Business Details
24 Years
experience
Your Premier Dance & Aerial Arts School in Sycamore
Founded in 2002, Performing Arts Academy has dedicated two decades to cultivating excellence in dance and aerial arts education. Our mission centers on nurturing confidence, creativity, and discipline through structured training in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, and aerial disciplines. With a faculty of experienced professionals, we provide age-appropriate instruction that emphasizes technical mastery, physical development, and artistic appreciation in a supportive environment. Our comprehensive curriculum accommodates students from preschool through advanced levels, balancing foundational skills with progressive challenges. Recognizing the transformative power of movement arts, we prioritize safe, positive learning spaces that foster personal growth alongside technical proficiency.Through regular performance opportunities and specialized programs like competition teams and aerial troupes, we help students translate classroom achievements into real-world experiences. Our commitment to evolving pedagogical approaches ensures students receive contemporary training aligned with industry standards while maintaining classical foundations. The academy's community-focused philosophy extends to partnerships with local theaters and educational institutions, reinforcing our role as cultural stewards in Sycamore's arts ecosystem.
Services
Ballet
Jazz
Tap
Lyrical
Contemporary
Aerial Arts
Circus Arts
Acro/Flexibility
Competition Team
Aerial Conditioning
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- We offer 21 years of specialized dance education experience with certified instructors
- Our curriculum combines classical techniques with contemporary training methods
- Small class sizes ensure personalized attention and safe skill progression
- We provide performance opportunities through recitals and community partnerships
- Specialized programs available for competitive dancers and aerial arts enthusiasts
Services
Ballet
Our ballet program develops classical technique through structured training in positions, barre work, and center combinations. Students progress from basic movements to complex sequences while building posture and spatial awareness. Classes incorporate elements from English, French, Russian, and Italian methods to create well-rounded dancers.
Aerial Arts
Aerial arts instruction covers silks, hammock, lyra, and trapeze with progressive skill development. Classes emphasize safety while teaching foundational moves and advanced aerial techniques. Limited enrollment ensures individualized attention for students aged three and up in this specialized discipline.
Competition Team
By invitation only, our competition team offers advanced training in multiple dance genres. Participants receive choreography instruction and performance preparation through intensive sessions. This program focuses on technical excellence and stage presence for serious dance students.
Circus Arts
This comprehensive program includes aerial silks, lyra, tight wire, and hand balancing instruction. Students develop coordination and strength through progressive skill acquisition while learning safety protocols and performance techniques in a supportive environment.
Acro/Flexibility
Specialized classes focus on developing flexibility, balance, and acrobatic skills. Instructors emphasize proper technique for tumbling and contortion while building core strength. This program complements dance training through enhanced body control and spatial awareness.
People
Jodi Riley
Owner & Artistic Director
BFA graduate with 30+ years teaching experience, former professional dancer, and Stott Certified Pilates instructor. Specializes in ballet, jazz, and aerial arts instruction while overseeing curriculum development.
Lydia Carpenter
Instructor
BFA in dance performance with extensive training in multiple styles. Former Elements Contemporary Ballet company member, teaching since 2013 with expertise in classical and contemporary techniques.
Ana Amaya
Dance Instructor
Graduate student specializing in lyrical, tap, and jazz instruction. Former competitive dancer with competition experience at national conventions. Certified in mental performance consulting for athletes and performers.
Rachael Rapp
Faculty Member
Registered nurse and experienced dance educator with decade-long teaching history at PAA. Trained in multiple dance styles while maintaining professional healthcare credentials for student safety.
Jillian Riley
Choreographer
Alumna with professional aerial arts training from Aloft Circus Arts and Trapeze Las Vegas. Currently pursuing circus education at Illinois State University while developing choreography for advanced students.
Questions
What age groups do you accept for dance classes?
We offer programs for children starting at age 3 through advanced teen levels in multiple dance disciplines.
Are there performance opportunities for students?
Yes! We provide recital performances, community events, and competition team opportunities for qualified dancers.
What should students wear to class?
Specific attire requirements vary by class type, with detailed guidelines provided for each dance discipline.
Do you offer aerial arts instruction for beginners?
Our aerial programs accommodate all skill levels from introductory classes to advanced troupes with progressive training.
How can I register for classes?
Online registration is available through our website, with class schedules and enrollment options updated regularly.
