With its innovative style of teaching, cutting edge choreography and dedication to high-quality dance and music education, PAI is one of the fastest growing performing arts schools in the state of Alabama. 

The J. Lockhart Performing Arts Institute (PAI) was founded in 2002 by Mrs. Jacqueline Crenshaw Lockhart. The school was born out of a pilot program that had 20 students enrolled.  Currently, celebrating ten years PAI has served hundreds of children and youth. Many of PAI youth have used their training to pursue careers in the arts or arts related fields. 

Mrs. Lockhart, owner and artistic director of PAI, has over 30 years of formal training and professional experience in dance and theatre.  All of the primary instructors at PAI have formal dance training and professional performance experience in their field of expertise.  Our student teachers have trained extensively at PAI and are enrolled in the Pre-Professional Apprentice program. 

PAI offers classes for students who want a recreational experience or who desire a professional career in the arts.  The curriculum includes: ballet, jazz, modern, tap, hip hop, African for children and adults, voice and piano.

In the summer we offer a performing arts camp, a - mini class series and Showkids, our musical theatre show tour for youth ages 7 and 17.

PAI subsidiaries: SHOWTIME and Jacqui Productions

PAI's sister company, SHOWTIME offers clinics, camps and choreography to dance teams, flag lines, majoretteres and cheerleaders.

Jacqui Productions provides entertainment for corporate events, weddings, birthday parties and other special events.