Gracefully Fierce Dance Company

Welcome to Gracefully Fierce Dance Company, a vibrant and dynamic dance studio nestled in the beautiful coastal community of Pawleys Island, South Carolina. More than just a place to learn dance steps, Gracefully Fierce is a welcoming space where artistry, discipline, and passion converge. Founded in 2017 under the direction of Gina Clapham, the studio is dedicated to nurturing dancers of all levels, from those just beginning their journey to advanced performers looking to hone their craft. It's a place where students are encouraged to be both "graceful and humble on and off the dance floor," while also being "fierce in the pursuit to become a better you."

For families across Pawleys Island and the surrounding South Carolina Lowcountry, Gracefully Fierce Dance Company offers a unique blend of professional instruction and a supportive, family-like atmosphere. The highly skilled and experienced teachers are committed to creating a fun and safe learning environment, inspiring creativity, and instilling integrity and a sense of purpose in their students. This dedication to holistic development ensures that dancers not only excel technically but also grow as confident, expressive, and well-rounded individuals. It's a true community hub where the joy of dance is celebrated, and lasting relationships are formed, contributing significantly to the cultural vibrancy of our South Carolina coast.

Gracefully Fierce Dance Company is conveniently located at 14427 Ocean Hwy, Pawleys Island, SC 29585, USA. This prime location on Ocean Highway makes it easily accessible for residents throughout Pawleys Island and the surrounding coastal communities in South Carolina. Situated along a major thoroughfare, the studio is straightforward to find and reach, simplifying the commute for families and students attending classes. The ease of access is a significant advantage, allowing for seamless integration into daily routines and making regular participation in dance classes a convenient experience.

Being located on Ocean Highway, the studio benefits from strong visibility and connections to other local amenities and residential areas. This central positioning ensures that Gracefully Fierce Dance Company is a readily available resource for anyone in the Pawleys Island area seeking quality dance education. Ample parking facilities are generally available, further enhancing the convenience for parents dropping off and picking up their dancers. This thoughtful consideration for accessibility helps to ensure that more local individuals have the opportunity to engage with the art of dance in a professional and nurturing environment.

• Ballet Classes: Providing foundational training in classical ballet, these classes develop grace, posture, strength, and discipline for all skill levels.
• Tap Classes: Focusing on rhythm, musicality, and intricate footwork, tap dance helps develop coordination and a strong sense of timing.
• Jazz Classes: Energetic and expressive, jazz dance classes teach technique, leaps, turns, and stylized movements, often set to popular and contemporary music.
• Musical Theatre: A jazz-based class that focuses on dance styles found in Broadway Musicals, also incorporating acting skills and performing with emotions and stage presence.
• Lyrical Dance: Blending elements of ballet and jazz, lyrical dance emphasizes emotional expression and fluid, interpretive movements, often performed to music with lyrics.
• Contemporary Dance: An expressive style that combines techniques from ballet, lyrical, and modern dance, allowing for a broad range of movement and emotional depth.
• Acro Classes: Combining dance with acrobatic skills, these classes focus on flips, somersaults, tucks, handstands, flexibility, and strength. Perfect as an add-on to other dance styles.
• Pointe Classes: An advanced ballet technique for eligible students, focusing on dancing on the tips of the toes, requiring significant strength and experience.
• Petite Classes (Ages 7-9): Programs specifically designed for younger dancers in this age group, offering combo classes (e.g., Jazz/Tap Combo) and individual styles.
• Junior Classes (Ages 10+): Advanced programs tailored for older dancers, providing more complex choreography and technical training.
• Children's Academy (Ages 3-6): Dedicated programs for tiny dancers, including "Little Leapers" (Preschool Ballet, Tap, and Creative Movement for ages 3-4) and "Minis" (Ballet, Tap, and Jazz for ages 5-6), focusing on motor skills, coordination, and creative movement in a positive, nurturing environment.
• Recreational Programs: Classes that allow dancers to grow their love for dance training and learning throughout the year, culminating in an annual recital.
• Competitive Team Programs (Company & Elite Team): Advanced-level programs for dedicated dancers, involving intensive training (4+ days a week), performance opportunities (solos, duets, trios, groups), and participation in regional and national competitions and conventions. Placement is typically by invitation or audition.

• Holistic Dance Education: Gracefully Fierce Dance Company emphasizes not only technical excellence but also instilling integrity, discipline, and a sense of purpose in its students, creating well-rounded individuals.
• Experienced and Passionate Staff: The director, Gina Clapham, brings 37 years of dance experience, training, and directing. The staff comprises trained, experienced, high-energy teachers who are committed to challenging students technically while nurturing their love for the art.
• Inclusive and Supportive Atmosphere: The studio creates an environment where "all dance levels can come together and learn from one another," and where students are encouraged to "build confidence through self-expression." The motto of being "graceful and humble" and "fierce in pursuit" fosters a positive mindset.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: A wide variety of dance styles are offered, catering to diverse interests and allowing dancers to explore different genres from classical ballet to energetic hip hop and acrobatic skills.
• Dedicated Children's Academy: Special programs for young dancers (ages 3-6) focus on developing motor skills, coordination, and foundational dance concepts through creative and engaging methods, overseen by a director with an Elementary Education degree.
• Competitive and Recreational Pathways: Dancers have the option to pursue dance recreationally for fun and performance at an annual recital, or to join the rigorous Company or Elite competitive teams for advanced training and competition opportunities.
• Focus on Relationships: The studio aims for relationships formed within its walls to become "building blocks of life," highlighting a commitment to community and lasting connections beyond dance steps.
• Continuous Teacher Education: The staff is committed to ongoing education, ensuring that students receive the most current and effective training methods.

Address: 14427 Ocean Hwy, Pawleys Island, SC 29585, USA

Phone: (843) 461-6041

Mobile Phone: +1 843-461-6041

For families and individuals in Pawleys Island and the surrounding South Carolina Lowcountry, Gracefully Fierce Dance Company stands out as an exceptional local choice for dance education. Its convenient location on Ocean Highway ensures easy accessibility, making it a practical option for fitting quality dance instruction into busy schedules. However, what truly makes this studio ideal for locals is its profound commitment to developing not just skilled dancers, but confident, expressive, and well-rounded individuals.

The emphasis on a "gracefully fierce" philosophy—combining humility and grace with a fierce dedication to self-improvement—resonates deeply. With a highly experienced and passionate staff, including director Gina Clapham, and a comprehensive curriculum spanning various dance styles for all ages, the studio caters to a wide range of interests and ambitions. Whether a young child is taking their first joyful steps in dance, or an aspiring performer dreams of competitive success, Gracefully Fierce Dance Company provides a nurturing, fun, and professional environment. By choosing this local gem, Pawleys Island residents are not just enrolling in dance classes; they are investing in a community that fosters artistic passion, personal growth, and lasting friendships, making it a truly invaluable asset to our South Carolina coast.

Gracefully Fierce Dance Company

14427 Ocean Hwy, Pawleys Island, SC 29585, USA