The Soul of Sanctuary Dance Company
Sanctuary Dance Company (SDC) is a Christian, faith-based studio open to people of all backgrounds and abilities. We provide dance education in multiple genres, including specialty classes. Our goal is to make dance education accessible and accommodating, all while ministering to individuals through the art of dance. SDC is a family-focused studio, offering dance classes for all ages. Our hope is that through dance, our students will build confidence, be able to express themselves, learn valuable life skills, and so much more! Here at SDC, our mission is to teach dance, love people, and share Jesus!
More Than Just a Name
Welcome to Sanctuary Dance Company, where the name holds a deep significance beyond its surface. Inspired by the rich meanings of “Sanctuary” found in biblical contexts, we have embraced the essence of this word to shape our dance studio. Just as a sanctuary is a place that is holy and set apart, we strive to create an environment where movement becomes a sacred expression. Our studio is a haven, where dancers of all levels can find solace and inspiration. We honor the concept of sanctuary by fostering a space of respect, creativity, and growth. Our instructors guide and nurture our students, helping them unlock their potential.
Our Dance Philosophy
At Sanctuary Dance Company, our dance philosophy is rooted in the belief that dance is a transformative art form that nurtures the mind, body, and soul. We are dedicated to providing a holistic dance education that goes beyond technique and performance. Our approach focuses on the following key principles:
1. Creativity and Self-Expression: We celebrate the unique creative voices of our dancers. We encourage them to explore their individuality, discover their artistic potential, and express their emotions and ideas through movement. We believe that dance is a powerful medium for self-expression and personal growth.
2. Technical Excellence: We strive for technical excellence in dance training. Our instructors are highly skilled professionals who provide comprehensive instruction in various dance styles. We emphasize proper technique, body alignment, flexibility, strength, and musicality. By fostering a strong technical foundation, we empower our dancers to reach their full potential.
3. Artistic Integrity: We value the integrity and artistry of dance. We encourage our dancers to develop an appreciation for the history, culture, and diversity of dance. Through exposure to different styles and choreographic approaches, we cultivate a well-rounded understanding of dance as an art form.
4. Joy and Passion: We believe that dance should be a joyful and fulfilling experience. We strive to create a positive and supportive atmosphere where our dancers can cultivate their love for dance and find joy in the process. We encourage a lifelong passion for dance, whether pursued professionally or as a recreational activity.
5. Growth Mindset and Resilience: We foster a growth mindset in our dancers, instilling the value of perseverance, discipline, and resilience. We believe that every challenge is an opportunity for growth and that dedication and hard work lead to progress. Through overcoming obstacles, our dancers develop valuable life skills that extend beyond the dance studio.
6. Collaboration and Teamwork: We promote a sense of camaraderie and teamwork among our dancers. We believe in the power of collaboration and the strength that comes from supporting and learning from one another. Our dancers develop essential communication skills, empathy, and a spirit of unity, enhancing their overall dance experience.
By embracing these guiding principles, we aim to provide a dance education that inspires, empowers, and nurtures our dancers. Our dance philosophy creates a foundation for artistic exploration, personal growth, and a lifelong love for dance.
Meet Our Instructors
Miss Andrea
Founder & Director
Andrea Chilcote is a passionate dancer, dedicated dance educator, and the visionary behind Sanctuary Dance Company. Her journey in the world of dance began at the age of three when she stepped on stage, dancing to the infectious rhythm of “Groovy Chicken.” From that moment, Andrea knew that dance was her calling, and she never wanted to stop.
As a student at Miss Dicey’s School of Dance, Andrea’s talent and dedication shone through, earning her the opportunity to become an Assistant Instructor during her high school years. Graduating in 2017, she continued her dance journey as a Lead Instructor at MDSD, where her love for teaching blossomed.
Driven by a profound passion for dance education, Andrea explored teaching opportunities in various locations, continually expanding her skills and knowledge. In 2020, she embarked on a new chapter as an Instructor and Studio Manager at a prominent dance studio in Washington, D.C., where she had the privilege of working with nearly 600 students.
However, Andrea’s vision extended beyond being an instructor. She felt a deep calling and passion to establish her own dance studio—a place where students could not only dance, but also learn, grow, and feel a true sense of belonging. Following careful consideration and prayer, Andrea decided to pursue that new chapter and bring her dream to life.
Returning to her home state of Pennsylvania, Andrea founded Sanctuary Dance Company, a studio that embodies her vision and values. With a heart full of joy and gratitude, she looks forward to guiding students on a transformative dance journey, providing them with a safe and nurturing environment where they can explore their passion, unleash their creativity, and witness their growth as dancers.
With an unwavering commitment to her students’ development and an infectious enthusiasm for their journey ahead, Andrea Chilcote invites you and your family to join Sanctuary Dance Company, where dancers find solace, inspiration, and a true sense of belonging.
Miss Payton
Assistant Director
With a heart dedicated to dance ministry, Payton brings over a decade of dance experience to her role as Assistant Director at Sanctuary Dance Company. Having honed her skills over four years as an Assistant Instructor and an additional year as a Lead Instructor at Miss Dicey’s School of Dance, Payton’s passion for teaching and her commitment to nurturing dancers’ growth are evident. As a competitive dancer herself, Payton brings a dynamic energy and a wealth of knowledge to the SDC, enriching the dance experience for all.
Miss Calynne
Lead Instructor
Calynne Pennington has been a staple instructor in Mercersburg for many years. She began dancing at a young age and was promoted to assistant instructor in 6th grade. Miss Calynne became an instructor at Miss Dicey’s when she was in 11th grade and went on to obtain her Dance Education Certificate through Dance Educators of America at the University of Las Vegas, where she studied with the top dance educators in the business in all genres of dance. In 2013, Miss Calynne was promoted to Assistant Director of Dance, where she helped build one of the toughest dance curriculums in our area. She continues to provide some of the most up-to-date dance techniques and challenging choreography for our older dancers and is an asset to our students.
Sanctuary Dance Company
232 N Main St. Mercersburg, PA 17236
Phone
info@sanctuarydancecompany.com
Hours of Operation
Sunday: CLOSED
Monday: 3:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Tuesday: 3:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Wednesday: 3:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Thursday: 3:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Friday: 3:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Saturday: CLOSED
Contact Us
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