This year marks a significant milestone for Charleston Dance Center (CDC) as we celebrate 25 years of passion, dedication, and excellence in dance. From our humble beginnings as Just Dance!—founded by Buffi Wade Whetsell, her mother Barbara Campbell Wade, and sister Kim Wade Roberts—to becoming a cornerstone of the Charleston dance community, our journey has been one of growth, achievement, and lasting impact.
A 25 Year Journey
Located in a small shopping strip on James Island, Just Dance! quickly became a favorite among local dancers. As the demand for our classes grew, so did the need for a larger space. This led to the rebranding of our studio as Charleston Dance Center, the proud home of the Just Dance! performance teams. Over the past 25 years, we have trained thousands of dancers, with many of our alumni finding professional success in cities like New York, Los Angeles, Orlando, Las Vegas, and Charlotte.
Our dancers have graced the stages of Cirque du Soleil, performed with Mariah Carey, and joined professional and collegiate dance teams. They have earned national titles and top awards at regional and national competitions across the country, bringing pride and recognition to Charleston Dance Center.
A Legacy of Love and Dedication
In 2016, we faced the heartbreaking loss of Kim, one of our beloved founders and third owner. Despite this loss, Buffi and Barbara have continued to pour their hearts and souls into the studio, honoring the legacy they built together with Kim. Their unwavering commitment has ensured that Charleston Dance Center remains a thriving and nurturing environment for dancers of all ages. We are especially proud to see second-generation dancers continue to enroll and grow with us, a testament to the lasting impact of our community.
Looking Ahead: Exciting New Developments To Come
As we celebrate our 25th year, we have many exciting things on the horizon. One of the most anticipated events is our first annual Charleston Christmas Production, scheduled for December 8th. This showcase will bring to life the unique charm of a Charleston Christmas, featuring performances from dancers of all ages. Be sure to save the date—this will be the ultimate way to kick off your holiday season in Charleston, SC.
We are also expanding our class offerings to include new and innovative programs. In addition to our comprehensive training in jazz, ballet, contemporary, hip hop, tumbling, lyrical, pointe, and musical theater, we are introducing Pom Dance and Jumps and Tricks technique classes. With these additions, our dancers are even better prepared for collegiate and professional dance team auditions, equipped with skills in jazz, hip hop, pom, ballet, technique, and tumbling.
We are thrilled to welcome fresh talent to our expert staff, bringing new perspectives and expertise to our community. We believe that you can always learn more, and our new instructors are here to inspire and guide our dancers to new heights.
Honoring Our Past, Celebrating Our Future
To honor the 25 years of dedication that Buffi, Barbara (affectionately known as Gaga), and Kim have poured into Charleston Dance Center, we are planning a special Alumni Weekend in conjunction with our 25th annual year-end performance. This event will be a celebration of our past, present, and future, bringing together generations of dancers who have been part of our journey. Stay tuned for more details as we prepare for this unforgettable weekend!
As we reflect on the past 25 years, we are filled with gratitude for the support of our dancers, families, and the Charleston community. Here’s to many more years of dancing, growing, and celebrating together at Charleston Dance Center!
