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ABOUT AOTA

The Academy of the Arts was established in 1996 by founder and director Mrs. Lori Ladwig. Nathan and Kate Price purchased AOTA in 2010. AOTA is the official training school for the Jackson Dance Company. A pre-professional dance company that connects the artistry of dance with our passion for Christ. AOTA provides an array of diverse dance training for children ages 18 months to 18 years old. Located in Spring Arbor, MI (just outside of Jackson MI), in our five studio beautiful 10,000 sq. foot facility.

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MEET THE TEAM

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Kate Price

Artistic Director and Owner
JDC Artistic Director

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Elizabeth Shaffer

Owner, Costume Director and Public Relations Director

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Jesyka Vetter

Studio Manager and Irish Step Program Director

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Ally McIntosh

JDC/AOTA Assistant Artistic Director, AOTA Spotlight Squad Director 

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Nicole McIntosh

JDC Board President

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Grace Rupp

Enrollment and Ads Director

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Kelly McGraw

Social Media Director

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Sarah Kilgore

Ballet Program Director

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Annamia Rumely

Youth Ballet Program Director

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Nicole Kohn

Acro Program Director

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JP Krick

JDC Tap and Hip Hop Director

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Audrey Bickel

AOTA Sunshine Squad Director, JDC Optionals Director, Primary dance, Youth dance

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Carli Hammond

Creative Media Director, Youth dance and JDC Team

OURMISSION

Academy of the Arts was created to serve the community by providing a Christian atmosphere for the development of positive attitudes and values for all students and by offering programs that are fun, encouraging and uplifting. Academy of the Arts strives to provide a safe learning environment for students with loving, encouraging teachers, quality and competitive technical training, as well as artistic and challenging choreography.

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