Academy of Dance, Music & Theatre

Academy of Dance, Music & Theatre is a children's performing arts studio located at 700 Park Ave in Lake Park, Florida, housed in the historic Kelsey Theatre venue. The studio is conveniently positioned on the main downtown strip of Lake Park, accessible from Northlake or Blue Heron Boulevard, and is 10 minutes or less from Palm Beach Gardens and 10–15 minutes from West Palm Beach.

The studio operates on a structured curriculum model designed to give every student a clear path for growth. Rather than relying solely on individual teacher experience, ADMT combines experienced instructors with purposeful lesson design that emphasizes age-appropriate learning goals, progressive skill development, consistent instruction across classes, and a balance of technical training and creativity. Classes focus on regular review of foundational skills before introducing new concepts, so students build lasting skills one step at a time.

The dance programme caters to students from beginners to advanced levels across multiple styles: Creative Movement for ages 2–3, Poms (jazz and hip-hop with pom motions), Ballet (multiple levels), Tap, Jazz, Lyrical/Contemporary, Modern, Hip-Hop, and Acro (dance blended with acrobatics, teaching flexibility, balance, strength and tumbling). Group classes range from 5–18 students and run 55 minutes; younger students may split the hour between different styles, while older students focus on one style for the full hour. Classes with fewer than 7 students are charged as semi-private lessons. Private lessons are available in 30-, 45-, or 60-minute sessions for ages 5 and up.

The main season runs mid-August through late May, culminating in a recital on the first weekend of June (scheduled for Sunday, May 30th, 2027). Students ages 3 and over participate in the end-of-season recital if enrolled by mid-December. A summer season operates June through mid-August with classes, intensives and camps; summer students participate in parent observation sessions rather than a performance. Students ages 5 and up may audition for the Dance Company, which competes locally 2–3 times per year and requires attendance at both technique classes and rehearsals.

Beyond dance, ADMT offers private music lessons in Piano and Voice (available in 30-, 45-, and 60-minute sessions), and a group Chorus option. Theatre instruction includes Acting & Performance (covering improvisation, scene work and character development) and Musical Theatre Chorus.

Tuition is all-inclusive: dancewear, music books, recital costumes, recital tickets, professional photos and videos, and shoes are covered in one transparent fee. Students registering after the season starts pay a catch-up fee based on how many classes they've missed. The studio offers a spacious lobby where parents may wait, multiple dance, music and acting rooms, a student and parent lounge, and ample bathrooms and parking. Snacks and water are available for purchase. The studio accepts studio space rentals.

New students should come dressed in comfortable clothes with hair tied back neatly; bare feet are acceptable until your provided shoes arrive. You'll be placed in a group class of 5–18 students that runs 55 minutes. Dancewear and shoes are provided as part of tuition. Parents with children under 3 may wait in the spacious lobby; older students' parents are welcome to stay but it is not required.

The teaching team is led by Hope Griffith, Owner/Director and Dance Instructor. Dance and acting instruction is provided by Kathleen Biggs, Amber Cayce, and Rachel Clendening. Jorge Toro heads the Music Programme and teaches Piano and Voice; Emily Langford Johnson also teaches music. Administration is handled by Meghan Ewart, Sabrina Landis and Paige Kesselman.

Classes are designed for students from beginners to advanced levels, with a structured curriculum emphasizing age-appropriate goals and progressive skill development.