My Story...
It all began in 1991, in the basement of a church in Montclair, with 25 students and a dream.
The dream was that of Dawn Laviola-Schaub, the President and Director of the Performing Arts Academy, Inc.
Dawn’s dream was to convey to children her love and joy of dance which she has known her entire life.
This vision has catapulted Dawn and the Performing Arts Academy into the forefront of the dance community at an international level. Her name alone is synonymous with excellence.
Her students are the recipients of hundreds of performance awards at the regional and national levels. They have performed on Broadway, in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, television, national commercials & with professional dance companies.
Dawn herself has captured numerous choreography awards from across the country including the national “Diamond Award Winner of Excellence in Choreography.” She has adjudicated & taught master classes throughout the United States and Canada.
The Performing Arts Academy is an internationally recognized dance school which enjoys an impeccable reputation in the industry for offering the highest level of dance training available today. We are proud of our accomplishments and are happy to bring you such talents as part of our commitment.
We employ only the brightest and most talented dance teachers from the Tri-State area, who are all dedicated dance professionals themselves. They share Dawn’s vision and the tradition of pride and excellence the Performing Arts Academy has become known for.