My name is Hillary Parnell, and I am the Owner and Director of the Academy for the Performing Arts (APA) and Preschool for the Arts. To really know the full APA story, you need to know MY story. I'll try to give you the short and sweet version. I was born in Pittsburgh, PA and moved to Cary, NC when I was 13.
I have been dancing my entire life, but never intended on dance being my career. I graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2000 and was planning on turning right back around to go to dental school. Well, that was the plan. But, I panicked. Instead, I moved to Atlanta for about a year and worked in ad sales.
I have been dancing my entire life, but never intended on dance being my career. I graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2000 and was planning on turning right back around to go to dental school. Well, that was the plan. But, I panicked. Instead, I moved to Atlanta for about a year and worked in ad sales.
Services
Play-based Learning helping your little one prepare for Kindergarten while getting an introduction to the Arts. Preschool for the Arts is a half-day academic preschool for children ages 2-5 with a focus on the fine arts. In addition to preparing students for Kindergarten, Preschool for the Arts incorporates an introduction into the fine arts through daily "specials" in Dance, Music, Art, and Tumbling.
The Academy for the Performing Arts sits conveniently near the corner of US1 and HWY 55 in Apex, NC. We have 5 large dance classrooms in our 10,000 square foot facility, all equipped with professional flooring systems to help reduce impact and the chance of injury, wireless sounds systems, and shatterproof mirrors.
Let's all Fall for Dance at APA! Join us for our super fun 6 week class session for all ages! Session dates are 9/20-10/30 with one time payment and no membership fee. See the full schedule below for pricing outline. Dancers should enroll based on their age and recommended class level for the Fall 21-22 season.
APA offers the most styles of dance and the most diverse schedule options in the area. View our class schedules below or call to speak with one of our friendly staff members. We are happy to help you find the right class for your child. Even if your budding superstar isn't sure if she would like Hip Hop, Contemporary or Tap, we can help find the best fit.
Our Competitive Dance Program, otherwise known as "Company" is made up of dancers between the ages of 5 and 18 who have an interest in taking their dance training to a higher level. Company dancers audition and are placed into one of 5 different groups based on age and skill level. These groups practice 2-5 days a week and compete 3-10 times per year.
Reviews (10)
Ashlyn Michot
Aug 19, 2020
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APA is hands down the best studio in the area. The teachers are always professional and do their best to make sure the students all feel included and enjoy dance — no matter their skill level. I danced there for 16 years in both their recreational and company programs and loved both. I now have the pleasure of working there as a teacher and love every minute of it!
Jill Manny
Jan 30, 2019
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Jan Cecco
Nov 28, 2018
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Lindsay Wood
Nov 17, 2018
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Mk Cranford
Dec 21, 2017
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Stacey Heighes
Oct 30, 2017
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My twins LOVE APA! They did the princess camp twice this summer and are now enrolled in the pre-k program. They literally cry to stay. Their teachers are super nice and our girls come home praising them and all the things they do in class. I can't say enough good things about this place. My girls stayed home with me until enrolling here and I am happy to see such a smooth transition.
Marie Hils
Jun 06, 2017
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Growing up dancing here was an amazing experience, and I am so happy to have been a part of the APA Family. Starting in kindergarten dancing in rec classes, to joining company and getting the chance to be a TA in 5th grade, so being trained to teach my own Kindergarten ballet/tap classes junior year of high school, I have grown so much in my time at this studio. Hillary is an amazing human and I'm continually amazed by all that she and these rockin teachers do for all the studio kiddos. From dance classes to summer camps to preschool, this place excels in all they do.
Kathryn Bradshaw
Nov 27, 2015
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I had my daughter's 4th birthday party at APA. It was scheduled months in advance and several weeks in advance we firmed up which princess would visit her party. I was very disappointed that the "party planner" (aka early 20s dance "teacher") wasn't very engaging with the kids nor did she really have a good "plan" for the party so that 12 4 year old were not just sitting around waiting for stuff to get set up. My sister had to keep jumping in to keep the kids' attention as I was trying to get pictures and get snacks on the table, etc. When "Belle" came to visit, it consisted of another teen girl
Christine Alexander
Nov 01, 2014
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Melissa Bader
Dec 28, 2012
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I have 2 daughters that dance at APA. My oldest daughter has danced at APA for 8 years and my youngest daughter has danced for 5 years. The staff is friendly and are very good with the kids. The have a great dance program, adult fitness program, and a preschool. They also offer great camps and parents night out. The whole studio treats the kids like a family.
What a great studio!
What a great studio!
