Dance Academy of Stuart

Welcome to the Dance Academy of Stuart, a cornerstone of dance education and artistic development for the Treasure Coast, proudly serving the Florida community since 1997. More than just a school, Dance Academy of Stuart is built on a foundation of passion, inspiration, and a profound drive to enhance young lives through the art of dance. Under the vision of its founder, Alicia Chodera, who describes the studio as "one beautiful long dance project," this academy has become a beacon for aspiring dancers, providing a nurturing yet disciplined environment where talent blossoms and confidence soars. It's a place where students don't just learn steps; they learn life lessons, discipline, and the joy of self-expression.

The Dance Academy of Stuart is dedicated to offering a positive future in the performing arts, encompassing everything from classical ballet to contemporary styles. With a vast knowledge of ballet instruction, the academy exposes young dancers to various esteemed schools of ballet, including the Cecchetti Method, Vaganova, Royal Academy of Dance, the Cuban National Ballet, and Neo Classical Ballet/Balanchine. This diverse exposure meticulously prepares dancers with the knowledge and technique required for both pre-professional training and potential professional ballet careers. Whether your child dreams of dancing on stage or simply wants to "dance the night away" and experience the joy of movement, Dance Academy of Stuart provides the expert guidance and supportive community to make those dreams a reality.

The Dance Academy of Stuart boasts two conveniently located studios, ensuring excellent accessibility for families across the Treasure Coast. The primary location relevant to the provided information is at 1637 SE Port St Lucie Blvd, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952, USA. This strategic positioning in Port St. Lucie makes it highly accessible for residents within the city and from surrounding communities in Florida. Its presence on Port St. Lucie Boulevard, a key thoroughfare, ensures ease of navigation for those traveling by car.

For the convenience of students and parents, the studio features spacious and well-equipped facilities. The main Stuart location, for example, is noted to have five wonderful studios with sprung wood floors and wall-to-wall mirrors, with some studios featuring marley flooring overlays for various dance styles and one dedicated to tap. Two studios are separated by a movable wall, allowing for larger rehearsal spaces. One studio is even equipped with stage lighting and wrap curtains, serving as a "Black Box Theatre" for performances. While specific parking details for the Port St. Lucie Blvd location are not provided, dance studios of this caliber typically offer adequate parking. This commitment to having well-appointed and easily reachable facilities underscores the Dance Academy of Stuart’s dedication to providing a seamless and high-quality dance education experience for the local Florida community.

The Dance Academy of Stuart offers a comprehensive and diverse range of services designed to cultivate well-rounded dancers from ages 3 and up, providing opportunities for both recreational enjoyment and pre-professional training.

• Variety of Dance Classes for All Ages: The academy provides an extensive selection of dance styles, ensuring there's a perfect fit for every interest and skill level. These include:
  • Ballet: Foundational training in classical ballet, including Pre-Ballet, Ballet I-VI, Pointe, and Pre-Pointe, exposing students to methods like Cecchetti, Vaganova, Royal Academy of Dance, Cuban National Ballet, and Neo Classical Ballet/Balanchine.
  • Jazz: Energetic and rhythmic classes focusing on technical precision, leaps, turns, and performance quality.
  • Musical Theatre: Classes that integrate dance with acting and performance skills, preparing students for theatrical productions.
  • Hip Hop: Popular and dynamic classes emphasizing rhythm, freestyle, and urban dance styles.
  • Contemporary: A fluid and expressive style that blends elements of ballet, jazz, and modern dance.
  • Lyrical: Combines elements of ballet and jazz, focusing on emotional expression through movement, often set to music with lyrics.
  • Tap: Classes dedicated to rhythmic footwork and percussive sounds.
  • Acrobatics: Combines dance technique with acrobatic and tumbling skills.
  • Creative Movement: For the youngest dancers (ages 3-5), focusing on fundamental ballet steps, movement, and artistic expression.
• Performance Opportunities: Students are given numerous opportunities to perform, including:
  • Annual Nutcracker Ballet: A cherished holiday classic performed for over 25 years, with auditions open to students aged 6 and enrolled in Ballet I or higher.
  • Jr. Holiday Show and Holiday Show: Additional festive performance opportunities.
  • Young Choreographer's Workshop: Encouraging student creativity and choreography.
  • Lyrical Night: Dedicated performances for lyrical classes.
  • End-of-Season Ballet and Showcase: Culminating performances to celebrate student achievements.
• Student Dance Company (Stuart City Dancers): Established in 1998, this company is comprised of serious young dancers aged 10 to 18 who desire to further their training and partake in additional performance and community outreach opportunities.
• Comprehensive Dance Education: A focus on providing a positive future in the performing arts from classical to contemporary, building confidence, grace, and self-reliance.
• Online Registration and Information: User-friendly website for class schedules, registration, and essential information about classes, events, and fees.
• Dance Camps: Variety of dance camps for different age groups and styles, often taught by DAS Faculty and guest instructors.

The Dance Academy of Stuart is celebrated for several key features and highlights that underscore its excellence and make it a standout institution for dance education in the Florida region.

• Legacy and Experience: Founded in 1997, the academy boasts over two decades of experience passionately educating dancers on the Treasure Coast. This long-standing presence signifies a deep understanding of dance education and community needs.
• Founder's Vision and Expertise: Alicia Chodera, the founder, brings a rich background from prestigious ballet schools (Ellis Du Boulay, Boston Ballet, NYC) and a passion for teaching. Her commitment to approaching "every child as an individual" fosters a loving environment grounded in strong discipline, leading to significant student growth.
• Comprehensive Ballet Training: The academy's dedication to classical ballet is a major highlight, exposing students to various renowned ballet methods (Cecchetti, Vaganova, RAD, Cuban National Ballet, Balanchine). This robust foundation prepares dancers for pre-professional and professional careers.
• Rich Performance Tradition: The annual Nutcracker Ballet, performed for over 25 years, is a cherished tradition, offering students a significant stage experience. Additional performance opportunities like Holiday Shows, Lyrical Night, and End-of-Season Showcases further enhance students' confidence and artistry.
• Dedicated Student Dance Company: The Stuart City Dancers provide serious young dancers with advanced training and additional performance and community outreach opportunities, nurturing elite talent.
• Spacious and Well-Equipped Studios: The main studio boasts five spacious studios with sprung wood floors, wall-to-wall mirrors, and specialized flooring (marley for some studios, exposed for tap). The "Black Box Theatre" equipped with stage lighting enhances rehearsal and performance capabilities.
• Holistic Development: Beyond dance technique, the academy instills discipline, consistency, hard work, and valuable life lessons, preparing students for all aspects of life's journeys.
• Strong Community Integration: The academy's commitment to community outreach through performances by the Stuart City Dancers demonstrates its role as a cultural pillar in the Treasure Coast.

For detailed class schedules, registration, and any inquiries about the programs at Dance Academy of Stuart, please use the following contact information:

Address: 1637 SE Port St Lucie Blvd, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952, USA

Phone: (772) 220-6694

Mobile Phone: +1 772-220-6694

You can also visit their website for the most up-to-date information on classes, events, and performance schedules. The dedicated staff are ready to assist you in finding the perfect dance program for your needs.

The Dance Academy of Stuart is exceptionally well-suited for locals in the Florida region, particularly those on the Treasure Coast, seeking high-quality dance education. Its suitability stems from a combination of its long-standing reputation, comprehensive program offerings, and a truly nurturing yet disciplined environment. For over two decades, this academy has demonstrated a profound commitment to fostering both artistic excellence and personal growth in its students, making it a trusted choice for parents and aspiring dancers alike.

The breadth of dance styles available, from rigorous classical ballet training to energetic hip hop and expressive lyrical, ensures that every child, regardless of their interest or starting point, can find their passion and thrive. The numerous performance opportunities, including the beloved annual Nutcracker, are invaluable for building confidence and providing a true stage experience. Furthermore, the dedication of the founder, Alicia Chodera, to treating each child as an individual and providing a "positive future in the performing arts" resonates deeply with local families who seek a supportive and enriching extracurricular activity. For anyone in Florida looking for a dance school that offers not just lessons but a true journey of artistic and personal development, the Dance Academy of Stuart is unequivocally the premier local destination.

Dance Academy of Stuart

1637 SE Port St Lucie Blvd, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952, USA