The City of Atlanta Dance Academy performance was held on Friday night, July 27, 2007 in AWDA’s auditorium. Participants included Mayor’s Youth Program students who were excited for the opportunity to participate in a program that trained them to dance and paid them a stipend. “I am appreciative there is a program that allows you to do something you love and get paid for it,” said Pamela Riddle, a participant who is heading to Breanu University in the fall to major in Dance Performance.

The Dance Academy is a part of ARTSCool, an employment program developed and coordinated by the City of Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs, a division of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs. The program is designed to provide young people with arts and job training, a salary and cultural experiences that enhance personal development.