A vibrant learning atmosphere designed to inspire students
FOR THREE DECADES the Academy for the Performing Arts has been a Quad City area leader in dance education. Our dance studio’s reputation for inspiring young people to be the best dancers they can be is one of the primary reasons for our success. When we say “the best dancers they can be,” we speak inclusively of every student, whether at the recreational or intensive level.
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On with the dance! Let joy be unconfined.
—Lord Byron
Dear parents….we’re in this together
We believe that children’s success depends on the support of their parents or guardians. Because your commitment to the process makes an enormous difference, we encourage you to be a part of your child’s dance education.
Our program relies on a positive atmosphere for our faculty, participants, and their parents; it promotes a positive learning experience for all involved. Cooperation between all parents is expected. Showing respect for the other parents, along with the students and faculty, makes an important impression on the children. You are a role model for your child in how to interact with others in a professional setting.
Your child’s presence at all classes, rehearsals, and performances is imperative. The spirit of teamwork and the lesson of dedication are a big part of our school’s educational process.
Parents and teachers may look at a child’s learning from different perspectives. However, they share a common goal: to assure that every child receives the best possible training, both physically and mentally. Mutual respect between our faculty and our dancers’ parents provides the children with the ultimate care and education.
Understanding dance education
As a parent, the financial support of your student is important, but of equal-perhaps even greater-value is your emotional support. Encourage your child to be the best that he or she can be without regard to what others may achieve. Dance is an individual art form; each child needs to achieve at a pace that’s comfortable for him or her. No two students will progress at the same rate, even if they experience the exact same training. It’s important to encourage the children to focus on themselves, give their all, and be satisfied with their own accomplishments.
Dance education encompasses far more than technique or the steps your children will learn. We believe the discipline of dance training gives young people a better understanding of commitment by offering them the chance to learn, experience the spirit of teamwork, and understand what hard work can accomplish. Our goal is to educate the minds, bodies, and souls of our students, to teach them the skills needed for a successful life, whether or not they stay involved in dance.
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Your child’s success or lack of success in dance does not indicate what kind of parent you are…But having a dancer that is coachable, respectful, a great teammate, resilient and who gives their all is a direct reflection of your parenting.
—Unknown
Virtual Tour of our Dance Studios
Testimonials
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The past nine years at The Academy For The Performing Arts has not only provided our daughter with the ability to dance beautifully, but more importantly she has gained the life long skills of poise, confidence and commitment. I appreciate that the Academy recognizes the individuality of each dancer and works to develop each at their own pace . Thanks for providing a professional and positive environment for all dancers!
Sandy H.
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My daughter is beginning her eighth year at the Academy for the Performing Arts. The growth that I’ve seen in those years is remarkable. She is more confident, outgoing, and determined. My daughter has also learned to step out of her comfort zone and take chances. I attribute all of this to the outstanding teachers who have been her second family and always cheered her on. Ms. Tammy is an amazing teacher who takes the time to get to know all of the girls and their families. You couldn’t ask for a better role model for your dancer. Starting at the Academy was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made.
Andrea M.
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When my daughter Clara was four years old, she was asked to play the role of “Clara” in her pre-school’s
annual performance of The Nutcracker. Clara was too shy to go on by herself and had to have an older
child on stage with her. I enrolled her in dance classes at the Academy for the Performing Arts shortly
after that, and she’s been there ever since. Now, nine years later, Clara goes on stage at dance
competitions and confidently performs beautiful dances in front of hundreds of people.
I truly believe that dancing at AFTPA has taught Clara about the importance of commitment. Becoming
an accomplished dancer takes a lot of hard work and dedication. Clara is focused on becoming a better
dancer and practices even during her free time. Clara has also learned to prioritize her responsibilities
and always makes sure her school work is done right away after school so that she is on time for dance.Dancing at AFTPA has also given Clara great confidence in herself and her abilities. Clara is a very
confident young lady and she always believes in herself. She feels a sense of accomplishment after
learning a new dance, and she is always motivated and excited to learn new choreography. My husband
and I have often said to each other that enrolling Clara in classes at AFTPA was one of the best things we
could have done for her. She loves dancing at AFTPA, and could not imagine her life without it!Elithea V.