Our students develop skills in observation, critical thinking, problem solving, and evaluation (achieved through technique, choreography, performance, and other creative expressions) while acquiring a lasting appreciation for dance and an ability to pursue, with confidence, a higher education in dance at colleges and universities.

Students receive training in ballet, jazz, and modern dance, as well as focused study in dance academics such as Dance orientation, Dance Explorations, Dance History, Dance Composition, Dance Industry Essentials, and Senior Seminar. The dance department offers a rigorous seven-year sequential program. Students have numerous performing opportunities throughout the year, both in school, in the community and nationally.

Each year, students have the opportunity to take master classes with nationally and internationally renowned artists, such as Kyle Abraham (A.I.M, CAPA Alum), Christopher Huggins (Alivin Ailey American Dance Theatre), James Gilmer (Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre, CAPA Alum) Crystal Fraizer (Point Park University), Al Blackstone (So You Think You Can Dance, EMMY Award Winner), Chrisala Brown, DeMarius Copes (Hamilton Tour, Mean Girls Broadway), Ahmad Simmons (Hamilton, Hadestown, Fosse/Verdon) Marlon Silva, LaTrea Rambert (Staycee Pearl), Staycee Pearl and Pearlann Porter.

The dance department enjoys local partnerships and relationships with Attack Theatre, Slippery Rock University, LaRoche University, Kelly Strayhorn Theater, Carnegie Mellon University, Point Park University and Hill Dance Academy Theatre.

The CAPA Dance Department was featured in the Top Performing Arts School Guide / Dance Magazine Publication in 2022.

Alumni have gone to study at prestigious universities such as: Julliard, NYU-Tisch, Howard University, Fordham/Ailey School, University of the Arts, SUNY Purchase, Slippery Rock University, Ohio State, Point Park University.

Alumni have pursued performing careers in professional settings such as: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Bill T. Jones, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Attack Theatre, August Wilson Dance Ensemble, Abraham in Motion, Netflix Television alongside national commercials, campaigns, and tours.