Armour Dance Theatre

- 5818 SW 73rd St, South Miami, FL 33143

Introduction / Overview

Armour Dance Theatre is a cornerstone of the South Florida dance community with a rich history dating back to 1949. Originally founded as The Miami Conservatory and the Miami Ballet Company by renowned classical ballet dancer Thomas Armour, the institution has evolved over the decades, changing its name to the Thomas Armour Youth Ballet in 1996 and, more recently, to Armour Dance Theatre in 2021. This name change reflects the broader scope of its mission and dance offerings. The academy has built a stellar reputation not only for its exceptional dance training but also for its profound commitment to community outreach and social justice.

More than a typical dance school, Armour Dance Theatre is a social justice organization dedicated to using dance as a vehicle to address inequities and open doors for children and families across Miami-Dade County. While they have a strong track record of producing professional dancers who go on to companies like Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and American Ballet Theatre, their ultimate goal is to give every child a pathway to success, whether in dance or in other fields. The academy offers comprehensive after-school and summer camp programs in multiple locations, providing not only dance instruction but also academic support, social-emotional learning, and even help with navigating other challenges.

The academy is known for its experienced and caring faculty, many of whom are former students who have returned as teachers and role models. This creates a powerful cycle of success and mentorship. The administrative staff, including Janice and Ruth, are consistently praised by parents for their welcoming and helpful nature, making the enrollment process a smooth and pleasant experience for new and returning families. This strong sense of community and support is a defining feature of Armour Dance Theatre, making it a beloved institution in the South Miami area. It is the only community dance school in Florida to be accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Pre-collegiate Arts Schools (ACCPAS), a testament to its high standards and quality of training.

Location and Accessibility

Armour Dance Theatre is conveniently located at 5818 SW 73rd St, South Miami, FL 33143, USA. This central and accessible location makes it a prime destination for residents of South Miami and surrounding communities, including Coral Gables and Pinecrest. Its position in a well-established area ensures easy navigation for parents and students alike.

The academy is deeply committed to inclusivity and has made its facilities accessible to all. The premises feature a wheelchair-accessible car park, which is a significant convenience for anyone with mobility needs. This thoughtful design ensures a smooth and stress-free arrival at the studio. Furthermore, the entrance to the academy is also wheelchair-accessible, creating a welcoming and barrier-free environment for all students, families, and visitors. This dedication to providing an inclusive space reflects the academy's broader mission to make dance available to everyone, regardless of their physical abilities.

For families in the busy South Florida region, the combination of a convenient location and comprehensive accessibility features makes Armour Dance Theatre a practical and stress-free choice. Parents can feel confident that the studio is not only a safe place for their children to learn but also one that is accommodating and welcoming to the entire community.

Services Offered

• Adult Ballet Classes
• Advanced Dance Training
• Ballet Education
• Classical Ballets
• Contemporary Ballets
• Dance Intensives
• Dance Program
• Musical Theater Training
• Pre-Ballet Classes
• Private Coaching
• Private Lessons
• Salsa Classes
• Summer Camps
• Summer Intensives
• Youth Ballet

Features / Highlights

• Accredited and Reputable Institution: Armour Dance Theatre is the only community dance school in Florida to be accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Pre-collegiate Arts Schools, a testament to its high standards and quality of training.
• Holistic Approach to Education: The academy uses dance as a vehicle to teach crucial life skills such as discipline, confidence, and teamwork. It works to remove obstacles and create a pathway to success for its students, providing academic and social-emotional support.
• Extensive Class Offerings: With a comprehensive curriculum that includes Pre-Ballet for young children, Youth Ballet, Advanced Training, and Adult Ballet, the academy caters to all ages and skill levels. It also offers a variety of dance styles, including Classical and Contemporary Ballet, Salsa, and Musical Theater Training.
• Welcoming and Family-Like Environment: As highlighted in customer reviews, the staff, including Janice, Ruth, and the teaching faculty like Ms. Rachel, are exceptionally welcoming and supportive, making every student and their family feel like they are part of a warm community.
• Commitment to Accessibility: The studio is designed to be inclusive, featuring a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance, ensuring that its programs are available to everyone in the community.
• Summer Programs: Armour Dance Theatre offers both Summer Camps for younger students and professional-level Summer Intensives, providing opportunities for continuous learning and growth during the school break.
• Community Impact: The academy has a strong commitment to serving the community, with a significant number of students on scholarship. It also collaborates with various organizations to provide access to dance for underserved youth and has robust community outreach programs with academic support.

Contact Information

Address: 5818 SW 73rd St, South Miami, FL 33143, USA

Phone: (305) 667-5543

What is worth choosing

For a family in the South Florida region, choosing a dance school can be a difficult decision, but Armour Dance Theatre makes the choice clear and compelling. The most significant reason to choose this academy is its profound commitment to its students' overall well-being and success. It is not merely a place for technical training; it is an institution that nurtures a child's character. The reviews from parents are a powerful testament to this, as they consistently highlight the welcoming and caring nature of the staff. The experience of one grandmother, who felt "blessed to deal with Ruth" and "fortunate to have found" the studio for her granddaughter, speaks volumes about the genuine support and community atmosphere.

Another crucial factor that sets Armour Dance Theatre apart is its extensive legacy and proven track record. As the oldest dance conservatory in Miami and the only one of its kind in Florida to be nationally accredited, it has a rich history of fostering talent and providing a professional pathway for its students. Parents can feel confident that the education their child receives is of the highest quality, a foundation that can lead to incredible opportunities, from acceptance into prestigious dance magnet programs to professional careers with major companies. The seamless experience described by a reviewer, from the simple sign-up process with Ruth to the highly professional teaching of Ms. Rachel, shows the level of dedication and expertise at every level of the organization.

Finally, the combination of comprehensive programming and a strong community focus makes Armour Dance Theatre an exceptional choice. The wide range of classes, from Pre-Ballet for little ones to specialized training for advanced dancers and even classes for adults, means that students can grow with the academy for years. The inclusive and accessible facilities, along with a staff that truly cares about each family, create an environment where every dancer feels valued. For a family seeking a dance school that offers not just exceptional training but also a supportive, values-driven, and enriching community, Armour Dance Theatre is an unparalleled and highly recommended option in the Miami area. It's a place where dance and life skills are intertwined, preparing students for success both on and off the stage.

Armour Dance Theatre

5818 SW 73rd St, South Miami, FL 33143, USA