Business Details
22 Years
experience
Premier Dance Education for All Ages in Lexington, SC
Founded in 2004 by Danyele Gardner, South Carolina Dance Company (SCDC) has dedicated itself to providing comprehensive dance education for children, teenagers, and young adults. Our mission is to empower students through dance, fostering life skills such as commitment, responsibility, and self-worth while delivering technical excellence. With two state-of-the-art facilities in Lexington, SC, including six sprung-floor studios and advanced amenities, we prioritize dancer safety and comfort. Our award-winning faculty, recognized nationally for choreography and instruction, brings decades of experience and industry connections to cultivate artistic growth.SCDC offers diverse programs from preschool classes to competitive teams, integrating leadership development and community service into every curriculum. Celebrating over 20 years of excellence, we remain committed to nurturing both individual talent and family-friendly environments that celebrate dance as a transformative art form.
Services
Ballet Classes
Hip Hop Instruction
Tap Dance Programs
Contemporary Dance
Acro Training
Summer Dance Camps
Competitive Teams
Private Lessons
Birthday Parties
Studio Rentals
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- 21+ years of excellence in dance education with nationally recognized instructors
- State-of-the-art facilities featuring six sprung-floor studios and safety-focused design
- Comprehensive programs from toddler classes to competitive teams
- Award-winning choreographers with industry-wide recognition
- Integrated life skills curriculum emphasizing leadership and character development
What people say
Dedicated teachers
Clean facilities
Positive atmosphere
Professional staff
Family-friendly environment
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops technical precision through pointe work, turnout techniques, and graceful movement patterns. Students build foundational skills transferable to all dance styles while cultivating discipline and artistry. Classes emphasize proper alignment, musicality, and performance quality across beginner to advanced levels.
Hip Hop Instruction
Dynamic hip hop classes blend jazz, tap, and street dance elements with contemporary music. Students learn freestyle techniques and choreography while developing rhythm, coordination, and self-expression. Our instructors integrate traditional moves with modern trends for authentic urban dance experiences.
Tap Dance Programs
Award-winning tap curriculum focuses on creating percussive sounds through specialized footwear. Classes develop musicality, foot speed, and coordination while emphasizing proper technique to prevent injury. Students progress from basic steps to complex rhythmic patterns and improvisation.
Summer Dance Camps
Seasonal camps provide immersive dance experiences across multiple genres. Participants receive concentrated instruction from professional choreographers while building technical skills and performance confidence. Age-specific programs include recreational options and competitive preparation for serious dancers.
Competitive Teams
Elite teams compete nationally in jazz, tap, and contemporary styles. Members receive advanced choreography training, performance coaching, and competition preparation. Teams emphasize teamwork, stage presence, and technical excellence while maintaining a supportive, family-oriented environment.
People
Danyele Gardner
Owner and Artistic Director
Founder with 40+ years dance experience, BA in Elementary Education, and multiple teaching awards. Directs studio operations and choreography while maintaining active involvement in daily instruction.
Ashley Howell Neal
Co-Director
15-year SCDC veteran with Columbia City Ballet background. Award-winning choreographer and former soloist in regional ballet productions. Specializes in jazz and contemporary instruction while managing faculty development.
Amanda Burgess
Assistant Director
Columbia native with professional ballet experience. Former Columbia City Ballet member with 60+ stage roles. Oversees ballet curriculum and competition team preparation while maintaining active teaching responsibilities.
Shannon Canady
Company Manager
BA in dance education from Columbia College. Former National Board Certified dance educator with 27 years leading Lexington Varsity Cheerleading. Manages competitive teams and community outreach programs.
Sharon Jones
Instructor
30+ years teaching experience, former Sha-Mar Dance Studios owner. Developed tap curriculum and directed award-winning competition teams. Specializes in early childhood dance education and faculty mentorship.
Questions
What age groups do you accept for dance classes?
We offer programs for children as young as 2 years old through adult classes, with specific divisions for preschoolers, elementary, middle school, high school, and adult students.
Do you offer competitive dance opportunities?
Yes, we maintain award-winning competitive teams in jazz, tap, and contemporary styles with regional and national competition schedules throughout the year.
What dance styles are available at SCDC?
We teach ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, contemporary, lyrical, hip hop, acro, musical theater, and all-boys hip hop classes for all skill levels.
Are summer dance programs available?
We offer summer camps and intensives for ages 2-18 with specialized tracks for different dance styles and skill levels during June-August each year.
Can I rent studio space for private events?
Our facilities are available for birthday parties and rehearsals at $50/hour, including access to professional dance floors and party equipment rentals.
What makes SCDC different from other dance studios?
We combine award-winning instructors, state-of-the-art facilities, and a values-based curriculum that develops both technical skill and character in a family-friendly environment.
