Expression City — Attraction in Brentwood

I am a mom to a very extraordinary 13 Year old gal! I know, I know every mom thinks that about their child. She basically came out of the womb screaming a showtune! At the age of 3 she had memorized "Too Much Heaven on their Minds" from The musical Jesus Christ Superstar. If you are a mother like me, you want to make sure to encourage your child to live their dreams, to be themselves to never lose that magic we are all born with. I set out on a journey through Nashville to find special programs for my daughter. I found the Encore program and she was accepted into that at the age of three. It was the closest program at the time that thought outside the box. Still I knew I would soon have to make a decision as to what elementary school I would enroll her in. I so desperately wanted to homeschool her but I had no idea where to start and Kindergarten was upon us. I enrolled her in our neighborhood school which I was told was a lottery school that many people wanted their children to attend, I was told this was a unique school. I was hopeful. In the meantime I searched for after school programs. Over the years we tried many drama ,gymnastics, and drawing classes. They were all okay but I always knew something was missing. By the time my daughter got to the 3rd grade she was bored and feeling stifled. I started to see my baby's spark dwindle. I made it my mission to find her people, find the right place for her. First I decided that after she graduated 4th grade I would homeschool her. I joined as many homeschool groups that I could find. We were off and running and it felt great, but I still needed to help my daughter get the creative training, that outside the box learning. Last year I found a post from another homeschool mom who was talking about this amazing Performing Arts Home School Academy. It turned out to be Expression City. Although me homeschooling her was a first step, I knew she needed to hone her craft, her singing, her acting. This fall we attended a trial class at Expression City and it has changed my daughter's life so tremendously. As soon as she met the students she felt like she had found her tribe. When we met the Director and the teachers we knew we were finally home. The programs they were offering were unbelievable, the training that she was about to receive was priceless! She was the youngest in class and pretty nervous to be in a class with older students. She soon learned that these were not any ordinary students they embraced her immediately. Six months later my gal is transformed back to her true self again! These students are professional and so mindful and supportive of each other. The teachers are impeccable. The classes that are offered, I promise you are not to be found anywhere else. Unless perhaps you were in a top Performing Arts academy in New York. Besides learning how to act, dance, sing they are learning work ethic, self esteem and mindfulness. Those are three very important things be successful in life. If you have read this far and you are thinking where is this lady going with this? I just want any parent out there that is looking for something different for your child get over to Expression City. Blandina is the director in charge of the Home School Academy. I would need another 10 pages to let you know about all of her professional experience and how very much she loves the students. I will be forever grateful for Allison & Roy Barberi for creating this very special Homeschool Performing Arts Academy. Not to mention the amazing after school classes like Ariel arts, circus arts and private lessons. Expression City is a treasured place for me and my family and I know it would be to...

I decided to put my daughter into one of the musical theater classes at five years old. I was hoping it would fit her interest and help her develop some confidence while having fun. She just wrapped up her second production and had a blast. She’s still super shy during the actual performances but she absolutely LOVES rehearsals. She comes out of class super excited and telling me she wishes rehearsal would never end. The staff and the other kids are such an encouraging and supportive bunch. My daughter has told me several times of how an older child has helped her with something difficult or helped calm her nerves before the performances. It’s so fun to see how hard these kids work and how it’s always more important to help each other than to be center of attention or the star of the show. It’s very clear that the staff is also very supportive and the kids are comfortable with them and trust them. Just a great group of people to be around and my child has benefitted more than she realizes. In less than a year she’s grown a lot and continues to want to...

My son has had the privilege of attending the performing arts academy and participating in two evening musical theatre classes, which culminate in a full production, at Expression City. He has grown so much through these programs and made memories that will surely last a lifetime. The instructors and directors are so passionate about their professions and make a sincere effort to get know each of the kids. We are so thankful to have found this little piece of heaven for my son! I can't wait to see how he continues to grow as an actor, musician, singer, and dancer through...