Angela Floyd School for Dance and Music is celebrating its 18th Anniversary in Knoxville. According to the school’s director, Angela Floyd, the school expanded to a 2nd location in North Knoxville after quickly outgrowing the school’s original West Knoxville location which opened in 1997. The school’s rapid growth stems from its dedication to providing convenient classes and top quality instruction to students of all ages.
Each year the school has added members to its teaching staff and has upgraded its facilities by purchasing new equipment and regularly renovating. The combined Angela Floyd Schools are the largest dance and music schools in Knoxville.
Expanded Class Choices Saves Time for Busy Families
School Director Floyd says that many of the parents choose the school because, in addition to having excellent teachers and programs, it enables parents to have one child in music lessons while another child is in dance classes. Both AFS Knoxville facilities have five individual music rooms and two extra-large dance studios, making it possible for parents to have two, three, or even four students in different lessons during the same time. The schools offer many evening and weekend classes to accommodate more students in convenient class times. Between the pressures of homework, sports, and family time, a lot of parents can be overwhelmed by trying to fit in all the activities. Floyd says that many parents and children are so busy that saving forty five minutes to an hour of commuting time a week between activities really helps the typical family’s schedule.
New Staff and Programs
The Angela Floyd Schools has an incredible staff ready to begin this fall. Between the two schools, there are over 20 staff members. All of the dance and music teachers have professional and/or university experience in the styles of dance and music that they teach. The school teaches a variety of dance and music students ranging from 2 year old beginners to advanced, university level students. With a diverse group of instructors on staff, the school is able to place its students with the teachers who best meet their needs and relate well with them. New this year is the Performing Arts Program for Ages 3-5. This fall through spring program designed as an introduction to a structured classroom setting that not only immerses your child in the performing and fine arts, but also prepares them for Kindergarten and beyond by giving them a lifelong love of learning. Children turning 3 years of age by September 15th who have completed potty training are eligible for the Performing Arts Program. Our fine arts based curriculum features group learning, hands-on cognitive activities, Music FunTime, acro, art, drama, dance, creative movement, academics, and play.
Large Variety of Dance and Music Classes
The school’s music program offers lessons in piano, guitar, drums, violin, viola, cello, bass, voice and more, in a variety of musical styles such as pop, jazz, rock, and contemporary. The main focus of the staff is helping students obtain the skills they need to enjoy music long after the lessons are over. In fact, School Director Floyd says that the mission of the school is “To provide students of all ages with the skills they need to enjoy music and dance for their lifetime.” One exciting feature of the music program is the ability to record lessons for students to take home and enjoy. In addition to private music lessons, AFS offers Music FunTime, a group music class for ages 2-7. New this year is the AFS group strings class which is by invitation for students with some experience in private lessons already.
The school’s dance program offers everything from hip-hop and jazz classes to classical ballet and tap dance. Additionally, the school hosts a specialized preschool program, starting dancers as young as 2 in a ballet and tap combination class. Another successful addition to the dance program is the Acro classes, available for ages 2 & up. Dance classes are offered morning, afternoon, evening and on Saturdays to help busy families fit everything into their schedule.
Facilities Offer Extra Benefits for Dancers
One of the most important features of a dance studio is the type of flooring used. Unlike most other dance studios that lay Marley or hardwood over cement surfaces, AFS uses floating Marley floors that absorb the impact of dancing and help keep the teachers and students safe. It is a great form of injury avoidance and the most professional dance floor available. Students are encouraged to have fun while expanding their skills. Dance also provides a fun way to encourage physical activity.
With the expansion of teaching times, additional studios and staff, The Angela Floyd Schools is now accepting new registrations. For more information visit our web site at www.angelafloydschools.com or call 675-9894 or 947-9894.
