Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Premier Dance Studio in Escondido
Georgia's School Of Dance stands as the oldest dance studio in North County, serving Escondido and surrounding communities since 1953. Founded by legendary dancer Georgia Copeland, our institution has cultivated generations of dancers through rigorous training in ballet, tap, jazz, and contemporary styles. Under current director Sue Gilson, who worked alongside Georgia for over 25 years, we maintain a legacy of excellence while embracing modern techniques. Our faculty comprises award-winning professionals with international performance experience, offering personalized instruction for students aged 18 months to adults. With six decades of community impact, we combine historical tradition with state-of-the-art training methods.Our graduates have pursued professional careers on Broadway, in film, and with renowned dance companies worldwide. We emphasize proper technique, injury prevention, and artistic expression through structured curricula. The studio's outreach programs and community performances continue to enrich North San Diego County's cultural landscape. Our commitment to dance education excellence has earned recognition from local arts organizations and educational institutions. From recreational classes to competitive training, we provide pathways for every dancer's journey.
Services
Ballet
Tap
Jazz
Hip Hop
Acrobatics
Lyrical
Musical Theatre
Pointe
Contemporary
Ballroom
Details
- Year established: 1953
Highlights and features
- Teaching dance excellence since 1953 with three generations of students
- Faculty includes internationally recognized performers and award-winning educators
- Comprehensive training from toddler classes to competitive programs
- Proven track record producing professional dancers for Broadway and film
- State-of-the-art facilities with specialized dancewear requirements ensuring proper technique
Services
Ballet
Our ballet program develops technical mastery through structured training from pre-ballet to advanced levels. Students learn proper alignment, turnout, and classical repertoire while building strength and artistry. With both recreational and pre-professional tracks available, our graduates have performed with major companies worldwide.
Tap
Tap classes focus on musicality, precision, and improvisation through various styles from Broadway to rhythm tap. Students develop complex rhythms while learning performance techniques that combine technical skill with creative expression in a supportive environment.
Hip Hop
Contemporary hip hop instruction covers breaking, popping, and commercial styles with emphasis on musicality and personal style. Classes build foundational skills while encouraging creative expression through choreography and freestyle opportunities for all experience levels.
Acrobatics
Acro classes integrate flexibility, strength, and balance with progressions from basic cartwheels to advanced aerials. Certified instructors prioritize safe technique while developing skills applicable to dance and other performance arts through structured, incremental training.
Musical Theatre
This program combines dance, acting, and singing for stage performance. Students learn Broadway-style choreography while developing performance skills and repertoire through scene study and audition preparation for musical productions.
People
Sue Gilson
Owner/Director
Sue Gilson has directed Georgia's School Of Dance since 1998 after working with founder Georgia Copeland for 25 years. A multi-award-winning choreographer, she teaches jazz and directs competition teams while maintaining academic roles at Palomar College.
Philip Amer
Ballet Instructor
Philip Amer brings 20+ years teaching experience and professional performance credits with Sacramento Ballet and San Francisco Opera Ballet. He holds a Computer Information Systems degree and extensive international dance training from San Francisco to Stuttgart.
Jessica Carpinelli
Children's Program Director
Jessica Carpinelli developed the children's curriculum with 20 years teaching experience. A former San Francisco State economics student, she combines pedagogical expertise with performance background in multiple dance styles and holds NASM certification.
Windy Gale
Acro Instructor
Windy Gale offers 11 years competitive gymnastics experience as a National Champion. She coached YMCA teams for 12 years while maintaining active involvement in acrobatic dance instruction through championship-winning programs.
Michael Reid
Hip Hop Specialist
Michael Reid brings decade-long competitive dance experience as choreographer and instructor. A former scholarship student at Georgia's School Of Dance, he directs competitive teams while maintaining outreach programs in local schools.
Questions
What age groups do you accept?
We offer classes for children as young as 18 months through adult programs, with structured curricula tailored to each developmental stage.
Do you offer competitive dance opportunities?
Yes, we have competitive teams in multiple styles with experienced coaches preparing students for regional and national competitions.
What are your faculty qualifications?
Our instructors include internationally recognized performers, award-winning choreographers, and certified dance educators with decades of combined teaching experience.
Is there a dress code?
Yes, specific dancewear requirements ensure proper technique development. Detailed dress code guidelines are available for each class type.
How long are your classes?
Class durations vary by age and level, typically ranging from 45 minutes for young children to 90 minutes for advanced training sessions.
Do you offer summer programs?
Yes, we provide specialized summer intensives and workshops in various dance styles for continued skill development during school breaks.