American Dance Academy

For families and individuals throughout Delaware, especially those in the Hockessin area, discovering a dance studio that truly balances technical excellence with a nurturing and supportive environment is a treasure. The American Dance Academy (ADA) stands as a beacon for aspiring dancers of all ages and levels, consistently delivering high-quality instruction within a community that feels like a second family. This article will provide a detailed overview of what makes ADA a beloved and highly recommended institution for locals. We'll explore its convenient location, the extensive range of services it offers, its unique features and highlights, and ultimately, why it’s an ideal choice for Delawareans seeking top-tier dance education and a positive, transformative experience.

The American Dance Academy has been a cornerstone of dance education in Hockessin for over 24 years, providing students with exceptional training and fostering a deep love for the art form. Founded by Darlene Giordano Cummings in 1993, ADA's mission is clear: to provide the highest quality dance education in a safe and nurturing environment while encouraging students to work to their fullest potential. While they are a highly successful competition studio, often bringing home top awards, ADA uniquely prioritizes the health and safety of its dancers, focusing on perfecting technique, proper strength, and stretching, rather than merely drilling flashy choreography. This commitment to holistic development ensures that students not only excel in dance but also gain invaluable life skills such as discipline, self-confidence, teamwork, and achievement. From first-time beginners to seasoned pre-professionals, ADA’s dedicated staff, many of whom are long-standing members with extensive experience, strive to create well-rounded and positive dancers, inspiring a lifelong passion for performing and movement.

American Dance Academy is conveniently located at 126 Lantana Dr, Hockessin, DE 19707, USA. This address places it within the heart of Hockessin, a desirable community in northern Delaware, making it easily accessible for families residing within the town and from surrounding areas in New Castle County and beyond. Lantana Drive is a local route that connects effectively to larger thoroughfares, providing straightforward navigation for those traveling by car. The studio's position in Hockessin means it is part of a well-established area, often with good access to local amenities and services, which is a practical consideration for busy parents and students alike.

The accessibility of ADA is a significant advantage for Delaware residents. Its location in Hockessin offers a more suburban and less congested setting compared to urban centers, potentially reducing commute times and simplifying regular attendance. Ample parking is typically available at facilities of this nature, further enhancing convenience for parents dropping off or picking up dancers. This strategic placement helps solidify American Dance Academy as a central point for comprehensive dance education in the northern Delaware region, attracting students who seek professional, supportive, and safe dance instruction close to home. The ease of access underscores ADA's commitment to making quality dance training available to a broad segment of the community.

Services Offered:

• WEE Dance (Parent & Tot): For ages 18 months to 3 years, designed to develop fine and gross motor skills, rhythm, and socialization through music and movement, with parent/caregiver involvement.
• Pre-School Dance (PS1, PS2) and Kinderdance: Classes for ages 3-7 (PS1, PS2 for 3-4 years, Kinderdance for 5-7 years) combining ballet, tap, and often an optional jazz class. Focus on basic steps, turns, jumps, and simple combinations to build awareness of body, rhythm, and balance.
• Ballet: The foundational dance form, offered for ages 6 years through adult, from basic positions and steps to complex combinations. Classes emphasize proper barre work, body placement, arm movements, adagio, and allegro, developing physical and mental discipline.
• Tap: Classes for ages 6 years through adult, focusing on technique, speed, clarity of sounds, and rhythm. Includes both Broadway style and "hoofing" tap.
• Jazz: Classes for ages 6 years through adult, beginning with warm-ups designed to stretch and strengthen, and progressing to upbeat routines influenced by various styles. Ballet is often recommended as a prerequisite.
• Lyrical/Contemporary: Classes combining elements of ballet and jazz (Lyrical) and a blend of ballet, jazz, lyrical, and modern (Contemporary) to focus on expressive movement, emotional storytelling, and fluid transitions.
• Hip Hop: High-energy classes for ages 5 years and up, exploring various hip hop styles including breaking, locking, popping, and freestyle, set to edited pop/hip-hop music.
• Pointe: Specialized training for intermediate to advanced ballet dancers (minimum age 11 with 3 years of ballet training and instructor approval), focusing on supporting body weight on the tips of fully extended feet in pointe shoes.
• Acro/Conditioning: Classes for ages 8 years and up, providing an excellent workout for all-around fitness, focusing on warm-up, posture, stretch, flexibility, and teaching acrobatic skills from basic rolls and cartwheels to advanced handsprings and aerials.
• Dance Company (Competitive Teams): Comprised of dedicated dance students (ages 4 and up by audition) seeking challenges in classes, rehearsals, performances, and competitions. Organized into five levels, focusing on teamwork, self-confidence, and tailored guidance.
• Annual Recital: All students have the opportunity to perform in the professionally run annual end-of-the-year recital in June.
• Holiday Show & Community Tour: The Dance Company members participate in a mid-year holiday show and community tour.
• Summer Programs: Camps and intensives are available during the summer, including specialized dance options for younger (3-6) and older (7-12) age groups with themes like Hip Hop Tots, My Little Pony (Ballet & Acro), Pop Star (Jazz & Acro), and more.
• Master Classes & Guest Choreographers: ADA regularly brings in renowned dancers and choreographers from New York, California, and Philadelphia to broaden students' dance education.

Features / Highlights:

• Commitment to Dancer Health and Safety: ADA prioritizes the physical well-being of its students, emphasizing proper technique, strength, and stretching, which is a significant highlight for parents concerned about injury prevention.
• Exceptional Ballet Training: Considered the foundation of all dance, ADA offers comprehensive classical ballet instruction (Cecchetti and Russian methods), with a strong focus on technical development and discipline, praised by many, including the "ballet master."
• Supportive and Inclusive Environment: Reviewed as a studio where "the girls in the classes are nice (not 'mean girls')" and where the owners, front desk, and support crew are "SO nice," fostering a truly welcoming and non-competitive atmosphere among students.
• Age-Appropriate Choreography and Costumes: A key highlight for many parents is the appreciation for "very little overly suggestive choreography," ensuring that young teens are not over-sexualized in their performances.
• Experienced and Qualified Faculty: The staff has over 40 years of combined training and over 25 years of teaching experience across all dance genres, with many having higher education backgrounds in dance, music, education, and child development.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Includes dance rooms with professional marley sprung floors (designed with a special cushion) and high ceilings to prevent injury and aid in jumps and leaps.
• Comprehensive Curriculum for All Ages and Levels: From Parent & Tot to adult classes and beginner to pre-professional levels, ADA provides a full spectrum of dance education.
• Successful Competitive Dance Company: While a competition studio, they balance competitive success with a focus on technique and dancer well-being, offering invaluable performance experience at high-caliber events.
• Emphasis on Life Skills: Beyond dance, the academy instills discipline, self-confidence, self-assurance, social skills, and teamwork.
• Variety of Performance Opportunities: Students can participate in an annual recital, a mid-year holiday show, community tours, and competitive events, providing diverse stage experience.
• Continued Education for Instructors: Teachers partake in annual continuing education programs to ensure up-to-date, quality instruction.

Contact Information:

Address: 126 Lantana Dr, Hockessin, DE 19707, USA

Phone: (302) 234-9900

For families and individuals in Delaware, particularly those in Hockessin and the surrounding areas, the American Dance Academy (ADA) offers an exceptional and highly recommended dance experience. Its convenient location on Lantana Drive provides easy access, making it a practical choice for regular classes. What truly makes ADA stand out for locals is its unwavering commitment to providing the highest quality dance education within a safe, nurturing, and family-like environment. The emphasis on perfecting technique, proper strength, and stretching, rather than just flashy choreography, demonstrates a genuine care for the dancers' long-term health and development.

The studio's highly experienced and dedicated staff, including a celebrated ballet master, ensures top-tier instruction across a comprehensive range of styles for all ages, from toddlers to adults. Parents particularly appreciate the age-appropriate choreography and the inclusive atmosphere where "mean girls" behavior is absent, fostering genuine camaraderie among students. Whether a child is taking their very first dance class or a high school senior is a seasoned company member, ADA challenges them to the right level while ensuring they have a fun and supportive experience. For Delaware locals seeking a dance studio that truly invests in the holistic growth of its students—cultivating discipline, confidence, and a lifelong love for dance—American Dance Academy is undoubtedly a premier choice.

American Dance Academy

126 Lantana Dr, Hockessin, DE 19707, USA