Freed School of Performing Arts

For decades, the Freed School of Performing Arts has been a cornerstone of artistic education in Sumter, South Carolina, and a cherished point of interest for families across the region. With a rich history spanning over 65 years, this esteemed institution is far more than just a dance studio; it's a vibrant hub where students of all ages can explore the diverse worlds of dance, gymnastics, and martial arts under the guidance of highly professional and caring instructors. This comprehensive article aims to shed light on what makes Freed School of Performing Arts an enduring legacy in South Carolina's performing arts scene, detailing its unique offerings, convenient location, and the profound impact it has on its students and the local community.

The sentiment from long-time patrons truly encapsulates the essence of Freed School of Performing Arts. As one parent shared, "My baby has been apart of Freed's for 6 years and she love it and so do I. The staff are so sweet and very professional. I'm looking forward to year #7." This kind of loyalty speaks volumes about the positive, supportive environment and the quality of instruction that students receive year after year. While some busy moments, like planning for events, might challenge coordination, the consistent feedback on the sweetness and professionalism of the teachers, and their excellent rapport with children, highlights the core strength of the school. Freed School of Performing Arts prides itself on providing a well-rounded curriculum that emphasizes safety, discipline, and a strong foundational background, allowing students to pursue their passions with confidence and skill.

The accessibility of Freed School of Performing Arts is a significant advantage for families residing in Sumter and across the wider South Carolina region. You'll find this dedicated performing arts institution conveniently located at 527 N Guignard Dr, Sumter, SC 29150, USA. This address places it within a well-established and easily navigable area of Sumter, making it a practical destination for those driving from various neighborhoods within the city or from surrounding towns in Sumter County and beyond.

North Guignard Drive is a prominent thoroughfare in Sumter, ensuring straightforward directions and a smooth commute for students and parents alike. Ample parking facilities are generally available, which helps alleviate any stress associated with drop-offs and pickups, especially during peak class times. This ease of access allows families to consistently participate in the wide array of programs offered at Freed School of Performing Arts without significant logistical challenges. The convenient location underscores the school's commitment to serving the local community, making it a reliable and central hub for performing arts education in South Carolina.

Freed School of Performing Arts offers a rich and diverse curriculum designed to cater to a wide range of ages and artistic interests, ensuring that every student can find their passion and develop their skills. Their programs are built on a strong foundation of technique, discipline, and expressive movement. Here's a detailed list of the services and classes you can find:

• Pre-school Combination (ages 2-5): A foundational program that blends tap, pre-ballet, rhythm training, personality movements, and tumbling. This class is designed to develop coordination, grace, and flexibility for the youngest dancers.
• Combination Classes (Tap and Jazz) for ages 6-8: An intermediate program allowing children to explore two distinct areas of interest, building on foundational skills.
• Classical Ballet (ages 6 and older): A core program focused on developing grace, poise, and discipline through ballet technique. Pointe work is introduced for female students when they develop sufficient skill and strength (typically age 11+ with previous training).
• Pointe: A specialized program for advanced ballet students, focusing on body alignment, feet placement, strength, and dancing gracefully on the tips of fully extended feet.
• Lyrical/Contemporary (ages 8 and older): A dance technique that enhances flexibility, strength, and body control, blending elements of ballet and jazz for expressive movement.
• Jazz (ages 6-10 or Teen, ages 11 & up): Encompasses dance as seen on stage, in movies, and musical productions, offered for beginner through advanced levels.
• Tap (ages 6-10 or Teen, ages 11 & up): Combines rhythm, movement, and sound, teaching students to create beats by striking the floor with tap shoes.
• Boys Classes (all ages): A program specifically designed for boys, encompassing Hip-Hop and Tumbling skills to develop strength, coordination, and flexibility.
• Adult Physical Fitness: Programs designed for lively fun while gaining exercise benefits, including aerobics, chair fitness, tap, ballet, jazz (for more serious adult dancers), and line dancing.
• Hip-Hop (ages 7 and older): Utilizes popular music and showcases dance as seen in movies and music videos, offered for beginner through advanced levels.
• Gymnastics (Acrobatics) for ages 3 and older: A program focusing on extraordinary feats of balance, agility, motor coordination, and flexibility, with floor exercises and tumbling on mats.
• Youth Theater (ages 7-11): A musical theater performance group, allowing students to engage in dramatic arts.
• Martial Arts (Cross Training Martial Arts with Sensei Terri Jones): Provides training in martial arts, complementing dance and gymnastics with discipline and physical prowess.
• Summer Camps and Intensive Classes: Offered during the summer months, these provide concentrated learning experiences in various dance styles, typically culminating in a performance.
• On-site Dancewear Store ("The Dance Box"): A convenient store within the studio offering a variety of discount dancewear, including leotards, tights, warm-up suits, ballet skirts, shoes (ballet, jazz, tap), and Freed School apparel.

This comprehensive offering ensures that Freed School of Performing Arts can meet the diverse and evolving needs of its students across South Carolina.

Freed School of Performing Arts stands out as a distinguished point of interest in South Carolina due to its numerous features and highlights that underscore its commitment to excellence and student success. These attributes have contributed to its remarkable longevity and positive reputation within the community.

• Over 65 Years of Dance Excellence: With a history spanning more than six decades, Freed School has established itself as a deeply rooted and trusted institution in the performing arts. This extensive experience translates into time-tested teaching methodologies and a profound understanding of dance education.
• Professional and Caring Staff: As highlighted in customer reviews, the staff are consistently described as "sweet and very professional," and "very good with the children." This dedication ensures a nurturing and supportive environment where students feel comfortable and encouraged to grow.
• Well-Rounded Curriculum: The school believes in providing a strong background across multiple dance disciplines, including ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, and gymnastics. This comprehensive approach ensures that students receive a versatile education that prepares them for various dance paths.
• Student Success Beyond the Studio: Freed School proudly notes that its former students are "performing all over the world," a testament to the strong foundational training and confidence instilled within their programs.
• Professional Recital Opportunities: At the end of each year, students have the opportunity to showcase their progress in a professional dance recital. These events are meticulously organized and provide invaluable stage experience, creating memorable moments for both performers and their families.
• Convenient On-Site Dancewear Store ("The Dance Box"): Located directly within the studio, this store provides easy access to essential dancewear, shoes, and school-branded apparel, offering a practical solution for students' needs.
• Experienced Teaching and Modern Methods: The school prides itself on offering a "professional background of experienced teaching, current trends in dance and modern teaching methods," ensuring that instruction is both foundational and contemporary.
• Diverse Programs for All Ages: From pre-school combination classes for toddlers to adult fitness and specialized boys' classes, Freed School caters to a wide demographic, making performing arts accessible to the entire community.
• Support for Parents: While acknowledging the common "Dance Moms" phenomenon, the overarching sentiment is positive, with parents noting the teachers' kindness and effectiveness with children, ensuring a generally positive experience despite any minor logistical challenges.

These features collectively establish Freed School of Performing Arts as a top-tier institution for performing arts education in South Carolina, fostering talent, discipline, and a lasting love for the arts.

For those interested in enrolling in classes, learning more about the programs, or simply contacting the Freed School of Performing Arts, here is the essential information:

Address: 527 N Guignard Dr, Sumter, SC 29150, USA

Phone: (803) 773-2847

Mobile Phone: +1 803-773-2847

The administrative team and staff at Freed School of Performing Arts are readily available to answer any questions you may have regarding class schedules, registration procedures, tuition fees, or specific program details. We encourage you to reach out directly via phone to speak with their knowledgeable representatives, who can provide personalized guidance and support. This direct line of communication ensures that your experience, from initial inquiry to becoming a valued member of the Freed School family, is as smooth and welcoming as possible.

In conclusion, the Freed School of Performing Arts stands as an exceptional and deeply valued point of interest for families and individuals throughout South Carolina, particularly within the Sumter community. Its suitability for locals is underscored by its impressive legacy of over 65 years, a testament to its consistent delivery of high-quality performing arts education. The positive testimonials, highlighting the "sweet and very professional" staff and the deep love students have for their experience, reinforce the nurturing and effective environment that the school cultivates.

Freed School offers a comprehensive curriculum that goes beyond just dance, incorporating gymnastics and martial arts, providing a well-rounded artistic and physical education for all ages, from preschoolers to adults. The commitment to strong foundational training ensures that students are well-prepared, whether they aspire to a professional career or simply wish to enjoy the benefits of physical activity and artistic expression. The professionalism of their annual recitals, alongside the convenience of an on-site dancewear store, further solidifies its position as a go-to destination. For anyone in South Carolina seeking a performing arts school that combines a rich history, experienced teaching, diverse programs, and a truly caring community, Freed School of Performing Arts in Sumter is undoubtedly an excellent and enduring choice for countless years of artistic growth and joy.

Freed School of Performing Arts

527 N Guignard Dr, Sumter, SC 29150, USA