WHO WE ARE

Our Mission

Adonai Arts Academy inspires creativity and confidence through high-quality instruction in art, music, dance, and theatre. Rooted in values of excellence, character, and purpose, we provide a nurturing environment where students of all ages can grow in their talents to glorify God.

A group of kids performing on stage, with one girl jumping and singing.

Adonai Arts Academy began in 2008 under the name Adonai International Dance, when its founder Serenity Vanderschoot began teaching a Ballet Princess camp to homeschool families in the Mt. Juliet and Lebanon area. After two years of teaching year round classes, Serenity knew that Adonai was more than a Dance Studio — it was a mission. Adonai officially began the process of becoming a 501c3 non-profit organization, and families already dedicated to Adonai began to serve on the board in Marketing, Accounting, and Legal roles. Adonai grew at an insane rate!

Eventually, the dance studio began to outgrow itself. Adonai International first began working with Nashville First Church of the Nazarene in 2013 for Adonai’s first recital. After the recital, Pastor Ulmet had approached Serenity about teaching dance classes in Nashville, but Serenity was confident that Adonai International should stay in the Lebanon Area. With this, Naz Arts Academy was born and helped bring music and art education to Nashville. However, in 2016 God had a bigger plan to bring both organizations together.

After much prayerful consideration, the Boards from Adonai International, Naz Arts Academy, and Nashville First Church of the Nazarene sat down together and decided to join forces. They worked together, taking one piece from each name and officially became Adonai Arts Academy.

Today, the company remains a 501c3 under 510 Foundation and helps to bring the inspiration of the arts to students in Nashville, Mt. Juliet, and Lebanon. The company is dedicated to the purpose of Adonai as Master to help teach students what it means to be a master of the arts while letting Christ be a master in their lives.

ABOUT US

A woman with long dark hair, smiling, in front of a leafy green background, wearing a black top with a pink floral pattern.

Amy Mitchell, Executive Director

“God has given us the arts to create, emote and thrive. At Adonai, we are passionate about creating safe and inventive spaces to learn through the arts to be life-time creators and communicators.”