About Us

The Academy of Expressive Dance

Making dreams a reality since 1991

About Us, plus

The Academy of Expressive Dance was founded in 1991 in Kemptville by Andrea Gaw-Hutt to serve aspiring dance students in the community. Its unique approach and openness help to totally immerse each student in the arts and inspire individual creativity and expression. At the core of the Academy’s success is its commitment to providing quality instruction with personalised attention. Classes are educational and organised, with just the right amount of fun and humour. The Academy is committed to sound principles in all forms of training.

The Academy is currently located beside Andrea’s home just outside of Heckston, and attracts students from Kemptville, Merrickville, Chesterville, Winchester, Willamsburg, Prescott, and everywhere in-between!

*For Frequently asked questions about our dance programs, please see our Parents Page

Ms. Andrea Gaw, C.D.T.A.

Andrea began dancing when she was 5, and her love of children led her to begin teaching when she was 15. She later completed her teacher examinations with the Canadian Dance Teacher’s Association, and numerous other intensive teacher training courses (including the National Ballet School in Toronto and with the Royal Academy of Dance in Banff). With her strong spirit and determination, she opened the Academy in Kemptville in August 1991….and the rest, as they say, is history.

Andrea’s quiet patience and special rapport with her students is a huge selling point for the Academy’s classes. Her unique, humorous approach warms the classroom and she encourages her students to express themselves through dance in a safe, non-competitive atmosphere. Andrea loves to teach...and it shows!

“We love the Academy! Students learn to dance in a creative and fun way. It is truly amazing to watch a child start out at three and then see where they are 10 years later. Andrea is a truly talented teacher and we are lucky to have her.”

...Kelli (parent), Kodi, & Brysan (students) Cumming

The Academy of Expressive Dance’s dance students present a performance every year. It is an event that the students as well as the parents look forward to. It helps keep the students excited, and gives the students a recognizable goal that they work toward. The Academy prides itself in organizing a performance that mimics a professional “ballet”, complete with sets, props, pantomime, and follows a story from the beginning to end. The entire Academy works towards the finished product, creating a sense of belonging and camaraderie among the students. It is a wonderful experience for both students and the audience. (You can see pictures from a few of our past performances on our Facebook group page!)