Cuppett Performing Arts Center

The Center's Founding Director, Alzine Straub Cuppett, directed and managed the school for over 50 years until her passing in 2012. Her youngest daughter, Amy Cuppett, has been the Managing Artistic Director since 2002. Growing up in the dance business, Amy feels that the roles she has played both past and present - that of student, parent, teacher, administrator, and director - enable her to manage the Center with a unique sensitivity toward all perspectives. The entire CPAC staff is one large, close-knit "family," which creates a warm, friendly atmosphere that pours out into the dance rooms and into the hearts of our students. Ask anyone who has been with us a while - there is no doubt you will hear that CPAC is a 'safe-haven', a 'home away from home' for all who dance here.  

Our instructors are the very best in the area, and are either certified through professional dance organizations or have a college degree in dance. Many of our teachers are highly-sought in the Washington, D.C. area but choose to teach exclusively at CPAC. Our amazing year-end recitals, beautiful full-length spring ballet productions, entertaining community performances, and our outstanding community reputation as a whole is a direct result of their professionalism and creativity. 

Our program aims to foster individual creativity, self-confidence and self-discipline, while increasing flexibility, poise and strength, and refining gross motor skills. We strive for integrity in all forms of dance. Our philosophy does not allow for inappropriate choreography, costuming or musical lyrics on children of any age. Our hope is that all of our students, both female and male, will learn to honor their bodies and minds, and have respect for themselves and others. We are passionate about the dance arts, and are dedicated to showing that passion through our teaching.