Business Details
32 Years
experience
Your Premier Dance School in Allen, TX
Academy of Dance Arts has been nurturing creativity and artistic development in dancers for over 30 years. Founded by Kathy Willsey and Megan Buckland, our studio provides a warm, positive environment where students of all ages and skill levels can grow. Our certified instructors bring extensive experience in various dance disciplines, combining technical excellence with a passion for the art form. We offer comprehensive training programs tailored to individual needs, from beginner classes for young children to advanced instruction for pre-professional dancers. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our award-winning competition team and the success of our alumni, who have earned over $500,000 in scholarships.We emphasize discipline, friendship, and personal growth while maintaining the highest standards of dance education. Our facility in Allen, Texas, serves as a hub for artistic expression and community engagement through regular performances like our annual Nutcracker production. With multiple class levels and specialized training options, we ensure every student finds their perfect fit. Our directors' combined decades of experience in teaching and performance inform every aspect of our curriculum. We remain dedicated to fostering the next generation of dancers through innovative programming and personalized attention.
Services
Ballet Classes
Tap Instruction
Jazz Dance
Lyrical/Contemporary
Hip Hop
Pointe Training
Acro Dance
Competition Team
Adult Classes
Summer Programs
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience in dance education
- Our instructors are certified professionals with performance expertise
- We offer 7 different dance disciplines with 50+ class levels
- Our competition team has won national titles for 3 decades
- We provide personalized training with staff-approved class placements
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program offers comprehensive training from beginner to advanced levels. Students develop proper technique, posture, and grace through structured curriculum. Certified instructors focus on foundational skills while preparing dancers for pointe work and advanced repertoire.
Competition Team
Award-winning competition program with 30+ years of national recognition. Requires technical class enrollment and includes 2-5 annual competitions. Alumni have earned over $500,000 in scholarships through this intensive training program.
Hip Hop
Contemporary hip hop classes for ages 5-18 with levels from beginner to advanced. Focuses on rhythm, coordination, and personal expression through modern street dance styles. No prior experience required for entry-level classes.
Pointe Training
Specialized pointe instruction for ages 9-18 with multiple levels. Requires instructor approval and minimum 5 years dance experience for advanced classes. Emphasizes proper technique and injury prevention for ballet pointe work.
Summer Programs
Seasonal intensive training programs offering concentrated dance instruction during summer months. Includes technique refinement, choreography workshops, and performance preparation for students at all levels.
People
Kathy Willsey
Co-Owner & Executive Director
40+ years dance educator with expertise in ballet instruction. Oversees curriculum development and studio operations. Former professional dancer with extensive teaching credentials.
Megan Buckland
Co-Owner & Artistic Director
25+ years dance educator with background as Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader. Manages artistic programming and advanced instruction. Specializes in performance training and choreography.
Tracey Hawes
Office Manager
Handles enrollment, costume design, and administrative operations. Provides student support and coordinates studio logistics with over 10 years experience in dance education management.
Audrey Mitts
Assistant Director
Professional ballerina with performance experience in Las Vegas. Teaches all disciplines and directs prime team programming. Brings industry expertise to advanced student training.
Shannon Watters
Premier Team Director
MFA graduate from Jackson University with college dance faculty experience. Specializes in advanced instruction and competition team choreography. Focuses on technical excellence and performance artistry.
Questions
What age groups do you accept for dance classes?
We offer classes for children as young as 3 through teens up to 18 years old, with specific levels for different age ranges and skill requirements.
Do you offer competitive dance opportunities?
Yes, our award-winning competition team has earned national titles for 30+ years. Team members attend 2-5 competitions annually with audition requirements for participation.
What dance styles are available at your studio?
We provide instruction in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical/contemporary, hip hop, pointe, and acro dance styles with multiple levels for each discipline.
Are there performance opportunities for students?
Yes, we present annual productions like The Nutcracker at The Eisemann Center. All students participate in recitals, with advanced dancers featured in professional-level performances.
What qualifications do your instructors have?
Our faculty includes certified professionals with performance backgrounds, including former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and professional ballerinas, with 25+ years average teaching experience.
How do you determine class placement for students?
Most advanced classes require staff placement based on skill assessment. We evaluate technical ability and experience to ensure proper placement for safe progression.
