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The French Academy of Performing Arts Opens New Location in Downtown Charlotte Amalie

Mother and daughter, Laurence Paquin and Lea Scott cut the ribbon of their newest French Academy of Performing Arts location. (Source photo by Adisha Penn)

The French Academy of Performing Arts officially cut the ribbon of their new Dronningens Gade location on Thursday for their “re-grand opening,” signaling their readiness to continue educating young dancers about performing arts.

The event featured food, drinks, and performances by some of its current students. The Academy lined the alleyway leading to the studio with refreshments that visitors could sample before heading inside to view the studio. Dancers, parents, and supporters were present for the opening, all eager for the Academy’s fresh start.

Visitors are present to see the grand opening of the French Academy of Performing Arts in Dronningens Gade.(Source photo by Adisha Penn)

The French Academy of Performing Arts opened in 2007 under the leadership of Laurence Paquin. It is now operated by mother-daughter duo Paquin and Lea Scott.

Mother and daughter Laurence Paquin and Lea Scott are the owners of the French Academy of Performing Arts on St. Thomas. (Source photo by Adisha Penn)

“We started with the Department of Education on Back Street. But because the location was small, we started to grow so substantial that that space wasn’t equipped for us anymore,” said Scott of the Academy’s first location. After, “We moved to Antilles [School] as a third party entity. Over ten years, we were at Antilles.”

Now the French Academy of Performing Arts, also known as FAPA USVI, has settled at its newest location between Waterfront and Main Street.

Various uniforms are worn for the students of the French Academy of Performing Arts. (Source photo by Adisha Penn)

Altogether, Paquin and Scott have been involved in teaching dance instruction in the community for over 30 years. Paquin, who studied ballet in France for most of her life, moved to St. Thomas in 1987. Scott, her daughter, studied ballet in Boston. Their goal is to continue to create a safe, unique, and welcoming space for parents and students.

“My mission is to help people understand what it is about dance because arts here, especially performing arts, is not known,” said Scott.

The Academy offers seasonal classes for the winter, spring, summer, and fall. During the seasons, the Academy can have between 50-250 students enrolled in their various classes. Body stretch and placement, ballet, hip-hop, jazz, theater, and gymnastics are some of the classes offered.

The French Academy of Performing Arts occasionally travels to Europe, particularly France, for competitions as well.

“We sometimes would go to England or Spain, but France is our go-to,” said Scott. “In the near future, I’m planning on bringing France to us.”

Presently, the Academy has a dance program for children ages four and older. It takes place Monday to Saturday from 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm. They are also accepting enrollment for their summer dance program for children ages five and older.

From left, Teagan Campbell, Jaelynn Sibilly, Shawriya Benjamin, Adrienne Quetel, and Anne-Michel Alice-Franklin, bottom, perform for the grand opening of the French Academy of Performing Arts. (Source photo by Adisha Penn)

“Educating and creating happiness through dancing and performing arts in our community is what we strive towards,” said Paquin.

The French Academy of Performing Arts can be found at #30 Dronningens Gade A3 in the alleyway between KFC and Designer Ave. For inquiries about their classes, the Academy can be reached by phone at 340-626-1545 or 340-514-2249 or by email at fapausvi@hotmail.com.

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