The Arts Castle Dance Academy (ACDA)
Rooted in the vibrant arts education offered by The Arts Castle, ACDA inspires creativity and confidence through dance. Our program combines professional instruction with opportunities for personal growth in a welcoming, family-friendly environment.
Register for the 2025-2026 Season from the PDF below or our regular system.
Why Choose The ACDA?
At The Arts Castle Dance Academy, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to dance. Whether you’re just beginning or looking to further develop your skills, The ACDA offers:
- Professional Instruction: Ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, tumbling, adult classes and more!
- Inclusive Programming: Classes for all ages and abilities.
- Performance Opportunities: Participate in recitals and join our Dance Team for community performance opportunities.
- Fun, Non-Competitive Environment: Nurturing both quality technique and personal expression.
ACDA Perks:
- No Registration Fee!
- Multi-Class Discount: 10% off additional classes per family.
- All-Inclusive Pricing: Recital fees are included in class prices.
Programs We Offer
As one of Ohio’s premier community teaching centers for the arts, The Arts Castle recognizes that every dancer’s journey is unique, which is why we offer both Academy and Pre-Academy dance classes to cater to a diverse range of interests and commitments.
Pre-Academy
Perfect for beginners or those looking for a shorter commitment, Pre-Academy classes run in 8-week sessions on Saturdays.
- What to Expect:
- A focus on foundational skills and fostering a love for dance.
- Styles include ballet, creative movement, combo classes, tumbling and more.
- No recitals, but an in class showcase for family and friends during the final class.
- Who It’s For: Young dancers looking to build confidence in a supportive environment.
Register for Pre-Academy Dance
The Arts Castle Dance Academy (Fall–Spring)
A comprehensive dance experience for those ready to commit to a full season.
- What to Expect:
- Participation in recitals to showcase talent and hard work and build confidence in performing.
- Classes for children, teens, and adults in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, musical theater, tumbling, and more.
- Dedicated instructors fostering both technical growth and personal expression.
- Additional Opportunities: For dedicated dancers, join the ACDA Dance Team for more performance experiences!
Register for The Arts Castle Dance Academy
We Love To Dance!
The Arts Castle Dance Academy is proud to be part of The Arts Castle’s mission to nurture creativity in Delaware County and beyond. We strive to cultivate a lifelong passion for dance in a welcoming and inclusive community where every dancer can express themselves through creative movement.
Join us and let your passion for dance come alive!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.