The Dance Academy of McDonough

The Dance Academy of McDonough Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Modern, Competition Teams and so much more! The Dance Academy ..was established in 1973. Ms. Many of Ms.

Sandra Butcher, Owner and Director, has been teaching in the Clayton County area for over 40 years. A native of Henry County, Ms. Sandra toured the Southeast as a child and teen performing as one of the Dixie Darlings and various performing troups. She was a charter member of the Clayton Civic Ballet Company as well as a featured dancer. She has studi...ed in New York with such well known teachers

as Luigi, Joe Tremaine, Gus Giordano, Madame Sulamith Messerer, Melissa Hayden and others. Sandra is the Artistic director for the Atlanta South Dance Company and a Master Ballet Instructor at Woodward Academy Busey School. She is a member of Dance Educators of America, Professional Dance Teachers Association and American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. She is also on the board of directors of the Henry Arts Alliance. The Dance Academy presents several productions a year at the Clayton Performing Arts Center. In 1996, The Dance Academy received special recognition when twenty-one of the students were selected to participate in the Opening and Closing Ceremonies for the Centennial Olympic Games. The Dance Academy was the only dance school selected from Clayton and Henry Counties. Atlanta South Dance Company has performed at such places as Six Flags, Underground Atlanta, Stone Mountain, Egleston Hospital, Christian City, Festival of Trees and many other places. Sandraï¾’s students have gone on to become Professional Dancers, Models and Dance Instructors.

✨ Senior Spotlight: Emerson Garcia ✨Today we are celebrating the incredible Emerson Garcia! 💜Emerson has been a part of ...
05/30/2026

✨ Senior Spotlight: Emerson Garcia ✨

Today we are celebrating the incredible Emerson Garcia! 💜

Emerson has been a part of our dance family for 12 wonderful years, and it has been such a joy to watch her grow from a young dancer into the beautiful, kind, and dedicated young woman she is today.

One of Emerson’s favorite dance memories is the time the entire team dressed up as different versions of Mrs. Erin…a day filled with laughter, creativity, and memories that perfectly captured the special bond our dancers share. Her favorite dance style is lyrical, and some of the performances that hold a special place in her heart are Long Live, Roots Before Branches, and Home Sweet Home. Each of these dances represents not only beautiful moments on stage, but also the friendships, growth, and memories that have shaped her dance journey.

As the youngest member of her graduating class, Emerson will be graduating from her homeschool studies next fall. While she is still exploring her future career path, she knows that the responsibility, discipline, dedication, and perseverance she has learned through dance will guide her toward success in whatever she chooses to pursue.

Perhaps what Emerson treasures most are the relationships she has built along the way. The friendships formed in the studio have become lifelong bonds, and the love, encouragement, and support she has received from her teachers and dance family have helped shape the person she is today and the person she is becoming.

Emerson, your sweet spirit, hard work, and unwavering dedication have left a lasting impact on everyone around you. We are so proud of the dancer, friend, and young woman you have become. No matter where life takes you next, you will always have a home here and a dance family cheering you on every step of the way.

Congratulations, Emerson! We love you and cannot wait to see all the amazing things your future holds. ❤️🎓✨

✨ Senior Spotlight: Aubrey Tatum ✨Please help us celebrate Aubrey Tatum as she begins an exciting new chapter! Aubrey gr...
05/29/2026

✨ Senior Spotlight: Aubrey Tatum ✨

Please help us celebrate Aubrey Tatum as she begins an exciting new chapter! Aubrey graduated from Ola High School and will be attending Georgia State University to study psychology with plans to become a children’s therapist. She has such a genuine passion for helping others, and we know she is going to make an incredible impact on the lives of so many children and families. 💙

Aubrey has been such an important part of our dance family, not only because of her talent, but because of the person she is. She is a natural born leader who constantly supports and encourages everyone around her. Whether it’s being there mentally and emotionally for her teammates or physically being one of our strongest and most dependable bases, Aubrey has always been someone her team could count on (even with a broken foot 😘).

One of her favorite classes has always been Tuesday Night Company, where so many unforgettable memories were made. Some of her favorite moments at the studio were simply laughing, joking around, and making memories with the friends who became family over the years. Her favorite dance was Humble and Kind because she got to share the stage with the girls she has danced alongside the longest, making it such a special and meaningful experience. ✨

We are beyond proud of you, Aubrey, and cannot wait to see all the amazing things your future holds. Your kindness, leadership, strength, and heart will take you so far. Congratulations, Aubrey! 🎓💫

✨ SENIOR SPOTLIGHT ✨Today we are celebrating our amazing senior, Addilyn Edwards! 💙Addilyn is graduating from Union Grov...
05/28/2026

✨ SENIOR SPOTLIGHT ✨

Today we are celebrating our amazing senior, Addilyn Edwards! 💙

Addilyn is graduating from Union Grove High School and has been dancing for 11 incredible years. Over the years, she has grown not only as a dancer, but as such a wonderful teammate and part of our dance family. Her dedication, hard work, and positive spirit have made such an impact both inside and outside the studio.

One of Addilyn’s favorite memories was during Intensive 2024, where the team grew especially close and created so many unforgettable memories together. From working hard in class to laughing together during lunch breaks, it was a week full of bonding, fun, and moments she’ll always cherish. 💫

Her favorite classes have been company classes with Miss Erin, where she has continued to challenge herself, grow in confidence, and make lasting memories alongside her teammates.

After graduation, Addilyn plans to attend Georgia Southern University to earn her bachelor’s degree before enlisting in the United States Air Force. We are so proud of her ambition, determination, and heart for serving others, and we know she has such an exciting future ahead. 🇺🇸

Addilyn, thank you for 11 wonderful years of memories, hard work, and dedication. We love you so much and cannot wait to see all the amazing things you accomplish in this next chapter! ✨

✨ Senior Spotlight: Kaily Butcher ✨Our next Senior Spotlight is especially meaningful, as we celebrate someone who is no...
05/27/2026

✨ Senior Spotlight: Kaily Butcher ✨

Our next Senior Spotlight is especially meaningful, as we celebrate someone who is not only a longtime dancer, but also part of the family behind the studio itself. Kaily is the granddaughter of our founder, Ms. Sandra Butcher, and the niece of Ms. Keri — making her studio roots run deep from the very beginning. 💜

Kaily is a graduate of New Creation Christian Academy and has been dancing for around 14 years, beginning during the 2012–2013 season. Over the years, she has grown up right here in the studio, creating memories, friendships, and moments that will last a lifetime.

One of her favorite dance memories is watching Mrs. Erin try to keep Diamond “tame” at every competition, and some of her favorite moments have come from company nights and Tuesdays spent with her dance family.

While she says she could never choose just one favorite dance, some of the performances that meant the most to her were This Time, Whipped Into Shape, Don’t Tell My Mom, Waterguns, and Paralyzed.

After graduation, Kaily plans to pursue her PhD in Criminal Psychology. We are so proud of the incredible young woman she has become and cannot wait to see all she accomplishes in this next chapter.

Kaily, it has been so special watching you grow up both in our family and in our studio. Thank you for the love, laughter, and memories you’ve shared throughout the years. We love you and are so excited for your future! 💜

Senior Spotlight ✨Congratulations to our senior graduate, Kenadi Green! She recently graduated from Locust Grove High Sc...
05/25/2026

Senior Spotlight ✨

Congratulations to our senior graduate, Kenadi Green! She recently graduated from Locust Grove High School and has been dancing for 11 years. Throughout the years, dance has played such an important role in her life, helping shape so many unforgettable memories and lifelong friendships.

Her favorite styles are lyrical and jazz, and some of her most cherished memories come from growing up and competing alongside the same teammates year after year. Two of her favorite dances she’s ever performed were “Long Live” and “Gangsta’s Paradise,” both of which held a special meaning and brought so much joy to perform.

This fall, she plans to attend the University of West Georgia to study Health and Community Wellness with a focus in Physical Therapy. She hopes to build a career helping others while always keeping dance close to her heart.

We are so proud of you and cannot wait to see all the amazing things your future holds! ❤️

Our 2026 Competition season was certainly one full of memories, laughter, a few tears, and an enormous amount of LOVE! C...
05/11/2026

Our 2026 Competition season was certainly one full of memories, laughter, a few tears, and an enormous amount of LOVE! Congratulations to the TDA 2026 Competition team on all of your hard work, dedication, passion, and beautiful dancing. You have made us all extremely proud!

Want to make this year’s recital program extra special? It’s time to celebrate your dancer’s hard work and dedication wi...
03/24/2026

Want to make this year’s recital program extra special? It’s time to celebrate your dancer’s hard work and dedication with a Recital Program Ad!
These ads are the perfect way to share “best wishes,” a sweet note of encouragement, or even a shoutout to your favorite performer. 📔✨
The Details:
• Photos: You can only use the professional shots from our upcoming picture days with Paulina Epperson on April 12th and April 19th. 📸 https://pkandcompany.pixieset.com/booking/spring-2026-dance-academy-photos
• Deadline: All ads must be submitted by April 19th.
Don’t miss the chance to give your dancer a keepsake they’ll cherish forever! Whether it’s a full page or a small shoutout, let’s fill the program with love and support for our Karaoke Dancing Stars! ⭐️

Tomorrow is the big day! Our 2026 competition season preview will be at Relevant Church at 6PM. We can’t wait to see you...
01/29/2026

Tomorrow is the big day! Our 2026 competition season preview will be at Relevant Church at 6PM. We can’t wait to see you there!

The Dance Academy will be closed tomorrow due to the weather conditions. Parents please check your emails for more infor...
01/25/2026

The Dance Academy will be closed tomorrow due to the weather conditions. Parents please check your emails for more information.

Address

377 Keys Ferry Street
McDonough, GA
30253

Opening Hours

Monday 3:30pm - 9pm
Tuesday 3:30pm - 9pm
Wednesday 3:30pm - 9pm
Thursday 4:30pm - 9pm
Saturday 9am - 12pm

Telephone

(770) 288-2828

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