Performing Arts Academy
Welcome to Riverside Performing Arts Academy, where students of all ages and backgrounds can explore the arts in a welcoming, supportive, and educational environment. We teach everyone from the beginner to the pre-professional, and our passionate staff is dedicated to helping students build confidence and reach their full potential. From music and dance to theatre or preschool, there’s something for everyone at Riverside Performing Arts.
Your Holistic Approach to Learning and Performing
An education rooted in the performing arts will prepare you for more than just the stage. Learning to perform will also build your confidence, creativity, communication skills, and so much more. That’s why at Riverside Performing Arts, we take a holistic approach in each of our classes. We strive to foster a spirit of growth, encouragement, and enthusiasm as we teach students the skills they need to succeed. No matter which discipline you are interested in, you can count on Riverside to provide you with a welcoming environment where you can grow as both a person and a performer.
Vancouver's First All Inclusive Performing Arts Academy
From acting and storytelling to music and dance, the performing arts are incredibly diverse. If you want to explore all of your interests and passions, turn to Riverside! We are Vancouver’s first all-inclusive performing arts academy, and we are proud to offer a variety of programs in each discipline. Our kind and knowledgeable instructors are dedicated to cultivating safe and welcoming classrooms where students of all ages and levels can build skill, gain confidence, and learn to express themselves joyfully. To get started, contact our team today!
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See What People Are Saying About Us
We believe every student deserves to have their moment in the spotlight. That is why all students at Riverside Performing Arts are able to perform at least twice per year.
Each of our performances is sponsored by the Northwest Performing Arts Alliance, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to providing performance opportunities to members of the community. Whether it be in a professional auditorium or on our in-house film and sound stage, each student is given their time to shine.
Don’t just take our word for it! Read reviews of our classes, performances, and more here.
If you’re looking for a fun and inviting place to learn how to dance/explore performing arts /sharpen your skills, look no further! I’m writing this review as a mama of two littles who took multiple classes at RPA… and as a current dancer in the adult classes as well.From the moment we walked through RPA’s doors the whole studio made us feel welcome and like family. I can’t tell you how kind and down to earth the entire studio is.I’ve had the pleasure of taking classes with just about every teacher and they are all extremely talented and easy to learn from.Annie (the owner) is who I have spent the most time with and she is wildly talented and such a great teacher. She is really good at meeting every person where they’re at and taking them where they want to be… all at the same time. She equally makes learning fun while challenging you.Josh’s choreography is continually breathtaking and tells a story! I learned so much from him and gained confidence from his teaching in just a year.Sarah, on top of being an amazing tapper, has a fun and infectious personality you can’t help but love! Her classes are such a joy to be in.Vanda is warm and inviting. I love that she choreographs hip hop to the lyrics— making it that much more of an immersive experience.Another thing— these adult dance classes are truly all levels, all experiences, all ages, all genders. It’s a “come as you are” experience and it’s really quite special. I am so grateful to have found such a warm home to enjoy the arts. And if you’re looking for one… come on in!
Our family absolutely loves Riverside Performing Arts. All of the teachers and staff are so friendly and welcoming. The kiddos/students are shown so much compassion and support. Last year (2021) our kiddo tried Acro and had a blast. This year (2022) she is attending preschool at RPA and taking two dances classes. If you are looking for a place where you feel welcomed with open arms look no further than Riverside Performing Arts! it is a great safe space to learn, dance, and so much more!Riverside Performing Arts is also LGBTQ+ friendly and compassionate about it.
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 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.
We practically live here. The teachers are warm, engaging, encouraging and highly skilled in the art/education form they teach. We've done piano lessons, ballet, tap, private lessons, musical theater, camps and preschool. We have zero complaints. We recommend them to everyone. Their policies and calendars are online, and the communication with the staff is always excellent. Also - the kids actually learn things. RPA has helped foster a love of the arts in our kids, and already created loads of memories for our family.
We have been a Riverside family for 10 years now. Our children started at preschool and mommy/daddy & me and now they are Focus Track, Youth Dance Company, and Theatre Troupe members. Our relationships with the studio staff and other studio families have made a positive impact on our lives. The instructors are respectful, talented, and display a high level of concern for the well-being of the performers. Our children have participated in workshops with professional dancers, had virtual chats with Broadway, TV, and Movie actors, and have participated in awesome community events like parades and holiday events. We are so fortunate to have found such an amazing and positive program that has cultivated a love and respect for the performing arts in our family.
