About Us
Athletic Arts Academy was founded by Dakota and Sandra Gillespie, a husband-and-wife team with distinct yet complementary athletic backgrounds. Dakota, a former college football player, and Sandra, a dedicated ballet dancer, met after their respective sports careers. Their shared enthusiasm for their disciplines and a vision to share their passions led them to create a unique training facility.
Their goal was to offer a program that combines the physical demands of sports with the artistic finesse of ballet, providing children and teenagers with a well-rounded education. At the Academy, students benefit from a curriculum that integrates sports training with ballet instruction, enhancing their athletic abilities while fostering balance, coordination, and creative expression.
Athletic Arts Academy is proud to be a veteran-owned business, reflecting the founders' values of commitment, discipline, and excellence. Through their Academy, Dakota and Sandra continue to inspire and develop young athletes and performers, carrying forward their personal passions and experiences. Athletic Arts Academy is proudly Veteran owned.
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
Location
Surrounded by iconic, record-breaking structures like the World's Largest Rocking Chair and the World’s Largest Pitchfork, our location embodies the spirit of aiming high and thinking big—values we instill in every student who walks through our doors.Casey’s friendly atmosphere, coupled with its commitment to family and community, makes it the perfect home for Athletic Arts Academy. Our state-of-the-art facility is easily accessible to residents and visitors alike, offering a convenient and inspiring space where children can pursue their passions in sports and ballet. Whether they're training for the next big game or perfecting their pirouette, our students are part of a community that celebrates creativity, achievement, and the joy of reaching for greatness—just like the town of Casey itself.