About Us
Step into confidence, creativity and community. Your dance journey begins here.
Dedicated to building a strong foundation in the arts through technical classes and choreographic exploration for the past 25 years, North Carolina Dance Institute (NCDI) is focused on education and exposure to a variety of classical and commercial dance forms for children and adults of all ages.
At its core, NCDI places emphasis on nurturing the development of disciplined, dedicated students while concentrating on dance fundamentals, emphasizing vocabulary and exploring choreography. Classes include classical ballet, pointe, jazz, modern, hip-hop, contemporary, Broadway and rhythm tap, children's pre-dance and creative movement, musical theatre and more. Boasting deep connections to the arts community in the Triangle, North Carolina and beyond, students have the opportunity to participate in master classes, training programs at prestigious institutions like University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) Festivals and performing locally with Carolina Ballet, Theatre Raleigh, North Carolina Youth Tap Ensemble and many more Triangle-area organizations. Dancers with aspirations to pursue professional careers in the arts are strategically prepared for acceptance into leading high school and college programs.
Our Alumni
Many NCDI students have earned acceptance into renowned training programs, including the high school and college divisions of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) School of Dance. Our dancers have also been selected for elite training opportunities such as the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Summer Intensive, Broadway Theatre Project, The Rock School, Bates Dance Festival, NYC Rockettes Experience, Atlanta Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Cedar Lake 360 Project, Joffrey Ballet (New York and California) and the American Ballet Theatre Summer Intensive in New York.
In addition, many former NCDI students have been accepted into some of the nation’s most esteemed musical theatre programs, including the University of Michigan, NYU, Northwestern and Princeton.
Several alumni have gone on to perform professionally, including on Broadway. Grady Bowman appeared in Billy Elliot, while Robert Hartwell starred in Memphis, Nice Work If You Can Get It, Hello, Dolly!, Cinderella and Motown. Lindsey Matheis has performed with Northwest Professional Dance Project and L.A. Dance Project. Bree Branker was featured in the national tour of Memphis and in Big Fish on Broadway. Sam Beary Burns performed with the world-renowned Radio City Rockettes, and Victoria Cyzewski toured nationally with Bring It On. Emily Nicolas – who now serves on the faculty at UNCSA – danced with Hubbard Street Dance 2 and the Danish Dance Theatre in Scandinavia.
We are incredibly proud of our NCDI alumni, many of whom return to inspire the next generation of dancers.
FAQs
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The guidelines below outline the appropriate attire for each dance style. To help preserve the quality of our marley floors, we kindly ask that dance shoes not be worn outside, as they may bring in debris that can cause damage. Street shoes are not permitted in the studios.
Ballet and Pointe Attire
Ballet students must wear black leotards with full-length pink, tan or flesh-tone tights. Skirts are allowed in some classes. Jewelry, including bracelets, should be left at home. Hair must be secured in a bun, and shorter hair should be pinned back. Adult students may wear black tights and black leotards. Male dancers should wear black tights, a fitted white or black t-shirt, and black, white or flesh-tone ballet slippers.
Students must wear pink or flesh-tone leather or canvas ballet slippers with properly sewn elastics and tucked-in ribbons. Pointe shoes, also pink or flesh-tone, must be professionally fitted and sewn by a knowledgeable dance specialist. Reach out to Victoria (victoria@ncdanceinstitute.com) for recommendations as to where your dancer can be fitted for pointe shoes.
*PRO TIP: Dancers taking multiple back-to-back classes often opt for footless tights, which can be easily rolled up at the ankle when needed. Many also layer leggings or yoga pants over their tights for non-ballet classes, allowing for a quick transition back to ballet attire.
Jazz Attire and Shoes
Jazz students may wear a black leotard, tank top or t-shirt with black leggings or yoga pants. Shorts are not allowed, as full-leg coverage is required for floor work. Dancers are required to wear either slip-on leather or lace-up canvas jazz shoes.
Note: Children under 12 years of age should not wear jazz sneakers in jazz classes due to the risk of ankle injuries when turning and leaping on the elevated heel; however, jazz sneakers may be worn in hip hop classes.
Tap Attire and Shoes
Tap students should wear black lace-up oxford tap shoes; Capezio single-screw taps are recommended for durability and toe stands. Dancers should wear comfortable dance or athletic attire. Children may wear black patent leather tap shoes with an optional bow in any color.
Modern Attire
Modern students should wear a form-fitting tank top, leotard or t-shirt as well as leggings or yoga pants. Shorts are not allowed, as full-leg coverage is required for floor work. Dancers can choose to dance barefoot or in black socks.
Hip Hop Attire and Shoes
Hip hop students may wear casual dance or athletic attire such as capri pants, sweatpants or jazz pants with a supportive, comfortable top of their choosing. Dancers may wear jazz sneakers or converse, high tops or a related ‘fashionable’ sneaker – as long as these shoes have not been worn outside. Shoes worn outside are considered street shoes and, per studio policy, cannot be worn on the marley flooring.
Creative Movement Attire (Students 3-6 years of age)
Creative Movement dancers typically wear pink or black leotards with attached skirts. Tights are optional. Hair should be in a bun, ponytail or styled in another secure fashion. Children should wear leather ballet slippers in any color with properly sewn elastics.
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Absolutely! Dancers are always welcome to drop into any of our 40-week class offerings for $30 per class, payable by cash, check or Venmo, at any time. We kindly ask that students arrive 15 minutes before class to complete payment at the front desk and, if new to the studio, sign a brief waiver. New students are encouraged to reach out to Artistic Director Victoria at victoria@ncdanceinstitute.com for personalized class recommendations tailored to their interests and previous dance experience.
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Dancers enrolled in our 40-week class offerings are encouraged to attend regularly, as consistent training is essential for steady progress in technical development. However, we understand that life can be busy, and we wholeheartedly support our dancers’ involvement in after-school commitments and encourage dancers to cultivate time with family and friends. If a dancer anticipates missing a class, they are welcome to make up the class at an alternate time, either before or after the absence, in an equivalent style and level. For guidance on suitable make-up options, dancers should reach out to Victoria at victoria@ncdanceinstitute.com.
*Please note: Students placed in our Steps to Stage performance program are required to adhere to a separate attendance policy. Refer to our Steps to Stage landing page for additional details.
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Yes, all three of our studios are available for rent to both registered dancers and the broader arts community. Whether you’re a freelance instructor seeking a space for a pop-up class or a traveling artist in need of a rehearsal venue, we are happy to accommodate your needs. For more information on studio availability and pricing, please reach out to Victoria at victoria@ncdanceinstitute.com.
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Yes, we do offer both one-on-one lessons and private group instruction. Whether you're looking for personalized attention to refine your technique or prepare for an audition or want to schedule a private class with friends and/or fellow dancers, we are happy to accommodate your needs. Please contact Victoria at victoria@ncdanceinstitute.com to learn more about studio space, instructor availability and pricing.
Testimonials
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“My children have been dancing at NCDI for six years, and we could not be happier. There is space at the studio for everyone from serious dancers to those just having fun. It’s a wonderful, supportive environment where dancers can grow.”
-Megan, NCDI parent
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“Even now, as a college student, I feel right at home at NCDI. In class, there are dancers of all ages. We are all here to improve our technique and have fun! It is truly a gem.”
-Hannah, college student
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“NCDI is truly is the only studio in the area that a long time dancer like myself can practice and improve my skills while also having a great time. Highly recommended!”
-Tia, NCDI adult
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“I have definitely felt improvements in my dance in just a matter of weeks. I could talk about this institute all day, but I will just leave it with saying NCDI is an awesome place if you want to learn proper technique or just want to come have fun!”
-Melvin, National Tour cast member
NCDI was co-founded by Kirstie and Jay Spadie in 2001.