New Castle Dance & Music Academy

For nearly five decades, New Castle Dance & Music Academy (NCDMA) has been a cornerstone of performing arts education in Northern Delaware, proudly serving families in Newark, Middletown, and surrounding communities. Since its inception, NCDMA has cultivated a stellar reputation not just for its exceptional dance and music instruction, but also for its profound commitment to fostering personal growth, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts in every student. Far more than just a place to learn steps or notes, NCDMA provides a unique environment where students flourish both mentally and physically, transforming into not only skilled performers but also well-rounded, confident young individuals.

The academy's philosophy is rooted in a belief that quality instruction should always be delivered in a friendly, inviting, and positive setting. This commitment to a nurturing atmosphere is consistently echoed in the enthusiastic testimonials from local parents. One highly satisfied parent shared, "My daughter has been dancing at New Castle Dance for 7 years. We couldn't be more pleased with her growth as a dancer and as a young lady. Dance has truly brought her out of her shell and allowed her to blossom. All of the instructors are extremely professional and patient and they strive to bring out the best in each dancer and allow their strengths to shine when on stage. I highly recommend this dance studio to anyone looking to have their son or daughter dance in one of the most inviting, friendly, and positive environments." This speaks volumes about the studio's impact beyond just dance technique.

Another parent expressed similar delight, stating, "My daughter has been in this dance school for two years now and I could not possibly be more pleased. From their fair tuition prices to their phenomenal staff. Miss Dawn has gone above and beyond for my daughter to bring her out of her shell and make her feel comfortable and happy in dance class. I plan on enrolling my younger daughter as soon as she’s old enough. I would never go anywhere else!" Such heartfelt endorsements underscore NCDMA's dedication to providing a supportive space where every student feels valued, comfortable, and inspired to reach their full potential. For over 47 years, NCDMA has been setting the standard for dance and music excellence in Delaware, proving itself as a trusted choice for families.

New Castle Dance & Music Academy proudly operates two conveniently located campuses to serve the expansive Delaware community:

• Newark Location: 680 Peoples Plaza, Newark, DE 19702, USA
• Middletown Location: 1 E Whittington Way, Middletown, DE 19709, USA

These strategic locations ensure that NCDMA is easily accessible for residents across a significant portion of Northern Delaware. The Newark campus, situated in Peoples Plaza, is ideal for families in Newark, Bear, Christiana, and surrounding areas of New Castle County. Peoples Plaza is a well-known commercial hub, providing ample parking and easy navigation. The Middletown campus, located on Whittington Way, caters perfectly to the growing communities of Middletown, Odessa, Townsend, and points further south in New Castle County. Both locations are positioned near major roadways, minimizing travel time and making it convenient for busy families to attend classes regularly. This dual-campus approach significantly enhances the academy's accessibility, allowing more Delawareans to benefit from their distinguished programs.

• Dance Classes (Ages 18 months to Adult): A comprehensive range of dance styles, including:
  • Parent & Me (Ages 18 months to 3 years): Focuses on developing listening skills, coordination, and music awareness through creative movement, make-believe, and props.
  • Pre-Kinderdance I-II (Ages 3-5 years): Introduces fundamentals of tap, ballet, and tumbling, designed to keep young dancers engaged.
  • Kinderdance I (Ages 5-6 years): Builds on Pre-Kin with more structured tap (using Al Gilbert methods), ballet, and beginner tumbling.
  • Kinderdance II-III (Ages 6-8 years): Advanced beginner classes focusing on proper body placement, musicality, and stage spacing.
  • Classical Ballet (Ages 6+): Uses the precise Russian Vaganova Syllabus, covering barre work, center floor, and combinations. Beginners through advanced levels available, with Pointe study for eligible advanced students.
  • Jazz (Ages 6+): Various styles performed to upbeat music, focusing on body isolations, stretching, leaps, turns, and combinations. Required for ballet students (except adult ballet).
  • Hip Hop (Ages 4+): Fun street funk style set to edited pop/hip-hop music. No ballet required.
  • Lyrical (Ages 6+): Combines modern, ballet, and improvisation to teach expressive movement.
  • Tap: Rhythmic dance that develops musicality and coordination.
  • Acro/Tumbling: Focuses on flexibility, strength, and acrobatic skills.
• Music Classes: Instruction across various instruments and vocal techniques, catering to different genres and skill levels. (Specific instruments not detailed but typically include piano, voice, strings, etc.)
• Private Lessons: One-on-one instruction available for both dance and music, allowing for personalized coaching and accelerated progress.
• Competition Team (Ages 4+): An audition-based program for dancers interested in challenging themselves with intensive training and performance opportunities, celebrating 24 award-winning seasons.
• Performance Opportunities: Students have multiple chances to perform, including annual recitals, special events (like Disney performances twice, cruise ship, senior centers), and numerous Nutcracker performances.
• Summer Camps & Classes: Offers various summer programs for continued learning and engagement.
• Free Trial Class: Prospective students can sign up for a complimentary trial class to experience the academy's environment and instruction firsthand.

• Decades of Excellence: With over 47 years of experience, NCDMA has a long-standing tradition of providing top-tier dance and music training in Northern Delaware, setting a benchmark for quality in the region.
• Professional and Patient Instructors: The academy's staff is consistently praised by parents for their professionalism, patience, and ability to bring out the best in each dancer. They are dedicated to helping students "blossom" and allowing their "strengths to shine."
• Holistic Development: NCDMA focuses on more than just technical skills; it strives to nurture students' growth as individuals, fostering self-confidence, respect, appreciation for the arts, and essential life skills like discipline and teamwork.
• Inviting, Friendly, and Positive Environment: The studio is renowned for its welcoming atmosphere, ensuring that students feel comfortable, happy, and encouraged. This "no drama" approach makes it an enjoyable place for learning and artistic expression.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Offering a wide array of dance styles from classical ballet to hip hop, along with music lessons and tumbling, NCDMA provides a well-rounded arts education for students from 18 months to adults.
• Two Convenient Locations: With campuses in both Newark and Middletown, the academy maximizes accessibility for families across a broad geographic area of Northern Delaware.
• Award-Winning Competition Team: For students seeking a more intensive and competitive experience, NCDMA boasts a highly successful competition team with a proven track record of awards.
• Fair Tuition Prices: One parent specifically highlighted "fair tuition prices," indicating the academy's commitment to providing quality instruction that is also accessible for families.
• Student Performance Opportunities: Beyond annual recitals, students get unique chances to perform at various venues, including Disney and cruise ships, offering invaluable real-world experience.

Phone: (302) 832-7543

Mobile Phone: +1 302-832-7543

Newark Address: 680 Peoples Plaza, Newark, DE 19702, USA

Middletown Address: 1 E Whittington Way, Middletown, DE 19709, USA

For the most current schedules, class availability, and to sign up for a free trial, visiting their official website or calling directly is recommended.

For residents across Delaware, particularly those in New Castle County around Newark and Middletown, the New Castle Dance & Music Academy (NCDMA) stands as an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended local institution for performing arts education. Its deep roots in the community, spanning over 47 years, signify a long-standing commitment to nurturing local talent and fostering a love for dance and music. The presence of two well-established campuses in key population centers like Newark and Middletown makes NCDMA incredibly convenient and accessible, reducing travel burdens for busy Delaware families.

What truly sets NCDMA apart and makes it ideal for locals is its unwavering dedication to creating a positive, inviting, and professional environment. The glowing parent testimonials consistently praise the instructors' patience, professionalism, and ability to not only teach dance technique but also to draw out confidence and help students "blossom." This focus on holistic development ensures that children and adults alike gain invaluable life skills such as discipline, self-esteem, and teamwork, which extend far beyond the studio. For parents, knowing their child is in such a supportive and growth-oriented setting is paramount.

Furthermore, the academy's comprehensive curriculum, offering everything from "Parent & Me" classes for toddlers to advanced ballet, jazz, hip hop, and even music lessons, means that families can find all their performing arts needs met under one roof. The opportunities for students to perform in various settings, including prestigious venues like Disney, provide unique and memorable experiences that are a significant draw for local aspiring artists. For any Delawarean seeking top-tier dance and music instruction delivered with care, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to each student's personal growth, New Castle Dance & Music Academy is undoubtedly the premier local choice.

New Castle Dance & Music Academy

680 Peoples Plaza, Newark, DE 19702 &, 1 E Whittington Way, Middletown, DE 19709, USA