The Academy of Performing Arts at Upstage

For anyone in Ohio with a spark for creativity and a desire to express themselves through movement and dramatic arts, The Academy of Performing Arts at Upstage in New Franklin is a truly exceptional local resource. More than just a dance studio, this establishment serves as a comprehensive center for performing arts, offering a vibrant and supportive environment where individuals of all ages can explore their talents, build confidence, and cultivate a lifelong appreciation for the stage. Whether you're a budding ballerina, a charismatic actor, or someone simply looking for a fun and engaging way to stay active, The Academy of Performing Arts at Upstage offers a welcoming home for your artistic aspirations.

This article is tailored for our fellow Ohioans, providing an in-depth look at what makes The Academy of Performing Arts at Upstage a beloved and highly recommended institution in the region. We'll delve into its convenient location in New Franklin, making it easily accessible for families across Summit County and beyond. We'll also highlight the extensive array of services and programs available, showcasing the diverse opportunities for learning and growth. Furthermore, we'll explore the key features and highlights that truly set this academy apart, including the glowing testimonials from long-standing students and their families, who praise the dedicated and knowledgeable instructors. Finally, we'll provide essential contact information, ensuring you have everything you need to connect with this local gem.

The performing arts offer invaluable benefits, from enhancing physical coordination and discipline to fostering imagination, public speaking skills, and emotional expression. The Academy of Performing Arts at Upstage understands this profoundly, and their philosophy centers on nurturing these qualities in every student. Their commitment to creating a positive and encouraging atmosphere where every individual feels empowered to discover their potential is a hallmark of their approach. As you read on, you'll see why so many locals consider Upstage not just a school, but a true performing arts family.

The Academy of Performing Arts at Upstage is strategically located at 5511 Manchester Rd, New Franklin, OH 44319, USA. This address places the academy in a highly accessible position for residents throughout New Franklin, Akron, and the wider Summit County area in Ohio. Manchester Road (State Route 93) is a major thoroughfare, ensuring straightforward navigation and ease of access from various directions. This prime location is particularly beneficial for busy families, as it minimizes travel time and makes incorporating performing arts education into a weekly schedule much simpler.

Situated in a well-established community, the studio benefits from a safe and familiar environment. Ample parking facilities are typically available, providing convenience for parents dropping off and picking up students, as well as for adult participants. The ease of access extends to proximity to other local amenities, which can be advantageous for coordinating errands or other activities around class times. For anyone in the Ohio region seeking a top-tier performing arts education without the hassle of long commutes or complicated routes, The Academy of Performing Arts at Upstage offers an ideal and practical solution, enhancing the overall experience for all who walk through its doors. Their commitment to accessibility reflects their dedication to serving the local community effectively and ensuring that performing arts are within reach for everyone.

• Diverse Dance Programs: The Academy of Performing Arts at Upstage offers a wide array of dance styles catering to various interests and skill levels. These include foundational disciplines like ballet, tap, and jazz, as well as more contemporary forms such as hip hop, lyrical, and contemporary dance. They also provide classes in acrobatics (acro), allowing students to develop flexibility, strength, and tumbling skills, often following a structured curriculum like Acrobatic Arts. This comprehensive selection ensures that students can explore different genres and develop a versatile dance vocabulary.

• Classes for All Ages and Abilities: The academy warmly welcomes students of all ages, from preschoolers taking their very first steps in creative movement (Discover Dance Early Childhood Program) to adults looking for a fun way to stay active or rekindle a past passion. Age-appropriate classes are designed to meet the developmental needs of each group, with levels ranging from beginner to advanced. This inclusive approach ensures that everyone has a place to learn and grow, regardless of their starting point.

• Pre-Ballet and Early Childhood Programs: Specifically designed programs like "Discover Dance" introduce young children (ages 3-4, 5-7) to the world of movement and dance through engaging themes, storytelling, props, and obstacle courses. These classes focus on developing natural movement ability, classroom behavior skills, and basic dance vocabulary in a multi-sensory environment, providing a strong foundation for future dance training.

• Teen and Adult Classes: Beyond youth programs, the academy offers dedicated classes for teenagers and adults in various styles, including ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, and contemporary. These classes allow older students to build self-confidence and self-esteem while honing their skills, whether for recreational purposes or as a creative outlet.

• Performance and Competition Opportunities: Students have numerous opportunities to showcase their talents, including participation in annual recitals. For those seeking a more intensive experience, the academy offers a Competition Team, with placement based on audition or teacher assessment. Participation in competition classes often requires enrollment in a ballet level class, emphasizing strong technical foundations. Community performance opportunities and service projects may also be available, providing real-world experience.

• Skill-Building Classes: In addition to core dance styles, the academy may offer specialized classes focused on specific techniques like "Turns & Leaps," "Improv," and "Stretching & Conditioning," which are crucial for enhancing overall dance proficiency and injury prevention.

• Exceptional and Knowledgeable Instructors: A recurring highlight in customer reviews is the quality of instruction, particularly praising individuals like "Miss Kelly," who is described as "so great with the dancers" and possessing "so much patience and is very knowledgeable." This indicates a teaching staff that is not only skilled in their craft but also adept at fostering a positive and encouraging learning environment, crucial for student development and retention.

• Long-Standing Community Trust: The Academy of Performing Arts at Upstage has built a strong reputation over many years, as evidenced by a review stating, "Excellent dance school! Been going here for nearly 20 years!" This longevity signifies a consistent delivery of high-quality education and a strong, loyal community following. Such a long history speaks volumes about the studio's stability, reliability, and its significant positive impact on local families.

• Focus on Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem: Beyond teaching dance steps, a core philosophy of Upstage is to help students "build self-confidence and self-esteem." This holistic approach ensures that the benefits of participating extend beyond technical dance skills, fostering personal growth and resilience that can positively impact various aspects of a student's life.

• Nurturing and Supportive Environment: The emphasis on patience and encouragement from instructors creates a welcoming atmosphere where students feel comfortable taking risks, making mistakes, and growing at their own pace. This supportive climate is essential for young dancers and performers to thrive and develop a true passion for their art form.

• Variety of Programs for Comprehensive Training: The academy’s diverse offerings across multiple dance genres and skill levels mean that students can receive a well-rounded performing arts education. This breadth allows for exploration and specialization, catering to individual interests and career aspirations within the performing arts.

• Commitment to Continued Growth: By offering different levels, from foundational classes to competition teams, and providing opportunities for community performances and service projects, The Academy of Performing Arts at Upstage shows a commitment to continuous growth and development for its students, preparing them for various stages of their artistic journey.

For our Ohio residents eager to learn more or enroll in programs at The Academy of Performing Arts at Upstage, here is their contact information:

• Address: 5511 Manchester Rd, New Franklin, OH 44319, USA

• Phone: (330) 882-3464

Feel free to reach out to their friendly and knowledgeable staff to inquire about class schedules, registration details, tuition fees, or to discuss which program best suits your or your child's performing arts aspirations. They are dedicated to assisting new and returning students in finding their perfect fit within the Upstage family.

For residents across Ohio, and particularly those in the New Franklin area, The Academy of Performing Arts at Upstage represents an outstanding and highly suitable choice for engaging with the performing arts. Its enduring presence and glowing testimonials from decades of satisfied students and families underscore its commitment to excellence and community. As one parent enthusiastically stated, "Amazing place, Miss Kelly is so great with the dancers. She has so much patience and is very knowledgeable." Another long-term patron proudly declared, "Excellent dance school! Been going here for nearly 20 years!" These heartfelt reviews are a powerful testament to the academy's consistent quality, the dedication of its instructors, and the positive, nurturing environment it cultivates.

The academy’s diverse range of programs, spanning various dance styles from classical ballet to energetic hip hop, along with acrobatics and opportunities for both recreational and competitive participation, ensures that there’s truly something for everyone. This comprehensive approach means that individuals of all ages and skill levels can find a challenging yet supportive path to artistic growth. The emphasis on building self-confidence and self-esteem, alongside technical proficiency, means that students gain invaluable life skills that extend far beyond the stage or studio. This holistic development is a crucial benefit for children and adults alike, preparing them not just as performers but as confident and expressive individuals.

Furthermore, The Academy of Performing Arts at Upstage's accessible location in New Franklin makes it a convenient option for families throughout Summit County. Its role as a long-standing and respected institution in the local community provides a sense of reliability and trust, a critical factor for parents entrusting their children's education and well-being. By fostering a familial atmosphere where students feel valued and encouraged, Upstage creates a truly unique and enriching experience. For any Ohioan seeking a place where passion for the performing arts is celebrated, talent is nurtured with expertise and patience, and lasting memories are made, The Academy of Performing Arts at Upstage is undeniably an ideal destination. It's where dreams take center stage and truly come alive for the local community.

The Academy of Performing Arts at Upstage

5511 Manchester Rd, New Franklin, OH 44319, USA