Perrysburg Academy of the Performing Arts 156 W. South Boundary Perrysburg, Ohio 43551 419-874-6773
Perrysburg Academy of the Performing Arts, INC., was founded in 1980. In 1987, increasing enrollment necessitated a move to a larger facility; and in 1993 Perrysburg Gymnastics Center was built to further alleviate over-crowded classes.
Dance schools and teachers do not have to obtain a special license for teaching. As such, some dance schools and teachers have very little training and experience. It is important to learn proper technique in order to prevent injury during dance. Having a qualified teacher with training in dance is important.
Our teachers have all received professional dance training. Many have degrees in dance or dance education, and others have had careers in the professional dance world. Additionally, our teaching staff often work professionally as dancers and/or choreographers. This brings new and exciting ideas and choreography to the classroom, and our students benefit. Perrysburg Academy’s caring and competent teachers create a safe, considerate and fun environment where students can create and grow. Our instructors serve as wonderful role models who have graduated from America’s finest colleges, universities, and/or dance companies. Lessons of cooperation, consideration, and grace are demonstrated by instructors who are carefully selected for their love for children and dance.
VICKI HARTKOPF is the President/C.E.O. of Perrysburg Academy of the Performing Arts, Inc.
In addition to her dance school’s yearly Nutcracker and annual spring dance concert, Ms. Hartkopf has also choreographed for television commercials. Her solo students and dance teams have won State and/or National titles. Ms. Hartkopf and her students have performed in Europe, Jamaica, and aboard a Caribbean Cruise Ship. In 1981, she was featured with five of her students in the Guinness Book of World Records as continuously twirling batons for 72 hours and 15 minutes! In 1996, she was featured in the October issue of Dance Teacher Now, a trade publication serving dance teachers on six continents. Ms. Hartkopf is Safety Certified by USA Gymnastics, and serves as consultant to dance and fitness centers across the country.
She has judged countless talent and dance competitions, pageants, cheer-leading tryouts, and baton twirling championship at the local, state, and national level. In 1997, 1999, and in 2007 she also served as the U.S. adjudicator to the Showcase Australia National Dance finals.
As a dancer educator, choreographer, lecturer, consultant, judge and performer she has brought the joy of dance to thousands of children and adults .
Bob Hartkopf is the director of Perrysburg Gymnastic Center. His gymnastic students have won state championships on floor exercise, bars and vault. He is USAG Safety Certified and under his direction, Perrysburg Gymnastic Center’s team won the League of Rising Stars Championship.
Sarah Radabaugh – Ballet and Modern Dance Instructor Miss Sarah has a degree in Educational Dance from BGSU where she co-produced two shows, was a member of the University Performing Dancers, and treasurer of University Dance Alliance. She has served as choreographer for Oregon Community Theater, and is the Libbey High School Dance teacher. Sarah was the assistant director of the 2005 B.G. Ice Horizons and is the Artistic Director of Contemporary Ballet of Perrysburg. Sarah and her husband Andy have one son, Gabriel.
Molly Kujawa, t.m.r.f.– Molly is an accomplished Irish Dance Instructor, having earned her certificate in 2004. As a student, she competed at the National level and qualified for the World Championship in Team Dancing 3 years in a row. Molly teaches traditional solo and Ceili dancing
Emilia Hartkopf– Emilia is a former professional dancer with the Cleveland Cavalier Girls. She was a Dancer of the Year finalist in 2006 and has studied with Brian Friedman, Mia Michaels, Shane Sparks, and Laurie Ann Gibson among others. She has performed in a Music Video and was Miss May in the 2008 Cavalier Girl Calendar. She has performed in several venues in NYC as a dancer and musical theater personality.
Amelia Renfro Burkey-Amelia is our hip hop instructor. She has been a cheerleading coach for a local high school and is a choreographer for Northwood High School musicals. Her own dance background includes ballet, tap, jazz, modern and lyrical as well as hip hop.
Sarah Radabaugh – Ballet and Modern Dance Instructor