The arts serve as a critical component to a complete education and are proven to increase student academic achievement. Young people who consistently participate in comprehensive, sequential, and rigorous arts programs are:

• 4 times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement
• 3 times more likely to be elected to class office within their schools
• 4 times more likely to participate in a math and science fair
• 3 times more likely to win an award for school attendance
• 4 times more likely to win an award for writing an essay or poem

(Living the Arts through Language + Learning: A report on Community-based Youth Organizations, Shirley Brice Heath, Stanford University and Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching Americans, Monograph, November 1998.)

For many of our community youth and children, schools serve as the major provider of formalized arts instruction. DTT and its Academy of performing arts aim to supplement and provide arts development and instruction to the school children in our community.

Children need the opportunity to learn by experience and our Academy offers them a wide variety of experiences. Music appreciation, drawing, painting, dance, and acting are all a part of our weekly schedule. Our classes, which are taught by qualified individuals and teaching artists, stimulate the imagination, engage the intellect, strengthen physical skill and enhance curiosity.

Click here for Schedule (Pdf)

“I adopted a 5 year old girl from overseas. She started school soon after arriving in the United States. As a mental health professional, it was important to me to find an engaging afterschool program that would best help her adapt. After trying several options, I discovered the Academy’s afterschool program and my daughter absolutely loved it.

The program offered her structure in a nurturing environment. The staff was wonderful with her and the other students in the program were very welcoming. During her time with the Academy I saw her blossom; she did well at school and developed excellent social skills. Her English language skills also improved. The program provided academic and social stimulation, as well as exceptional dance training, tumbling and music appreciation. I recommend the program to all that I know because I don't want them to miss out on one of Nashville's best kept secrets!”
 
–Angela Perry