Ankeny Dance & Performing Arts Academy

Ankeny Dance & Performing Arts Academy is a locally owned studio of more than three decades at 515 N. Ankeny Boulevard in the Northside Plaza center, Ankeny, Iowa, run by owner/director Sarah Ferree, a certified member of Dance Masters of America. Its 12,500 square feet of studio space uses foam sprung wooden subfloors and Stagestep dance surfaces, with viewing windows for parents. Classes begin with parent/tot sessions at age two and combination tap, ballet and jazz classes from age three, expanding into tap, jazz, lyrical, musical theatre dance, boys' classes, hip hop and tumbling, with additional ballet and pointe classes for students aged nine and up. Vocal lessons and musical theatre classes are offered to help students become 'triple threats'. The academy describes itself as family-friendly and age-appropriate, and says it serves both students who dance for enjoyment and those who compete or want to pursue dance as a career. It is a member of the Ankeny Chamber of Commerce and takes part in charity fundraising for Blank Children's Hospital.