Business Details
10 Years
experience
Premier Dance Education for All Ages in Washington, DC
Founded in 2016, Candace Sheppard Dance Academy (CSDA) was established to provide a nurturing environment where dancers of all ages and skill levels can cultivate their passion for movement. Drawing from decades of personal experience in dance education, our team created a space that combines technical excellence with creative expression. We offer structured classes in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, and more, taught by qualified faculty dedicated to individual growth. Our curriculum emphasizes discipline, teamwork, and self-expression while preparing students for performance opportunities like The Nutcracker, competition teams, and community festivals. With state-of-the-art facilities and over 50 weekly classes, we serve ages 2-18, ensuring every student finds their artistic voice.Our commitment to accessibility means welcoming diverse backgrounds and abilities, fostering a community where dance becomes a second home. Through personalized instruction and performance-based learning, we help students develop physical agility, artistic confidence, and lifelong appreciation for dance. Our no-cut audition policy ensures inclusive participation in major productions, while private coaching options allow focused skill development. As a locally rooted institution, we prioritize balanced growth that supports both technical mastery and personal fulfillment. Our 20-week semester structure with recital eligibility ensures comprehensive dance education that extends beyond the studio.
Services
Ballet
Tap
Jazz
Hip Hop
Contemporary
Lyrical
Musical Theatre
Pointe
Acro
Private Coaching
Details
- Year established: 2016
Highlights and features
- Our faculty includes renowned instructors with decades of professional dance experience
- We offer 50+ weekly classes across 10+ dance styles in state-of-the-art facilities
- No-cut audition policy ensures inclusive participation in major productions
- Private coaching available for personalized skill development (ages 9-18)
- 20-week semester structure with recital eligibility for committed students
Services
Ballet
Our ballet program develops technical precision and artistic expression through progressive levels from beginner to advanced. Students learn proper body alignment, turnout, and classical repertoire while building strength and flexibility. Classes prepare dancers for performance opportunities and advanced training in our 20-week semester structure.
Tap
Tap classes focus on musicality and footwork precision across multiple difficulty levels. Students develop rhythm, coordination, and improvisation skills while learning various tap styles from traditional to contemporary. Classes integrate with jazz and musical theatre training for versatile performance preparation.
Jazz
Jazz instruction emphasizes dynamic movement, isolations, and performance quality. Our curriculum progresses from foundational techniques to advanced choreography, incorporating current industry trends. Classes prepare students for competition teams and musical theatre roles while developing versatility and stage presence.
Hip Hop
Hip hop classes teach authentic street dance styles from beginner to advanced levels. Students learn breaking, popping, locking, and freestyle techniques while developing rhythm and personal style. Age-specific curricula ensure safe progression for young dancers while maintaining cultural authenticity in our training approach.
Private Coaching
Personalized dance instruction available for ages 9-18 across all styles. Sessions focus on technical refinement, competition preparation, or audition readiness with customized lesson plans. Our experienced instructors provide one-on-one attention to address specific goals and accelerate skill development beyond regular class instruction.
Questions
What age groups do you accept?
We offer classes for children as young as 2 years old through teenagers up to 18 years old, with specific programs tailored to different developmental stages.
Do you offer competitive dance teams?
Yes, we have audition-based competition teams in various dance styles. Auditions are held annually, and selected dancers participate in regional and national competitions throughout the season.
What performance opportunities exist?
Students can participate in The Nutcracker production, community festivals, and our annual recital. Competition team members also perform at multiple events throughout the year.
Are private lessons available?
Private coaching sessions are available for ages 9-18 in all dance styles. Lessons focus on technical improvement, competition preparation, or audition training with personalized instruction from our faculty.
How do I register for classes?
Registration can be completed through our website or by contacting our office directly. We recommend early registration as class sizes are limited to maintain quality instruction and safety standards.
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