Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Webster, Texas, offers a caliber of dance education not found anywhere in the state of Texas. The school has always employed a faculty with vast professional dance experience from some of the best dance companies in the world, and the results of that investment is evident in their astonishing alumni.
According to Travis Kelley, the Owner and Executive Director of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, their studio is set apart from other dance studios by their level of commitment. From their most senior staff to their newest customers, everyone in the building is 100% committed to reaching their full potential, whether that be as a teacher, or a student aspiring to develop into a seasoned artist. This, of course, is not for everyone and narrows their brand to a more niche audience. They love this though! The energy in a school of like-minded individuals working to be their best is palpable, and it is really this mind-set that defines their niche. You don’t have to be the best dancer when you arrive at their school, you only need a desire to reach your full potential. If you (or your child) enjoys learning, creativity, dedication, and the gratification of expanding your limits, then we will make you the best dancer you can be.
Travis was a professional dancer for many years, and taught throughout that time. He does not teach anymore though. He simply runs the business side of the school (He does not know if “simply” would really describe it, but you understand). He believes teaching to be a full time job, just as running a business is a full time job. He would never recommend anyone try to teach and run a studio, because you always end up suffering in one area (or both!). However “coaching” does not end at the classroom door, and he often finds himself mentoring and giving advice to kids in the hallways or student lounge (heck, sometimes they even listen!). He cannot say that he has one “proudest moment,” but rather a string of small moments that are all special to him.
He finds it inspiring to see these young kids starting a journey that he traveled long ago. It is exciting seeing them grow and watching them come into their own as they discover they can do something they didn’t realize they could do. When he is having a stressful day in the office, he will dip into the studio for a few minutes and watch. There is something so genuine and sincere about the effort the students are putting in, and it always puts a smile on his face.
The biggest mistakes he sees dancers make is their approach to movement. Dancers these days are amazing technicians, but do not always have the courage to use that technique as a 
channel for their artistry. When he was at Meadows School of the Arts for dance, he would regularly go and watch the theatre department’s productions. Although they didn’t do full scale musicals, they would occasionally have a show that involved some dance. He loved watching the actors dance. They always approached dancing from the perspective of why the character was dancing, and didn’t get wrapped up in how to dance. Travis explained in the dance world, they focus almost exclusively on how to do the steps, but rarely give thought to why they would be doing them. This generation of dancers can do things NOBODY could do 30 to 40 years ago. But it’s all how and no why. Feet are pointed, they’re on balance, they jump higher, turn longer, splits go further….the technique is there, but there’s no heart in it. Do not get him wrong, he is not one of those former dancers that sits and trash talks on people who do a lot of tricks. Travis LOVES tricks!. But to him being able to do all those physical feats is a gift, and it is not being used the way it could be. It is like owning a Ferrari but not knowing how to really drive it. Sure, you can floor it in a straightaway, but put it on a winding road with Mario Andretti at the wheel and you will know what true artistry is.
Travis’ goals for next year change regularly. They are moving into a new space next month. If Travis could have one wish it would be for that move to go smoothly with no unpleasant surprises! That being said, for the coming year he is working with his Artistic Director, Heather Steel, to develop an open program that allows more students to try out their school. Like he said before, they cater mainly to the über-committed dancers. This is great, and it’s something they do very well. However, these are not adults. They are children, and they cannot expect every child to know whether or not they want to be a professional ballet dancer on day one. Developing a more inclusive open-class program would allow more children to try their school and, in time, decide if they want to become a part of their more serious training programs. He does not want to miss out on the next Baryshnikov just because he wasn’t 100% committed at 7 years old!
Travis actually grew up in a dance studio. His mom established her studio in the early 70’s and ran it for 40 years. The one he owns now he bought from a previous owner. There are so many dance studios out there, and often they just shutter the business when they want to retire. Travis has always found this to be quite sad, as a dance studio is such a transformative place for so many people. With that in mind, when he decided that he wanted a studio of his own, he set out to “rescue” a dance studio from just such a fate. The one he currently owns had its founder unfortunately pass away. She was a magnetic human being, and an influential part of so many lives along the way. After her passing, the family wanted the
studio to continue, but they all have their own lives and could not be in two places at once. The family and Travis managed to find each other, and seized the opportunity to help each other out.
The Royal Academy of Fine Arts is moving into a brand new 13,000 square-foot facility that will have four massive dance rooms, a fitness studio, brand new sound equipment, a physical therapy room, and a theater space. Anyone in the Houston/Clear Lake area who is genuinely pursuing a career in dance would be remiss to not check out their school.
The Royal Academy of Fine Arts offers classes in Ballet – Apprentice Division, Overtures, Tap, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Broadway Studio Workshop, Preludes, Open Program, and Theatre Dance Program. The Royal Academy of Fine Arts is committed to bringing diverse, professional level training to all students while inspiring, encouraging and committing to the growth and development of each student.
If you would like more information about the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, visit their website at http://rafadance.com, call them at 281-480-1466 or email them at info@rafadance.com. You can also “Like” them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter and watch them on YouTube.
Please post a comment if you have had any experience with Travis Kelley of Royal Academy of Fine Arts.
Written By Cyndi Marziani
Owner
BDancewear.com
