About SDC
The soul of Sanctuary Dance Company.
Sanctuary Dance Company exists at the intersection of three convictions: that dance can be taught with technical excellence, that students should be loved as people first, and that the gospel of Jesus Christ is worth sharing in everything we do — including a small studio in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania.
More than just a name
A sanctuary, by design.
We chose the word sanctuary deliberately. A place set apart. A place of safety. A place where parents can drop their children off and trust that they'll be cared for — not just instructed.
Every decision we make — class size, instructor selection, choreography, recital theme — runs through that filter first. If it doesn't make this place feel like a sanctuary, we don't do it.
Our dance philosophy
Eight principles. Eight non-negotiables.
01
Excellence in technique.
Real ballet, jazz, lyrical, tap, and hip-hop fundamentals — not just choreography. Students leave with technique that transfers to any studio, any stage.
02
Every dancer is known by name.
Class sizes that let instructors actually teach. Andrea knows every student personally, and so do her instructors.
03
Faith without pressure.
SDC is rooted in Christian community, but students of every background are welcome. We don't preach — we show.
04
Family first.
A studio that respects your time, communicates clearly, and bills predictably. No surprise fees, no schedule chaos.
05
Discipline that builds character.
Dance done well teaches focus, persistence, and grace under pressure — gifts that outlast the recital.
06
Performance with purpose.
From the youngest Mini & Me dancer to the competitive team, every student performs in our annual recital. The stage is not an afterthought.
07
Community over competition.
Even our competitive program emphasizes growth and team — not status. We celebrate each other's wins.
08
A sanctuary, in every sense.
A safe, joyful space where children can grow, parents can trust, and the love of God is the foundation under every plié.
Meet the Owner
Miss Andrea
Founder & Director
Andrea Chilcote is a passionate dancer, dedicated dance educator, and the visionary behind Sanctuary Dance Company. She began dancing at age three, studied at Miss Dicey's School of Dance, and later served as Lead Instructor there before moving on to a Washington D.C. studio with nearly 600 students.
She founded SDC to build a studio rooted in technical excellence and Christian community — a place where every dancer is known, encouraged, and given room to grow.
With an unwavering commitment to her students' development and an infectious enthusiasm for their journey ahead, Andrea invites you and your family to join Sanctuary Dance Company, where dancers find solace, inspiration, and a true sense of belonging.
Come dance with us.
Every new dancer's first class is free. No paperwork to start — just show up, dance, and decide afterward whether SDC is the right fit for your family.