About CDA
The Community Dance Academy believes that every person is special and needs to be encouraged to try new things in a non-competitive, fun and loving environment. The CDA exists to facilitate such an environment through the world of dance. Our desire is to bring the joy of dance to children, teens and adults in our community. Our central purpose is to impact lives and build strong community through the art of dance. Through dance, we facilitate the development of the dancer to become all they were created to be; physically, mentally, emotionally and spirtitually confident individuals. The CDA is privileged to be a part of your life!
Artistic Director: Lisa Matthews
Lisa began dancing at the age of 4yrs. She is trained in ballet, jazz, pointe, liturgical, tap, and theatre. She has performed in a production of Pippen at Thalian Hall in Wilmington, NC., was a member of the Wilmington Civic Ballet and also a member of the Charlotte Ballet. She has been married for 28 years, has three grown boys, a daughter-in-law and a new grandson! To contact Lisa click here.
Instructor: Michelle Hankins
Michelle brings 30+ years of dance, music, drama and performance training. Her training began at age 4 studying ballet, jazz, tap, pointe, lyrical, modern and a variety of ethnic dances. Her studies have included training with the Atlanta Ballet, Jacques D'Amboise, Rick McCullough, Jan Van Dyke, John Gamble, and more. She was a member of Raleigh Dance Theater housed at the Raleigh School of Ballet. She has completed a BFA in Dance and a BS in Child and Adolescent Development at UNC-Greensboro. She has 13 years of curriculum planning and teaching experience as Ballet Director of On Stage School of Dance, instructor for City Arts Dance in Greensboro, NC, guest faculty member at Greensboro College and instructor at Angier Gymnastics Plus. She was the Founder and Executive/Artistic Director of Piedmont Performing Arts Company and Virtuoso. In 2002 she staged her original ballet The Littlest Angel which led her to be the recipient of the Regional Emerging Artist Grant from the United Arts Council. She has 5 years award winning competition experience with students who have competed in National Competitions. Michelle’s student have gone on to continue their training in New York City and at various universities. Michelle has been married for 7 years and has 2 boys, ages 2 and 4.
Instructor: Tamila Davis
Miss Tami* started dancing at age 2 and never stopped! She brings over 25 years of professionally certified training to the CDA staff. During her career she’s been an award winning performer, instructor, and speaker. Her students hold many World and National titles. Together they have graced numerous local and national venues including Disney, ESPN, and Carnival Cruise Lines to name a few! As a teen in 1983 she founded Ministry In Motion a liturgical dance ensemble, then in 1989 she opened Starr & Co. Performing Arts in Lancaster, Ohio. Today both these organizations continue to serve students across the United States. The focus of her classes is to“Inspire”, encouraging students to reach higher and achieve more than they ever thought possible. Her lifelong inspirations are her husband Jeff and their two precious daughters Trinity Grace and Jordyn Rose. The family re-located to Holly Springs, NC in 2007 and enjoy life in the Triangle.