The Arts Castle Dance Academy
MOVE. CREATE. BELONG.
At The Arts Castle Dance Academy, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to move with confidence, create with imagination, and belong to a supportive community.
We believe everyone is a dancer. Whether it’s a toddler taking their very first steps to music, a child discovering a new passion, a teenager expressing themselves through movement, or an adult returning to dance after many years, we believe dance is for everyone. Every dancer’s journey is unique, and we’re honored to be part of yours.
Dance Academy Features:
✨ Ages 4 through Adult
✨ Season runs from August to May
✨ Winter and Spring Recitals, plus additional performance opportunities
✨ Dance styles include ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, musical theater, tumbling, and more!
Where will your dance journey take you this season?
Why Families Choose ACDA
Dance is about so much more than learning the steps. At ACDA, we focus on progress, confidence, creativity, and joy. Our dancers will…
🌟 Build confidence and self-esteem
🌟 Learn teamwork and make lasting friendships
🌟 Express themselves creatively
🌟 Increase healthy physical development by improving balance, coordination, strength, flexibility, and motor skills.
🌟 Grow through performance opportunities
🌟 Learn teamwork and perseverance
🌟 Become part of a welcoming arts community
🌟 Develop focus, resilience, and determination
🌟 Create lifelong memories and a love of movement
What Makes ACDA Different?
There are many wonderful dance studios, but The Arts Castle Dance Academy offers a unique experience rooted in the vibrant arts history of The Arts Castle. We are proud of our dance community and strive to give everyone the opportunity to dance!
We offer:
✔ ALL INCLUSIVE PRICING
✔ No registration fee
✔ Costumes fees included
✔ Recital fees included
✔ Monthly payment option with no cost increase
✔ Dance Academy t-shirt included
✔ Automatic 10% discount on each additional ACDA class registration
✔ Scholarship opportunities
✔ Professional, experienced, and encouraging instructors
✔ Two annual recitals, plus other performance opportunities
✔ Historic Arts Castle setting
✔ Inclusive, welcoming atmosphere
✔ Classes for toddlers through adults
We don’t want tuition to hold anyone back from the benefits of dance! Interested in our scholarship opportunities?
New to Dance?
We’ve got you covered!
Not sure which class is right for you or your child? Our Dance Coordinator can recommend the perfect class based on age, experience, and interests!
Every Dancer Has a Place Here.
Whether your dancer dreams of performing on stage or simply wants to try something new, they’ll find a safe space to move, encouragement to create, and a place to belong. Our instructors celebrate every milestone—from a first plié to a confident performance on stage—because every dancer’s journey is unique.
Contact Our Dance Coordinator dance.artscastle@gmail.com
Dance Academy Instructors
Chelsea Carbary | ACDA Dance Coordinator
Miss Chelsea grew up dancing, cheerleading and performing in musical theater productions, which eventually led her to continue pursuing her passion in college, where she danced on the Capital University Dance Team and danced professionally for the Columbus Crewzers, the dance team for the Columbus Crew. Chelsea graduated from Capital University with a Bachelor of Arts in Leadership and Management and a minor in Psychology. She previously worked in both Human Resources and Philanthropy for the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and was the Manager of Member Relations for the Marion Area Chamber of Commerce. Chelsea has taught dance in various capacities over the years and holds a certificate in Teaching Excellence from the National Dance Institute, learning their unique, engaging and inclusive methodology. Chelsea is proud to be the Varsity Coach of the Spartan Dance Team at Pleasant High School in Marion, a program she started in 2016 and was awarded Coach of the Year from AmeriDance in 2025. She has a passion for helping others, of all ages and skill levels, discover their own love of dance and brings this passion to The Arts Castle Dance Academy!
Francine Butler | ACDA Instructor
Miss Francine has been dancing since her childhood in New York City. She learned ballet, tap, jazz, acrobatic, and modern dance in her neighborhood dance studio, then attended the High School of the Performing Arts, and was a dance major at Purchase College. Francine toured with Dianne McIntyre’s Sounds in Motion Dance Company, and performed off-Broadway at the Nat Horne Theater. She has choreographed for school and community theater, worship settings, dance companies, and film. Francine is a Screen Actors Guild member. Francine and her husband, Mark, founded Community Arts Network, a 501(c)3 organization that creates productions that raise money for performing arts scholarships. Community Arts Network is a member of the Arts Alliance of Delaware County. Francine is thrilled to continue her dance journey at The Arts Castle Dance Academy!
Carrie Clay | ACDA and Pre-Academy Instructor
Miss Carrie has been teaching for The Arts Castle Dance Academy and Pre-Academy programs since 2018. Carrie started dancing at the age of 3 and has been dancing ever since! Carrie began her dance training at Sharon’s School of Dance in Sidney, Ohio under the instruction of Sharon Eikenberry. She joined the Sidney Dance Company at the age of 10 and trained and performed with them until the age of 18. While pursuing a degree in education at Bluffton University, Carrie danced with and choreographed for the University dance worship team. Carrie is trained in ballet, pointe, lyrical, modern, contemporary, acro/tumbling, tap, musical theater, and jazz. Carrie is excited to continue to build relationships with her students and share her love of dance!
AnaJaye’ Diggs | ACDA Instructor
AnaJaye’ Diggs, aka “The AJ Dance,” aka Miss AJ, has been teaching fitness and dance for over 15 years. She learned roller skating and creative movement as a pre-teen and in her teens, she began actively volunteering in her school and community. AJ participated in musical theater, vocal ensemble, and dance in high school. While obtaining her Bachelor of Arts from Otterbein University, she began teaching hip hop, fitness, and other dance styles around the Columbus area. She is skilled in Hip Hop, Musical Theater, Jazz, Zumba, Zumba Step, and flexibility. She is also a certified Group Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer. Currently, she teaches dance and fitness all over Ohio! AJ is a driven and passionate dance professional with experience teaching ages 5-95! In her free time, she enjoys East Coast Swing Dance and Country Line Dancing. She enjoys making 5 course meals for friends and family and being a plant mom. Miss AJ is so excited to return to The Arts Castle!
Mia Born | ACDA Instructor
Miss Mia has grown up dancing since the age of 3! She danced at Revolution Dance Company on their competitive team for 6 years. She has received numerous scholarships and overall awards for her dancing. In high school she enjoyed cheerleading and performing on stage. Currently, Mia is an apprentice with the pre-professional company Tap Into The Network. She is skilled in many genres of dance and has taken classes from some of the best choreographers in the industry! Mia is thrilled to be joining our team at The Arts Castle Dance Academy and can’t wait to share her knowledge and experience with our dancers!
About The Arts Castle
The Arts Castle is dedicated to nurturing the creative energies of the residents in Delaware County and surrounding areas by offering full access to a variety of multi-arts experiences such as classes, workshops, performances, exhibitions, and special events.
The Arts Castle was founded with a grassroots effort by the community and for the community. We are recognized as one of Ohio’s premier community teaching centers for the arts. Join us by taking a class, visiting an exhibit, or participating in one of our special events.