Happy New Year! We are thrilled to welcome you into 2026 with us! We hope you enjoyed a wonderful holiday break. After watching our December performances, we’re even more excited for our spring shows and to continue seeing our students grow. We are so proud of everything they’ve learned in just a few short months—everyone shone onstage!
A Special Welcome to Our New Members:
We’re delighted to have you join us this January! If you have any questions, please feel free to call or email us, or stop by the front desk. If you have not received your Welcome/Registration email, just let us know and we’ll resend it. You’ll find the APA calendar later in this newsletter. Dance students will also receive spring showcase details and costume ordering information—see the Dance section for more.
Please note: our registration cut-off date for group dance, music, and theater classes for grades 2 and up is February 15th.
– The APA Team
January Value: Encourage Creativity
Creativity is central to everything we do at APA and NSDS. In dance, music, and theatre, our instructors nurture spaces where students can confidently explore and express themselves.
Looking Ahead:
- Monday, January 5th – Classes resume (unless otherwise noted by instructor)
- January 5th – February 14th – Session III 6-Week Mini Sessions Start
- Saturday, January 17th – K-Pop One Day Camp @ Next Step – Click HERE to register.
- Saturday, January 24th – Hamilton Dance Masterclass Click HERE to register – space is limited!
- January 24th & 25th – “The Witch’s Princess” – Saturday, January 24th & Sunday, January 25th 7pm @ APA Oak Creek (multiple shows) click HERE to purchase tickets
Want to see future dates @ APA? Check out our APA Calendar!
Stay in the loop!
In addition to our PDF/Paper calendar – never miss an important date or event—subscribe to the new Digital APA Calendar!
Apple users: Add to Apple Calendar HERE (Open in Safari or Apple Mail for best results)
Google users: Add to Google Calendar HERE
It’s the easiest way to keep up with performances, breaks, and special events all year long!
Book Your Studio Birthday Party Today!
Did you know? Next Step & The Academy of Performing Arts are sister studios! And NSDS is the official birthday Party Host for all of the studios! A trained dance instructor will be your personal hostess, leading a fun warm-up, dance games, and a themed routine! Our birthday parties are designed for maximum fun with minimal stress for parents.
→ Learn more and book, HERE!
K-Pop Demon Hunters Dance Party@ Next Step Dance Studio
Saturday, January 17th 12:30-1:30 pm | Cost: $25
This K-Pop Demon Hunter Dance Party will be filled with an introduction to dance, crafts, games and choreography. Dancers come in your favorite K-Pop Demon Hunter outfit or comfortable clothes you can dance in. Dancers will star in an end of the camp performance that the parents can watch. Parents come into class the last 5 minutes of class for performance.
→ Click HERE to register!
IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO JOIN!
6-Week Mini Session III: January 5th – February 14th
Our 6-week mini sessions are a perfect opportunity for new or curious students to try another style of our performing arts programs. We offer the following classes for our 6-week sessions:
- Ages 2-3 year old dance classes (with parent or without)
- Drama Jr & Musical Theatre Jr
- Ages 4-10 (Wicked!) Intro-To-Dance Classes
→ Click HERE to view all of the options!
Last Chance for This Masterclass!
What Is a Dance Masterclass? A dance masterclass is a special, one-time training session taught by a highly experienced instructor—often someone with professional, touring, or specialized background. Unlike a regular weekly class, a masterclass gives dancers the chance to:
-Learn new skills and strengthen technique
-Try different styles or choreography
-Train with a teacher they normally wouldn’t have access to
-Gain confidence, inspiration, and fresh motivation
Hamilton Masterclass:
Broadway is coming to APA! Join our Hamilton Masterclass led by a cast member from the national tour. Dance, learn show choreography, and meet the performer! Don’t miss this rare opportunity.
January 24th | $35 | Ages 9–12 & 12+
→ Limited spots available — click HERE to register by 1/9
Accelerated Performing Artists (APA) Program
Have you heard about our Accelerated Performing Artists program? This program rewards students for taking classes in all three of our performing arts areas: dance, music, and theater.
The goal of the program is to encourage students to explore new disciplines, grow their skills, and work toward a well-rounded performing arts education. Students enrolled in the program also receive special perks and recognition along the way.
You can learn more about the program and view all benefits here:
https://academywi.com/accelerated-performing-artists/
Thinking About Joining? Spring is a great time to add an additional class if your student is interested in participating in the Accelerated Performing Artists program.
If you would like to:
- Add a class
- Check your student’s eligibility
- Learn more about how the program works
Please reach out to us, and we would be happy to help get your student signed up.
Important Reminder for Current APA Students
Students who participated in the Accelerated Performing Artists program during this past school year and are graduating this spring should remember to take advantage of the Letter of Recommendation benefit. If you have any questions about this or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Give the Gift of Performing Arts to a Friend!
We’re excited to offer a new way for you to share dance or theatre with a friend!
APA gift cards will be handed out to students (or available at the front desk). These cards can be given to someone not currently enrolled and provide one free month of group classes (classes with openings only; excludes mini sessions; up to $79 value).
Simply write your name and your friend’s name on the back of the card and pass it along. They can register by calling us, stopping by APA, or signing up online—just have them mention the “Gift of Performing Arts” postcard.
If your friend registers after their free month and stays enrolled for two months, you both qualify for APA’s referral credit!
New students only. Must enroll by January 15, 2026!
Referral Credit + January DOUBLE Referral Month!
Earn up to $100!!!
Any family that you refer to APA and joins will earn you BOTH a $50 credit. During the month of January, it’s DOUBLE Referral Month where YOU will receive a $100 credit (your referring family will receive $50). The credit will be applied after completion of 2 months paid registration from the new family.
Snow Days
APA will announce snow or ice closures by 3 PM (Mon–Fri) or 8 AM (Sat). Families will be notified by email.
Private Music Lessons Click HERE to review our makeup policy and see which teachers offer virtual lessons on snow days.
Student Absences:
Our winter music and dance recitals are coming up in December! If your student has missed several classes, please ensure they practice at home. Students who are not prepared with their music piece or dance routine may be asked not to participate in the recital.
Peppa’s Primer Dance Class
Age 2-3 year olds 6-week Mini Session III
Is your little one ready to try dance? Join us for Peppa’s Primer Dance Class, a fun, themed 6-week mini session running January 5th – February 14th.
→ Click HERE to register!
Winter Showcase Dancers:
For dancers who performed in our Winter Showcase, now is a great time to double-check your dancer’s costume and shoes to ensure all pieces — including hair accessories — are safely stored and ready for our spring shows.
Please remember that the same costume will be used for both shows, so do not discard your current costume.
If your costume has any defects or if you need a new size that was unavailable for our December show, please bring the costume to the front desk by January 11th.
NEW STUDENTS COSTUMES: Please click HERE for additional details on how to order and the deadlines.
Spring Show:
Showcase Routines:
Each class will be working on their new dance starting in mid-February. They will still be working on technique, across-the-floor combinations, jumps and turns. If your child is not participating in our Spring Show, they will still learn the dance, and will be strategically placed in formations so we do not have any gaps during the performance.
2026 Spring Dance Showcase & Rehearsal Times
This information will be available by March. Rehearsals & pictures are set for Tuesday, June 16th through Thursday, June 18th @ APA’s Oak Creek location. Our Competitive Team Showcase (only competitive dancers) are scheduled for Friday, June 19th. Our recreational classes will perform on Saturday, June 20th. Our performances will be held at Oak Creek Performing Arts Center.
Music Lesson Make-up Policy / Snow Days:
Please review our policy HERE before the semester begins.
Makeup lessons are not guaranteed.
All key APA dates—including concerts, holidays, and closures—are always available on the APA calendar.
NEW MAKEUP POLICY BEGINNING SUMMER 2026
We’re excited to share an important update to our Music Lesson Makeup Policy. Beginning SUMMER 2026, we will be moving from in-person makeup lessons to personalized video lessons created by your child’s teacher whenever your child is absent.
More details will be shared in January. “This Month in Music” email sent to all of our music families on the 15th of the month.
Automatic Enrollment for Summer & Fall MUSIC Lessons
Our automatic enrollment for the 2026–2027 school session begins in February.
If you do not discontinue private music lessons, your student will:
– Keep the same lesson time
-Keep the same teacher
-Continue into summer and fall
*Details on how to discontinue lessons for summer and/or fall will be shared in February.
Summer 2026 Private Lesson Dates
Monday, June 29 – Saturday, August 22
Closed Saturday, July 4 ONLY
Looking Ahead!
SPRING MUSIC CONCERTS — Save the Dates!
Exact performance times will be announced closer to the date. Students will begin selecting concert music later this semester.
Saturday, June 6th & Sunday, June 7th
Franklin Saber Center
Day-Time Private Piano Lessons:
Schedules changing? We now offer daytime lesson options, perfect for Preschoolers
and Homeschool students!
→ Learn more & enroll HERE
Hamilton Masterclass! January 24th!
Broadway is coming to APA! Join our Hamilton Masterclass led by a cast member from the national tour. Dance, learn show choreography, and meet & greet with the performer!
Date: Jan. 24
Location: Oak Creek APA
Cost: $35
Ages 9–12: 9:00–10:30 AM
Ages 12+: 10:30 AM–12:00 PM
Don’t miss this rare opportunity—register by Jan. 9th!
→ Click HERE to register – space is limited!
Coming This January: The Witch’s Princess
A curse to break. A witch to face. A princess who won’t play by the rules.
This January, the APA Theatre Production Class presents The Witch’s Princess — a brand-new fantasy adventure full of humor, heart, and high-stakes magic. When a clever young princess sets out to slay a witch and save her kingdom, she discovers that the real villains may not be who she expected. Join us for this rollicking story of courage, friendship, and finding truth in unexpected places!
Join us January 24th and 25th at 7 PM at APA Oak Creek in our Black Box Theatre!
Tickets will sell out so please make sure to purchase in advance.
APA Outside Doors Open: 6:40 PM
Performance Space Doors Open: 6:45 PM
→ Click HERE for more details and to purchase tickets.
Please contact [email protected] if you have any questions!
AUDITION NOTICE:
The Production Class is holding open casting for enrollment in our Spring Session:
Disney’s Dare to Dream JR.
This is a musical revue that follows an eager group of trainees on their first day at a fictional Walt Disney Imagineering Studio. As the group sets out to help each other discover their dreams, they work together to explore the power of dreams to unite, inspire, and make anything possible. Dare to Dream JR. features songs appearing for the first time ever in a Disney stage musical, including fan-favorites from The Princess and the Frog, Coco, Encanto, and Frozen II.
To join the class, students must attend the audition date on Sunday, February 8th!
Students should come prepared with:
A 1-minute song from a musical (please use a backing/karaoke track)
A 30–60 second monologue that shows off their acting abilities
A completed Cast Form: Click HERE to fill out the Cast information form online!
→ Register for Production Class Here!
6-Week Mini Sessions Continue!
These 6-week sessions are the ideal introduction for younger performers who want to explore the world of theatre. They provide a supportive environment where students can build confidence, develop new skills, and make lifelong friendships. These sessions end in an in-class performance for friends and family that is based on the session theme.
Session III: January 5th – February 14th
Check out our new themes and class offerings below!
Drama Jr (Ages 6–10): Puppet Play: Bringing Characters to Life
Students will create and perform short scenes using puppets while learning about voice control, movement, and storytelling. Click HERE to register
Musical Theatre Jr (Ages 6–9 & 9–11): Wicked Act 2
Continue the magic of Wicked as we explore songs and characters from the second act of this Broadway favorite! Perfect for fans of Elphaba, Glinda, and the world of Oz. Click HERE to register
→ You can see all our themes, and register Here
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Theatre Department Dress Policy:
ALL CLASSES (including mini sessions): Please come dressed ready to move, ensuring your clothing fits properly to prevent wardrobe issues while sitting, dancing, or stretching. Please wear clean athletic shoes, or bring a pair of jazz shoes to change into (for Musical Theatre Classes). Crocs/sandals, heavy boots, and snow boots are not permitted for safety reasons.
Important Reminders:
APA Spot the Sticker & Yard Sign Contest
Congratulations to license plate AFN-4563!
One of our staff spotted your APA window sticker. Please contact the front desk to claim your $50 tuition credit.
Want to join in? Pick up a FREE APA window sticker at the front desk for your chance to win!
Yard Sign Contest
- Grab a yard sign from the lobby at either location.
- Place it in your yard, snap a photo, and share it on Facebook or Instagram with #APAproud.
- Each month, we’ll randomly choose a winner to receive a $50 tuition credit. Winners are announced on our social platforms, and we’ll reach out on your post.
Yard signs are first come, first serve—don’t miss out!
Stay Connected with APA
Do we have your most up-to-date contact information? To be sure you receive important details—like winter performance times, ticket information, and class updates—please take a moment to check your account.
If you need to update your primary email address, contact phone number, or add another contact, click HERE to update your account.
Facebook & Instagram: Interact with APA on social media!
We have fun contests, photos from classes, and more on both our Facebook and Instagram pages. Click here to join us on Facebook and here to follow us on Instagram!
Member Accounts:
You can see what your account has been charged, enroll in classes, etc. by going to our Member Log-In section on our website www.academywi.com or click HERE. Every family has their own account. Your username is the email address you gave us. If you need to update your email address, please contact us.
Referral Program:
Share us with a friend!
Earn Credits & Win an iPad Share APA with a friend and earn rewards!
- When a new family registers and mentions your name, you BOTH receive a $50 tuition credit.
- For every referral, your name is also entered into our APA Referral Raffle for a chance to win an iPad at the end of the season.
- Credits are applied after the new family has completed 2 months of enrollment.
- There’s no limit to the number of families you can refer!
