A place to belong. A place to create. A place to shine.
where everyBODY sparkles
Since 1991, The Academy of Expressive Dance has been a welcoming place for children, teens, and adults to discover confidence, creativity, friendship, and the joy of expressing themselves.
Whether you are taking your first dance class, returning after years away, exploring your creativity, or looking for a place where you feel welcome — you belong here.
Welcome home.
At The Academy of Expressive Dance, we believe that dance and creativity are for everyBODY.
Every age.
Every ability.
Every body.
Every personality.
Every beginning.
Here, students are encouraged to learn, laugh, grow, make mistakes, try again, and discover what they are capable of — in a safe, supportive, and creative environment.
EveryBODY has a place.
EveryBODY has potential.
EveryBODY Sparkles.
Discover Your Way to Sparkle
However you love to move, create, celebrate, or learn, there is a place waiting for you.
Dance & Movement
Ballet, jazz, tap, preschool dance, Pilates, and adult classes that blend real learning with joy, creativity, confidence, and performance experience.
Creative Arts
Hands-on art and craft classes for children and adults where imagination is encouraged, creativity is celebrated, and every project becomes a chance to express yourself.
Special Experiences
Summer camps, pop-up classes, one-day workshops, private lessons, wedding dance choreography, and creative experiences that keep the Academy full of life all year long.
Birthday Parties
Magical themed birthday celebrations filled with dance, crafts, imagination, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
More than just classes
People often come to the Academy looking for dance lessons.
What they discover is so much more:
They discover confidence.
Friendships.
Creativity.
Encouragement.
A sense of accomplishment.
A place where making mistakes is simply part of learning.
Because learning is not only about mastering the next step.
It is about discovering what you are capable of.
Confidence Building
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Students of all ages learn to believe in themselves in a supportive, encouraging environment.
Creative Expression
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Original choreography, costumes, storytelling, and hands-on creativity are at the heart of everything we do.
Performance Experiences
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Every student has opportunities to celebrate their progress and experience the joy and pride of sharing their accomplishments.
A Safe, Supportive Environment
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Every student — child, teen, or adult — is known, supported, and valued as an individual.
The Academy Experience
From your first Dance Shoes
Every journey begins with one brave first step.
Stories Brought to Life
Original choreography, costumes, music, and imagination come together to create meaningful performances and lifelong memories.
Creative Exploration
From dance to art, creativity is woven into everything we do.
Time for You, Too
While classes are in session, parents can relax with coffee, use our free WiFi, enjoy the waiting area, or take a peaceful walk along our country road.
A Place to Belong
Children grow here. Adults reconnect here. Families build friendships here. The Academy is more than a studio — it is a community.
Worth Every Minute
The Academy is located just outside of town, a short drive from several surrounding communities. (Kemptville, Cardinal, Spencerville, Winchester)
Since 1991, families have made the journey because they know they are coming to something special.
Here, almost every class is personally taught by Andrea. Every student is known. Every accomplishment is celebrated. Every family is welcomed.
Sometimes, the most meaningful destinations are not the closest ones.
They are the ones that feel like home.
Andrea Gaw,
Founder & Director
MEET ANDREA
For her entire life, Andrea has dedicated her life to helping children and adults discover confidence through dance, creativity, and community.
Teacher.
Choreographer.
Costume designer.
Creative thinker.
Supportive mentor.
Every class begins with one simple belief:
Everyone deserves the chance to discover what they are capable of.
Whether you are a young dancer, a growing artist, or an adult returning to creativity, there is a place for you.
Find Your Perfect Fit
Little Sparkles
Ages 3 to 6
A joyful first dance experience for young children, filled with movement, music, imagination, and confidence-building.
Ballet
Ages 6 and up
Grace, strength, technique, musicality, and artistry in a supportive learning environment.
Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop
ages 7 and up
Energetic, expressive movement full of rhythm and personality.
Tap
ages 7 and up
Discovering rhythm, coordination, and musical expression.
Adult Dance
teens through adult
A welcoming, judgment-free place for adults to move, learn, laugh, and invest in themselves.
Creative Arts
various ages
Hands-on classes and workshops for children and adults who love to imagine, make, and create.
Camps, Workshops, & Pop Ups
various ages
Short-term creative experiences, seasonal classes, summer camps, and special events.
Private Lessons & Wedding Dances
various ages
Personalized instruction for dancers, performers, adults, and couples preparing for their first dance.
A home away from home
The Academy has never been about creating perfect dancers.
It has always been about creating meaningful moments.
The excitement before the curtain rises.
The pride after learning something difficult.
The friendships formed in class.
The joy of performing.
The feeling of being part of something.
Years from now, students may not remember every step.
But they will remember how they felt here.
Why Families choose the Academy
💜 (Almost) Every class is personally taught by Andrea.
✨ Performance-based, not competitive.
🩰 Inspiring dancers and artists since 1991.
🎨 Dance and creativity all under one roof.
☕ Coffee & Water Bar, free WiFi, and a welcoming parent lounge.
🌿 A peaceful country setting worth the short drive.
🤝 Every student is known, encouraged, and celebrated
Every journey begins with a single step.
Years ago, one of our students walked through our doors as a shy young dancer.
Today, he's performing as a principal clown with Cirque du Soleil.
While every journey is different, one thing never changes...
We believe in helping people discover what they're capable of.
Watch his story.
What Our Academy Family Says
"Teaches more than just dance"
Miss Andrea is dedicated, passionate and patient. She teaches more than just dance--she inspires self-confidence, respect, a positive attitude, and kindness.
~Ashley, parent
“Be the best version of yourself”
The Academy is a supportive and inspiring dance studio for all ages. Andrea is a passionate, caring, creative teacher who supports her students to be the best version of themselves.
~Ema, adult student
“Every dancer feels special”
Andrea truly connects with her students in addition to teaching top quality technique. She has an incredible talent to showcase and bring out the best in every dancer, especially shown in the year-end performance where each dancer feels special.
~Mary-Anne, parent & adult student
Whether it's your child's first performance, a magical birthday celebration, a creative workshop, or a special event shared with our Academy family, some of life's most meaningful memories are made together.
From original stage productions and imaginative birthday parties to seasonal celebrations and creative experiences throughout the year, we love creating moments that bring people together.
Because at the Academy, we're not just teaching classes...
We're creating memories that last a lifetime.
Our Performance Experience
There's something truly magical about watching a child step onto a stage and realize they're capable of more than they ever imagined.
At the Academy, performances aren't about perfection or competition. They're a celebration of growth, creativity, teamwork, and confidence.
Throughout the season, students work together toward a professionally produced year-end performance filled with beautiful costumes, imaginative choreography, and unforgettable memories. Every dancer has an important role to play, and every performance is an opportunity to shine.
Long after the curtain closes, it's not just the dances that are remembered—it's the friendships, the laughter backstage, the excitement, the proud smiles, and the confidence that stays with our students for years to come.
Because some of life's most magical memories begin on a stage.
We’d Love to Welcome You
Choosing a studio is about more than schedules, styles, or location.
It is about finding a place where you feel welcome.
Where you are encouraged.
Where creativity is celebrated.
Where friendships grow.
Where everyBODY belongs.
Whether you are looking for your child’s first dance class, returning to dance as an adult, exploring creative arts, planning a birthday celebration, or simply curious to learn more — we would love to meet you.
Come discover why families have chosen The Academy of Expressive Dance since 1991.
Because everyBODY has a place.
EveryBODY has potential.
EveryBODY Sparkles.