Centre of Performing Arts Inc

For families and individuals across North Carolina, especially those in the charming town of Graham and the wider Alamance County region, finding a local establishment dedicated to fostering artistic talent and personal growth is a significant consideration. Centre of Performing Arts Inc, often referred to as COPA, stands as a long-standing fixture in the local dance community. With roots tracing back to the early 1950s as the Eloise Glass Dance Studio, COPA has evolved from a single room into a comprehensive center for dance education. It aims to provide high-quality dance instruction across various styles, catering to students of all ages and levels, from recreational dancers to those with competitive aspirations. For North Carolina residents seeking to introduce their children to the world of dance, continue their own dance journey, or explore competitive opportunities, Centre of Performing Arts Inc presents itself as a local option.

Centre of Performing Arts Inc is located at 133 Auto Park Dr D, Graham, NC 27253, USA. This address places it conveniently within Graham, making it accessible for families residing throughout the town and the surrounding areas within Alamance County. Auto Park Drive is a local street, generally easy to navigate, which aids in straightforward arrivals and departures for parents and students. Its location within Graham means it is typically a short drive from various residential areas and local amenities. For North Carolina families, this proximity can be a practical advantage, helping to integrate dance classes into busy schedules without extensive travel. Ample parking is usually available at such locations, adding to the convenience for those driving to the studio. While the provided reviews touch on specific experiences, the physical accessibility of the studio in Graham is a practical consideration for local users seeking dance instruction. The Centre of Performing Arts' history in Alamance County also suggests a rooted presence within the community, offering a familiar and established option for local dance enthusiasts.

Centre of Performing Arts Inc aims to offer a range of dance classes and programs, designed to accommodate students of different ages, skill levels, and interests.

• Dance Classes for All Ages and Levels: The studio advertises "classes for all ages and levels," suggesting a comprehensive curriculum that caters to young beginners, school-aged children, teenagers, and potentially adults.
• Diverse Dance Styles: While specific details on every style are not exhaustive from the provided information, typical performing arts centers of this nature often include:
  • Ballet (often considered a foundational dance form)
  • Tap Dance (focusing on rhythmic footwork and sound production)
  • Jazz Dance (combining classical ballet and modern dance with a focus on style and rhythm)
  • Hip Hop (energetic and expression-focused)
  • Lyrical Dance (combining ballet and jazz for expressive, flowing movements)
  • Contemporary Dance (blending characteristics of ballet, jazz, and lyrical)
  • Musical Theatre (choreography that tells a story from a musical)
  These various genres aim to provide a well-rounded dance education.
• Competitive Dance Programs: In addition to recreational classes, COPA offers "Competitive Dance" programs. This suggests a dedicated track for students interested in a more rigorous training schedule, participation in competitions, and development of performance skills within a competitive context.
• Recreational Classes: Alongside competitive options, recreational classes would likely be available for students who wish to learn and enjoy dance without the commitment of competitive performance.
• Free Trial Classes: The studio provides an option to "SIGN UP FOR A FREE TRIAL," which is a valuable service for prospective students and their parents to experience a class before committing to enrollment.
• Performance Opportunities: As a performing arts center, recitals and showcases are typically offered to provide students with opportunities to demonstrate their learned routines and gain stage experience. While a recent recital experience was negatively reviewed, the intention is to provide performance outlets.

Centre of Performing Arts Inc highlights a commitment to dance education, although some past customer experiences have presented challenges.

• Longstanding History in Alamance County: COPA has a long history, tracing back to the early 1950s. This longevity suggests a deep-rooted presence and evolution within the local dance community, establishing it as a known entity for dance education in Graham.
• Focus on Culture and Support: The studio states its commitment to "creating and building a culture that supports all our dancers, families and our community." This indicates an aim to foster a positive and supportive environment beyond just dance instruction.
• Variety of Programs (Recreational and Competitive): The availability of both recreational and competitive dance streams is a highlight, allowing students to choose a path that best suits their goals and commitment level.
• Staff with Dance Backgrounds: The ownership, including Sara Newman and Lauren Yerby Bolick, have extensive dance backgrounds and express a desire to build a program with high-quality instruction and foster students' mental and emotional skills. Sara Newman, for example, began dancing at COPA at age 3 and later became a competitive dancer and instructor, eventually becoming an owner.
• Trial Class Availability: The offer of a "free trial" class is a key feature, providing an accessible way for new students to experience the studio's offerings firsthand before making a financial commitment.

However, it is also important to acknowledge feedback from some customers:

• Concerns about Instruction Quality and Recital Performance: Recent reviews have raised concerns regarding the quality of instruction, particularly evident in some student performances during a recital where some students appeared disengaged or unprepared. This suggests a need for improvement in ensuring all students are confident and well-rehearsed for performances. One reviewer noted, "Many up there on stage weren't dancing and looked like they didn't know what to do."
• Issues with Class Punctuality and Cleanliness: Feedback indicates instances of classes starting late (5-10 minutes) and concerns about studio cleanliness, impacting the perceived value of instruction time.
• Billing Disputes: A specific customer reported dissatisfaction with the studio's billing policy, being charged for a full month of classes despite only attending two weeks, after expressing dissatisfaction with the service. This suggests potential rigidity in their payment terms.
• Program Book Fees: The practice of charging for recital program books ($5 for a "very thin" book) was a point of contention for a reviewer who expected such items to be complimentary after paying for tickets.

For North Carolina residents interested in Centre of Performing Arts Inc, here is the contact information:

Address: 133 Auto Park Dr D, Graham, NC 27253, USA

Phone: (336) 438-1621

Mobile Phone: +1 336-438-1621

In conclusion, for families and individuals across North Carolina, especially in Graham and Alamance County, Centre of Performing Arts Inc offers a local option for dance education with a long-standing history in the community. The studio aims to provide a variety of dance classes for all ages and levels, including competitive programs, and offers a free trial class for those interested in exploring its offerings. While the Centre of Performing Arts has a stated commitment to high-quality instruction and a supportive culture for its dancers, some recent customer reviews have highlighted areas for improvement, particularly concerning class consistency, recital preparedness for younger students, and specific billing practices. For local users considering dance instruction, it may be beneficial to utilize the free trial class to personally assess the current atmosphere, instruction quality, and studio environment. As with any service, individual experiences can vary, and direct engagement with the studio and its current offerings can provide the most accurate impression of its suitability for your family’s dance needs in North Carolina.

Centre of Performing Arts Inc

133 Auto Park Dr D, Graham, NC 27253, USA