The Arts at Center Street

Hello, Tennessee residents! Are you searching for a place where creativity flourishes, talent is nurtured, and the magic of performing arts comes alive right in your community? Look no further than The Arts at Center Street, a beloved and dynamic performing arts center located in Old Hickory, TN. More than just a venue, it's a dedicated institution fostering education and performance across dance, music, and theatre. For families and individuals passionate about the arts, The Arts at Center Street offers a unique blend of high-quality instruction, engaging performances, and a truly supportive environment that impacts lives for the better. This article will take you on a journey through what makes this center a cornerstone of the Middle Tennessee arts scene, highlighting its diverse programs and the profound positive influence it has on its students and the wider community.

The Arts at Center Street operates with a clear mission: to use art as a powerful tool to communicate values, provoke emotion, and inspire beneficial conversations. They are committed to creating entertainment that is meaningful and substantive, aiming to affect people deeply and contribute to their personal transformation. This goes hand-in-hand with their dedication to arts education, nurturing holistic development in children and producing confident adults who engage with the arts and embrace the enriching dialogues they inspire. As a hub for local, original, and meaningful works, The Arts at Center Street enriches the entire Nashville community, providing a vital space for artistic expression and growth.

The Arts at Center Street is conveniently located at 401 Center St, Old Hickory, TN 37138, USA. This central position within Old Hickory makes it highly accessible for residents of the immediate area, as well as those in neighboring communities across Davidson and Wilson counties. Its location on Center Street provides easy navigation and a welcoming presence within the historic Old Hickory Village. For families commuting from areas like Nashville, Hermitage, or Mt. Juliet, the straightforward access to Old Hickory's main thoroughfares ensures that attending classes or performances is a convenient experience. The charming setting of Old Hickory itself adds to the appeal, offering a pleasant environment for families to visit. This strategic location ensures that quality arts education and enriching cultural experiences are well within reach for a significant portion of our Tennessee community.

The Arts at Center Street is a comprehensive performing arts venue and educational institution, offering a wide array of services designed to cultivate artistic talent and engage the community. Their programs span multiple disciplines, catering to various ages and skill levels.

• Dance Academy (Center Street Dance Academy): Offers dynamic classes in various genres including jazz, tap, ballet, hip-hop, lyrical, and contemporary. Classes are available for dancers of all ages, from children (ages 3+) to adults with drop-in options. They focus on cultivating skill, fostering healthy relationships, and reinforcing good character.
• Theatre Academy (Center Street Theatre Academy): Provides drama education and exciting theatre opportunities for young performers, collaborating with local schools. They focus on igniting creativity in students (ages 5-18) and bringing stories to life through acting, singing, and movement. The Center Street Theatre Company, housed within the venue, produces original plays written and performed by Nashville locals, striving for affordable, accessible, and engaging entertainment.
• Music Academy (Center Street Music Academy): Offers expert music lessons, including piano, drums, and voice for students aged 5-18. The aim is to help students explore their musical passion and begin their musical journey.
• Performance Venue: The Arts at Center Street functions as a versatile performing arts venue with a seating capacity of 80-120. It hosts a diverse range of acts, including bands, poets, musicals, and plays.
• State-of-the-Art Equipment: The theatre is equipped with modern sound and lighting technology, including the ability to record audio to Protools and digitally automate light shows. It also has 4K video equipment for visual recording of performances.
• Summer Programs/Camps: They offer engaging summer programs in dance (e.g., Express Dance Camp, Embody Dance Camp, Elevate Dance Intensive), theatre (Summer Theatre Camp), and music (Camp Rockz), designed to inspire creativity, build technique, and create unforgettable memories.
• Original Works Focus: Since its inception in 2013, The Arts at Center Street has primarily produced original works, championing the talents of local Nashvillians.
• Community Engagement: They are dedicated to making vibrant classes and inspiring productions accessible to everyone, including striving to serve lower-income families. They foster cultural diversity and believe in art as a tool for dialogue and transformation.

The Arts at Center Street distinguishes itself through several key features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for performing arts enthusiasts and students in the Tennessee area.

• High-Quality Instruction and Caring Instructors: Parents consistently rave about the "quality of instructors" who show "great care for our kiddos." Specific mention of Terry Strickland's Hip Hop classes being "LEGIT!" highlights the caliber of teaching and its positive impact on students' improvement and enjoyment.
• Impactful and Moving Performances: Recitals and performances are described as "so fun to watch," "moving, full of joy, and always tears," and "nothing short of phenomenal." This indicates a high standard of production and emotional resonance that captivates audiences.
• Nurturing and Cherishing Environment: The reviews emphasize that "each child was cherished and poured into," creating an environment where students feel valued and supported, leading to eagerness for subsequent years of participation.
• Versatile Venue Size and Capabilities: With a seating capacity of 80-120, the theatre fills a unique niche in the area, being larger than small intimate venues but smaller than large auditoriums. This allows for an intimate feel even with larger casts, enhanced by tiered seating for excellent visibility from every row.
• Commitment to Original and Local Works: The Arts at Center Street prioritizes producing original works by local Nashvillian artists, fostering regional talent and providing fresh, relevant content to the community.
• Holistic Development through Arts Education: Beyond just teaching skills, the academy aims to develop "confident adults" who engage with the arts and benefit from the "enriching conversations they inspire," emphasizing character building and social skills alongside artistic technique.
• Accessibility and Affordability: The center is dedicated to making arts programming financially attainable for all ages and strives to serve lower-income families, promoting inclusivity in the arts.
• "One Stop Shop" for Arts Education: With academies for dance, music, and theatre under one roof, it offers a comprehensive arts education experience, making it convenient for families with diverse artistic interests.

For those interested in exploring the diverse world of performing arts at The Arts at Center Street, whether for classes, performances, or general inquiries, their team is readily available. You can reach them at the following contact points:

Address: 401 Center St, Old Hickory, TN 37138, USA

Phone: (615) 541-9719

Mobile Phone: +1 615-541-9719

For residents of Old Hickory and the surrounding Tennessee communities, The Arts at Center Street is an exceptional and highly suitable destination for engaging with the performing arts. Its central location makes it easily accessible, reducing travel burdens for busy families seeking enriching activities for their children or cultural experiences for themselves. What truly makes this venue ideal for locals, however, is its profound commitment to both artistic excellence and community well-being. The rave reviews consistently highlight the "quality of instructors" who not only teach dance, theatre, and music with expertise but also show "great care for our kiddos," fostering a truly nurturing environment where children are "cherished and poured into." This focus on holistic development, rather than just technical skill, resonates deeply with parents who seek positive and character-building experiences for their children.

Furthermore, The Arts at Center Street's dedication to producing local, original, and meaningful works by Nashville artists provides a unique cultural benefit right in our backyard. It offers accessible and engaging entertainment that reflects our community's talent and stories. The diverse range of programs – from hip-hop dance to theatrical productions and music lessons – ensures that there's something for every age and artistic inclination, making it a "one-stop shop" for arts education. Even through challenging times, as noted by a reviewer regarding COVID, their ability to deliver "phenomenal" results demonstrates their resilience and unwavering dedication. For any Tennessee family looking for a place where their children can thrive creatively, grow in confidence, and be part of a vibrant, supportive arts community, The Arts at Center Street is undeniably a fantastic choice.

The Arts at Center Street

401 Center St, Old Hickory, TN 37138, USA