Academy Of The Performing Arts
Our Story
What began in 1996 as a small dance studio has grown into one of the most established performing arts programs in the Flathead Valley.​
​Originally founded as Center Stage School of Dance under the direction of Shoni Jaeger, the studio was a pioneer in the area. Being the first to offer a diverse range of training including tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, and early childhood dance education.​
As the program quickly expanded, so did the vision. By 1999, the studio outgrew its original space and moved into a purpose-built facility designed to support serious training and long-term growth. It was at this point that the Academy of the Performing Arts was established. Creating a home for both dance and music education under one roof.
For over 30 years, the Academy has remained committed to providing structured, technique-based training within a supportive and disciplined environment. Our program is built on a graded curriculum, allowing dancers and musicians to develop with clarity, consistency, and purpose.​
While our facility and programs have evolved, our values have remained the same: kindness, work ethic, teamwork, leadership, and confidence. These principles are at the core of everything we do, both inside and outside of the classroom.​​
Today, we are proud to serve generations of families throughout the Flathead Valley. Our students have gone on to pursue dance and music at the collegiate and professional level, while many others carry the confidence and discipline gained here into all areas of life. The Academy of the Performing Arts continues to set the standard for training in our community - often imitated, but never duplicated.
Our Philosophy
We believe in building dancers through intentional training, meaningful experiences, and a strong technical foundation.
TECHNIQUE FIRST
We prioritize proper technique, alignment, and foundational training to support long-term growth and injury prevention.
TRAINING WITH PURPOSE
Every class is designed with intention, providing structured progression and clear development at every level.
BEYOND THE STAGE
We focus on experiences that build confidence, discipline, and artistry, both inside and outside of the studio.