Business Details
19 Years
experience
Dance & Performing Arts Classes in Jasper, AL
Athletic Arts Center has been cultivating artistic excellence and community engagement through dance, performing arts, and fitness education since 2007. Our mission is to provide quality opportunities for creative expression while fostering passion for the arts in children and adults. With a team of experienced instructors, including founder Maria Ross Campsey (MFA in choreography), we offer structured programs in ballet, jazz, tap, musical theatre, tumbling, and more. Our curriculum integrates classical techniques with contemporary styles, emphasizing technical proficiency and artistic growth. Over 15 years of community collaboration have established us as a trusted institution, producing annual performances like The Nutcracker and The Lightning Thief musical.We maintain affiliations with local organizations including the Walker County Arts Alliance and University of Alabama Dance Advisory Board. Our facility combines professional instruction with a family-oriented environment, serving over 10,000 hours of community arts programming annually. Through structured classes and performance opportunities, we develop well-rounded artists while maintaining rigorous safety standards. Our alumni have progressed to professional dance careers and university arts programs nationwide. This combination of technical excellence, community focus, and artistic innovation defines our approach to arts education.
Services
Ballet Classes
Jazz Dance
Tap Instruction
Musical Theatre
Tumbling Programs
Voice Training
Acting Workshops
Yoga Sessions
Community Performances
Summer Recitals
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- Founder with MFA in choreography and 20+ years dance education experience
- Community-focused programs fostering local artistic collaboration
- Structured curriculum combining classical techniques with contemporary styles
- Professional-grade annual productions since 2007
- Certified instructors with specialized expertise in multiple dance disciplines
What people say
Loved by kids
Patient teachers
Amazing family
Fantastic with children
Talented instructors
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet curriculum combines Russian school techniques with American Ballet Theatre standards. Classes include barre exercises, stretching, and center work tailored to age-specific levels from creative kids (3-4 years) through advanced pointe classes. The program develops proper technique while fostering artistic expression through classical repertoire.
Musical Theatre
Integrated training combining drama, music, and movement to develop complete stage performers. Students learn through full-scale productions like Disney's Descendants and The Lightning Thief, gaining experience in acting, vocal performance, and choreography. Private voice lessons available for ages 6+ to enhance singing capabilities.
Tumbling Programs
Progressive tumbling classes build strength, flexibility, and coordination through age-appropriate instruction. Programs range from Tiny Tumblers (18-36 months with parent participation) to advanced levels teaching complex skills. The curriculum balances technical development with fun activities to maintain student engagement while ensuring safe progression.
Community Performances
Annual professional-grade productions include The Nutcracker (16+ years running) and Broadway-style musicals. Open auditions welcome community members aged 10-110, with recent productions featuring 50+ cast members. Performances utilize Jasper High School's Pam Brown Theater and Bevill State's Rowland Auditorium, featuring professionally designed sets and costumes.
Summer Recitals
Year-end recitals demonstrate student progress through choreographed numbers across all disciplines. Recent events included 20+ acts spanning ballet, jazz, hip hop, and contemporary styles. The 2025 AAC World Tour recital featured 70+ performers in 30+ numbers, with dress rehearsals scheduled across multiple days to ensure professional presentation quality.
People
Maria Ross Campsey
Founder & Director
Choreographer and educator with 20+ years experience, holding MFA in choreography from Wilson College. Serves on University of Alabama Dance Advisory Board and Chamber of Commerce leadership. Developed curriculum combining classical and contemporary techniques.
Cindy Laing
Instructor & Costume Designer
Experienced dance instructor specializing in costume design for theatrical productions. Coordinates wardrobe elements for annual performances including The Nutcracker and Broadway musicals. Provides technical instruction in multiple dance disciplines.
Maegen Anderson
Instructor & Competition Coordinator
Certified dance instructor managing competition company logistics. Teaches jazz, tap, and musical theatre while organizing student participation in regional and national dance competitions. Develops choreography for competitive routines.
Meghan Underwood
Administrator
Operations manager handling class registration, scheduling, and production logistics. Coordinates communication between instructors, students, and parents. Manages day-to-day administrative functions for 100+ weekly class participants.
Brianna McAnnally
Instructor
Dance instructor specializing in hip hop and contemporary styles. Teaches multiple weekly classes across different skill levels. Participates in choreographing numbers for recitals and community performances.
Questions
What age groups do your dance classes accommodate?
We offer programs for children as young as 18 months (Tiny Tumblers) through adult classes. Most disciplines have specific age ranges: Creative Kids (3-4 years), Ballet/Jazz/Tap levels by age 4-13, with advanced classes for teens and adults.
Are there opportunities for performance experience?
Yes! Our annual productions include The Nutcracker (16+ years running), Broadway musicals like Disney's Descendants, and summer recitals. All students receive performance opportunities through scheduled showcases and community events.
What qualifications do your instructors hold?
Our teaching staff includes MFA holders, certified dance educators, and industry professionals with 10-20+ years experience. Founder Maria Ross Campsey holds an MFA in choreography and serves on university advisory boards for dance education.
How are class placements determined?
Placement considers age, experience level, and instructor recommendations. Advanced classes (Pointe, Contemporary) require teacher approval. We offer placement evaluations to ensure appropriate class selection for technical development.
What performance fees are required?
Production fees vary: $285 for non-students, $175 for current AAC students. This covers costumes, instruction, and production costs. No additional fees for recitals or community performances beyond regular class tuition.
Do you offer private lessons?
Yes, we provide private voice lessons for ages 6+ and specialized dance coaching. Private instruction focuses on individual technique improvement, audition preparation, and personalized performance training with our senior instructors.
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