DANCE
Ballet
Ages 5 and up
Creative Arts Council’s School of Ballet began in 1976 when former Broadway performer, Beth Lampton, began offering classes at the Creative Arts Council. After almost 50 years (and a name change) Creative Arts Dance Academy is thriving. Creative Arts Dance Academy offers classical ballet technique classes taught by Cecchetti (USA) certified instructors for all levels.
Cecchetti classes instructed by Davina Schnaars and Jeni Meeks
Vaganova, and pointe instructed by Janiece Lipsey
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The Cecchetti Method of ballet training is a progressive system of training dancers from a pre-ballet beginning level to a professional level. The Cecchetti Method was designed with careful regard to the laws of anatomy to prepare a dancer’s body to bear the physical demands of public performance. The Method embodies qualities that are essential to the dancer; balance, poise, strength, elevation, elasticity, musicality and artistry. Cecchetti USA has established a syllabus of carefully orchestrated exercises that build in complexity ensuring that each new movement is introduced from a fundamental approach…Focus is on instruction by studying and absorbing the basic principles which govern the art, rather than by mere imitation of an individual’s teaching style. The balance between the daily practice of both Cecchetti’s set exercises and each teacher’s new sequences is essential to producing a well rounded and versatile dancer. (Cecchetti USA; cecchettiusa.org/about)
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Students have options when and how often they perform
Certified ballet instructors through Cecchetti USA
Offers classical ballet training the Cecchetti technique
Experienced, professional, caring instructors and staff
Affordable classes (scholarships offered)
Professional dance training available locally in Wells County
Curriculum that tracks progress of student
Safe learning environment studios including sprung marley floors
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Included in tuition for all classes is a chance to perform at our Lecture Demonstration Performance. If you are interested in performing MORE throughout the year, you might be interested in joining Creative Arts Youth Dance Company (CAYDC)! This is an excellent way to present the arts to the community (as mentioned in our mission statement).
Requirements for Joining CAYDC
Enrolled in full Ballet curriculum for your level
Enrolled in the proper rehearsal class (Fall, Winter, and/or Spring CADC)
When you sign up for CAYDC, you are required to show to all rehearsals and your classes. Before signing up, please check your schedule and make sure you are able to attend all rehearsals.
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Creative Movement
Ages 3 & 4
Our oldest class offered, Creative Movement classes at Creative Arts are play-based movement with lots of sing alongs, props, and games encouraging ingenuity and self expression in fun and educational ways. We use music and song to integrate fundamental movement patterns, develop spatial awareness, listening skills, rhythm, coordination, motor skills, and social skills.
Multiple 6-week sessions throughout the school year.
First session will take place from September 2-October 18.
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-must be 3 years old by September 1, 2025
-Tuesdays, September 2 - October 14 @ 4:00-4:30pm (No class Bluffton Street Fair Week)
Tuition: $40
Instructed by Janiece Lipsey
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-must be 4 years old by September 1, 2025
-Saturdays, September 6 - October 18 @ 9:00-9:45am (No class Bluffton Street Fair Week)
Tuition: $50
Instructed by Megan Litherland
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Modern / Lyrical
Ages 8 and up
"Modern" dance is an American art form that has a rich history of rebellion, self expression, and athletic dancers with the ability to have control of their body. Modern dancers are barefoot and often channel ballet in their choreography but also almost any other style, requiring their dancers to be athletic.
The main focus of technique class is alignment, retention, and building stamina for across-the-floor variations, adagio, jumps, floor work, and ultimately, repertoire. This class will not have time to formally delve into "post-modern dance," but advanced class repertoire and modern music styles may occasionally be used for choreography to encourage dancers toward a wide range of applications.
Instructed by Megan Litherland
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Performance Opportunities
Included in tuition for all classes is a chance to perform at our Lecture Demonstration Performance. If you are interested in performing MORE throughout the year, you might be interested in joining Creative Arts Youth Dance Company (CAYDC)! This is an excellent way to present the arts to the community (as mentioned in our mission statement).
Requirements for Joining CAYDC
Enrolled in full Modern curriculum for your level
Enrolled in Spring CADC
When you sign up for CAYDC, you are required to show to all rehearsals and your classes. Before signing up, please check your schedule and make sure you are able to attend all rehearsals.
Tap
Ages 6 and up
Tap dance is an American artform that utilizes the movement of the feet and ankles in collaboration with the metal taps on the bottom of the shoes to create rhythmic sounds and unique movement. The program has focused on both the rhythm tap style and musical theater style.
Instructed by Megan Litherland
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Tap dance is an American artform that utilizes the movement of the feet and ankles in collaboration with the metal taps on the bottom of the shoes to create rhythmic sounds and unique movement. The program has focused on both the rhythm tap style and musical theater style.
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Included in tuition for all classes is a chance to perform at our Lecture Demonstration Performance. If you are interested in performing MORE throughout the year, you might be interested in joining Creative Arts Youth Dance Company (CAYDC)! This is an excellent way to present the arts to the community (as mentioned in our mission statement).
Requirements for Joining CADC
Enrolled in full Tap curriculum for your level
Enrolled in Spring CADC
When you sign up for CAYDC, you are required to show to all rehearsals and your classes. Before signing up, please check your schedule and make sure you are able to attend all rehearsals.
MUSIC
Guitar
Ages 8 and up
Instructed by Mike Needler on Tuesday afternoons/evenings and adding Wednesdays (if minimum amount of students is met). Call the office (260-824-5222) for availability and/or to register.
Tuition: $35/half hour private lessons
Student Levels: Beginner to Intermediate Levels
Supplies: Electric or Acoustic Guitar needed, pick, and lesson materials directed by Mike
Piano / Voice
Ages 8 and up
Instructed by Zoe McNulty on Wednesday and Thursday afternoon/evenings . Call the office (260-824-5222) for availability and/or to register.
Tuition: $35/half hour private lessons
Student Levels: Beginner to Intermediate Levels
Supplies: lesson materials directed by Miss McNulty
Violin
Ages 7 and up
Taught by Hannah Schrock on Monday Evenings. Call the office (260-824-5222) for availability and/or to register
Tuition: $30/half hour private lesson
Supplies: Must bring your own *Violin and Bow, approx. lesson materials ($30 or less)
*Sweetwater Music in Fort Wayne fits students for violins which can be rented or purchased. https://www.sweetwater.com/shop/band-and-orchestra/orchestral-strings/
Student Levels: Entry to Intermediate
Instructed by Lynne Niermeyer on Tuesday afternoon/evenings . Call the office (260-824-5222) for availability and/or to register.
Tuition: $30/half hour private lessons
Student Levels: Beginner to Intermediate Levels
Supplies: lesson materials directed by Mrs. Niermeyer
Voice
Ages 8 and up
THEATER
Designed especially for emerging performers and creative minds, this workshop guides participants through the entire journey of bringing a story to life on stage—from first spark to final performance.
Through engaging activities in conceptualization, design, and performance, students explore the essential elements of theatrical storytelling. They learn to shape original ideas, visualize characters and settings, and express emotion through movement, voice, and collaboration. With the guidance of an experienced instructor, each participant becomes an empowered creator, gaining both artistic confidence and essential life skills such as teamwork, communication, and self-expression.
Offered in July
Early Stages Workshop
Ages 11 to 16
ART
A long overdo partnership with A Perfect Blend. Check back here for more information in September.
Floral Arranging
All Ages