Performing Arts Program for Ages 3-5

ENROLLMENT WILL OPEN FOR THE 2024-2025 SEASON January 1, 2024

The Angela Floyd Schools Performing Arts Program is a Fall through Spring program designed as an introduction to a structured classroom setting. It immerses your child in the performing and fine arts, as well as prepares them for Kindergarten and beyond by giving them a lifelong love of learning. Children turning 3 years of age by September 15th (who have completed potty training) are eligible for the Performing Arts Program. Our fine arts-based curriculum features group learning, hands-on cognitive activities, Music FunTime, acro, art, drama, dance, creative movement, academics, French and more.

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Class Schedule

For Pre-K Performing Arts
AFS – West

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 8:45am-11:45am

Number of Classes
5 days per week

Monthly Tuition
$640/month

or

Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8:45am-11:45am

Number of Classes
3 days per week

Monthly Tuition
$384/month

AFS – North – New!

Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8:45am-11:45am

Number of Classes
3 days per week

Monthly Tuition
$384/month

 

There is an annual $200 supply & registration fee.

Reviews of Performing Arts Program

Great for Preschoolers Ages 3-5 to Prepare for Kindergarten

We have had a wonderful first year at AFS. Our daughter was in the performing arts preschool program and loved it so much. I was a little concerned she may fall behind academically for K preparation, but I have been more than pleased with her didactic instruction. She will attend again this year, and has missed going to her classes and school during her summer break. Ms. Carolyn is the cornerstone to this program and is AMAZING with her kids. Don’t hesitate to consider this program for your preschoolers!

Martha Smith

Angela Floyd has taken her passion for dance to a further extraordinary level with the Preschool Performing Arts Program. Our daughter, Rhiannon, began at age 3 in the inaugural class of 2015 and continued the following year. The stellar faculty provided goals, compassion, and confidence to not only perform on stage, but character development as well. The stimulating combination of dance, art, Music Fun Time, foreign language, and classroom curriculum created an environment that allowed our daughter to immensely flourish—she began Kindergarten exceeding expectations!

We are so thankful and blessed to still be a part of the AFS family, as it was an easy choice to continue weekly lessons. Rhiannon developed such a true love for music and dance by receiving the most exemplary training available for early childhood development; this concept has a major impact in the elementary educational system.

If you are looking for a unique, highly reputable, inspirational facility to maximize your child’s potential, the Preschool Performing Arts program is a decision you won’t regret!

Kyle and Kristi Sanchez

“I feel so lucky to have found this place. We were searching for a preschool that would be a good fit for my tiny performer, and to prep we took some light summer dance classes. She loved every second, and even for a casual summer program, the teachers were so great at engaging the kids and maintaining the cheeriest attitude. From start to finish, every single person I have interacted with – from the owner, to office staff, to the teachers and instructors – has been so thoroughly delightful, informative, warm, and just an all-over pleasure to interact with. We are new to the world of dance and everyone has been so helpful and welcoming. In fact, this was our first ever extracurricular-y “thing” so my parental anxiety was high, and choosing a preschool can be agonizing, (and agonize I did) but it feels so worth it now, after her first day of preschool. It went amazing, they even have the option to look in on their class via Zoom. My daughter totally loves her teachers (as she has with the other classes there also) and is just so happy about school. As a mom, I really could not ask for more. It’s also worth noting that the other parents I’ve met also have nothing but wonderful things to say about the school, and my daughter’s classmate is following a sibling in the program because their parents were so impressed by the academics. Mechanically, this place also runs beautifully. The online portal makes everything easy to maintain, communication is great, and you can see everything they offer, schedules, and so much more. Someone always answers the phone, and everything seems to always be punctual. Ample bathroom and changing space for families, a huge viewing screen to watch classes, ample parking. The space is super clean, comfortable…to be honest it just has a lovely vibe (which probably just comes from the people who put their time and energy into this place, but it shows). I have literally nothing negative to say.”

Nicole Sealy

Meet the Program Instructors

Head Academic and Dance Instructor: Miss Karen Viets
miss karen viets

Education: Mercyhurst College, Erie, Pennsylvania. Karen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Dance with a Teaching and Choreography concentration. Prior to coming to Knoxville, Karen taught at the Chesapeake Dance Center (Virginia), The Dance Center (Maine), Northeast Academy of Dance – (Maine), Portland School of Ballet (Maine), and Mercyhurst College (Pennsylvania). She has danced professionally with the Portland Ballet Company, The Mercyhurst Dancers, and Mercyhurst Liturgical Dance Ensemble.  Miss Karen has been on staff at AFS since 2013 and will celebrate her 10th year anniversary with us during the 2023-2023 season.

Karen was awarded the prestigious title of Children’s Rehearsal Coach for the Moscow Ballet Nutcracker in 2019. Just a few days after the production, Moscow Ballet had requested her return for the 2020 season. During her experience, she worked closely with Moscow Director, Yuriy Kuzo from Ukraine and 80 dancers from Knoxville and surrounding areas ages 6 to 18.  Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, the 2020 tour was canceled.  However, with a name change to “The Magic of Christmas Ballet,” the new company is celebrating its 31st  Anniversary tour for 2023, and an all-star, award-winning ensemble from Ukraine, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Turkey, and more.  Angela Floyd has again appointed Miss Karen as the Children’s Rehearsal Coach for this amazing production.

Talmi Entertainment Producer Dan Talmi said the classic Christmas ballet with its cast of international luminaries sets the stage for peace, hope, and understanding that transcend conflict.

In addition, Karen has a background in teaching preschool with a church organization for many years and is now in her 8th season with Angela Floyd Schools as an instructor. Karen is married to Dan Viets (retired Navy/Special Operations), an AFS music instructor and they have a son, Victor who takes both dance and music at AFS.

Head Musical Instructor: Mr. Alex King
alex king

Education:  Alex attended Pellissippi State Community College before turning his focus to music. After relocating to New York City, Alex attended a program in Electronic Music Education. Alex has an extensive background in drums but wants to continue to train in electronic music. He has been teaching at AFS since 2017.  In addition, Alex is a graduate of the University of Tennessee Culinary School and continues his passion for creating amazing dishes.

Alex and his brother, Ryan, continue to write and create music. Just ask him what his latest platform is to find their newest music. He can also be found in various nightclubs and large venues where he showcases his productions of electronic music.

Alex has a passion for music, creating comfort food masterpieces, and any outdoor sport such as hiking, paddle boarding, and more,  But he will tell you, that teaching music in the preschool performing arts program is his first love. You can also find him playing a guitar, bass, and piano in his free time…..he is all about music and bringing it to the next generation.

Academic and Dance Instructor: Miss Melissa Kunc
melissa kunc

Education: Graduated from Farragut High School

Melissa has an extensive background in childcare. She grew up in Tampa, FL where she attended the prestigious Karl & DiMarco Dance Studio. She then moved to Knoxville, TN with her family in 1999. Melissa is married to Vlastimil Kunc and has three children, Xander, Meredith, and Lauren. Meredith and Lauren take dance lessons at AFS, and Xander takes music lessons. Melissa’s family has been with AFS since 2012. After becoming involved in the AFS teacher training program in 2018 Melissa has continued her passion for dance and teaching and has been in the classroom ever since.

Academic, Dance and Music Instructor: Miss Sarah Jett
sarah jett

Education:  Northwestern University, Boston, Massachusetts.  Masters of Science, Major:  Applied Nutrition with a Concentration in Nutrition and Fitness.

Sarah has been working as a dance instructor for over 15 years in Knoxville and surrounding areas.  She was also a Physical Therapy Technician, Zumba teacher, and Fitness Instructor for several years as well.  In her downtime from teaching, she has grown her costume design abilities into a booming fashion business for fur babies.  You can purchase her creations at www.designs-by-Arya.com

Meet your Curriculum Specialist: Carolyn Palffy Becker
carolyn palffy becker

Education
George Mason University, Fairfax, VA Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance, May 2012 Magna Cum Laude, GPA 3.83

Teaching Experience
Frederick County Public Schools Frederick County, VA Substitute Teacher 2010 – Present -Substitute teacher for grades K through 12, all subject areas. Implemented and taught lesson plans while utilizing classroom management skills.

National Dance Institute New York, NY Trainee Teacher Assistant 2012-2013 -Trainee Teacher Assistant at NYC public schools with their 3rd-grade classes and special education students learning fundamental dance movements. Responsible for recording notes and blocking for each session.

Tuscarora High School Marching Band Frederick, MD Dance Instructor (2011), Colorguard Technician (2012) 2011-2012 -Taught beginner ballet and jazz dance technique. Choreographed dance portions to be included in the field show.

Brunswick High School Marching Band Brunswick, MD Dance Instructor 2009- 2010, Indoor Colorguard Lead Instructor 2010 -Taught beginner ballet dance technique and choreographed dance portions to be included in the field show. -Designed, wrote, taught, and rehearsed an indoor colorguard show utilizing flag, rifle, sabre, and dance elements.

Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet Carlisle, PA Resident Advisor Summer 2009 -Supervised a hall of nineteen females, ages 12-14, providing care, guidance, and support to the residents on a daily basis. Participated in staff training, weekly meetings, and organized RA office areas.

DANCE PERFORMANCE National Tours Sesame Street Live: Abby Cadabby/Dancer/ VEE Corporation Let’s Dance & Can’t Stop Singing Spokesperson/Trainee Performance Dir. National Tour of Super WHY! Live: Alpha Pig/Dancer S2BN Entertainment You’ve Got The Power Busch Gardens Williamsburg: Miracles Principal Dancer Dir. Christopher D’Amboise Kings Dominion: Unstrung Featured Dancer MoonMaxx Productions Promenade Dancer Robert Battle Chor, GMU Dance. 2016-2017 National Tour PAWS PATROL: Dancer and Manager.

Teaching Program/Certificates
National Dance Institute Teaching Artists Training Program 2013 (Received full scholarship to attend program) National Dance Institute Teaching Special Populations Teacher Training Program 2013

New!  Carolyn is also the writer and designer of the AFS Dance Technique Workbooks for each level.  These will be given to all registered dance students for the 2023-2024 season and beyond.

***In addition, Miss Carolyn has an extensive musical background with many years of training.

preschool performing arts class in knoxville, tn