maumelledanceacademy@gmail.com
501-425-8683
The Heart Behind the Movement
The Vision
Allison grew up in Maumelle and always dreamed of opening a dance studio in her hometown. Today, she is excited to bring that dream to life through classes at MGC Kids.
At Maumelle Dance Academy, we believe choosing a smaller studio offers something special: a tailored experience, more individual attention, and a calm, supportive environment. Our low student-to-teacher ratio allows dancers to progress at an accelerated pace while building confidence, discipline, and a true love of dance-- without the drama sometimes found in larger studios.
MDA welcomes dancers of all ages and levels, from recreational beginners to more advanced competitors. Safety, age-appropriateness, and nurturing guidance are at the heart of every class. With a focus on both strong technique and creative expression, Allison's passion is to shape movement into meaningful artistry and help EVERY dancer shine.
We can't wait to welcome you into our dance family!
Studio Owner & Instructor
Allison Darby
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Allison has been passionate about dance since childhood, training in a wide variety of styles throughout K-12. She was an active member of the North Little Rock High School Dance Troupe and went on to perform with the Henderson State University Dance Company her freshman year of college. After transferring to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Allison earned a B.A. in Liberal Arts with a focus in Dance and Studio Art in 2009. During her studies, she attended The American College Dance Festival with both universities.
Allison began her teaching career at Ridge Road Middle Charter School where she taught Studio Art and Dance from 2009-2011. She also danced professionally as a member of the Arkansas Travelers Halos Dance Team from 2011-2013. While earning her B.S. in Dental Hygiene from UAMS, she continued teaching dance. Allison has coached competitively in central Arkansas for the past 13 years and has earned numerous choreography awards.
Her favorite style is contemporary, though she also has extensive knowledge and teaching experience in ballet, jazz, pointe, lyrical, partnering, tap, modern, improvisation, and pom. Her choreography emphasizes strong technical foundations while highlighting the artistry of storytelling through movement.
Allison finds great joy in teaching and helping dancers of all ages grow in both skill and confidence. She is especially excited to share this journey with her daughter, Scout, who is developing her own love for dance. Her son, Graham, enjoys ninja classes at MGC, and her husband, Alex, is a pilot and proud dance dad. Together, the Darby Family loves traveling-- especially to the beach and on Disney adventures!
INSTRUCTOR
Maria Spearn
Maria discovered her love for dance at age 2 and has been competing since she was 8. Her journey as in instructor began in 2018 teaching all ages, levels, and styles. A former Junior Ambassador for the Southern Association of Dance Masters, she also choreographs for pageants and programs across Arkansas, demonstrating her dedication to the dance community.
Named Distinguished Young Woman of Arkansas 2022, Maria holds a B.S. in Child Life from Harding University and is pursuing her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health & Wellness Counseling at John Brown University. She’s also certified to teach dancers with special needs.
While tap is Maria's favorite style of dance, she enjoys teaching ballet, jazz, hip hop, musical theater, contemporary, and pointe as well!
When she's not in the studio, you can find Maria spending time with her friends and family, attending car shows with her 1974 VW Thing, going to concerts, traveling, and reading with a good cup of coffee! Maria strives to make everyone that she encounters feels loved, heard, appreciated, and supported.