North Carolina Dance Institute

About North Carolina Dance Institute

The North Carolina Dance Institute (NCDI), located in Raleigh, North Carolina, has been fostering a strong foundation in the arts since its founding by Kirstie Spadie and Jay Spadie in June 2001. Offering a comprehensive dance education for students aged 3 to adult, NCDI provides professional instruction across a diverse range of disciplines. Their curriculum encompasses fundamental styles including ballet, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, modern, lyrical, Broadway, and rhythm tap. For younger children, NCDI offers preDance and creative movement programs. The institute emphasizes disciplined training, focusing on dance fundamentals, vocabulary, and choreography, preparing students for performance opportunities and personal growth. NCDI is dedicated to providing a robust schedule, with classes offered throughout the week for their 40-week season from August 18, 2025, to June 13, 2026, including breaks for Winter and Spring. Beyond regular instruction, students have opportunities for master classes and connections to prestigious programs like the North Carolina School of the Arts and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. While not a competition-focused institute, NCDI provides performance opportunities through an annual Summer Showcase and the chance to audition for original productions. Esteemed instructors guiding students include Kirstie Spadie, Victoria Moore, Melody Staples, Lisl Vaillant, Frankie Lee Peterson, Kim Fox, Emily Price Acree, Valonda Calloway, Lauren Baker, Emily Pinell, Meghan Goomis, Janay Lee, Briana Alston, Mariah Glenn, Lauren Hodges, Ivan Avila, Tiffany Wheeler, Nicole Cesari, Tama Guerra, Ronnie West, Sarah Putterman, Janey Abbott, Carolyn Ghezzi, Ashley Borromeo, Hannah Richman, Kayla Baker, and Freddie-Lee Heath. NCDI celebrates the professional achievements of its alumni, who often return to inspire current students.

Styles offered at North Carolina Dance Institute