We feel that we have something for everyone; our students range in ages three through adult, and we offer a variety of classes that are rare to find in the Willamette Valley, especially all in one place! "Performing Arts" schools that offer all-three-areas of the performing arts are typically found in more urban territories, so our small Silverton community has something really special to offer! In fact, according to our research, we are THE ONLY year round "performing arts" school in Oregon, other than colleges! AAPAC classes include ballet, ballroom dancing, belly dancing, viocal training, creative movement, children's choir, creative theatre, conditioning, drama, drumming, jazz, hip-hop, intro to theatre, kindermusik, modern, theatre dance, pre-ballet, Pilates, tap and yoga. Additionally, we offer Saturday workshops quarterly that range from ballroom and belly dancing to choreography such as Michael Jackson's Thriller, Hair Spray or High School Musical, as well as Stage Make-Up, Stage Crafts, and Nutrition for Dancers (to name a few). We are growing quickly and adding quality instructors and classes as we grow. We keep our class sizes small to give each student the attention they deserve. For more information see our class list, schedule or contact Marta Stovin by our email link to receive our packet of information. Emily Gifford, our assistant director, is also a great resource and can be reached at 503-409-9513 (se habla espaniol).

Our History

American Academy of Performing Arts Co. (AAPAC) was founded in 1999 in Silverton, Oregon by Marta Stovin, owner and director of the school.

In the beginning, AAPAC mainly consisted of Marta (then Miss Hazekamp) free lance teaching, dancing and choreographing at various schools, theatres and summer camps throughout Oregon, Washington, New Mexico, New Jersey and New York... but her vision was always much more than just a school name.

After her departure from teaching dance and drama at the Silverton YMCA, Marta's students asked where they could follow her to continue learning under her guidance. With a sense of urgency to find space to hold classes, Trinity Lutheran Church of Silverton was happy to share their basement fellowship room with AAPAC for over a year. Positive words spread about AAPAC and so it grew.... With it's growth came financial stability and a need for bigger space, and so in May of 2007 the academy moved into the historic Odd Fellows building at the corner of First street and Main Street. Within 15 months AAPAC outgrew that new space, and so in September 2008 we moved into our current home on E. Main Street at the corner of Water Street, where we have 3,000 sq feet of studio space. And still we grow....

Mrs. Stovin's vision for the school was, and continues to be, one that Develops Artistic Diversity, through providing high quality classes in all areas of the performing arts at an affordable tuition so that anyone may participate in the programs if they so desire, regardless of their income. The academy promotes a sense of positive community; we encourage our students to support each other like a family and discourage cliques, "diva's" or "prima donnas", egos and negativity in general. All ages, shapes, sizes and cultures are made to feel welcome. In addition, AAPAC strives to offer areas of the performing arts that aren't as readily accessible to the general public such as Middle Eastern Tribal belly dancing, Character Folk dancing (which is included in our ballet curriculum), Broadway style American Theatre Dance, musical theatre, as well as drumming, percussion and vocal lessons -- hence, really diversifying the artistic development of the students and community as a whole. Whenever possible, all three areas of our school (dance, drama and music students) perform together. We feel performing together gives the students a greater understanding of the bigger picture of the performing arts, and is part of the education we provide. They also see how each area of the performing arts enhances the each other.

AAPAC has a pre-professional performing level summer intensive camp called The Triple Threat Performers. There are three levels and age groups that includes classes in dance, drama and vocal music for students. They perform at various community events, fund raisers, fairs and schools such as Homer Davenport Days, Fine Arts Festivals, the Oregon State Fair, Farmers Markets and more. Triple Threat Performers are encouraged to be involved in two or more performing art forms (with or outside AAPAC) throughout the year, among other prerequisites and responsibilities. They perform anything from musicals, plays, dances and other abstract performing art forms. Often times we will collaborate with local artists, composers or musicians as part of our mission to support the arts locally.

We do not "judge students by their covers" (weight, height, race, religion, social status, etc), nor do we tolerate students or affiliates who attempt to judge other students by their covers. We offer a fun and friendly, welcoming, progressive environment, yet we are very strict with our expectations and follow through when it comes to attendance, tardiness, classroom ettiquete, dress code, technique, respect and kindness to others. To learn the performing arts and to become artists takes respect and discipline along with love for all arts and acceptance of all people. Whether or not you may decide to have a professional performing arts career, at AAPAC you will learn etiquette, appreciation and important life lessons that will help you to advance and succeed in any field, and along the way you will have fun making great memories.  

Above: AAPAC Dance students that are dancing in Moscow Ballet Co's Nutcracker Dec. 2007. Photo courtesy of Pam Hodges, Silver Falls Photography.