North Carolina Dance Institute

About the Institute

Founded in 1998, the North Carolina Dance Institute (NCDI) has grown from a modest studio in Raleigh to a statewide hub for dance education and performance. Our mission is to nurture talent, promote artistic expression, and provide a supportive environment where dancers of all ages and skill levels can flourish.

NCDI embraces a wide range of dance stylesfrom classical ballet and contemporary to hiphop, jazz, and tap. By blending rigorous technique with creative exploration, we aim to develop wellrounded artists who are confident both on stage and in life.

Programs Offered

• Childrens Creative Movement (Ages 35) A fun introduction to rhythm, balance and imagination.
• PreBallet (Ages 69) Foundations in classical ballet, proper alignment and musicality.
• Teen & Adult Ballet Techniquefocused classes for intermediate to advanced dancers.
• Contemporary & Modern Exploration of floor work, improvisation, and expressive storytelling.
• Jazz & HipHop Highenergy classes that fuse technique with popular culture.
• Tap & Rhythm Percussive footwork that builds coordination and musical awareness.
• Performance Workshops Seasonal intensive programs culminating in public showcases.
• Teacher Training & Certification Professional development for aspiring dance educators.

Our Faculty

NCDIs teaching team consists of nationally recognized performers, former principals of major ballet companies, and seasoned choreographers. Each instructor holds at least a Bachelors degree in Dance or a related field, and many have earned certifications from the American Dance Therapy Association, the National Dance Education Organization, or equivalent bodies.

Highlights:

• Ms. Emily Carter Ballet Master, former soloist with the Carolina Ballet.
• Mr. Jamal Reed HipHop Specialist, choreographer for regional television productions.
• Ms. Sofia Alvarez Contemporary Artist, MFA in Dance from NYU Tisch.
• Mr. Daniel Kim Tap Maestro, winner of the 2022 International Tap Competition.

Faculty members are committed to ongoing professional development, ensuring that teaching methods stay current with the latest research in movement science and pedagogy.

Facilities & Studios

Our campus occupies a 15,000squarefoot complex located in the heart of Raleighs arts district. The building includes:

• Four sprungfloor studios (120 x 60 each) equipped with fulllength mirrors and ballet barres.
• A stateoftheart sound system and adjustable lighting for performance rehearsals.
• A dedicated dance theatre seating 250 guests, featuring a proscenium stage and backstage dressing rooms.
• Locker rooms, a fitness center, and a wellness lounge for stretching and recovery.
• An onsite costume shop and prop library supporting all productions.

Community Engagement

NCDI believes dance is a catalyst for community building. Our outreach initiatives include:

• Free Introductory Classes for underprivileged youth, held quarterly at local schools.
• Annual Dance for Hope Gala, raising funds for regional arts scholarships.
• Partner Programs with hospitals, offering therapeutic movement sessions for patients.
• Collaborations with the North Carolina Symphony and local theater companies for crossdisciplinary projects.

These programs not only expand access to dance but also reinforce the institutes role as a cultural anchor in the region.

Enrollment & Tuition

Enrollment is open yearround for most classes. Prospective students can schedule a free trial class or a private consultation with an instructor. Tuition rates are tiered based on age, program level, and frequency of attendance.

Scholarships and payment plans are available for families with demonstrated financial need. Earlybird registration (before June 1) earns a 5% discount on the first semester.

What Our Students Say

Contact & Visit Us

Address: 215 Arts Plaza, Raleigh, NC 27601
Phone: (919) 5550198
Email: info@ncdance.org

Our doors are open MondaySaturday, 9am9pm. Schedule a studio tour or a private lesson by filling out the form below.