertoire development across multiple genres. Students learn microphone technique and performance presentation skills to prepare for competitions, pageants, and musical theater productions.
People
Linda Schugel
Director
With 30+ years of experience, Linda Schugel founded Ovations Dance Academy after directing two successful dance schools. She studied with industry legends and choreographed award-winning productions featured in Dance Spirit Magazine.
Aimee Schugel-Sprague
Assistant Director
Aimee brings 26+ years of dance expertise as both performer and instructor. She teaches multiple styles and has choreographed for national competitions and Disney productions, earning recognition for innovative routines.
Jennifer McIntosh
Ballet Director
Jennifer trained at prestigious institutions including the Rock School and North Carolina School of the Arts. As Ballet Director, she develops curriculum and prepares students for professional careers and elite summer programs.
Leo Manzari
Tap Instructor
A Lucille Lortel award nominee, Leo brings professional Broadway experience to his tap classes. He has performed on national TV shows, in touring productions, and collaborated with major orchestras worldwide.
Marcie Cantillo
Tap Instructor
Marcie has taught tap for two decades while maintaining a parallel career as an English educator. Her students consistently win awards for technical precision and creative choreography in national competitions.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, jazz, hip-hop, tap, lyrical, contemporary, acrobatics, pointe, musical theater, and Zumba fitness classes for ages 2 through adults.
Are your instructors qualified?
Our faculty includes award-winning professionals with Broadway experience, national competition judges, and instructors recognized by Dance Spirit Magazine.
What age groups do you teach?
We offer programs for children as young as 2 through adults, with classes categorized by skill level rather than age.
Do you offer performance opportunities?
Yes, we provide regular performance opportunities including annual productions, competition teams, and special showcase events.
What safety measures do you have in place?
Our studios feature floating floors with marley surfaces to reduce injury risk and provide optimal dancing conditions for all students.