Anderson Institute of Music and Performing Arts co-founders Ed and Angela Anderson can relate to the title of Taylor Swift’s hit single “Wildest Dreams” this summer. Verrado families are lining up to enroll in AIM’s Rock Camp and Taylor Swift summer camps, quickly selling out by popular demand.
Even more, this family owned performing arts studio continues to display a Swift-like penchant for collecting prestigious awards. AIM recently picked up the 2016 “Official Best of Arizona” performing arts instruction award for the fourth year in a row from Media World USA.
“Our gifted dance and music students are taking their talents to the next level, competing in larger venues to gain valuable new experience,” said Angela Anderson, AIM’s chief operating officer. “Ed and I attribute this fourth consecutive honor in part to the exposure our groups have received this year, such as the West Valley Music Festival at the University of Phoenix Stadium last March, where our students opened for John Michael Montgomery and Three Dog Night. And we couldn’t be prouder of our three Verrado guitarists who will be competing on an international level at the Guitar Foundation of America International Convention and Competition June 24 and 25 in Denver.”
But before they head to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, AIM will direct two blockbuster stage shows this Saturday, June 18, at Estrella Mountain Community College Performing Arts Center. AIM’s Dance Showcase will present competitive dance groups, alongside 3- to 5-year-old dancers who are predominantly from Verrado, at 4 p.m., with the Great USA Getaway taking off at 6:30 p.m. Live musicians and professional performers co-mingle with AIM students throughout this entertaining coast-to-coast road trip tribute. Tickets can be purchased at the door: $14 for adults, $10 for children, with children five and under free.
What does AIM plan for an encore? “Ed and I have been living our dream in Verrado since 2008. We are so fortunate to operate our studio in the community where we are raising our four children,” Angela admits. “We’re adding more Taylor Swift camps in July for 7- to 12-year-old girls, and Rock camps for kids from 7 to 10, and 10 to 15 years of age. They’ll receive hands-on introduction to drums, guitar, keyboard, and background on the history of rock music. We’ll also have our new class schedule of music and dance classes posted in the next several weeks.”
This fall, students can try out recreational classes, or take their stage presence to the next level with dedicated teachers in music, dance and theater through the year. To learn more about AIM summer camps and fall music, dance and theater classes at 21055 W. Main Street, visit www.performingartsusa.com or call 623-444-7240.
