The Dance Academy of Stuart was founded in the fall of 1997 by Alicia Chodera whose professional credits inclue The Boston Ballet, The Zurich Ballet, and The Miami City Ballet.  Miss Chodera had a desire to create a ballet school that not only nurtured and developed students, but also brought focus and maturity to their lives.  Since The Dance Academy of Stuart's inception, the residents of the Treasure Coast have benefitted as a result of her efforts.  Each year The Dance Academy's students present three major performances in addition to appearances at community events, schools, and fund-raising occasions.  Their annual Nutcracker Ballet performances have grown to include a cast of nearly 200 students and is a much anticipated holiday celebration in Martin County.  Miss Chodera credits her success to the manner in which she teaches; that being in a loving environment with a foundation of strong discipline leads students to realize their inspiration from within themselves.  She says, "Each child is an individual with thoughts and emotions uniquely their own.  My teaching staff and I approach every child as an individual."  The success of this approach is reflected in an enormous growth in the number of students at The Dance Academy of Stuart.  The teaching staff has been carefully selected and stands positioned at the hub of your child's dance education.  At The Dance Academy, we practice a truly integrated approach.  With our professional background, we educate your child while instilling the passion of dance in each student.  All of these fantastic things are possible because of you, the people in the audience.  It is through your generous support and enthusiasm that we continue to grow as a studio and as a performing studio company.