AATT Academy is inspired by the training of BAAD!'s Artistic Director, Arthur Avilés, an accomplished choreographer and dancer who toured the world as a member of Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company before returning to the Bronx with his own dance company, Arthur Avilés Typical Theatre (AATT).

Arthur's unique accomplishments stem from his years of studying ballet, contemporary dance, gymnastics, wrestling, swimming, diving and various other forms that led him to create his own technique, Swift/Flow, which uses water as its foundation for movement.

In AATT Academy, Arthur empowers a faculty of professional dance teachers who utilize his core technique as the basis for the curriculum. As a result, the program has become a progressive training ground for a new generation of movers: athletic dancers who are in touch with their own bodies and behaviors.

AATT Academy prides itself on providing a positive, fun, safe, and creative environment, encouraging its participants -- students and adults alike -- to embrace five core values:

■  Celebrate individuality

■  Celebrate diversity

■  There’s freedom within structure

■  Always think in the fabulous realm

■ Dance together as a community