About
Our School
Praise Academy of Dance was founded in 1993 in Jamaica by C. Patricia Noble. Praise Academy of Dance Barbados was birthed and officially launched in 2003. As a premiere Arts school in Barbados, Praise Academy performs in the annual National Independence Festival for Creative Arts (NIFCA), Barbados Dancefest, Barbados GospelFest the islands largest gospel festival and at Governmental, Corporate and Church functions among many others. Praise Academy has become a staple in dance and drama in Barbados.
Over the years, the Academy has expanded beyond dance, where many have come to anticipate our annual productions. We embrace the full gamut of the arts from dance to drama to music, even gymnastics, with no hesitation or fear to wrap everything within a culturally relevant Barbadian expression.
At Praise Academy, no one is made to feel small, and every opportunity is provided for even the littlest ones to hit the stage and “do their thing”. Indeed “opportunity” is a living mantra at the Academy, affectionately called “Praise”. Young people are provided the chance to choreograph, direct and even produce events under the expert tutelage of Artistic Director Marcia Weekes. At Praise, there is a constant search for hidden, undiscovered and even forgotten talent, which could be used to build individuals and effectively communicate the messages so potent to Praise.
You can be confident that by sending your child or ward to Praise Academy, they will be given every opportunity to develop whatever gifting, positive inclination or constant spinning, flipping or mirror-cracking activity they possess and which sometimes drives you nuts. Gaining a Grade 1 or 2 CXC in Dance and Theatre Arts or a distinction in the International ISTD exams is an outcome you can expect from your child, once you join with Praise and encourage them to be committed, dedicated and passionate in whatever sphere of the arts they choose.
So, we look forward to welcoming you, your child or ward at the Academy for the upcoming semester. Make the choice, register today by calling us at 246-436-7000 or visit us at Sifa House, Upper Collymore, St. Michael. Remember, Praise Academy is a family that builds you up.
About Our Principal
Marcia Weekes is the founder and Artistic Director of Praise Academy Barbados, now, in its 19th year. She has been instrumental in progressing the school from a uni-focused dance school into a school of the arts where many forms of dance are taught in addition to acting for film and theatre. Under Marcia’s tutelage, the school has excelled in the National Independence Festival for Creative Arts (NIFCA) and Dancefest. It has also been sought after for Governmental, Corporate and Church-related functions. Marcia has guided and facilitated several dancers who have passed through Praise Academy to further their careers in dance at International Dance Schools and Colleges.
She is an avid proponent of education and believes all artistes must be well rounded and balanced. In this regard, she introduced the CXC Dance and Theatre Arts programs at Praise as well as the internationally accredited ISTD examinations.
Marcia’s love for God is borne out in the poignant, relevant and inspirational dances the Academy produces. She believes that she exists to be salt and light in any environment in which she is placed.
Marcia Weekes, Artistic Director – Praise Academy of Dance
Mission
Praise Academy incubates, utilizing the gifts and talents of individuals, toward honing them to become meaningful and productive members of society.​ So for us, it is not only about being excellent in dance or drama but also for our students to move forward and have meaningful and productive lives.
Our Vision
Praise Academy exist as an organization, utilizing the Arts to convey a message, rooted in the Gospel of Yeshua Hamashiach (Jesus the Messiah), such that the nation and nations may recognize and appreciate the relevance of God to their every-day lives.
The Academy has a very specific focus on the youth, with the intent of equipping and encouraging them to lead a godly and productive life.