OUR STORY
Since we were founded in 1997 we have taught thousands of students performing arts. We started off small and have grown to be one of the largest studios in Dekalb County. We believe dance education encompasses far more than technique or the steps your children will learn.
We believe the discipline of dance training gives young people a better understanding of commitment by offering them a chance to learn, experience the spirit of teamwork, and understand what hard work can accomplish.
Our goal is to educate the minds, bodies, and souls of our students, to teach them the skills needed for a successful life, whether or not they stay involved in dance.
We do not believe we are the best because we're the biggest. Instead, we believe we're the biggest because families think we are the best.
CHILDREN & TEEN
DANCE CLASSES DAILY
Contemporary
This genre of dance focuses on using ballet technique while also learning to move the body in new and creative ways. The dancers learn to dance with feeling and tell a story. It focuses on leaps, turns, floor work & shifting the weight of the body. It teaches the students discipline, but also allows for the use of the dancer’s imagination.
Ballet
A classical dance form demanding grace and precision. Ballet is the “backbone” of all dance training. The technique of ballet teaches the students elegance, flexibility, endurance, and most importantly discipline. Ballet helps with all genres of dance - even Hip Hop!
Leaps & Turns
This is a class created for serious dancers who desire to perfect their skills of jumping, turning, and leaping.
MEETING OUR AMAZING DANCE INSTRUCTORS
All instructors have incredibly diverse backgrounds and have credentials that would rival any professional dance studio in Atlanta. Our instructors are committed to creating and cultivating fresh new perspectives on dance while teaching fundamentals in a way that is fun, informative, and exciting to children and teens of all ages. If you’re interested in joining our instructor team, contact our office at academyofthearts@ymail.com to learn more about current opportunities.
Susan Crawford
Jasmine Roberts
Vanessa Chisolm
Brittiney Wall
Zakiya Davidson
What Our Clients Say
My daughter has been with AOTA for two years, and I must say I couldn't be any happier. Ms. Susan teaches from the heart and gives love to each student as if it were a private lesson. It feels more like a dancing home than a dancing class. I'm happy to be part of AOTA.
Yolanda W.
Miss Susan has a real love for teaching children and helps her instructors find different ways to reach students effectively. She has created a very positive, supportive, and above all, nurturing environment. My kids love the classes and can’t wait to return next year. I highly recommend the Academy of the Arts!
Kay M.
Academy of the Arts has been like a second home for me for over a decade. The impact of the kind, loving, and giving spirit of the owner, Susan McGhee-Crawford, is evident in how the dancers interact with each other. Ms. Susan and her staff train dancers to be diverse, discipline, educated dancers who shine in any setting. The passion, dedication, and talent of staff and students at the Academy of the Arts make it a place where all types of dancers can learn, grow and thrive!
Vera R.
Academy of the Arts has a renowned reputation for quality dance instruction and students come from all over the Atlanta Metropolitan area. Each student’s talents and gifts are embraced and we strive to provide an experience that shapes their growth not only as a dancer but also as an individual. We love our student families that help support our staff and students with a spirit of humility and willingness to help whenever needed.
