Coastal Performing Arts Academy

Coastal Performing Arts Academy has been making waves in the Savannah area and surrounding communities since 2005. The studio grew from humble beginnings—just five eager students—into a cornerstone of the dance communities in Pooler, GA and Springfield, GA. Today it offers a diverse curriculum across both Academy and Competitive formats, with styles including Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop, Acro, Contemporary, and Lyrical.

The studio is led by founder and director Dawn Kuster, who brings 43 years of dance experience in Ballet, Tap, and Jazz. Early in her competitive career, she toured the East Coast and won titles including America's Little Star and National Miss Super Star. She trained under industry legends Frank Hatchett and Ray Hollingsworth, and was mentored by Carol Colson. Beyond technique, Dawn emphasises dance as a tool for personal growth and self-confidence.

Coastal's instructor team is substantial and accomplished. Christine Shawl, with over 20 years of teaching experience, is versed in Modern, Jazz, Ballet, Hip-Hop, and Tap, and previously served as an adjunct professor at Savannah College of Art and Design and University of Michigan. Meg Porter is a competitive dancer with a BA in Dance and Business from Springfield College, trained by Frank Hatchet and Yanis Marshal. Jane Yaklin, a Savannah native with over 15 years of teaching experience, trained in tap, ballet, acro, and jazz and was 1990 Savannah's Junior Miss. Maceo Harrison, the hip-hop instructor, received a full scholarship to Joffrey Ballet School in New York and also works as the Dancing First Base Coach for the Savannah Bananas. Eliza Youmans started as a student at Coastal at age nine, competed with Coastal Starz Dance Company, earned her BA in Dance from Dean College, and now teaches at the academy. Angela Lukas brings a Ballet major from Savannah Arts Academy and a BA in Ballet from Kennesaw State University, with training under Complexions Contemporary Ballet Company and Atlanta Ballet. Grace Anna Mitchell has 15 years of dance experience at CPAA and specialises in Musical Theater Tap. Nina Paletta, based at the Springfield location, has over 20 years of training and previously competed at Coastal. Brittany Teston, a CPAA veteran who taught there from 2008 to 2012, holds a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education.

Classes run Monday to Friday from 4:30 to 8 pm at both locations; the studio is closed weekends. The academy emphasises that everyone can dance regardless of age, fitness level, or experience, welcoming students from their first timid steps through to competitive performance. Reviews consistently highlight the warm family atmosphere and the quality of technique and choreography offered.

Classes run weekdays 4:30–8 pm at either the Pooler or Springfield location. You'll find instruction across all major dance styles in a family-friendly environment, with experienced teachers who tailor their approach to where you are starting from.

The team includes director Dawn Kuster (43 years' experience, trained by Frank Hatchett and Ray Hollingsworth), Christine Shawl (20+ years, former adjunct professor at SCAD and University of Michigan), Meg Porter (BA in Dance and Business, trained by Frank Hatchet), Jane Yaklin (15+ years, 1990 Savannah Junior Miss), Maceo Harrison (Joffrey Ballet School scholarship holder, hip-hop specialist), Eliza Youmans (BA in Dance from Dean College, former Coastal student), Angela Lukas (Ballet major from Savannah Arts Academy, BA from Kennesaw State), Grace Anna Mitchell (15 years at CPAA, Musical Theater Tap specialist), Nina Paletta (20+ years training, UGA Red Hotz dancer), and Brittany Teston (Master's in Early Childhood Education, CPAA veteran).

The studio welcomes students of all ages and experience levels, regardless of fitness level or prior dance background.