The Academy of the Arts is a dance studio in Spring Arbor, Michigan, just minutes from Jackson, offering dance classes for all ages, from ballet and jazz to hip‑hop. Their experienced instructors foster a passion for dance in a supportive environment, helping students achieve their fullest potential.
All Ballet students are required to wear their hair in a bun for all classes and performances.
Please note there are no contemporary, acro, hip hop, or company lists due to there being no required shoes through Revolution. Please refer to the website for dress code requirements for those classes.
Academy of the Arts is proud to be the training school for the Jackson Dance Company (JDC), led by Artistic Director Ally McIntosh.
The Jackson Dance Company is a pre-professional dance company that connects the artistry of dance with our passion for Christ. We strive to encourage audiences by using the talents and gifts that God has given us. JDC members are selected through a yearly audition process and must show a high level of commitment. JDC's purpose is to engage and assist activities that educate the public about Christ through dance in the Jackson Community.
Community Outreach
JDC has a greater purpose than simply to dance and perform. Our dancers are involved in many activities to bring dance into the lives of many members of the greater Jackson community. Each year, we work at a Princess Night at our studio and assist at the Academy of the Arts in classes and other special events. Are you interested in having our dancers participate or perform at your event? Contact Nicole McIntosh at ncmcintosh@jacksondancecompany.com.
Convention and Competitions
Each year, the Jackson Dance Company attends various DanceMakers (DMI) Conventions and Competitions to train and interact with some of the best dance instructors in the industry. Historically, we stay close to home, attending in Lansing, MI, but many of our dancers now travel across the country to take classes and compete at DMI. We love the instruction that is given to our students at DMI and are proud of the awards JDC has received at these Competitions.
Mentorship and Guidance
Our Company members have the opportunity to participate in monthly team-building exercises and connections with different levels of the Company. Younger members are paired with older “big sisters/brothers” to provide a mentorship that lasts the dance season. Older Company members learn how to mentor and provide much-needed emotional and spiritual guidance to our younger members. Everyone enjoys these monthly interactions at our CONNECT meetings.
JDC is more than a pre-professional dance company. We are more than just dance training. JDC shares a love for Christ, we build lasting friendships, strength of character, and we do this all in an encouraging and safe environment.
