About Us

About Arts Inspired Dance Academy

At Arts Inspired Dance Academy, we’re more than just a dance studio—we’re a community where creativity, confidence, and passion come to life. Our journey began in 2009 at the Fuquay-Varina Arts Center, where we first set out to provide high-quality dance education to our local community. In 2018, we expanded to our current location in downtown Fuquay-Varina, where we continue to offer a supportive and inclusive environment for students of all ages to explore the arts and develop lifelong skills.

Since our founding, we have been dedicated to nurturing creativity and building strong, confident individuals through the performing arts. Our programs have grown to include not only dance but also music, gymnastics, and art, making us a versatile and dynamic place for students to discover their full potential.

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Our Mission

Our mission is to ignite a lifelong love of the arts by providing high-quality, affordable dance education alongside opportunities in music, gymnastics, and art. We empower students of all ages to grow not only as dancers and performers but also as confident, compassionate individuals who contribute to their communities.  We believe in fostering strong citizens through the creative arts, building character, and supporting personal growth—both in the studio and beyond.

 

What We Offer

• Dance Classes for all ages and skill levels (Toddlers to Adult)

• Arts Adventures Kids Camps—Afterschool, Day Camps and Seasonal camps for preschool and elementary-aged children, featuring dance, music, art, and gymnastics

• Music, Gymnastics & Art Programs—comprehensive arts education designed to inspire and develop a range of creative skills

• Performance Opportunities—seasonal showcases where students can perform and shine on stage

 

Our Impact

Through our inclusive, fun, and nurturing environment, Arts Inspired Dance Academy helps students build confidence, self-esteem, and creativity. We provide opportunities for students to not only grow as artists but also as leaders in their communities. Our programs reach a broad demographic, including underserved populations, and we take pride in making the arts accessible to all.

Our commitment to quality education and community engagement has been recognized through multiple awards, including the NC Arts & Humanities Award, United Arts Council Grant and 2025 Maggy Award Finalist for Best Summer Camps and Best Kids Programs.

 

Join Us Today

Whether you’re looking for dance, music, gymnastics, art, or fun and engaging camps for your child, Arts Inspired Dance Academy is the place for creativity to thrive. We invite you to join our community and discover the many ways the arts can positively impact your life.

 

Why Choose Arts Inspired?

• Inclusive & Affordable Programs

• Classes for All Ages & Levels

• Creative and Supportive Environment

• Seasonal Camps for Young Children

• Performance Opportunities & Community Engagement

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AIDA Inspired Team Members

(AIDA Staff, Guest Instructors, and Volunteers)

At AIDA, we are proud to offer students a well-rounded education from experienced, knowledgeable professionals. Our team members are safety-verified, first-aid certified, and deeply committed to providing a safe, nurturing learning environment. With backgrounds in both private and public educational settings (preschools, schools, and universities), our instructors bring diverse expertise that ensures each student receives a holistic approach to learning and development.

[Learn more about our instructors here.]

 

Our Facility

AIDA features three spacious dance rooms and a dedicated art room to meet the needs of dancers, gymnasts, and other program participants. Our facility is carefully designed to foster creativity and ensure students have a professional, positive environment for growth.

• Main Dance Room: Equipped with a sprung dance floor, mirrors, ballet barres, and special lighting for showcases and events.

• Preschool & Creative Arts Dance Rooms: Bright, fun decor with mirrors that inspire our youngest learners to explore and express themselves.

• Art Room: Fully stocked with creative tools, supplies, and art displays, providing an ideal space for exploration and artistic development—especially for our Arts Adventures Kids Camps and AIDA Afterschool Programs.

• Additional Facilities: Our studio includes a bathroom, staff office, lobby, and storage areas for costumes, props, and learning tools. Our workroom offers ample space for building sets and props for performances.

 

Community Focus

At AIDA, we are deeply committed to serving and enriching our community. Our students not only grow artistically but also develop strong character through participation in various outreach programs. This includes performances at nursing homes, special community events, and more. These experiences help our students build leadership and compassion while making a positive impact on others.

Our Inspired Kids 501(c)(3) nonprofit plays a key role in providing scholarships, special performances, and educational programs to students in need. We’re proud of our efforts and the recognition we've received through grants and awardsthat support our community service.

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Performance Opportunities

Although AIDA is a non-competitive studio, we offer plenty of performance opportunities to help students grow, gain confidence, and showcase their talents. With two dedicated performance companies, Aspire! Performing Arts Company and Inspirations Community Ensemble, students can participate in a wide range of performances, including:

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• Special Events: Local festivals, in-studio events like our annual Tea Party, and more.

• Community Outreach: Annual nursing home visits and special performances for underserved populations.

• Seasonal Performances: Winter Showcase, Spring Recital, and specialty productions like The Littlest Angel Balletand DramaWorks.

This dynamic schedule encourages creativity, builds confidence, and provides students with an opportunity to perform in front of their families and the greater community.

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Parent Involvement

To ensure the best experience for your child, we encourage active parent involvement. Here’s how you can stay engaged:

• Social Media: Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for studio updates and behind-the-scenes content.

• Spaces by Wix: Stay informed with real-time updates through our private, secure app for families.

• Volunteer Opportunities: Parents are encouraged to volunteer during performances and events to support their child's growth.

• Open Houses: Attend our Open Houses to see firsthand what students are learning and celebrate their progress!

To maintain a focused and effective learning environment, we ask that students come to class on time, dressed appropriately, and without distractions (e.g., phones or devices, unless for medical emergencies). For optimal learning, classes for ages 4 and up are closed to guests.

 

Here's what other parents have to say about AIDA.

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