Academy of Classical & Contemporary Dance
Classical and contemporary dance for all ages, with a competitive team recogn…
A dance academy in Chesapeake, Virginia offering training in both classical ballet and contemporary dance for all levels.
Before your first class
Classes are offered at basic level for all ages from three years old, with skill-based grouping regardless of age.
About this studio
Academy of Classical & Contemporary Dance has been locally owned and operated for 38 years. The studio teaches ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, modern, lyrical, and contemporary to students ranging from three years old through young adults. Classes are offered at basic, intermediate, and advanced levels, with students grouped by skill rather than age to focus on developing technique and artistry.
The academy is home to Fusion Dance Company, a competitive dance team recognised as one of the top teams in the mid-Atlantic region. Fusion has won numerous awards including Best Technique, Top Studio, Most Professional, and was nominated for an Industry Dance Award in the Musical Theatre category. The team auditions annually, with early bird auditions held in May for ages 8 and up.
The instructional team brings substantial credentials. Owner and Artistic Director Lynne Economou Overton holds a BA in Dance & Theatre from Old Dominion University and trained at the Joffrey Ballet School and Broadway Dance Center in New York City. Co-Director Nikia Burks, who has been on staff for 15 years, holds a BA in Dance from ODU and was a member of Second Wind Dance Ensemble; she has won awards for Best Choreography, Most Entertaining, and Top Studio of the Day. Tamika Burks Steeley, Nikia's twin sister, also holds a BA in Dance from ODU and is a lead choreographer for Fusion, with experience as a guest instructor and choreographer at ODU and the Governor's School for the Arts.
Other faculty include Samuel Holley, a dance educator for over 15 years with tap as his speciality, who has worked as a studio owner, adjudicator, and choreographer; Jennifer Wheeler, who holds a BA in Dance and Theatre from ODU (2001) and previously owned Transitions Dance Company before it merged with ACCD; and Autumn Laufer, who holds a B.S. in Dance Education from Radford University with a VA state teaching license and specialises in improvisation, contemporary, jazz, and hip hop.
The studio's philosophy emphasises teaching students to be dancers—understanding the art of dance—rather than simply following choreographed steps. This approach has produced dancers who go on to perform at college level and beyond. Classes run Monday to Thursday from 3:30 PM to 9:00 PM, with Friday and Saturday appointments available. Registration is online via dancestudio-pro.com/online/accdance5678.
What to expect
Your first visit
You'll find a studio with students of varied ages and skill levels, all grouped into basic, intermediate, and advanced classes by ability. Expect professional instruction focused on building strong technique and confidence in a structured environment.
Instructors
Who teaches here
The teaching team is led by owner Lynne Economou Overton (38 years directing the academy, trained at Joffrey Ballet School and Broadway Dance Center) and Co-Director Nikia Burks (15 years on staff, BA from ODU, award-winning choreographer). The faculty also includes Tamika Burks Steeley (BA from ODU, lead choreographer for Fusion), Samuel Holley (15+ years as an educator, tap specialist and former studio owner), Jennifer Wheeler (BA from ODU, former studio owner, high school production choreographer), and Autumn Laufer (B.S. Dance Education from Radford, VA state licensed K-12 dance teacher, specialising in improvisation, contemporary, jazz, and hip hop).
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Classes are offered at basic level for all ages from three years old, with skill-based grouping regardless of age.
Studio history
Academy of Classical & Contemporary Dance has been locally owned and operated with a 38-year history. Owner and Artistic Director Lynne Economou Overton, who trained at the Joffrey Ballet School and Broadway Dance Center, has made it her mission over the years to offer students of all levels the very best in dance education in a healthy, structured environment.
Styles offered
7 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Academy of Classical & Contemporary Dancehasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Academy of Classical & Contemporary Dance, claiming the studio lets you add a public schedule in about 2 minutes. A free Google Calendar is the easiest path — visitors see your class times inline + can add events to their own calendar.
Frequently asked about Academy of Classical & Contemporary Dance
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Academy of Classical & Contemporary Dance teach?
Academy of Classical & Contemporary Dance teaches Contemporary, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Modern and 1 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Academy of Classical & Contemporary Dance located?
Academy of Classical & Contemporary Dance is located in Chesapeake, VA. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Academy of Classical & Contemporary Dance offer private lessons?
Contact Academy of Classical & Contemporary Dance directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Academy of Classical & Contemporary Dance teach kids and adults?
Academy of Classical & Contemporary Dance welcomes students of varied ages and experience levels. Contact the studio to learn which classes fit your age group and level.
How do I sign up for classes at Academy of Classical & Contemporary Dance?
The fastest path is to visit Academy of Classical & Contemporary Dance via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.