Capital District Arts Initiative

Capital District Arts Initiative (CDAI) is a community-driven arts school in Latham offering dance and theatre education for children and adults. Founded by Albany-native siblings Corey John Snide (Co-Founder, Artistic Director) and Jenna Snide (Co-founder, Business Director), the organisation is dedicated to empowering young artists and building a more impactful, sustainable arts community in the Capital Region.

The school runs weekly dance classes across six levels: Recreational (for absolute beginners and adults returning to dance), Level 1 (ages 6–10, beginner), Level 2 (ages 6–11, beginner/intermediate), Level 3 (ages 10–13, intermediate/advanced), Level 4 (ages 11–16, intermediate/advanced), and Level 5 (ages 15+, advanced, by Co-Founder approval). A Performance Company offers additional training for serious students. Theatre programmes include Youth Theatre Classes (Intro to Theatre for ages 5 and under in autumn or ages 6–8 in spring at $45/month Saturdays 9:15–10am, and Theatre Foundations for ages 9–12 at $45/month Saturdays 10–10:45am). The Ensemble theatre company serves ages 10+.

Summer programmes run intensives: a July Summer Dance Intensive (July 20–23, 12–4pm, $250) and an August Summer Dance Intensive (August 17–21, 10am–4pm, $315). A 6 Week Technique Session is also offered seasonally. The school produces original work through CDAI Productions, recent credits including the directorial work of Sammy Wilson on Six.

Faculty are rooted in the Capital Region yet bring international performance experience. Sammy Wilson, theatre educator with a BA in Theatre and minors in Musical Theatre and Film Studies, has studied Meisner, Stanislavski, and Laban techniques and worked with multiple theatre companies and educational institutions. She has directed Six (CDAI), Footloose (Not So Common Players), and Clue: On Stage (Shaker High School).

CDAI's philosophy centres collaboration, creative exploration, and accessibility across all skill levels and ages. The school welcomes anyone with creative curiosity, whether pursuing professional ambitions or exploring the arts for personal enrichment. Registration for the 2026–2027 season is now open.

You will find age-appropriate classes grouped by dance level and experience, with a structured curriculum that builds technical foundation and performance confidence. Theatre classes integrate storytelling, movement games, and live performance. All students work toward studio showcases, with the school emphasising safe exploration, peer feedback, and creative growth.

Faculty include Co-Founders Corey John Snide (Artistic Director) and Jenna Snide (Business Director), alongside Sammy Wilson, a theatre educator with a BA in Theatre and minors in Musical Theatre and Film Studies who has trained in Meisner, Stanislavski, and Laban techniques and directed multiple productions including Six, Footloose, and Clue: On Stage.

Welcoming to all ages and skill levels, with dedicated beginner and recreational classes designed to build foundation in a supportive, play-based environment.