Performing Arts Academy of Virginia Beach

For families in Virginia, particularly within the vibrant community of Virginia Beach, seeking a dance studio that truly feels like a second home, the Performing Arts Academy of Virginia Beach (PAA) stands out as an exceptional choice. PAA is renowned for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, its dedication to nurturing dancers of all ages and skill levels, and its commitment to fostering a genuine "dance family" culture.

Opened under the direction of Keller Armistead, who brings over thirty years of dance experience and a passion for teaching, PAA understands that every student begins their dance journey for a variety of reasons. Their philosophy is built on teaching with "open minds and open hearts," ensuring that from the youngest toddlers in their "Mommy & Me" classes to advanced dancers in their Company Program, everyone feels valued and encouraged. This inclusive approach creates a space where both recreational dancers and those aspiring to more intensive training can thrive.

The positive experiences of families at PAA are consistently highlighted in their heartfelt testimonials. One parent enthusiastically shared, "We absolutely love this dance school. Every time we drive by my daughter (2) points and says 'mommy I wanna go to dance with Keller'. We moved and were so sad to leave but I’m thinking of ways to be able to come to Vb once a week just for dance! They are amazing!" This level of devotion from a two-year-old speaks volumes about the engaging and joyful environment PAA creates, making dance something truly exciting and anticipated.

Another parent echoed this sentiment, stating, "This is a welcoming and incredible dance studio. My kiddo started here at age 3, and they are fantastic with the littles. We're happy to be continuing with PAA!" These reviews underscore PAA's success in creating a positive first impression and building long-term relationships with its students and families, proving its ability to excel with even the youngest dancers.

Under the guidance of Ms. Keller, whose expertise was honed through studies at Old Dominion University and experience teaching at Oceanfront Dance, PAA offers a comprehensive and high-quality dance education. The academy's commitment to supporting students' individual needs, whether for fun and exercise or for a more intensive program, makes it a flexible and accommodating choice for the diverse families of Virginia Beach. PAA is truly a place where passion for movement is ignited, and lifelong connections are formed.

Performing Arts Academy of Virginia Beach is conveniently located at 4402 Princess Anne Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23462, USA. This central location within Virginia Beach makes it highly accessible for families residing throughout the city and surrounding areas within the Hampton Roads region. Princess Anne Road is a well-known thoroughfare, ensuring straightforward navigation for parents and guardians driving to the studio.

The academy's position in a bustling area of Virginia Beach provides ease of access from various neighborhoods. Ample parking is typically available at the facility, which is a significant convenience for busy families during drop-off and pick-up times. This ease of access helps alleviate common logistical challenges associated with extracurricular activities, making it simpler for students from across Virginia Beach to attend classes regularly and without unnecessary stress.

While specific public transportation routes would need to be checked with local Virginia Beach transit services, the general area is well-connected within the city's public transport network. However, for most families in Virginia, private vehicle transportation remains the most common and convenient way to reach the academy. The clear address ensures that navigation systems can accurately guide visitors directly to the Performing Arts Academy of Virginia Beach, facilitating a smooth arrival for every dance class and event.

Performing Arts Academy of Virginia Beach offers a wide array of dance styles and programs designed to cater to a broad spectrum of ages and skill levels, ensuring there's something for everyone from beginners to advanced dancers:

• Mommy & Me (Ages 12 months - 2 years old): A class designed to introduce young toddlers to rhythm, jumps, dance, and tumbling, all while creating cherished memories with their parent.
• Combo Classes: Popular for younger dancers, these classes combine two styles of dance (e.g., Ballet/Tap or Jazz/Hip Hop) into one session, providing a well-rounded introduction to different genres.
• Ballet: Foundational classical ballet teaching, focusing on technique, poise, grace, and body alignment. Includes Pre-Pointe classes to strengthen dancers' ankles and feet for future pointe work.
• Pointe: Advanced classical ballet technique where dancers perform on the tips of their toes, requiring significant strength and prior training.
• Tap Dance: A genre where feet become instruments, making percussive sounds and music through rhythmic footwork.
• Jazz Dance: An energetic form of dance with a ballet foundation, focusing on dynamic movements, turns, leaps, and expressive choreography.
• Hip Hop: Learn urban street style movements performed to hip hop music, emphasizing rhythm, style, and self-expression.
• Lyrical: A style of dance that combines ballet, jazz, and improvisation, focusing on expressing emotions through fluid movement.
• Contemporary: Blends elements of technical dancing with freedom of movement, often used with theatrical or high-intensity music, emphasizing creativity and self-expression.
• Acro: Focuses on blending elements of technical dancing with acrobatic tricks, improving flexibility, strength, and tumbling skills.
• Musical Theatre: Where dance, theatrics, and song combine to create a storyline, teaching performance skills relevant to Broadway shows.
• Latin Fuzion (Adults & Kids): A combination of Latin dancing and Jazz, promoting physical strength, agility, and developing an understanding of music and rhythm while generating a love of movement.
• Company Program: For more dedicated and experienced dancers, offering intensive training and performance opportunities.
• Dance for Special Needs Children: PAA is noted for its welcoming approach to children with special needs, demonstrating its commitment to inclusivity.
• Workout Classes for Adults: Beyond dance, the academy may offer fitness-focused classes for adults, providing a comprehensive wellness option.

Performing Arts Academy of Virginia Beach (PAA) is distinguished by several key features and highlights that make it a cherished part of the Virginia Beach community:

• Welcoming and Inclusive Atmosphere: A consistent highlight from parent reviews is the incredibly welcoming environment. PAA prides itself on teaching with "open minds and open hearts," ensuring that dancers of all ages and skill levels feel valued and comfortable.
• Exceptional with Young Children: The academy receives particular praise for being "fantastic with the littles." Testimonials speak to toddlers excitedly asking to go to dance, indicating engaging and age-appropriate instruction that captivates young minds.
• Director's Expertise and Passion: Under the direction of Keller Armistead, who has over thirty years of dance experience, PAA benefits from seasoned leadership and a genuine passion for teaching the art of dance to children.
• Diverse Class Offerings: PAA provides a wide array of dance styles, from foundational Ballet and Tap to energetic Hip Hop, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Acro, Musical Theatre, and even Latin Fuzion for both kids and adults. This variety allows students to explore multiple interests.
• Focus on Individual Needs: The academy is committed to creating programs that suit individual or child's needs, whether it's a once-a-week class for fun and exercise or a more intensive program. They also explicitly mention dance classes for children with special needs.
• Building a "Dance Family": The studio actively fosters a sense of community, creating an environment where students and families feel connected and supported, becoming part of a "Dance Family."
• Pathway for Growth: From "Mommy & Me" classes for the youngest dancers to a "Company Program" for advanced students, PAA provides a clear progression for dancers to grow and develop their skills over many years.
• Positive Reinforcement: Although not explicitly detailed in reviews, the enthusiastic responses from young children suggest that instructors use positive reinforcement and create an enjoyable atmosphere for learning.

For inquiries, class schedules, or registration information, please use the following contact details for Performing Arts Academy of Virginia Beach:

Address: 4402 Princess Anne Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23462, USA

Phone: (757) 439-1218

Mobile Phone: +1 757-439-1218

For locals in Virginia, particularly those in Virginia Beach, the Performing Arts Academy of Virginia Beach stands out as an incredibly suitable and highly recommended destination for dance education. Its core philosophy of teaching with "open minds and open hearts" creates a uniquely welcoming and inclusive environment that caters to dancers of all ages and abilities, from curious toddlers to dedicated pre-professionals.

The exceptional ability of PAA's instructors to engage and inspire even the youngest students, as evidenced by a two-year-old's eagerness for dance with "Keller," speaks volumes about the joyful and effective learning experiences provided. Under the experienced direction of Ms. Keller Armistead, students benefit from a wide range of dance styles, ensuring that every interest can be explored and every talent nurtured.

The emphasis on building a supportive "dance family" and the personalized approach to accommodating individual needs, including classes for children with special needs, ensures that PAA is more than just a dance school; it's a community where children grow in confidence, coordination, and a lifelong love for the performing arts. For any Virginia family seeking a reputable, accessible, and genuinely caring studio where their child can truly flourish in the world of dance, the Performing Arts Academy of Virginia Beach is an outstanding local choice.

Performing Arts Academy of Virginia Beach

4402 Princess Anne Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23462, USA