Kanopy Dance Academy

Kanopy Dance Academy offers class programs for students ages 5-Adult. Creative Modern/Ballet for ages 5-7 introduces beginning ballet and modern dance concepts through creative movement, dance games, storytelling, and making their own dances. The program also includes Modern Dance, Classical Ballet, Adult Beginning/Continuing Modern, Adult Beginner Ballet, and Kanopy 2, which includes dance technique, choreography, repertory, and rehearsals.

Programs

• Kanopy Dance Academy class programs — Students may begin study at KDA starting at age 5; classes for young dancers, teens, and adults. · Classes and master workshops are held throughout the year; five-week Summer Intensives.
• Creative Modern / Ballet — ages 5-7 · Introduces beginning ballet and modern dance concepts through creative movement, dance games, storytelling, and making their own dances.
• Modern Dance — Levels 3, 4, 5, 6, & Kanopy 2 · Modern dance program with Graham Modern training and modern techniques of Limón, Hawkins, Humphrey, Sokolow, and Horton.
• Classical Ballet — Levels 3, 4, 5, 6 & Kanopy 2 · Classical ballet program with Russian (Vaganova) training and American ballet technique; includes Pre-Pointe and Pointe Technique classes.
• Adult Beginning/Continuing Modern — adults · Accessible and welcoming introduction to Graham based Modern Technique.
• Adult Beginner Ballet — adults · Accessible and welcoming introduction to ballet.
• Kanopy 2 — ages 14-26 · Advanced pre-professional training & performance program open only by audition or special invitation; core curriculum includes dance technique, choreography, repertory, and rehearsals.

At a glance

• Ages: 5–18 years old
• General schedule: School year classes and quarterly sessions; summer intensives; classes and master workshops held throughout the year.

About the provider

Robert E. Cleary and Lisa Thurrell are the artistic directors and co-artistic directors. Kanopy Dance Academy is in its 50th season, and the school states that dance has the power to reach, inspire, educate, and uplift people of all ages and backgrounds. Community outreach includes free tickets for mainstage performances to over 50 local service groups, Dance Your Voice with the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County, a pilot program with the Urban League of Greater Madison’s Schools of Hope, and a year-long residency at Leopold Middle School.

KDA offers classes for students ages 5-Adult. Placement level is determined by the artistic directors, and placement adjustments may be made the first week of classes. Kanopy 2 is open only by audition or special invitation. Students may begin study at age 5.

Last updated August 29, 2026.