Discover Your Creative Potential: Where Young Artists Become Creative Leaders
At the Marshall L. Davis African Heritage Cultural Arts Center (DAHCAC), we believe every child deserves the opportunity to explore their creativity, build confidence, and develop lifelong skills through the arts. For 50 years, Miami-Dade families have brought their children to The Marshall L. Davis, Sr. African Heritage Cultural Arts Center for lessons in acting, dancing, singing, music, stage management, costume making, cinematography, and more. The Center’s alumni list includes a who’s who of the arts and entertainment industry internationally including MacArthur Fellows awardee Tarell Alvin McCraney (award-winning playwright and Oscar Award winner for Moonlight), Willerm Delisfort (multi-dimensional pianist and composer), Shareef Clayton (international trumpeter, Duke Ellington Orchestra), and Robert Battle, former Artistic Director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Company. These are just a few of the high-profile artists who credit their success to experiences and training they received at the Center.
DAHCAC arts academies offer classes in classical, contemporary and ethnic art forms to promote diversity and provide skills that challenge technical and creative ability.
DAHCAC arts academies offer classes in classical, contemporary and ethnic art forms to promote diversity and provide skills that challenge technical and creative ability.
Join Our Creative Community
Register for upcoming classes or contact us to learn how DAHCAC can help your child discover the transformative power of the arts. Your child’s creative journey can begin here.
The After School Arts Academy offers engaging artistic learning experiences starting at 2 p.m., with five 8-week sessions that align seamlessly with the Miami-Dade Public School calendar.
Arts Workshops engage students ages 5–16 in the cultural heritage of the African Diaspora through performance and visual arts. With full-day classes, early drop-off, and a family showcase, school breaks become creative journeys.
Summer Arts Academy runs June–August during Miami-Dade Public School break, offering students a structured creative experience in theater, music, dance, visual arts, fashion, technical arts, and more.
Saturday Academy is a dynamic arts education program designed to inspire, educate, and nurture young creatives every weekend.
The Instrumental Start Fellowship at The Marshall L. Davis African Heritage Cultural Arts Center (DAHCAC) is a transformative opportunity designed to cultivate the next generation of musicians and music educators.
Creative Programs
Theater
From acting and improvisation to stage presence and performance, students strengthen communication skills, build confidence, and bring powerful stories to life on stage. Theater training encourages students to explore character, emotion, collaboration, and storytelling while developing skills that extend far beyond the stage.
Fashion
Young designers explore fashion illustration, textiles, accessory design, and garment construction while developing technical skills, creative problem-solving, and a distinctive design voice. Through hands-on studio projects, students learn to research, sketch, and prototype—moving ideas from mood board to runway-ready pieces—while building confidence in craftsmanship, styling, and sustainable practices.
Dance
Through the Marshall L. Davis Sr. African Heritage Cultural Arts Center's dance program, students develop technique, coordination, discipline, and self-expression while exploring a variety of dance styles. The program encourages young dancers to pursue excellence, embrace creativity, and develop their own artistic voice.
CINEMATOGRAPHY: FILM & DIGITAL STORYTELLING
Students explore filmmaking, camera operation, editing, script development, and digital media production. Inspired by DAHCAC alumnus. Inspired by DAHCAC alumnus Tarell Alvin McCraney, whose creative journey from the Center led to international recognition as an Academy Award-winning screenwriter and playwright, students learn how powerful stories can shape perspectives and connect communities.
Music
Students explore the fundamentals of music through rhythm, melody, performance, and creative expression. Through hands-on instruction and ensemble experiences, young musicians develop confidence, discipline, teamwork, and an appreciation for the power of music.
VISUAL ARTS
Young artists explore drawing, painting, mixed media, sculpture, and design while developing artistic techniques, creative problem-solving skills, and their unique visual voice. Through hands-on experiences, students learn to observe, imagine, and communicate ideas while building confidence in their creative abilities.
Age Requirements
Ages 5-10
Students ages five to ten participate in classes to develop skills in all the arts disciplines. The prescribed classes provide a solid foundation in the various art disciplines enabling students to discover and develop his or her talent.
Ages 11-16
Students ages 11-16 are permitted to choose classes based on their interests and abilities. The progressive learning classes are broken down by levels (beginner, intermediate, and advanced).
Students ages five to ten participate in classes to develop skills in all the arts disciplines. The prescribed classes provide a solid foundation in the various art disciplines enabling students to discover and develop his or her talent.
Ages 11-16
Students ages 11-16 are permitted to choose classes based on their interests and abilities. The progressive learning classes are broken down by levels (beginner, intermediate, and advanced).
Registration is open
The After School Arts Academy is designed to provide artistic learning experiences during after-school hours, beginning in August, with classes starting at 2 p.m. The five eight-week sessions align with the Miami-Dade County Public Schools calendar.