About

There is a common misconception in the dance world, but especially in ballet, that a nurturing environment is not possible when receiving the correct or quality instruction. As I stepped into the world of teaching, I have grown increasingly frustrated for the next generation of dancers because I know that sentiment is a cop out and disservice to their students. Too many studios operate without the well-being of the dancer in mind. There has been so much progress surrounding dance education that I feel there is no excuse for dance instructors to not continue to educate themselves and grow for their dancers. Whether my students want to strive for a professional career in dance, want to continue to dance through college, or plan to never dance again after graduating high school, my job is to give them a quality experience that gives them the tools they need to succeed in their future. Should they decide to return to the studio or stage at a later point, they would be equipped with the proper training they received instead of being met with frustration as they realize they were not given the quality of training they were trusting that they would receive from their instructors.  I am proud to be an ABT® Certified Teacher, in Pre-Primary through Level 5 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum. I incorporate the fundamentals of the NTC with all of the experience I have had on and off the stage to create a syllabus for my students that keeps the whole dancer and human being in mind. To me, this should be the basis of anyone in charge of someone’s education-holding ourselves accountable and finding ways to improve. Even the greatest dancers in the world should always be open to learn more and grow their craft-that is why they are great. I realize that I cannot change the entire dance world overnight, as much as I may want to, but the journey has to start somewhere.

Graceful Academy of Dance was created to provide dancers with an environment that will allow them to thrive in any direction they choose to pursue. Graceful Academy of Dance is a "play" on my name, Grace, and also represents my desire to not only help dancers move gracefully with sound technique, but also to allow themselves grace in their everyday life. I feel it is important to teach in a nurturing way while instilling proper training and safety measures from the beginning.  

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I look forward to greeting you at the ballet barre!

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Grace McCann

Studio Owner & Director