MJPAA is Celebrating 40 Years of Excellence

Though rooted in Tampa Bay, the impact that Mary Jo’s has had on its students and the creative community over the past four decades has reached far beyond the studios home on Mapledale Boulevard. Nourished by the faculty and community fostered at MJPAA, alumni have turned their passions and talents into professional careers ranging from performing on Broadway, cruise ships, in theme parks, on the sidelines of collegiate and NFL games and so much more. You can find Mary Jo’s lasting artistic legacy not only in alumni’s achievements since graduating from the studio, but also in their desire to remain involved within the studio, some returning as instructors, guest choreographers and staff members as adults.

The faculty and staff at Mary Jo’s undoubtedly offer excellent artistic education as noted by the multiple nationally recognized achievements received each year since being endorsed as an Outstanding Dance School in 2005 by Dance Spirit Magazine. Beyond offering skilled lessons in their dance, music, and theater departments, Mary Jo’s offers something more. As the studios motto states, “It’s So Much More Than Dance,” Mary Jo’s Performing Arts Academy’s success stories are not only found on the resume’s of those who’ve pursued their passion as a career, but in the hearts of every student who attends the Academy.

Mary Jo’s Performing Arts Academy is first and foremost, a community created for artistic expression, exploration, and evolvement. A space where students of every age, are free to feel, learn and grow under the tender guidance of understanding and experienced instructors who wear their deep love for the arts on their sleeve. At Mary Jo’s the heartbeat and pulse of the studio, and what makes the academy a space so many people call home, is the focus on not just the art, but also the artist. By recognizing the value of creativity and artistic expression, and the impact that a safe place to explore oneself through art has, Mary Jo’s has become a pillar within Tampa’s creative community.

Please join us at the MJPAA Family Kick-Off Extravaganza, Friday, August 24^th 5:00-8:00pm as we celebrate 40 Years of Excellence with fun, food, and games!

Enjoy the music; bounce house, obstacle course, face painting and Kona Ice as well as the company of beloved friends within the MJPAA community!