Columbia Conservatory of Dance

In the spring of 1988, Mariclare Miranda and William Starrett identified a need in Columbia for professional dance training. They envisioned a school that would provide first-class training and could feed into the professional company, Columbia City Ballet. Furthermore, they desired a central location for the school that could also serve as a home for the Columbia City Ballet. These were uncharted waters, but with Ms. Miranda’s grassroots connection to the area and more than 15 years of teaching experience and Mr. Starrett’s illustrious international career, it was natural for them to make their dream school a reality. The Conservatory prides itself on employing a caring, professional adult faculty with tremendous dedication to students and parents. While students are expected and encouraged to learn and progress, we maintain sight of the fact that dancing is fun. Class assistants are provided for younger students to assure extra attention and care. Classes offered include Creative Movement, PreBallet, PreTap, Ballet, Pointe, Tap, PreJazz, Jazz, Lyrical, and Adult Ballet. We have two facilities for your convenience, one in downtown Columbia and one in Irmo. Both locations are outfitted with sprung floors which protect dancers much better than wooden floors laid directly on concrete.