Impactful Stories & Testimonials
Through song, she transforms and expresses all things.
The arts help students express repressed trauma that may be standing in their way. Jaime joined PTDYA in middle school. She was suffering from a recent traumatic experience when her music teacher asked her to “reach down inside herself and find something that hurt, something she could convey in the song.” As Jaime sang through her pain, she was able to free herself of her secret and “let loose this awful experience,” revealing to her teacher that she had been sexually molested. Because of PTDYA, Jaime was able to expose the secret eating away at her. Teachers and family sprang into action, providing support, and the tools Jaime needed to heal. And she has thrived. Currently a high school senior, Jaime is preparing for college in 2021.
Studies indicate 60% of African American girls have been sexually assaulted by the time they are 18.*
There have been many young women like Jaime that PTDYA has reached and many more in need of our programs. PTDYA is a critically needed safe space where students like Jaime can give voice to their pain and begin the healing process.
*Source: “What’s hidden in plain sight: A look at child sexual abuse,” American Psychological Assoc., 2014
I thank Mike Jones for being that person who truly finally saw me!
PTDYA sees the potential and uniqueness of each student. When Ceeana was in middle school she said she felt” overlooked and, underestimated,” causing her to become withdrawn, “shielding my true personality from everyone.” In high school, when PTDYA entered her life, she finally felt acknowledged and seen. The staff and programs of PTDYA encouraged Ceeana’s interest in the performing arts and she grew to be a confident and social young woman, performing in professional theatre productions and movies. She is now a dance major at Columbia College of Chicago and is currently working on a TV documentary with the BET network.
Every time I perform, I always feel a calm come over me and forget everything negative in my life. I’m in my safe place where no bit of reality can touch me. Performing is my only outlet away from any worries that I have; it’s my therapy.
— Ceeana H.
African American students, often overlooked and ignored by society, need opportunities to be acknowledged, to find self-worth, and to realize their full potential. PTDYA sees every student as worthy and ensures they will be seen for who they can become.
Great Lakes Academy
I am beyond pleased with Great Lakes Academy’s partnership with the Performance Theater and Dance Youth Academy and would encourage other schools to consider a collaboration. Over the last couple of years at our school, PTDYA has consistently demonstrated excellence in their work with our staff and our students. Most notably, they produced an outstanding student performance at our gala that was memorable for our students and our school partners. Additionally, PTDYA enlivened our Black History Month programming where their creative direction and innovative choreography brought a powerful and educational experience to both our students and families. Their thorough, professional planning and production resulted in a successful event and was an amazing addition to our school’s menu of programming. Last, PTDYA partnered with us in creating a summer arts program open to the community beyond our student body.
Beyond producing top-rate student performances, PTDYA has greatly contributed to both our in-school and extended day programming. They thoughtfully engaged our students in the arts, inspired and supported their growth, all while adapting to various learning styles with ease. They introduced the students, many for the first time, to the world of theater and dance and awakened the possibility of a performing arts career. Their commitment to fostering young talent and curating positive opportunities for students aligns perfectly with the mission and values of our school.
I am confident that Performance Theater and Dance Youth Academy would be a valuable asset to any school who cares about providing students a well-rounded education and would have a great impact on any school’s community.
Sincerely,
Josh Miller
Principal
YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago’s Community Schools Initiative
The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago’s Community Schools Initiatve is happy to write a letter of support for our respected partner, the Professional Theatre and Dance Youth Academy (PTDYA). The YMCA has worked with PTDYA for the past two school ycars.
Mike Jones and PTDYA’s qualified instructors worked with students at one of our Y Community Schools, Alex Haley Elementary, to put on a staged production of The Wiz during the 2018·2019 school year. It was such a treat to see Haley students acting, singing, and dancing with huge smiles on their faces in front of classmates and guests. It was a true pleasure to witness young people uplifted and empowered through the performing arts.
We were eager to see their performance of Beauty and the Beast at Haley in April 2020 before the closing of our schools made that impossible. We look forward to having PTDYA back at Haley as soon as possible so they can continue their impactful work with students.
Not only has PTDYA’s theater arts programming bcncfittcd a large number of Haley students, PTDYA has been a wonderful program partner and a real joy to work with. In addition to being great at what they do, Mike Jones and his team are extremely accommodating and flexible. They are also truly dedicated to sharing their passion for theater and the performing arts with students throughout Chicago.
Thank you PTDYA for being such a valuable program partner to the Y’s Community Schools Initiative. We look forward to continuing our impactful work together for years to come.
Sincerely,
Eric Werge – Executive Director
Antwon Mallory – Program Director
Higgins Community Academy
On behalf of the Higgins Community Academy stakeholders, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation for the exceptional work PTDYA did with our students. Your performances and engagement with our school was nothing short of inspiring.
From the moment your team stepped into our building, your professionalism, passion, and dedication to the arts were clearly evident. The performances were vibrant, moving, and masterfully executed—captivating students and staff alike. It brought the stage to life and created an experience that many of our students will remember for years to come.
Even more impactful was the way PTDYA connected with our students through classes and interactive moments. You made the performing arts accessible, inclusive, and empowering for all participants, regardless of their prior experience or skill level. Many students who had never considered theatre or dance as a form of expression walked away with newfound confidence and excitement.
You not only entertained us—you educated, uplifted, and united our school community. Your ability to blend creativity with character development, discipline, and teamwork perfectly aligns with our mission to nurture the whole child.
Thank you for sharing your talents and investing your time in our students. We look forward to future collaborations and continuing to build a strong partnership in support of the arts in education.
With sincere appreciation,
Mrs, Charnette House
Charnette Marshall
Principal