ABOUT OUR SCHOOL
The Academy of Dance and Music enjoys more than 65 consecutive years of expertise and growth. Over 25,000 students have taken dance or music lessons at our Academy - more than any other studio in the area.
Founded in 1957 as the Judyth Parks Academy of Dance Arts, we started as a small studio, and grew to become the largest dance and music school in the Wallingford area. Known as the Wallingford Academy of Dance and Music (ADAM), now currently teaching three generations of families. The Academy offers comprehensive dance programs for all ages: Diaper Darlings to Adults. We also expand beyond traditional dance classes by offering Voice and Piano lessons, Summer Dance Camps and Intensive Dance Camps, Fairy Tale Princess Camp, and fantastic Birthday Parties.
PRINCIPLES OF OUR DANCE SCHOOL
Age appropriate content
Leadership
Technique
Confidence
Respect
Self-Discipline
MEET OUR STAFF
Courtney started dancing at the age of 2 here at ADAM. She trained consistently in NY at the age of 9. Soon after she attended Professional Childrens School and lived in Manhattan for 2 years. Courtney graduated from Curry College where she majored in communications and minored in women's studies in Psychology. She appeared in local television commericials while living in MA. She later graduated and came into the family business and at age 25 took over as head director.
Courtney Billings
Director
Natalie began dancing at ADAM at the age of 2 and was part of the Company program. She went on to Naugatuck Valley where she majored and graduated with a degree in dance. She has been an instructor since 2013 and just recently took on her role as the studios Assistant Director. Natalie mainly teaches Hiphop, Contemporary and Jazz.
Assistant Director & Instructor
Natalie Cruz
Carolyn started dancing at the studio back in 1969. She minored in dance at Roger Williams. She has danced and taught with ADAM for over 50 years and her main style is Tap and Preschool.
Carolyn Lavelle
Instructor
Sydney Billings
Instructor
Sydney danced at ADAM since she was 2 years old and also competed in our competitive program. She graduated from CCSU where she minored in dance and was president of their dance company. Although she dabbles in almost all styles, she mainly teaches jazz and contemporary. Sydney is the fourth generation of Academy of Dance and music and plans to keep the family business alive.
Cheryl Myers
Instructor
Cheryl began dancing at Gloria Jeans as a competitive dancer. She graduated and later joined our ADAM family and has been teaching now for 17 years! Over the years she has taught everything from Diaper Darlings to Adult classes but her main style is Tap.
Essie Erickson
Instructor
Bio coming soon.
Instructor
Jillian McNamara
Jillian has been dancing for 20 years! She joined our ADAM family in 2018. She has been named World Tap Champion 4 times and now coaches a group of dancers that compete at the IDO World Tap Championship (One of our own dancers is part of this group). She is an official member of the U.S Dance Sport Competition Federation. Although she teaches all styles her main and favorite style is Tap.
Instructor
Allie Smith
Bio coming soon
Office Manager
Jennifer Twohill
CONTACT US
(203) 741-9126 | info@academyofdance1.com
245 Center Street Wallingford, CT 06492