The Arts Castle Dance Academy (ACDA)
Rooted in the vibrant arts education offered by The Arts Castle, ACDA inspires creativity and confidence through dance. Our program combines professional instruction with opportunities for personal growth in a welcoming, family-friendly environment.
Register for the 2024-2025 Season
Why Choose The ACDA?
At The Arts Castle Dance Academy, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to dance. Whether you’re just beginning or looking to further develop your skills, The ACDA offers:
- Professional Instruction: Ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, tumbling, adult classes and more!
- Inclusive Programming: Classes for all ages and abilities.
- Performance Opportunities: Participate in recitals and join our Dance Team for community performance opportunities.
- Fun, Non-Competitive Environment: Nurturing both quality technique and personal expression.
ACDA Perks:
- No Registration Fee!
- Multi-Class Discount: 10% off additional classes per family.
- All-Inclusive Pricing: Recital fees are included in class prices (except adult classes and Physically Integrated Dance).
ACDA Enrollment & Information
Programs We Offer
As one of Ohio’s premier community teaching centers for the arts, The Arts Castle recognizes that every dancer’s journey is unique, which is why we offer both Academy and Pre-Academy dance classes to cater to a diverse range of interests and commitments.
Pre-Academy
Perfect for beginners or those looking for a shorter commitment, Pre-Academy classes run in 8-week sessions on Saturdays.
- What to Expect:
- A focus on foundational skills and fostering a love for dance.
- Styles include ballet, creative movement, combo classes, tumbling and more.
- No recitals, but an in class showcase for family and friends during the final class.
- Who It’s For: Young dancers looking to build confidence in a supportive environment.
Register for Pre-Academy Dance
The Arts Castle Dance Academy (Fall–Spring)
A comprehensive dance experience for those ready to commit to a full season.
- What to Expect:
- Participation in recitals to showcase talent and hard work and build confidence in performing.
- Classes for children, teens, and adults in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, musical theater, tumbling, and more.
- Dedicated instructors fostering both technical growth and personal expression.
- Additional Opportunities: For dedicated dancers, join the ACDA Dance Team for more performance experiences!
Register for The Arts Castle Dance Academy
We Love To Dance!
The Arts Castle Dance Academy is proud to be part of The Arts Castle’s mission to nurture creativity in Delaware County and beyond. We strive to cultivate a lifelong passion for dance in a welcoming and inclusive community where every dancer can express themselves through creative movement.
Join us and let your passion for dance come alive!
We are so deeply grateful for our generous 2024 Holiday Recital sponsors, Sims Brothers Recycling and Willow Brook Christian Communities, for providing The ACDA the wonderful opportunity for our dancers to perform on the historic Marion Palace Theatre stage!
Dance Academy Instructors
Chelsea Carbary | ACDA Dance Coordinator
Miss Chelsea grew up dancing, cheerleading and performing in musical theater productions, which eventually led her to continue pursuing her passion in college, where she danced on the Capital University Dance Team and danced professionally for the Columbus Crewzers, the dance team for the Columbus Crew. Chelsea graduated from Capital University with a Bachelor of Arts in Leadership and Management and a minor in Psychology. She previously worked in both Human Resources and Philanthropy for the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and was the Manager of Member Relations for the Marion Area Chamber of Commerce. Chelsea has taught dance in varies capacities over the years and holds a certificate in Teaching Excellence from the National Dance Institute, learning their unique, engaging and inclusive methodology. Chelsea is proud to be the Varsity Coach of the Spartan Dance Team at Pleasant High School in Marion, a program she started in 2016. She has a passion for helping others, of all ages and skill levels, discover their own love of dance and brings this passion to The Arts Castle Dance Academy!
Carrie Clay | ACDA and Pre-Academy Instructor
Miss Carrie has been with The Arts Castle Dance Academy and Pre-Academy programs for over 5 years. Carrie is an intervention specialist by day and a dance teacher by night. Carrie started dancing at the age of 3 and has been dancing ever since! Carrie started her dance training at Sharon’s School of Dance in Sidney, Ohio under the instruction of Sharon Eikenberry. She joined the Sidney Dance Company at the age of 10 and trained and performed with them until the age of 18. Carrie is trained in ballet, pointe, lyrical, modern contemporary, acro/tumbling, tap, musical theater, and jazz. Carrie is excited to continue to build relationships with her students and share her love of dance.
Lauren Cox | ACDA Instructor
Miss Lauren has been teaching ballet at The Arts Castle Dance Academy since 2019. She was classically trained in ballet for fifteen years and continues her ballet education in Columbus under the direction of professional and retired professional ballet dancers. She has been in dance productions such as The Nutcracker, Aladdin, Mary Poppins, and more. She is most proud to have created the first ever boys’ ballet program here at The Arts Castle. In her class, students will learn not only ballet technique, but also discipline, terminology, and storytelling, as well as staying informed on various opportunities to see professional ballet here in our community. Upon completion of her BFA from Columbus College of Art and Design, Lauren plans to earn her Master’s degree in Arts Administration and Policy.
Jules Rizzo | ACDA Instructor
Miss Jules is a 2024 graduate of Denison University with a double major in Dance and
English. During her time at Denison, she was a dance TA and a Dance Department Fellow. Jules spent the Spring of 2023 in Tokyo, Japan. There, she had the incredible opportunity of taking classes at En Dance Studio in Shibuya, Tokyo, where she focused on the styles of contemporary and jazz. Jules spent the Summer of 2023 working with Dancing Wheels Company in Cleveland, Ohio, which is the nation’s first physically integrated dance company. She received a Level
1 Physically Integrated Dance Teacher Certification from Dancing Wheels, based on the methodology of movement translations. Now, Jules will be working under Joshua Manculich and joining his company, Whirlwind Dance in Columbus, for their 2024/25 season.
About The Arts Castle
The Arts Castle is dedicated to nurturing the creative energies of the residents in Delaware County and surrounding areas by offering full access to a variety of multi-arts experiences such as classes, workshops, performances, exhibitions, and special events.
The Arts Castle was founded with a grassroots effort by the community and for the community. We are recognized as one of Ohio’s premier community teaching centers for the arts. Join us by taking a class, visiting an exhibit, or participating in one of our special events.