About Albemarle Academy of Dance
Albemarle Academy of Dance was founded in 1990 by Leigh Johnson Roush as a means of educating local children in the art of dance and related performing arts and to provide enriching opportunities for students in the academy. AAD has become on the most respected centers of dance in the Carolinas. Albemarle Academy of Dance now employs six professional and highly sought after instructors and offers beginning through pre-professional programs.
Ballet is the basis of a good dance education and is, therefore, the central focus of our school. We are, however, proud to offer comprehensive programs in jazz, tap, theatre, gymnastics and ballroom dance.
We require of each student the very best effort of which they are capable and, in return, give the care and attention the student deserves.
Alumni of the AAD program have gone on the study at the North Carolina School of the Arts, New York University, East Carolina University, Duke University-American Dance Festival and with various professional companies. They have studied on scholarship in New York City, Los Angeles and Orlando. Students have gone on to performing arts careers in NYC and abroad. Other alumni have used the skills and appreciation of the arts that they learned in dance classes to thrive in other careers such as teachers, arts program directors and professionals.
In May 2006 the Academy of Dance and Performing Arts opened in Locust. The AAD staff is very committed to bringing the finest instruction available in a fun and supportive atmosphere to the West Stanly area.
Our approach to children’s dance education develops skills that can serve the child well throughout the lifetime. These include discipline, self-respect and self-confidence, improved learning skills, creativity, self-expression, imagination and an instilled appreciation for music, dance and other art forms.
AAD is home to:
“The Showoffs” – national award-winning competition dance company
“City Youth Ballet” – youth ballet performance and outreach company
“Playtime Children’s Theatre” – youth acting and performance outreach company |
