Performing Arts Academy

I started when I was 3 but I can't stop dancing. we have done zoom and in person but we never stopped and just did more!!!!

Outstanding ownership and management group. They really care for our kiddos' success.

I’m so impressed with Riverside and their educators. They embody the perfect amount of love and discipline for teaching young people. Their professionalism and ability to pivot in the climate of 2020 has been impressive to say the least. I’m glad I found them.

We absolutely love Riverside. My daughter has been attending for 5 years and my son just began preschool this year. Preschool they not only offer preschool curriculum followong the Washington standards but also dance, theater, music and tumbling. I have even begun to take adult classes and have... read moreWe absolutely love Riverside. My daughter has been attending for 5 years and my son just began preschool this year. Preschool they not only offer preschool curriculum followong the Washington standards but also dance, theater, music and tumbling. I have even begun to take adult classes and have enjoyed meeting friends and making memories. During the closure due to COVID-19 Riverside figured out how to continue to do virtual classes and make it engaging for even preschoolers. My kids loved all of the activities and especially the puppet shows. We truly love being part of the Riverside family. read less

RPA is the best place in Vancouver or Portland to get your education in the arts! The teachers are amazing and actual professionals with degrees. The owner is so rad, I think she is probably the only small business arts based school that actually provides medical benefits to their employees... read moreRPA is the best place in Vancouver or Portland to get your education in the arts! The teachers are amazing and actual professionals with degrees. The owner is so rad, I think she is probably the only small business arts based school that actually provides medical benefits to their employees - plus she is just a great person all around. My kids have gone to RPA for a few years now. One started in preschool, which was the most amazing experience for him. Their preschool is AMAZING. It uses the performing arts to teach the kids along with tons of movement. He has continued with more dance and is LOVING it.I love the changes RPA has made in the last couple of years, including hiring more high caliber teachers. This place truly cares about the students before anything else. RPA is a class act! HIGHLY RECOMMEND! read less

Our daughters have attending RPA for over 10 years now, and we absolutely LOVE IT! From day one Teacher/Owner Annie & her amazing staff have treated my children as their own. My youngest daughter started RPA when she was 3, and now at 13, dances full time with the Youth... read moreOur daughters have attending RPA for over 10 years now, and we absolutely LOVE IT! From day one Teacher/Owner Annie & her amazing staff have treated my children as their own. My youngest daughter started RPA when she was 3, and now at 13, dances full time with the Youth Dance Company, while also studying Ballet, Jazz and Tap. I couldn’t have asked for a better place for my daughter’s to have spent their younger years, being influenced by some of the greatest and most caring teachers and administrators. We love our RPA family. read less

Incredible staff and incredible program. As an educator I’ve always been hesitant in trusting others with my child’s education and I 100% trust Riverside PA with my children. The preschool and dance classes are absolutely fantastic.

Riverside has the most AMAZING teachers!! The owner Annie has more patience than anyone I’ve ever met!! My daughter is in the twirling twos class and will be attending pre-school in the fall. I can’t recommend them enough!

Both of our children have greatly benefited from the time they have spent with RPA. Increased confidence and a willingness to work together are just a few of the things I can thank Annie for. The effort she takes to make sure my children feel included, have really helped my... read moreBoth of our children have greatly benefited from the time they have spent with RPA. Increased confidence and a willingness to work together are just a few of the things I can thank Annie for. The effort she takes to make sure my children feel included, have really helped my son to come out of his shell and improve his social skills. read less

My child has been a student at RPA for over 6 years. Watching her grow has been the greatest joy for both me and my husband. Having other adults in the world (the entire staff at RPA) who are engaged enough to recognize and nurture my child's strengths, while helping... read moreMy child has been a student at RPA for over 6 years. Watching her grow has been the greatest joy for both me and my husband. Having other adults in the world (the entire staff at RPA) who are engaged enough to recognize and nurture my child's strengths, while helping her (and us) navigate challenges that life will always bring, is more than I could ever have hoped for. The entire staff cares enough to create conversations with us, which always result in what is best for our daughter. Finding teachers brave enough to tell hard truths-gently-is a rare and beautiful gift. Thank you, Annie for everything you and your staff have done for "S". Your honesty, skill, and thoughtfulness have rippled into every aspect of her life and we are all forever changed. read less

My daughter learned to love dance at RPA. Annie's was her introduction to ballet, to tap, to musical theatre and to performance. Finding a balance between teaching and nurturing is as great an Art as dance itself and Annie excels at it all. Perhaps managing the needs and expectations of... read moreMy daughter learned to love dance at RPA. Annie's was her introduction to ballet, to tap, to musical theatre and to performance. Finding a balance between teaching and nurturing is as great an Art as dance itself and Annie excels at it all. Perhaps managing the needs and expectations of parents is the most difficult part of running a studio and even that Annie and her staff manage with grace. I would recommend RPA to anyone wholeheartedly. And my little dancer is now in her 3rd year of Pointe and the dance studio is still her happy place. Thank you Annie, Tippy and all the RPA family for a foundation in dance built on joy and the love of dance. read less

I can not say enough good things about the amazingly caring and talented staff at RPA. They are so patient with the littlest of dancers all the way up to adults. My preschooler has attended summer camp and preschool here since she was 3 and we will definitely be part... read moreI can not say enough good things about the amazingly caring and talented staff at RPA. They are so patient with the littlest of dancers all the way up to adults. My preschooler has attended summer camp and preschool here since she was 3 and we will definitely be part of the RPA family for life. Their preschool curriculum is top notch involving writing, reading, math, art, dance, theatre, and play. read less