Camp Spotlight: Dawson's Dance Academy

Savannah, 7, loves singing and hopes to become a famous singing sensation like her idol, Demi Lovato.

Gabriela, 9, wants to be a veterinarian, but loves acting because she finds it "fun" and "energizing."

Both of these students, as well as 400 others who attend  have one thing in common: They have developed a love for performing.

Dawson's Dance Academy is a six-year-old performing arts school that teaches students ranging from 2 to adult acting, singing and numerous types of dancing.

During the summertime the school becomes a summer camp, where parents can opt to enroll their children, ages 6-11, in a variety of fun programs that enable them to spend their vacation with performance experiences.

"We're a full-service performing arts center and offer everything a kid could desire to be a performer," said owner Jennifer Dawson.

Dawson, a former public school drama teacher, opened the school because she realized that there weren't any performing arts schools serving Westchase and was sure that there would be a demand for it.

Each summer camp gears up for a big summer production. Last year it was Annie.

This year's production will be The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, which will be performed by 24 campers on July 29.

In addition to learning their lines, songs and dances for this production, students will also build props and help design the set.

"I think it's great that kids get to see and experience what it takes to make a successful production," said dance instructor Jessica Schoenfeld.

The camp and school give students an opportunity to experience and embrace the arts. 

"Any kid can come here and get involved. About 75 percent of our students are here without any professional aspirations and just enjoy singing, dancing and acting as a recreational activity," continued Dawson.

Caitlin Taylor, nanny for campers Sophia, 6, and Taylor, 8, is a spectator during the camp classes. 

"I was so impressed by how the camp brings out the personalities of the girls.  They sing all the way home from camp," said Taylor.

Summer camp runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. during June, July and August. For more information about the summer camp or classes see their website, dawsondance.com/index.htm, or call 813-814-7500.