About

What We Believe In

The studio carries a long tradition of excellence, with graduates continuing their dance careers as professional dancers in companies across the United States. Many have also become instructors and choreographers with universities and dance companies.

Rose Thayer Academy of Dance was established in 1982 by Rose Thayer and is located on 16th Street in Orange. Christi Thayer Kovatch became owner and director in the Spring of 2014, carrying on the tradition that her mother began 34 years prior.

The Academy performs in civic functions, benefits, and parades for the Orange community. 

We Believe That:

  • Dance is for everyone.
  • Providing a safe and welcoming atmosphere is paramount.
  • Teaching dance isn’t our only goal. We want to be strong role models and help instill good values in our students.
  • Fostering positive interactions with others will help our students as they grow.
  • Building lifelong friendships is just as important as learning how to dance.
  • Diversity is something to be celebrated.
  • Building confidence and positive self-esteem is necessary for our students to be able to mature into strong adults.
Dancer in blue and silver costume.

Meet Our Staff 

Competitive Dance

Thayer Dance Academy Dance Company

Our company is a FAMILY. Our goal is for our members to build strong bonds and support each other as they grow in both dance and life. Our roots date back to 1990 when Rose Thayer Academy of Dance began its competitive dance program. It has been known by a few different names over the years, but the focus has always been the same.

The TDA Company is competitive in nature. Our members have brought home hundreds of awards since its inception. We attend several competitions each year, both on the regional and national level. Our members must have taken ballet, tap, and jazz prior to auditioning.

All members continue to take part in ballet, tap, jazz, and hip hop routines. The reason for this is simple.

Our goal is to ensure all of our dancers receive a well-rounded dance education. We want them to easily adapt to various dance styles when trying out for drill team or cheerleading in high school, when they pursue membership in a dance company in college, or when they pursue a professional dance career. This focus can give our members an edge over the competition and allow the versatility of their training to shine.

In order to aid in this dance education, our members receive instruction from both our experienced studio staff and guest instructors. By exposing our members to a variety of instruction styles it allows them to hone their ability to adapt and flourish in instructional settings. Our guest instructors came from a wide variety of backgrounds and are well known and respected throughout the dance community.

As we enter our 29th year of competitive dance, our members have begun training with the goal of performing together as a team, attaining personal growth goals, and to continue the legacy of excellence in dance.