Academy of Ballet/Academy Performing Ensemble

The Academy of Ballet/Academy Performing Ensemble, located in Norcross, Georgia, is a highly respected dance institution that has been fostering a love for dance and developing exceptional talent for over two decades. Known for its commitment to excellence, nurturing environment, and strong sense of community, this academy is a cherished destination for families seeking comprehensive dance education in the greater Atlanta area.

From a three-year-old just beginning their dance journey to seasoned young performers aiming for competitive success, the Academy provides a supportive and inspiring atmosphere where students "grow and flourish" not just in their ballet and dance skills, but also as individuals. The instructors are consistently praised for their patience, skill, and ability to create a warm, Christian atmosphere, while the students themselves are noted for their kindness and respect towards one another. This article will provide an in-depth look at what makes Academy of Ballet/Academy Performing Ensemble a top choice for dance education in Georgia, exploring its location, diverse services, unique features, and why it's a perfect fit for local families.

The Academy of Ballet/Academy Performing Ensemble is conveniently located at 6470 Spalding Dr, Norcross, GA 30092, USA. This address places the academy in a highly accessible area of Norcross, Georgia, making it a central and convenient destination for families throughout Gwinnett County and neighboring areas of the greater Atlanta metropolitan region. Spalding Drive provides straightforward access, ensuring that commutes for regular classes, rehearsals, and performances are as convenient as possible for families from Peachtree Corners, Dunwoody, Johns Creek, Duluth, and other surrounding communities. The easily reachable location contributes significantly to its suitability for local users in Georgia looking for consistent, high-quality dance training without extensive travel.

The Academy of Ballet/Academy Performing Ensemble offers a diverse and comprehensive range of dance styles and programs, catering to students from as young as 2.5 years of age all the way into adulthood. Their curriculum is designed to nurture talent, build confidence, and provide both recreational and competitive opportunities. Here's a detailed look at their offerings:

• Early Childhood Village Program:

  • Twos on the Move (K2): A 30-minute class for 2-year-olds, introducing basic dance concepts, coordination, rhythm, and self-expression in a nurturing, loving atmosphere.
  • Creative Movement (K3): A 45-minute class for 3-year-olds, building upon K2 skills with an emphasis on coordination, rhythm, timing, and self-expression, fostering physical strength in a Christian environment.
  • Pre-Ballet (K4): For 4-year-olds, this class introduces the structure of a dance class, discipline, listening skills, and basic ballet vocabulary, emphasizing coordination and cognitive reasoning.
  • Introduction to Ballet/Tap (K5): A combo class for 5-year-olds, with a 30-minute ballet portion building on Pre-Ballet skills and a 25-minute tap portion focusing on rhythmic footwork.

• Core Dance Disciplines (for Ages 6+ and up through advanced levels):

  • Ballet: The foundational discipline, with classes ranging from Ballet I (bridging from Village program with barre and center work) through advanced levels like Ballet V, Pre-Pointe, and Pointe. Emphasizes posture, placement, and classical presence.
  • Jazz: Upbeat and energetic, exploring turns, leaps, and various jazz styles.
  • Hip Hop: Contemporary and expressive, focusing on urban dance forms.
  • Tap: Developing rhythmic coordination and musicality through intricate footwork.
  • Contemporary/Lyrical: Blending ballet, jazz, and modern elements to convey emotion through fluid movement.
  • Acrobatics/Tumbling: Similar to gymnastic floor skills, building strength, flexibility, balance, and partnering work (stunting).
  • Turns & Leaps: Specialty classes focused on perfecting essential technical dance elements.
  • Musical Theater: Combining dance with acting, using movement to tell stories from Broadway shows.

• Adult Classes: The Academy offers adult ballet and tap classes, allowing individuals of all ages to engage with dance for fitness, fun, or skill development.

• Academy Performing Ensemble: Founded in 1997, this 501-c3 non-profit organization provides advanced performance and training opportunities. Members receive:

  • Master classes with professional choreographers.
  • Showcases and competitive opportunities (e.g., Youth America Grand Prix).
  • Opportunities for intensives and travel.
  • Ability to perform lead roles in two annual productions.
  • Community engagement through performances.
  The Ensemble includes Ballet Ensemble (Ages 8+ with various company levels like Junior I, Junior II, Senior Apprentice, Senior Principal – often requiring minimum additional styles) and a nationally ranked Competition Team (Ages 5+ by audition, with Mini, Petite, Junior, Teen, PrePro levels). These teams compete in various styles, including jazz, contemporary, lyrical, hip hop, tap, and musical theater.

• Performance Opportunities: All students have opportunities to showcase their skills, from annual recitals to more advanced performances for Ensemble members. The focus is on a "training first, growth mindset oriented team."

The Academy of Ballet/Academy Performing Ensemble is distinguished by a variety of features that contribute to its strong reputation and make it a highly desirable choice for dance education in Georgia:

• Nurturing and Supportive Environment: Consistently highlighted in reviews, the Academy creates an "incredibly positive experience" and a "nurturing environment." Students feel "right at home," and the "girls in the school are very nice as well," treating "each other with such kindness and respect." This emphasis on emotional well-being and community is a cornerstone of their philosophy.

• Exceptional and Patient Instructors: The teaching staff are described as "skilled, patient," and "very wonderful" in fostering development. They are masters of their craft, capable of coaching young beginners and refining the technique of advanced dancers, ensuring every student blossoms.

• Comprehensive Curriculum: The Academy offers a wide range of dance styles, including ballet, pointe, jazz, hip hop, tap, contemporary, acrobatics, and musical theater. This diverse offering allows students to explore various interests and develop into versatile dancers.

• Strong Technical Training: While fostering a positive atmosphere, the Academy maintains "exceptionally high standards" in dance technique. The focus is on precision, discipline, and developing strong foundational skills, which is crucial for long-term growth in dance.

• Academy Performing Ensemble (APE): As a 501-c3 non-profit, the APE provides unique, high-level training and performance opportunities. This includes master classes with professional choreographers, participation in prestigious competitions like Youth America Grand Prix, and significant annual productions, offering a pre-professional track for dedicated dancers.

• "Training First, Growth Mindset": The competitive teams, while nationally ranked, are primarily focused on training and a "growth mindset," emphasizing development over solely winning awards. This philosophy helps students learn valuable life lessons, develop a strong work ethic, and build character.

• Holistic Development: Beyond dance skills, the Academy aims to develop the "poise, confidence, and work ethic" necessary for students to succeed as "productive young women and men." Students are noted for gaining confidence and developing lasting friendships.

• Well-Maintained Facilities: The studio boasts "well maintained facilities," ensuring a safe, clean, and professional environment conducive to learning and practicing dance.

• Address: 6470 Spalding Dr, Norcross, GA 30092, USA
• Phone: (770) 242-6379
• Mobile Phone: +1 770-242-6379

For families in Norcross, Georgia, and the surrounding communities, the Academy of Ballet/Academy Performing Ensemble presents an ideal environment for dance education. Its profound commitment to nurturing not just skilled dancers but also confident and respectful individuals makes it a standout choice. The "incredibly positive experience" shared by current and past families highlights the Academy's success in creating a "second family" where children thrive both artistically and personally.

The comprehensive curriculum, offering everything from early childhood movement to advanced ballet, jazz, hip hop, and acrobatics, ensures that students of all ages and interests can find their passion and develop their abilities. The dedication of the "skilled, patient, and very wonderful" instructors, combined with the professional opportunities provided through the Academy Performing Ensemble, offers unparalleled training and performance experiences right here in Georgia. For locals seeking a dance studio that prioritizes a supportive community, high standards, and holistic development, Academy of Ballet/Academy Performing Ensemble is a truly cherished and recommended institution.

Academy of Ballet/Academy Performing Ensemble

6470 Spalding Dr, Norcross, GA 30092, USA