Charleston Dance Center
Elite dance training for ages 2–18 in Charleston, with award-winning competit…
Charleston Dance Center is a family-owned studio established in 2000 by Barbara Campbell Wade and her daughters Buffi Wade Whetsell and Kim Wade Roberts.
Photo: Charleston Dance Center via Google
Before your first class
The studio welcomes beginners of all ages, from preschool through adult, with level-appropriate classes and trial weeks available before commitment.
Dress code varies by class style; ballet requires hair in a bun, and hip hop requires clean sneakers with comfortable dancewear or athletic clothing.
For specific attire and footwear requirements, refer to class descriptions on the website; generally, ballet classes require ballet shoes and hair in a bun, tap classes require tap shoes, and hip hop
Parking is available in the front lot accessible from Savannah Highway or in the back lot off Wappoo Road behind Ciao Bella Restaurant; both lots serve the studio's front and back entrances.
About this studio
Charleston Dance Center is a family-owned studio established in 2000 by Barbara Campbell Wade and her daughters Buffi Wade Whetsell and Kim Wade Roberts. Buffi began teaching dance at age 16, and her vision of opening a dance studio in Charleston became reality with family support. The studio joined by Lindsey Gentry in 2016 after eight years of teaching, CDC has served the Lowcountry for over 25 years and is one of Charleston's longest-standing dance institutions.
The studio offers year-round programs for dancers ages 2 through 18, from recreational classes to pre-professional training. Classes run August through June as the main season, with dynamic summer camps and programs to keep dancers engaged year-round. The comprehensive curriculum includes ballet, pointe, jazz, hip hop, tap, tumbling, lyrical, contemporary, musical theater, and private lessons.
CDC is home to the award-winning Just Dance! competition teams, which include the Tiny Tots Team, Mini Mini Team, Company, and Collective. These teams are assembled through auditions held every summer and welcome dancers of all ages and skill levels. The studio also offers a new Youth Ballet Company under the artistic direction of Sarah Walborn, Principal Dancer with Palmetto City Ballet, providing high-level ballet training for dedicated dancers ages 8 and older, with performances in two ballet productions throughout the season.
The studio hosts major annual events including the Year End Performance (now in its 25th year) and A Charleston Christmas Show. The Year End Performance features preschool classes, pre-jazz, pre-tap, pre-ballet, pre-hip hop, and all Just Dance! competition teams, with matinee and evening shows. The 2025 performance included nearly 40 alumni dancers returning to perform. Summer offerings range from preschool programs like Tiny Twirlers and Rising Stars to youth camps themed around popular culture and specialized intensives in ballet, hip hop, tumbling, and acro. Bootcamps and clinics in back handsprings, aerials, and walkovers are available for developing tumblers.
Family values are central to CDC's mission: the studio treats every dancer as a cherished member of an extended family. Parents receive upgraded lobby access with livestream TVs to watch classes, and the studio welcomes parental involvement as backstage helpers during recitals. Trial classes are available for new students, and the studio operates with a Studio Director Online Portal for easy enrollment, payment processing, and access to schedules and notifications.
What to expect
Your first visit
On your first visit, you'll find a welcoming family environment with multiple studios. New students can participate in trial classes matched to their age and experience level. The studio is located in a retail center next to Ciao Bella Restaurant with accessible parking in both front and back lots. Classes follow a structured schedule running Monday through Thursday evenings, with preschool classes starting at 3:45 p.m. and advanced classes extending to 9:15 p.m.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Sarah Walborn, Principal Dancer with Palmetto City Ballet, directs the new Youth Ballet Company and provides high-level ballet training. The studio employs experienced teachers trained to create supportive, nurturing environments for all ages, with special expertise in working with young children through emotional moments during class.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
The studio welcomes beginners of all ages, from preschool through adult, with level-appropriate classes and trial weeks available before commitment.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
Dress code
Dress code varies by class style; ballet requires hair in a bun, and hip hop requires clean sneakers with comfortable dancewear or athletic clothing.
What to bring
For specific attire and footwear requirements, refer to class descriptions on the website; generally, ballet classes require ballet shoes and hair in a bun, tap classes require tap shoes, and hip hop classes require clean sneakers and comfortable athletic clothing. All items should be labeled to aid in return if lost.
Studio history
Charleston Dance Center was established in 2000 by Barbara Campbell Wade and her daughters Buffi Wade Whetsell and Kim Wade Roberts. Buffi's passion for dance, which began with teaching at age 16, inspired the family to open the studio. Lindsey Gentry joined the family-owned establishment in 2016 after eight years of teaching there. The studio has proudly served the Lowcountry for over 25 years.
Styles offered
11 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Charleston Dance Centerhasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Charleston Dance Center, 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 Charleston Dance Center
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Charleston Dance Center teach?
Charleston Dance Center teaches General, Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Tap and 5 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Charleston Dance Center located?
Charleston Dance Center is located in Charleston, SC. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Charleston Dance Center offer private lessons?
Contact Charleston Dance Center directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Charleston Dance Center teach kids and adults?
Charleston Dance Center 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 Charleston Dance Center?
The fastest path is to visit Charleston Dance Center via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.
Is there parking at Charleston Dance Center?
Parking is available in the front lot accessible from Savannah Highway or in the back lot off Wappoo Road behind Ciao Bella Restaurant; both lots serve the studio's front and back entrances.