Encounter Arts Academy

For families across the expansive Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, especially those seeking a performing arts studio that integrates Christian values with dance education, Encounter Arts Academy in Fort Worth, Texas, aims to provide a unique option. Located on Harmon Road, this academy offers a variety of dance styles for students of all ages, from toddlers to teens, with an stated emphasis on modesty, integrity, and faith-aligned content in choreography, music, and costumes.

Encounter Arts Academy positions itself as a space where children can explore their love for dance while growing in an environment that upholds Christian principles. Their website indicates a commitment to delivering staff members who align with these values, providing what they describe as "elite training" and modeling "a spirit of excellence." The owner, Alanya, shares a mission to "return the arts to their Creator, Jesus Christ, and honor Him with her gifts," with a goal to make "His name known while protecting children and fostering a safe, nurturing environment where they can grow in their love for the arts."

The academy offers a comprehensive range of dance disciplines, aiming to provide a well-rounded artistic education. However, it is important for local Texans considering this academy to also be aware of customer feedback regarding experiences with billing, communication, and instructional preparation for performances. While the academy aims to offer a faith-based environment, some past patrons have expressed concerns about administrative issues and the level of individual attention provided during classes and showcases. Prospective families are encouraged to thoroughly research and communicate directly with the academy to ensure their expectations align with the studio's practices.

Encounter Arts Academy is located at 13045 Harmon Rd Unit #603, Fort Worth, TX 76177, USA. This address places the academy in the rapidly growing northern part of Fort Worth, making it accessible to residents in areas such as Alliance, Saginaw, Haslet, and other communities within the larger Tarrant County region. Harmon Road is a well-trafficked thoroughfare, which generally offers straightforward navigation for local commuters.

For families traveling by car, the location within a unit of a commercial complex typically provides parking facilities, which is a common convenience expected in suburban areas of the DFW Metroplex. Easy access to and from parking spaces is essential for smooth drop-offs and pick-ups, especially for programs involving young children. The suburban setting of this part of Fort Worth generally means less dense traffic compared to downtown areas, contributing to more predictable travel times.

While physical accessibility is often a practical consideration, prospective attendees should also consider the academy's operational practices, as indicated by past customer reviews. Issues related to billing and communication, as reported by some patrons, could impact the overall accessibility and ease of interaction for families. It is advisable for interested individuals to visit the facility, speak with staff, and clarify any concerns regarding policies and procedures to ensure a comfortable and smooth experience.

• Mommy & Me (2 years): A teacher-assisted, parent-guided class introducing toddlers to dance, studio environment, and imaginative movement, serving as a non-recital preparatory class.
• Pre-K Combo (3-4 years): An independent class combining Ballet and Tap, focusing on foundational basics, structure, and terminology with playful imagery and minimal tumbling.
• Ballet (ages 5+): Essential foundation for all dance forms, training in technique, terminology, poise, muscle development, and stability through barre work, center work, and combinations.
• Jazz (ages 5+): Upbeat, expressive dance form learning turns, leaps, body isolations, and choreography, often including acro depending on the instructor.
• Tap (ages 5+): Dance using metal taps for percussion, focusing on rhythm and interpretative body movements.
• Hip-Hop (ages 5+): Trendy, street-style dance focusing on coordination, intensity, quickness, and stamina, exclusively using clean/appropriate music.
• Lyrical (ages 5+): Combines ballet and jazz, incorporating emotion and flexibility to interpret song lyrics or tell a story.
• Technique (ages 9+): Non-recital class to strengthen and perfect overall technique, focusing on turns, leaps, flexibility, strength building, and conditioning, potentially requiring specific equipment.
• Contemporary (ages 9+): Mix of ballet, modern, and jazz, with unpredictable changes in rhythm, speed, and direction.
• Modern (ages 9+): Contemporary dance rooted in ballet, emphasizing floor work for centering and expressive movements.
• Power Pom (ages 5+): Class focusing on strong Jazz choreography with poms, including high kicks, turns, fast-paced choreography, and leaps.
• Pre-Pointe (ages 10+): A non-recital prerequisite for pointe classes, designed to strengthen legs, ankles, and feet, focusing on alignment, stability, and understanding pointe work.
• Christmas Showcase: A relaxed performance setting for students, not requiring special costumes, serving as a lower-pressure opportunity to perform.
• Annual Spring Recital: A formal, year-end performance allowing students to showcase their skills with full costumes.
• Summer Classes and Camps: Opportunities for dance instruction during the summer months.

• Christian Values Emphasis: The academy explicitly states its foundation on Christian values, with a mission to "return the arts to their Creator, Jesus Christ," and a commitment to modesty, integrity, and values in costumes, choreography, and music.
• Wide Range of Dance Disciplines: Offers comprehensive classes in various styles, including Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Lyrical, Contemporary, Modern, Power Pom, and specialty classes like Technique and Pre-Pointe, catering to a broad spectrum of interests and skill levels.
• Programs for Diverse Ages: Classes are available for a wide age range, from "Mommy & Me" for 2-year-olds and Pre-K Combo to classes for ages 5+ and 9+, ensuring options for various developmental stages.
• Performance Opportunities: Provides two main performance events: a less formal Christmas Showcase and an annual Spring Recital, offering students chances to gain stage experience.
• Dedicated Curriculum for Young Children: Specific classes like "Mommy & Me" and "Pre-K Combo" are tailored to introduce very young dancers to the art form through playful and foundational exercises.
• Focus on Foundational Technique: Classes like Ballet and Technique emphasize building strong foundational skills, muscle development, and proper alignment for overall dance proficiency.

Address: 13045 Harmon Rd Unit #603, Fort Worth, TX 76177, USA

Phone: (817) 386-4307

Mobile Phone: +1 817-386-4307

For Texans in the Fort Worth area, particularly those seeking a performing arts academy that emphasizes Christian values, Encounter Arts Academy offers a range of dance programs. While the academy aims to provide a faith-aligned environment and a variety of dance styles, prospective local users should carefully consider all available information to determine if it is the right fit for their family's needs.

The academy's stated mission to integrate Christian values into its dance education, with a focus on modesty and appropriate content, may appeal strongly to families who prioritize these aspects in their children's extracurricular activities. For those seeking a studio where faith is openly discussed and incorporated into the arts, Encounter Arts Academy presents itself as an option. Their diverse class offerings, covering styles from Ballet and Tap to Hip-Hop and Modern, aim to provide comprehensive dance training for students of various ages and interests within the community. The provision of performance opportunities like Christmas Showcases and Spring Recitals also allows students to gain valuable stage experience locally.

However, it is crucial for local users to conduct thorough due diligence. Some customer reviews have raised concerns about aspects such as individual attention in classes, preparation for performances, billing discrepancies, and communication with management. These factors, if not addressed to a family's satisfaction, could impact the overall experience. While the academy's location on Harmon Road in North Fort Worth offers practical accessibility for many suburban residents, prospective patrons are strongly encouraged to communicate directly with the academy, inquire about specific policies, and perhaps observe classes to ensure that the studio's practices and values align with their expectations for a positive and supportive learning environment. Choosing a local performing arts studio is a significant decision, and a comprehensive understanding of all facets of the academy's operations is key for Texan families.

Encounter Arts Academy

13045 Harmon Rd Unit #603, Fort Worth, TX 76177, USA