"A Performing Arts Studio since 1977"

And recipient of the Eagle Award of Excellence for 2005, presented by the 

Guntersville Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by AmSouth Bank. 

BALLET, TAP, JAZZ, LYRICAL, POINTE, MUSICAL THEATRE. ACTING....

All ballet, tap, jazz and lyrical classes stress proper dance technique through the use of standard dance terminology.  Preschool classes are well supervised while basic movements are taught with a positive approach in a fun environment.  Pointe students (age 11 with at least three years of ballet study and physically capable) are required to take a ballet class in addition to their pointe class.  Musical Theatre, Voice, and Acting classes focus on all performance skills. Hip Hop has also been added to the 2008-2009 schedule.  Enrollment is for the year, September through May.

Our dance teachers are certified by DANCE MASTERS OF AMERICA (  www.dma-national.org ) and are members of DANCE MASTERS OF AMERICA Chapter #33 ( www.dma33.org ). They regularly attend master classes to maintain a high quality of teaching techniques and to keep in tune with current dance trends.  Assistants and advanced students are also given the opportunity to attend these workshops to further their dance education.  Guest faculty, usually New York City University or Western Kentucky University instructors, or Broadway performers, are brought to KAPA to teach master classes during the year. 

LIMITED ENROLLMENT...   Our preschool classes are limited to 12 students in a class and beginner and intermediate levels (in all age divisions) may have up to 14 students.  Some advanced level classes may be larger.

DANCE COMPANY...  DANCE EXTENSIONS, our award-winning dance company, performs in dance concerts, invitational showcases, festivals and competitions from New York to California, as well as community events throughout the year.  Dedicated dancers from the  advanced classes may audition for membership. The company's  numerous Gold, Silver and Overall competition awards are on display in the studio lobby.

DANCE TITLE HOLDERS...KAPA has produced award winning dancers who have held dance titles such as Julie Pate McMahon, "Miss Dance of Dance Masters of America Mid South Chapter #41", Zack Thomas, "Master Dance of Dance Masters of America Mid South Chapter #41", Amy Young, "Miss Nexstar" 2006 (Birmingham Regionals), Sara Bush, "Teen Miss Nexstar" 2006 (Birmingham Regionals), Jane Harvey, "Miss Nexstar" 2007 (Birmingham Regionals), and Hannah Ard, "Teen Miss Nexstar" 2007(Birmingham Regionals. Numerous others have won dance scholarships, Platinum and Gold solo competition awards, and pageant talent awards.

TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAMS...  KAPA offers specialized courses for advanced dance students aspiring to a dance related career, and who are interested in earning their certification from DANCE MASTERS OF AMERICA.

AWARDS...  Medals and trophies earned for 3, 5, 7, and 10 years or more of study at KAPA,  are presented in May to all who have passed the dance exam for their level.  Certificates of Achievement are presented to all other students.  Perfect attendance is also recognized with a medal.

PERFORMANCES...  Holiday shows are on the studio stage.  Beginning in 2008-2009, the Acting Classes will present a play at KAPA Theatre in May and an annual spring "Revue" is held at the end of the Dance year. The 2008 show is scheduled for May 17th & 18th, although classes continue until May 22nd.

STUDIO HANDBOOK, REVUE BOOKLET, NEWSLETTER...In order to keep students and parents fully informed, each registered student receives a handbook detailing all studio procedures and policies.  A Revue Booklet is given to each student in January with all dates, schedules, and requirements for the show.  A bi-monthly newsletter is also published for supplementary information.

FORMER STUDENTS AND CAREERS IN DANCE...Many students of KAPA have graduated from Dance Masters of America Teachers Training School in Kent, Ohio and Buffalo, New York, and some have continued their dance studies as post graduates of this program.  In addition to their KAPA classes, Ms. Jane, Ms. Melissa, and Ms. Lea (all graduates of DMA TTS themselves), continue to bring students to this unique summer training program.  Melissa Kohl Blackburn, a former dancer for Celebrity Cruise Lines, is now a full time instructor at KAPA.  Lea Kohl Blackburn has performed in ballet concerts in New York and in the Broadway touring cast of "42nd Street".

Other KAPA students who have successfully completed the three year Dance Masters of America Teachers Training program by passing the extensive exams are Laura Kappler Roberts, Kelly Boggus, Julie Pate McMahon, Rachel Pate Duncan, Heather Pace, and Tessa Zimomra.  Over the years, former students have been employed as cruise line and theme park dancers, dance teachers, in TV commercials, and in professional theatre.   

OTHER LINKS...

The Whole Backstage Community Theatre    www.wholebackstage.com

Dance Masters of America, Inc.    www.dma-national.org

Dance Masters of America, Chapter #33    www.dma-national.org/chapter/33/

Mountain Valley Arts Council    www.mountainvalleyartscouncil.org

The Will Rogers Heritage Festival   www.willrogersheritagefestival.com

Kohl Academy of Performing Arts is formerly known as Jane Kohl School of Dance.  JKSD and KAPA both reference the same school, company and academy and fall under the same copyright material.