About Us

Sonshine Performing Arts Academy opened its doors in 1976 with one room and 36 students. After many moves and growth opportunities, we now boast nearly 500 students at our 8,400 square foot facility that includes movable walls and a fully operational stage.

Sonshine offers classes in classical ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, hip hop, modern, lyrical, musical theater, and technique/conditioning. Opportunities for private lessons are available in all of the above dance disciplines as well voice, piano, pageantry, liturgical dance, and many more. Call to see how we can assist you with your group or individual needs.

The Sonshine Royal Ballroom, run by Don McCarty, teaches classes and private lessons in all forms of ballroom dance including swing, latin, salsa, and country/western.

Our award winning Sonshine Dance Troupe performs at numerous community events around the area. Troupe also competes regionally and nationally boasting many overall wins in all levels of competition.

Our mission is to provide a positive, nurturing environment where every dancer can reach his or her full potential. We look forward to providing the best dance instruction for you or your child.

Policies

• All classes will begin and end promptly. Please ensure that your dancer arrives on time.
• All classes must retain a minimum of 8 students or the class will be moved to another time.
• Only water will be allowed in the classrooms. Please leave other food or drinks in the hallway. Teachers will indicate when it is appropriate to take a water break.
• Absolutely NO food or drinks in the dressing rooms!
• Vending machines are provided in the lobby with additional snacks and water available at the front desk for use before and after classes. Please, no snacking on class time (including gum and candy).
• Missed classes may be made up at any other regularly scheduled time during the year. Please check with your teachers for the best make-up days and times.
• Parents, family members and friends are welcome to remain in the hallway during class times. Please do not disturb the concentration of students by interrupting class with food, drinks, or loud hallway chatter.

Dress Requirements

• Appropriate dance shoes MUST be purchased ONLY through Dove Dancewear to ensure uniformity.
• No jewelry or street clothing in any classes. Hair should be worn off the face and neck.
• Combination, Trio and Mix Classes: Dancewear must be worn with shoes appropriate to class.
• All Level I, Intermediate and Advanced Classes:
  • Ballet: Black leotard, pink tights, ballet or pointe shoes. Hair MUST be worn in a bun.
  • Tap: Appropriate dance wear. Low-heel tap shoes.
  • Jazz / Lyrical: Appropriate dance wear. Level I and Beginning classes must wear jazz shoes or booties. Intermediate and advanced classes may wear jazz shoes, dance paws or foot thongs at the discretion of the teacher.
  • Modern: Leotard and black tights. No pants (shorts okay). Bare feet, dance paws, or foot thongs at discretion of the teacher.
  • Musical Theater: Leotard and tights. Special shoes will be required. Please see your teacher or front desk for specifics on shoes.
  • Hip Hop: Appropriate dance wear. Knee pads required. Jazz shoes or Hip Hop sneakers will be required for recitals.
• Dress requirements are general to the Academy and MAY be altered at the discretion of the teacher for each class.