Our Vision
Standing Ovation Dance Academy (SODA) was founded with a clear vision: to create a nurturing, structured, and inspiring environment where dancers of all ages can grow not only in technique, but in confidence, discipline, and self-expression.
At SODA, we believe dance is more than movement - it is a tool for shaping character, building resilience, and developing a lifelong love for excellence.
Our program is rooted in strong technique-based training while also encouraging creativity, imagination, and joy. We are committed to developing well-rounded dancers who carry the values they learn in the studio into every area of life.
A Message From Jada Samone Leverette
Founder and CEO of SODA
Thank you for considering SODA as a place to pursue your dance dreams. Our mission is to prepare dancers for life beyond the stage by building confidence, discipline, character, and creativity. As your instructor, I am committed to supporting and challenging each dancer as they grow and work toward achieving their goals both in dance and in life.
About JadaÂ
My Experience
As a trained dancer and educator with over 18 years of dance training, I have experienced firsthand how dance can transform confidence, mindset, and identity. My journey has included training and competing in ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, contemporary, modern, and tumbling, experiences that shaped both my artistry and my understanding of what young dancers truly need to grow. I have spent the past six years teaching and mentoring students where I have developed a deep passion for guiding young people through movement, discipline, and self-expression.
My Educational Training
I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Dance from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and have completed graduate-level studies in Dance Education at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to creating an environment where technical excellence and emotional development are equally valued.
My Beliefs and Goals
I believe in building strong technical foundations while also nurturing each child’s individuality and emotional growth. Every dancer who enters our studio is seen, valued, and guided with intention. My goal in opening this academy was to create the type of space I believe every young dancer deserves - one that balances structure with warmth, discipline with encouragement, and excellence with joy.Â
MY MISSION
My mission is not only to train skilled dancers, but to help raise confident, disciplined, and empowered young people who are prepared for life beyond the stage!