Academy of Dance & Fine Arts

Welcome to the Academy of Dance & Fine Arts (ADFA), a distinguished institution in Little River, South Carolina, dedicated to nurturing artistic talent across various disciplines. More than just a dance studio, ADFA is a vibrant hub where students can explore the beauty and discipline of dance alongside the captivating world of musical instruments and vocal arts. Since its establishment, ADFA has been committed to providing "Professional Instruction with a Personal Touch," creating an environment where students not only gain technical prowess but also develop self-esteem, discipline, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

For families in Little River and the surrounding coastal communities of South Carolina, ADFA offers a unique and comprehensive artistic education experience. The Academy prides itself on instilling hard work, respect, and self-discipline, believing these qualities are crucial for success in any chosen path. Whether your child is taking their first ballet steps, exploring hip-hop, or delving into piano lessons, ADFA's versatile curriculum is designed to help each student discover their strengths and fully develop their potential. The positive feedback from parents, noting their children's enjoyment and engagement in both dance and musical instrument classes, underscores ADFA's success in cultivating a love for the arts within our local community.

The Academy of Dance & Fine Arts is conveniently located at 304 SC-90, Little River, SC 29566, USA. This prime location on Highway 90 East makes it easily accessible for residents throughout Little River, North Myrtle Beach, and the wider Grand Strand area of South Carolina. Situated on a major thoroughfare, the studio is straightforward to find and reach, simplifying the commute for students and families attending classes. The ease of access is a significant advantage, allowing for seamless integration into daily routines and making consistent participation in artistic programs a convenient experience.

The spacious 9,000 sq. foot facility is thoughtfully designed with the comfort and convenience of students and parents in mind. It includes five large dance studios equipped with sprung flooring (essential for dancer safety), marley (professional dance surface), and professional sound equipment. Beyond the studios, ADFA features numerous parent waiting areas on both floors, a student break room with amenities like a microwave and refrigerator, and a separate student study area. The two-story building also contains an elevator for accessibility and convenience, along with boys' and girls' dressing rooms, and a closed-circuit television system for parents to view each classroom in real-time. Lockers are also available for rent, providing secure storage for students' belongings. This well-appointed and accessible location truly enhances the learning experience for the local community.

• Ballet Classes: Comprehensive instruction in classical ballet, including barre work, fundamental steps, positions, posture, stretches, muscle work, French step names, turnout, jumps, turns, and floor sequences. Forms the foundation for all dance styles.
• Pointe Classes: An advanced ballet discipline focusing on mastering strength and placement for dancing en pointe. This challenging style requires concurrent ballet and technique classes.
• Tap Classes: Engaging classes that enhance coordination, rhythm, and musicality through intricate footwork and tap technique.
• Jazz Classes: A popular and energetic dance style demanding strength, flexibility, and technique, including turns, kicks, and rhythmic movements. Cultivates versatility.
• Contemporary Dance: Blends elements of jazz, ballet, and other genres, empowering expressive storytelling and fostering self-expression, confidence, and creativity.
• Hip Hop Classes: A popular, rhythmic, and fun style focusing on stylized techniques, physical strength, and coordination.
• Modern Dance: Exploring expressive movement beyond classical forms, focusing on body awareness, release, and improvisation.
• Acro/Tumbling Classes: Students learn safe tumbling techniques like somersaults and cartwheels, progressing to advanced skills, enhancing strength, flexibility, and coordination, and fostering discipline.
• Combo Classes: Designed for younger students, these classes introduce fundamental concepts of multiple dance styles (e.g., ballet and tap) in an engaging format.
• Pre-Dance Programs: Introductory classes (e.g., "Tiny Tots") for very young children that cover positions, vocabulary, stretching, creative movements, and basic dance skills with lively children's music, fostering a passion for dance.
• Musical Instrument Classes: Offering instruction in instruments such as piano, guitar, and violin. The studio is equipped with a keyboard and professional-level microphones for music students.
• Vocal Coaching: Providing professional guidance for aspiring singers, developing vocal technique, range, and performance skills.
• Recreational Dance Programs: Classes for students who wish to enjoy dance training and learning throughout the year at a recreational pace.
• Competition Company: Programs for dedicated dancers seeking advanced training and opportunities to compete at regional and national levels.
• Summer Programs & Camps: Intensive workshops and camps are typically offered during school breaks to enhance skills or introduce new styles.

• Dual Focus on Dance and Fine Arts: Uniquely offers comprehensive programs in both dance and musical instruments (piano, guitar, violin) and vocal coaching, providing a holistic artistic education under one roof.
• Experienced and Professional Instructors: Led by owner Marcie Willis, ADFA's faculty is committed to providing premier instruction. Previous ownership by Karen Brown Deese, who trained with icons like Twyla Tharp and Martha Graham, highlights a legacy of excellence.
• State-of-the-Art Facility: A spacious 9,000 sq. foot facility with five large dance studios featuring sprung floors, marley, professional sound systems, dedicated parent waiting areas, a student break room, a study area, dressing rooms, and an elevator.
• Real-Time Classroom Viewing: Parents can view classes in real-time via a closed-circuit television system, offering transparency and peace of mind.
• Holistic Student Development: Beyond technical skills, ADFA focuses on instilling self-discipline, respect, confidence, emotional qualities, and an appreciation of the arts, preparing students for success in any career path.
• Versatile Curriculum: Offers a wide range of dance styles from classical ballet and pointe to jazz, hip hop, contemporary, acro, and modern, allowing students to explore diverse genres.
• Recreational and Competitive Tracks: Provides options for students who wish to pursue dance for recreation and enjoyment, as well as competitive company programs for those seeking advanced training and performance opportunities.
• Community-Oriented Environment: ADFA aims to be a community of people who love dance, fostering a supportive environment and encouraging creativity, self-expression, and passion.
• "Experience the Difference": While the motto from another "Academy of Arts" was found, ADFA's commitment to quality instruction in a supportive setting, as well as its unique dual offerings in dance and fine arts, suggests a truly distinguishing experience.

Address: 304 SC-90, Little River, SC 29566, USA

Phone: (843) 663-5678

Mobile Phone: +1 843-663-5678

Email: dance@adfabeachstudios.com

For families and individuals in Little River and the surrounding South Carolina communities, the Academy of Dance & Fine Arts (ADFA) stands out as an exceptional local resource for artistic education. Its convenient location on SC-90 and its remarkably well-equipped, spacious facility provide an ideal setting for learning and growth. What truly makes ADFA particularly suitable for locals, however, is its comprehensive approach to fine arts education, combining premier dance instruction with opportunities for musical instrument and vocal training.

This allows families to centralize their children's artistic pursuits, fostering a diverse skill set and a deep appreciation for various art forms. The commitment to developing not just skilled artists but also well-rounded individuals with discipline, confidence, and a love for the arts is highly appealing to local parents. The ability for parents to view classes in real-time and the supportive, professional environment ensure peace of mind and a positive learning experience. Whether a child is taking their very first dance steps, mastering a new instrument, or aspiring to competitive performance, ADFA provides the expert guidance and nurturing atmosphere needed to thrive. By choosing ADFA, Little River residents are investing in a local institution that significantly enriches the community's cultural landscape and provides invaluable opportunities for artistic and personal development.

Academy of Dance & Fine Arts

304 SC-90, Little River, SC 29566, USA