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 and performing arts in the Southeast. The staff at Albemarle Academy of Dance consists 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, a central focus of our school. However, our goal is to provide students with a well-rounded and broad performing arts education which will allow them many advantages over lesser trained artists. We are proud to offer comprehensive programs in ballet, jazz, tap, modern, contemporary, hip hop, musical theatre, voice, acting and tumbling. At AAD, 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 been accepted to and gone on the study at the North Carolina School of the Arts, New York University, Virginia Commonwealth, East Carolina University, Duke University-American Dance Festival, The School of American Ballet, The Limon School, Joffrey Ballet, The Carolina Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, The Rock School and many others. Former and current students have performed on and off Broadway, in film and commercials, with professional companies and on cruise ships. 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. 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:
“City Youth Ballet” – youth ballet performance and outreach company
“Playtime Children’s Theatre” – youth acting and performance outreach company
“The Showoffs” – national award-winning competition dance company
