Sawnee School of the Arts Introduce
For residents of Cumming, Georgia, and the wider Forsyth County area, a true local treasure in the performing arts is the Sawnee School of the Arts (SSA). More than just a school, SSA is a vibrant hub where passion for dance and performance is cultivated, nurtured, and celebrated. Known for its exceptional training and captivating performances, SSA plays a pivotal role in enriching the local cultural landscape, making high-quality artistic experiences accessible right here in our community.
Sawnee School of the Arts, formerly known as Sawnee School of Ballet, has evolved into a comprehensive performing arts institution. It is notably the official school of the Sawnee Ballet Theatre, a distinguished 501(c)(3) non-profit pre-professional ballet company. This unique relationship provides unparalleled opportunities for students to train alongside and perform with professional-level dancers, gaining invaluable real-world experience that is crucial for aspiring artists.
The philosophy at SSA extends beyond mere technical instruction. It is about fostering a deep love for the arts, building character, and instilling life skills that go far beyond the studio. Students at SSA learn responsibility, persistence, communication skills, grit, and accountability – qualities that are essential for success in any endeavor. With a history of producing incredible shows and developing talented dancers who go on to prestigious programs and professional companies, Sawnee School of the Arts stands as a testament to dedication and artistic excellence in North Georgia.
Sawnee School of the Arts is conveniently located at 543 Lake Center Pkwy, Cumming, GA 30040, USA. This accessible address places it strategically within Cumming, making it an ideal choice for families across Forsyth County and neighboring areas. The location offers ease of access from various parts of the community, reducing travel time for students and their parents, which is a significant advantage for those with busy schedules.
The facility itself is designed to accommodate a thriving arts program, providing a clean and beautiful environment for training and rehearsals. Reviews often highlight the ease of getting in and out of the facility, along with the convenience of clean bathrooms, including family bathrooms, which adds to the overall positive experience for visitors and attendees of performances. Ample parking is typically available, further enhancing the accessibility for everyone visiting SSA.
Sawnee School of the Arts provides a comprehensive array of programs designed to cater to a wide spectrum of ages and skill levels, from early childhood to adult learners and aspiring professionals. Their offerings include:
- Year-Round Dance Programs: Covering various styles such as ballet, tap, jazz, modern, musical theatre, and acro-tumbling. Classes are carefully structured for different age groups and proficiency levels.
- Early Childhood Dance: Specifically designed programs for children aged 2-5 years old, focusing on music, movement, basic dance steps, balance, and coordination in a fun and positive environment.
- Elementary Programs: Classes for elementary-aged students that build upon foundational skills while emphasizing life skills such as responsibility, persistence, and communication.
- Teen Recreational Classes: Flexible options for teenagers new to dance or with limited schedules, focusing on technique and fitness in a relaxed environment.
- Company Bound & Pre-Professional Training: Intensive programs for serious dancers aiming for more focused classroom atmospheres and preparing for auditions for the Sawnee Ballet Theatre.
- Sawnee Ballet Theatre (SBT): As the official school of SBT, SSA offers unparalleled opportunities for dancers to participate in a pre-professional ballet company, providing high-quality performance experience.
- Adult Classes: Programs for adults, including ballet, tap, jazz, modern, and general fitness, offering a fun social outlet and various health benefits.
- Audition Prep Classes: Specialized classes to help dancers prepare for auditions for the Sawnee Ballet Theatre company, The Nutcracker, or Spring Concerts, focusing on technique, strength, performance quality, and audition etiquette.
- Summer Camps and Workshops: Engaging and intensive programs during school breaks that allow students to immerse themselves in dance and performing arts.
Sawnee School of the Arts stands out as a premier performing arts institution due to several notable features and highlights:
- Official School of Sawnee Ballet Theatre: This affiliation provides a unique pathway for serious dance students to transition into a pre-professional company, offering rigorous training and significant performance experience.
- Spectacular Productions: SSA is renowned for producing "spectacular" shows, as evidenced by customer reviews. The quality of lighting, sound, choreography, and dancer performance is consistently high, ensuring an enjoyable experience for the audience.
- "The Nutcracker" Tradition: Their annual production of "The Nutcracker" is a cherished holiday staple in Forsyth County, described as "holiday magic" and "not to be missed." It provides a magical experience for both performers and audiences, drawing families back year after year.
- High-Quality Choreography: Shows are frequently praised for their creativity and artistic choreography, particularly the opening and finale numbers, highlighting the talent of the artistic director and instructors.
- Focus on Holistic Development: SSA emphasizes not only dance technique but also the development of vital life skills such as discipline, self-esteem, concentration, and character, preparing students for success beyond the stage.
- Clean and Beautiful Facility: The academy's physical space is consistently noted for its cleanliness, beauty, and convenience, contributing to a comfortable and welcoming environment for students and visitors.
- Accessibility to All Ages and Levels: SSA genuinely caters to a broad demographic, from very young children exploring movement to adults seeking fitness and artistic expression, making the arts accessible to the entire community.
For more details about programs, performances, or enrollment, you can contact Sawnee School of the Arts using the information below:
Address: 543 Lake Center Pkwy, Cumming, GA 30040, USA
Phone: (770) 887-0756
Mobile Phone: +1 770-887-0756
For residents of Georgia, especially those in Cumming and the surrounding Forsyth County, Sawnee School of the Arts is an exceptionally suitable and valuable local institution. Its multi-faceted approach to performing arts education and entertainment makes it a cornerstone of the community.
Firstly, for families, SSA offers a nurturing and professional environment for children to explore dance and performance from a very young age. The early childhood programs introduce movement in a fun, positive manner, building foundational skills and a love for dance. As children grow, the structured curriculum and dedicated teachers help them develop not only technical proficiency but also crucial life skills like discipline, persistence, and confidence, as highlighted by numerous positive reviews. The ability for children to dream of roles like Clara in "The Nutcracker" and then realize those dreams through SSA’s comprehensive training speaks volumes about the opportunities provided.
Secondly, the direct affiliation with Sawnee Ballet Theatre offers an unparalleled local advantage for serious young dancers. This partnership provides a pre-professional pathway, allowing students to train at a high level and gain invaluable performance experience in significant productions without having to leave the area. The "spectacular" shows, praised for their lighting, sound, and fabulous dancers, mean that locals can enjoy professional-grade ballet right in their own community, fostering a deeper appreciation for the arts and offering accessible, high-quality entertainment.
Moreover, the school's commitment to community is evident in its long-standing tradition of cherished events like "The Nutcracker," which has become a staple for many families during the holiday season. The clean, beautiful facility and convenient amenities, including family bathrooms, contribute to a comfortable and welcoming experience for everyone attending classes or performances.
In essence, Sawnee School of the Arts is more than just a place to learn dance; it's a community asset that cultivates talent, provides enriching cultural experiences, and instills valuable life lessons. For any local in Georgia looking to engage with the performing arts, whether as a student or an audience member, SSA offers a complete and deeply rewarding experience right on their doorstep.
Sawnee School of the Arts Services
Dance School
- Adult lessons
- Advanced classes
- Beginner's classes
- Intermediate classes
- Jazz
This is eclectic style of movement and fusion of many dance forms. Jazz is a fun, exciting, energetic and popular style of dance and is the primary style of dance used in Broadway productions, television, and film. Jazz focuses on technique, placement, strength, coordination and style.
- Private lessons
- Youth classes
- Acro Tumbling
- Acro/Tumbling
Tumbling will emphasize the teaching, practicing, and perfecting of skills such as various rolls, cartwheels, walkovers, and handsprings. Classes will begin with stretching and conditioning to strengthen and prepare the tumblers for the above listed skills.
- Adult Ballet
- Adult Classes
- Adult Jazz
- Advanced Ballet
- Ballet
Ballet is not just for serious dancers, but for all students of dance who want to improve posture, coordination and agility. Alignment, placement, strength, flexibility and technique are achieved at the barre and in the center.
- Ballet Classes For
- Classical Ballet
- Creative Movement
A delightful introduction to the world of dance, our ballet classes for ages 2-6 years old are presented in a manner appropriate to children in this age range. The curriculum includes the use of props, musical rhythmic games, imaginative play encouraging expression through simple steps and dances.
- Dance Classes For Beginners
- Early Childhood Dance
- Floor Work
- Hip Hop
Hip Hop is high energy street dance as seen in commericals, music videos, and movies. Hip Hop has a range of styles including breakdancing, pop-n-locking, and krumping. It often mixes various styles such as urban, stepping, and jazz and is also well known for its isolated movements and musicality.
- Individual Class
- Intermediate Ballet
- Intermediate Dance Classes
- Jazz Classes
- Modern
Modern technique is based on the artistry of Martha Graham, Lester Horton, and Jose Limon to name a few. This style of dance concentrates on body awareness, exploring different levels, traveling movements, and increasing the body's strength and flexibility.
- Musical Theatre
- Pointe
Advancement to the Beginning Pointe level and Pointe Work is based not solely by age and amount of training, but by the physical and technical readiness of the individual. The decision for this advancement is decided strictly by the Director and the student's instructors.
- Private Lessons
- Ready, Set, Dance
- Tap
Tap dancing is a unique American style of dance that evolved from Irish and African roots. Tap uses percussive foot ware enabling the dancer to make precise sounds, phrasing, and rhythms. Tap dance develops rhythmic ability, balance, critical thinking skills, listening skills, and musicality.
- Teen Dancers
- Trial Classes
- Virtual Classes
Sawnee School of the Arts Details
From the business
- Identifies as women-owned
Service options
- Onsite services
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Sawnee School of the Arts Photos










Sawnee School of the Arts Location
Sawnee School of the Arts
543 Lake Center Pkwy, Cumming, GA 30040, USA
Sawnee School of the Arts Reviews
studioballetseasonthe nutcrackermemoriesvideoperformanceadultaudienceconcert
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1The show was spectacular!! The lighting and sound was great. Any seat is a good seat truly. The dancers were fabulous. We have been to multiple shows and it never disappoints. The facility is so clean and beautiful easy to get in and out. Clean bathrooms that are convenient on each side with family bathrooms
May 28, 2024 · Jade woodwardHighly recommend SSA for all ages. We LOVE Sawnee School of the Arts!! We have 3 dancers at SSA and have been attending for several years now, after switching over from another studio. (.. started our switch a few years prior even to that, after viewing a few Spring Concerts. Our Nutcracker journey then began with Sawnee Ballet Theatre and Sawnee School of the Arts. (Formerly Sawnee School of Ballet.) I think we’re at year six with The Nutcracker… and it is usually the first 2 weekends in December (at the Focal Center) and is not to be missed! It’s holiday magic. It’s been a staple for our family for the Christmas season for many decades and we were so delighted when seeing SSB/SSA’s Nutcracker. Our children absolutely LOVE being a part of it and my oldest has dreamed of being Clara since she was 4.The artistic director produces incredible shows which are a beautiful experience for both the audience and dancers alike! This seasons end of year Recital was my husband’s (and fam/friends!) favorite so far. It was so creative and artistically choreographed, especially the opening and finale. Entertaining is an understatement! We loved each of our children’s separate numbers… we may be biased. ;)
May 28, 2024 · Sandy TisonMy daughter and I started at Sawnee for the 22-23 season. What a beautiful, full circle journey it has been for us both.Ms. Laurie was the perfect introduction to ballet for our 3 year old. She was energetic and patient; allowing Olivia all the time and space she needed to enjoy herself in class. Slowly but surely Olivia was able to participate in class without my husband or I. By January she joined a larger class with Mrs. Courtney - she was ready to soar. Watching Olivia at the recital this weekend was pure magic - she was a little star, confident and joyful.I returned to ballet after nearly 20 years of college, career, and children. It was my 60 mins every week; I was able to focus on myself and breathe. The video my sister took of Olivia watching my recital performance will forever be a core memory of mine..."go Mommy! Your dancing is so beautiful!" from the audience.Thank you Sawnee, you've made some big and little ballerina dreams come true! See y'all in August!
May 29, 2023 · Elizabeth LandersWe just finished our first season at Sawnee School of the Arts and are SO happy with our experience. It was our first introduction to dance at an early beginner level and Ms. Courtney was so patient, kind and fun. My daughter looked forward to class every week, as did I for her. The end of the year recital was extremely well planned - from both a parent of a dancer and from a viewer experience. As a parent, the recital portal and email updates made it extremely easy to buy tickets, understand costume/makeup/hair requirements and to follow the schedule for the rehearsal and recital days. The theater was well-marked so I knew exactly where to take my dancer. As a viewer, the show was entertaining with numbers of all skill levels and styles but was under 80 minutes total which was the perfect length. If my daughter decides to continue pursuing dance, I will definitely keep her at this studio!
May 28, 2024 · Molly GillelandMy daughter has been dancing with Sawnee School of the Arts for several years and loves it! Everyone is incredibly kind from the amazing owner, teachers, and even the older students. My daughter has learned so much and is looking forward to many more years at this studio.
May 28, 2024 · Lesley-Ann Hunt
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