History of NCADA
46 Seasons of Dance Excellence
In the fall of 1978, Artistic Director, Sherryl Tipton, changed the face of dance in eastern North Carolina. First opening the doors on the corner of Dickenson Avenue located in the heart of Greenville, the North Carolina Academy of Dance Arts soon became the leading dance arts program in the area.
In 1982, Sherryl began construction on one of the first freestanding buildings designed specifically for dance and relocated the ever-growing NCADA to 207 Plaza Drive. Originally housing 3 studios, 1 dressing room, and an office, NCADA has expanded into 5 sophisticated studios with "floating" dance floor systems, 4 offices, 3 dressing rooms, a spacious lounge, a production workshop, and the Welch-Kannen Performing Arts Center. The 10,500 square foot state of the art complex is not only the hub of inspiration amongst the performing arts community, but also a second home for students and families for 46 years.
NCADA's "A Tradition of Dance Excellence" raises the barre by providing professional and studio dance training by creating an enjoyable and nurturing learning atmosphere, implementing proper technique, performance encouragement, and healthy lifestyles.
Dance Arts Theatre
Dance Arts Theatre, NCADA's pre-professional program was founded in 1985 as a non-profit company. The company was established to offer young dancers an opportunity to experience the professional side of performing arts and enrich the are with an excellent new source of dance. Dance Arts Theatre's repertoire includes The Nutcracker, Peter and the Wolf, Les Sylphide, Stars and Stripes, Coppelia and more. The company has toured throughout eastern NC and has had the distinction of performing with the North Carolina Symphony and Eastern Symphony Orchestra. Since 2002, DAT's annual production of the The Nutcracker has contributed more than $270,000 to the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals of Eastern North Carolina.
This is the place
That houses the art
That pleases the eye
That captures the heart
That fulfills the dream
This is the studio that Sherryl built…
-Patricia Pertalion
