Academy of Gymnastics, Tumbling, and Cheer

Didion Athletics is a family oriented club that offers a variety of classes in gymnastics, cheer, and dance. The classes are presented in a safe, fun and friendly atmosphere. We have both recreational and competitive programs for girls and boys of all ages. These programs include mom and toddler aerobics, kinder gym, recreational gymnastics for beginner through advance, tumbling, trampoline, cheer-nastics, cheer techniques, pop-rock dance and more.

We also offer open gym times, weekend birthday parties, and competitive events. In addition, for your convenience, we sell the latest athletic apparel and supplies for all your needs. Plus, take advantage of our café area where students and parents can relax, quench their thirst and grab a snack.

Gymnastics training can lay the foundation to a happier and healthier life. And for the athlete, it can also improve strength, flexibility, and coordination which are the core requirements for many sports. But most of all, gymnastics provides a team building environment where peers can interact with each other while keeping their eyes on accomplishing challenges. Our Vision is to offer every child the best learning experience possible through professional training, in a well organized gym, with state of the art equipment, in a fun-filled and supervised, learning environment. We strive to treat every kid equal regardless of their athletic abilities.

Didion Athletics is conveniently located on Gothic Ridge Road next to North Ridge Middle School. It is only a third of a mile from highway 40. With our premier location and facility size, we can easily serve Van Buren city and the surrounding area. The Van Buren site of Didion Athletics was chosen for the Sprit of the Town and it's Christian Heritage. We are grateful for the current community support thus received and are dedicated to building a better Van Buren community.

Phase one of construction is completed. It entails a 10,000 sq-ft building with a second floor capability. It will be used for training gymnastics, dance and cheer leading. It will feature a café and a pro-shop. Phase two of construction will include a second floor edition in the front half of the existing facility and an extension of the back end another 10,000 sq-ft. The addition will include a study area for young adults, an indoor soft play area for kids, private studios on the second floor for dance and karate, plus rentable rooms for private parties or club events. The building extension will more than double the gymnastic training area for a world class gymnasium. Phase three will add an additional 20,000 sq-ft along side phases one and two. This final phase will feature a full athletic center that includes exercise machines, weights training, spas, tanning, aerobics, swimming pools and more. Construction began November 1, 2006.

Phase one facility was constructed by Michael Didion and family -- Eugene Didion leading the effort with John Didion Sr. providing construction guidance. He also, though he won't admit it, has been instrumental in doing some of the actual construction work. Ruth Ann (our mother), Paul and Arthur Didion are financial backers working in hand. Without family support, this project would have never gotten off the ground. We are currently taking applications for new employment and are always looking for new opportunities that utilize our facilities.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact Michael Didion at mike.didion@didionAthletics.com. Our address is: Didion Athletics, 44 gothic ridge road, Van Buren AR, 72956. For Grand Opening information, see our Events page. For directions and a map to the location, click the Contacts and Map link.