About
Dance E.L.I.T.E. Performance Academy offers dance classes and workshops taught by professional choreographers. The program is most known for its emphasis on hip-hop and jazz and offers a wide variety of dance classes to suit dancers of every age, experience level, and interest. The academy focuses on strengthening each dancer’s technique individually and gives dancers countless opportunities to showcase their talent to the world.
• Ages: 3–18 years old
Dance ELITE Performance Academy has been inspiring and training dancers since 2010. The founder and artistic director, Samara Tillman, has over 30 years of dance experience in genres ranging from liturgical to hip-hop and has been a lover and student of dance since the age of 5. She is a member of Nomel Inspirational Dance Theatre, a Columbus-based professional dance company, and has advised numerous youth dance programs and helped create dance programs in school systems and churches. All classes and workshops are taught by professional choreographers.
The mission of Dance ELITE Performance Academy is to enrich the lives of the people in the community through the art and discipline of dance. The academy is described as Columbus’ premiere dance studio and provides quality instruction in a welcoming yet challenging environment while keeping the whole student in mind. It believes that dance should be accessible to everyone, values the individual, and empowers dancers to be their best in all things. The academy consistently shows dancers love and support both inside and outside the studio, emphasizes family, and expects great things from their dancing stars.
Dance E.L.I.T.E. Performance Academy is described as a state-of-the-art facility designed for both dancers and their families, with expansion planned to double the number of youth mentored, enhance scholarship opportunities, and create an expanded state-of-the-art facility. The ELITE Monthly Giving Society is described as a movement that transforms lives, strengthens families, and uplifts the community, and its monthly gifts support uniforms, shoes, full-year tuition, and costumes for dancers. The students of D.E.P.A. are encouraged to be positive contributors to the community at large.
Parents describe the studio’s commitment to excellence from young dancers to teens to instructors and call the environment friendly, fun-filled, and focused on working on their craft. Families report that their children are learning and growing as dancers, gaining self-confidence, and developing a love for dance and performing. Several parents describe Dance E.L.I.T.E. Performance Academy as more than just a dance studio, calling it a safe place for their children to express themselves, a place that fosters growth for dancers young and old, and a dance family rather than just a dance school. Parents of both daughters and sons note that the staff and teachers create a comfortable atmosphere, that the studio has a family feel, and that their children enjoy their coaches, instructors, and the director. One parent describes the director, Mrs. Samara, as a ball of fun who creates an awesome and positive atmosphere for the kids.
Last updated May 13, 2026.
• Ages: 3–18 years old
Dance ELITE Performance Academy has been inspiring and training dancers since 2010. The founder and artistic director, Samara Tillman, has over 30 years of dance experience in genres ranging from liturgical to hip-hop and has been a lover and student of dance since the age of 5. She is a member of Nomel Inspirational Dance Theatre, a Columbus-based professional dance company, and has advised numerous youth dance programs and helped create dance programs in school systems and churches. All classes and workshops are taught by professional choreographers.
The mission of Dance ELITE Performance Academy is to enrich the lives of the people in the community through the art and discipline of dance. The academy is described as Columbus’ premiere dance studio and provides quality instruction in a welcoming yet challenging environment while keeping the whole student in mind. It believes that dance should be accessible to everyone, values the individual, and empowers dancers to be their best in all things. The academy consistently shows dancers love and support both inside and outside the studio, emphasizes family, and expects great things from their dancing stars.
Dance E.L.I.T.E. Performance Academy is described as a state-of-the-art facility designed for both dancers and their families, with expansion planned to double the number of youth mentored, enhance scholarship opportunities, and create an expanded state-of-the-art facility. The ELITE Monthly Giving Society is described as a movement that transforms lives, strengthens families, and uplifts the community, and its monthly gifts support uniforms, shoes, full-year tuition, and costumes for dancers. The students of D.E.P.A. are encouraged to be positive contributors to the community at large.
Parents describe the studio’s commitment to excellence from young dancers to teens to instructors and call the environment friendly, fun-filled, and focused on working on their craft. Families report that their children are learning and growing as dancers, gaining self-confidence, and developing a love for dance and performing. Several parents describe Dance E.L.I.T.E. Performance Academy as more than just a dance studio, calling it a safe place for their children to express themselves, a place that fosters growth for dancers young and old, and a dance family rather than just a dance school. Parents of both daughters and sons note that the staff and teachers create a comfortable atmosphere, that the studio has a family feel, and that their children enjoy their coaches, instructors, and the director. One parent describes the director, Mrs. Samara, as a ball of fun who creates an awesome and positive atmosphere for the kids.
Last updated May 13, 2026.
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