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Ballet Dancers

About Us

The Academy of Dance Arts believes every student is special. Whether pursuing dance as a professional career or as a rewarding extra-curricular activity, we strive to give our students the finest instruction in order to meet their goals.

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Debra Bricker, Owner & Director

Debra Bricker (Director) enjoyed a brilliant dance career with national ballet companies in the United States and Canada. Ms. Bricker's poise, style and versatility were recognized early as she began her career in Rochester, NY. Ms. Bricker trained at the North Carolina School of the Arts, National Ballet of Canada and the prestigious American Ballet Theater where she was on full scholarship. Later, Ms. Bricker appeared with ABT and National Ballet of Canada including televised LIVE FROM LINCOLN CENTER performances of such ballets as Swan Lake, Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty and Firebird. She has also delighted audiences in solo and guest artist performances with the Atlanta Ballet, Boston Ballet, Wilmington Ballet, New Orleans Ballet, Alexandra Ballet, South Carolina Ballet Theater/Ballet Michigan and the Ruth Mitchell Dance Company. 

Ms. Bricker has inspired other artists as well. In face, as Ruth Mitchell tells it, "It was her phenomenal jumps" that inspired Emmy-award winning choreographer, Dom Orejedos, to create a version of the magical Firebird solely for Debra in the title role. Debra was a principal dancer with Columbia City Ballet in addition to serving as Company Ballet Mistress and Assistant to the Director. She has taught at USC, the SC Summer Dance Institute, Tri-District Arts Consortium and Columbia College. Ms. Bricker has starred in local productions of a Chorus Line and West Side Story. She choreographed Town Theater's production of West Side Story for their 90th season. She has also been a winning contestant on the popular TV game show, Jeopardy! When she is not teaching dance, you may find her next door at her husband, Joe's store, Brewer Decorating, or windsurfing!

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Academy of Dance Arts

105 Jaybird Lane, Columbia, SC 29223

Telephone: 803-736-8141

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