Forty years ago, Mary Jo Scanio envisioned creating an environment
that would allow students of all ages to learn and celebrate the arts.
Today, under her tutelage, her dancers and Mary Jo’s Performing Arts
Academy are recognized among the top in the nation. The Academy
(MJPAA) is a leader in the Tampa bay area specializing in Dance,
Acting, Voice and Music education.
Mary Jo Scanio is the owner and Director of Mary Jo’s Performing
Arts Academy, Artistic Director of Universal Movement Performing
Arts Company, and Artistic Director of Tampa Bay Triple Threat
Theatre. Her background includes a Fine Arts Degree from the
University of South Florida with concentrations in Dance Performance
and Choreography.
Her performing credits include local, regional and national
company productions, performing with artists such as Ben Vereen and
Ann Reinking. She performed with the Florida Ballet Theater, Tampa
Jazz Company and Florida Jazz Dance Ensemble. She was an NCAA
dancer for USF as well as an NFL Cheerleader for the Tampa Bay
Buccaneers. As a choreographer, she has received many honors and
her work has been invited into festivals and congresses throughout
the country. She has choreographed and taught for the Super Bowl,
NFL teams, NCAA dance teams, Industrials, National Commercials,
Television and Fashion Shows.
“The Academy was founded on the belief that arts education
creativity and life lessons necessary for students to succeed in any path
they choose,” Mary Jo explained. “The Academy has been home to
thousands of aspiring artists, many who are currently enjoying careers
in the performing arts as entertainers, choreographers and educators.
who, through the discipline of arts education, are soaring in science,
technology liberal arts, and most importantly in Life!” Mary Jo added.
The Academy is the home of The Tampa Bay Triple Threat
Theatre, The Universal Movement Performing Arts Company and the
Classical Ballet of Tampa. There are a variety of disciplines and levels
provided for all ages from recreational to those wanting to pursue the
arts as a career. Opportunities for students to showcase their talents
throughout the year is abundant and ranges from Ballet and Musical
Theater Productions, to community outreach presentations and events.
“One of our major priorities for Tampa Bay Triple Threat Theatre
is to implement community outreach programs,” Mary Jo explained.
“We seek to provide scholarships, education, and training to groups and
individuals to study and grow through participation in the performing
arts. Research proves that participation and exposure to the arts
contributes to the overall success of our youth. It is TBTTT’s goal to
provide the vehicle for the arts to enhance our youth’s development.”
Many of Mary Jo’s students have gone on to pursue professions
in dance and the performing arts, including dancing on Broadway, at
theme parks, on cruise ships, with Cirque, as Rockettes, on television
and commercials. Several are professional choreographers, teachers and
directors in the industry.
The Academy offers classes year round, including many
camps during the summer months. In late August, Mary Jo’s will be
accepting auditions for their productions of Beauty & the Beast and The
Nutcracker. For more information, please call (813) 969-0240 or visit
www.mjpaa.com.
Mary Jo’s Performing Arts Academy is
located at 15906 Mapledale Drive in Tampa.
18 | Land O’ Lakes MAGAZINE | VOLUME I • ISSUE II | TO ADVERTISE CALL 813.501.4894
Mary Jo Scanio
Mary Jo’s Performing Arts Academy
/www.mjpaa.com