AMA Academy of Performing Arts

Hello, Illinois families! Are you looking for a place where your children can not only learn dance and music but also develop essential life skills, build confidence, and become part of a supportive community? Then look no further than AMA Academy of Performing Arts in Des Plaines, IL. This isn't just a studio; it's a vibrant hub where passion for the performing arts meets a genuine commitment to nurturing young minds and spirits. For anyone in the Illinois region seeking a truly enriching experience for their children, or even for themselves, AMA Academy of Performing Arts truly stands out.

AMA Academy of Performing Arts has consistently exceeded expectations, praised by parents for its dedication to building character and confidence in students of all ages. Under the passionate and caring leadership of owner Anne Marie, and with the incredible dedication of instructors like Mr. Dillon, the studio cultivates a warm, inviting, and family-like atmosphere. From memorable recitals that showcase incredible progress to thoughtful parent involvement, AMA goes above and beyond. This article will provide you with a comprehensive overview of AMA Academy of Performing Arts, detailing its convenient location, diverse programs, unique features, and why it's a fantastic place for locals to learn, grow, and shine.

AMA Academy of Performing Arts is ideally located at 216 Graceland Ave, Des Plaines, IL 60016, USA. This central address places the academy in the heart of Des Plaines, a well-connected city within the broader Chicago metropolitan area. Graceland Avenue is a key thoroughfare, ensuring that the studio is easily accessible for families and students commuting from various parts of the Illinois region.

Des Plaines' geographical position makes AMA Academy of Performing Arts a convenient choice for residents of neighboring communities such as Park Ridge, Mount Prospect, Rosemont, Niles, and Arlington Heights. The straightforward access via local road networks helps to minimize travel time for busy parents and eager students, making regular attendance hassle-free. Additionally, the studio features practical amenities like "two-way mirrors so parents can watch practice without being a distraction," indicating a thoughtful design aimed at enhancing the experience for both students and observers. This commitment to accessibility and a comfortable viewing environment further solidifies AMA's appeal as a top-tier local performing arts destination in Illinois.

AMA Academy of Performing Arts offers a wide variety of programs across dance and music, catering to all ages from young children to adults. Their comprehensive services include:

• Dance Classes: A diverse range of dance styles, including popular options like Ballet and Tap, are offered. They also teach other styles such as Hip Hop. Classes are available for ages 2.5 to 18, with programs designed for various skill levels from beginners to competitive dancers.
• Music Classes: The academy provides music lessons for various instruments, including Voice and Piano. Private, one-on-one instruction is available, as well as group classes. Music theory is integrated into all lessons.
• Theatre Classes: Group classes are offered in drama and musical theater, providing opportunities for students to participate in periodic plays and musicals.
• Competitive Dance Teams: For dancers aged 4 and up looking to advance their skills, competitive team options are available, providing opportunities for performance and competition.
• Private Lessons: Personalized one-on-one instruction is offered for both dance and music, allowing students to learn at their own pace and focus on specific goals.
• Group Classes: Structured group settings for various dance and music disciplines, fostering camaraderie and social interaction. For younger children (18 months - 7 years), "Music FunTime" classes teach music theory through engaging, artistic methods.
• Performance Opportunities: Students regularly participate in memorable recitals and various performance events throughout the year, allowing them to showcase their progress and build stage confidence.
• Drop-in Events and Workshops: The academy frequently hosts 2-3 hour "drop-off" events where children can engage in themed activities, providing flexible options for parents and fun experiences for kids.
• Summer Camps: Comprehensive summer camp options are available for various age groups, offering immersive and fun-filled programs in sports, arts, tumbling, dance, music, set-design, arts & crafts, acting, and outdoor play.

AMA Academy of Performing Arts is distinguished by several outstanding features and highlights that contribute to its glowing reputation and immense suitability for local families:

• Exceptional Character and Confidence Building: A primary focus is on nurturing not just artistic talent but also vital life skills. Reviews consistently emphasize how the academy helps "building character and confidence in the kiddos" and instills "confidence and camaraderie."
• Passionate and Caring Leadership: Owner Anne Marie is highly praised for being "amazing -- passionate, caring, and a true steward of the community." This leadership sets the tone for a genuinely supportive and positive environment.
• Dedicated and Thoughtful Instructors: The teaching staff, including specific mention of "Mr. Dillon," are celebrated for their "dedication, love, and thoughtfulness." Their commitment ensures that students feel valued and motivated.
• Warm, Inviting, and Family-like Atmosphere: The studio is described as a place where students "feel like a part of a family." This strong sense of community fosters belonging and makes the learning journey enjoyable and sustainable.
• Parent-Friendly Facilities and Involvement: The provision of "convenient two-way mirrors" allows parents to observe classes without distraction, demonstrating transparency and a commitment to keeping parents informed and involved. The academy actively "keep parents involved and appreciate us on so many events."
• Memorable and High-Quality Recitals: Recitals are highlighted as "memorable" events that "showcase the incredible progress of the students," providing a rewarding culmination of their hard work and boosting confidence.
• Variety of Programs for All Ages: Offering dance, music, and theatre classes for "all ages, including adults," along with summer camps and drop-off events, makes AMA a versatile choice for entire families.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: The studio boasts "two LARGE dance studios," one with an "elevated wood-sprung floor" to protect dancers' knees, and both with "top-of-the-line" Adagio jazz/ballet floors. Each studio also features "8-foot high mirrors on two full walls" for optimal learning.
• Commitment to Community Service: AMA has its own in-house 501(c)(3) charity, "Loving Lunches," which makes hundreds of sack lunches weekly for the homeless community in Chicagoland, with much of the work done by children. This instills a sense of social responsibility in students.

For more information about AMA Academy of Performing Arts, including detailed class schedules, registration, and program specifics, please use the contact details below:

Address: 216 Graceland Ave, Des Plaines, IL 60016, USA

Phone: (847) 299-2233

Mobile Phone: +1 847-299-2233

For families and individuals across Illinois, particularly those in Des Plaines and the wider Chicago metropolitan area, AMA Academy of Performing Arts stands as an exceptional and highly suitable choice for engaging with dance and music. Its profound local appeal stems from a powerful combination of accessibility, comprehensive offerings, and a truly nurturing philosophy.

Firstly, the academy’s convenient location at 216 Graceland Ave in Des Plaines makes it easily accessible from surrounding communities like Park Ridge, Mount Prospect, and Niles. This geographical advantage is crucial for busy Illinois families, ensuring that commuting to classes is straightforward and stress-free. The added benefit of "two-way mirrors" for parents to observe without distraction further enhances the convenience and transparency, making it a truly parent-friendly facility.

Beyond logistics, what truly sets AMA apart is its unwavering commitment to holistic child development. Reviews consistently highlight the studio's success in "building character and confidence in the kiddos." This emphasis on personal growth, fostered by the "passionate, caring, and true steward of the community," owner Anne Marie, and the "dedicated, love, and thoughtful" instructors like Mr. Dillon, creates an environment where students not only learn technical skills but also develop self-esteem, camaraderie, and a sense of responsibility. This deep investment in each child’s well-being makes AMA more than just a place to learn; it's a place where children thrive as individuals.

The breadth of services offered – from diverse dance styles and music lessons to theatre classes, competitive teams, and flexible summer camps – ensures that there’s something for every age and interest. This variety, combined with regular, memorable performance opportunities, provides a well-rounded and engaging artistic education. Furthermore, the strong sense of belonging, with students and parents alike feeling "like a part of a family," creates a supportive community network that encourages long-term participation and genuine joy. Even practical considerations like drop-off events underscore their understanding of local family needs.

For any Illinois resident seeking a performing arts home that offers top-tier instruction, a nurturing atmosphere, exceptional facilities, and a strong community spirit, AMA Academy of Performing Arts is an invaluable local asset. It is a place where children are empowered to learn, grow, and truly shine, making it an ideal choice for families right here in the heart of Illinois.

AMA Academy of Performing Arts

216 Graceland Ave, Des Plaines, IL 60016, USA