Detroit Windsor Dance Academy

For over four decades, the Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy (DWDA) has been a cornerstone of dance education and artistic development in the heart of Detroit, Michigan. Established in 1984 by Debra White-Hunt and her husband, Bruce Hunt, DWDA has transcended the typical dance studio, evolving into a revered sanctuary of art and community spirit. It's a place where the rich history and diverse future of dance converge, offering comprehensive training to students from toddlers as young as two years old to seniors in their nineties. DWDA's mission is deeply rooted in fostering skill, strength, grace, flexibility, and style, while also imparting invaluable life lessons that extend far beyond the dance floor. Many of its over 15,000 alumni have gone on to successful careers both in and outside of dance, a testament to the academy's profound and enduring impact on generations of dancers in the Michigan region.

The Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy is prominently located within New Center One, at 3031 W Grand Blvd #260, Detroit, MI 48202. This advantageous location places DWDA in the vibrant New Center commercial district, approximately three miles north of downtown Detroit and about one mile north of the Cultural Center. Nestled on the 2nd floor (suite 260) of this distinctive 8-story white building, situated on the northeast corner of Second Ave and W. Grand Blvd (just west of Woodward), the academy is easily accessible for families and individuals across Detroit and the surrounding Michigan areas. Being within New Center One provides convenient access to various amenities in the bustling district. While public transportation options are robust in this central Detroit area, ample parking is generally available in the vicinity, ensuring that commuting to and from classes is as seamless as possible for students and their families. This central and well-connected location solidifies DWDA's role as a key artistic institution within the community.

The Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy offers a rich and diverse curriculum designed to cater to dancers of all ages and proficiency levels, emphasizing a holistic approach to dance education.

• Comprehensive Dance Styles: DWDA provides instruction in a wide array of dance forms, including Ballet (encompassing Cecchetti, Russian, and French techniques), Acro, Tap, Modern, Contemporary (with Horton-based technique), Hip-Hop (combining Jazz, Break Dance, Pop Lock, and Street dance), Jazz/Funk, Liturgical (worship through dance), Jit (a Detroit original dance form), and Belly dance. This broad selection ensures well-rounded dancers.

• Age-Specific Programs: Classes are meticulously structured by age group to ensure age-appropriate learning and development. Programs include "Toddler Time," "Mommy and Me," "Daddy and Me" for ages 2-3 (with adult participation required), "Introduction to Dance" for ages 4-5, "Pre-Dance" for ages 6-7, and various leveled classes (Level 1, 1a - 2, 2a) for ages 8 and up. Adult Ballet is also offered for ages 16-99.

• Skill Levels: DWDA offers classes at Basic/Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced levels across all dance disciplines. Intermediate and Advanced levels typically require recommendation or audition and mandatory Ballet class enrollment, ensuring proper progression and technique development.

• Dancer I.Q. Program: A unique offering, the Dancer I.Q. program focuses specifically on dance excellence by teaching alignment, vocabulary, history, and anatomy, providing students with a deeper theoretical and practical understanding of dance.

• Annual Spring Concerts: Students gain invaluable performance experience through annual concerts held on professional stages like Music Hall Detroit, providing a thrill of a lifetime for young dancers and a platform for showcasing their skills.

• Summer Sessions & Camps: DWDA provides intensive summer programs for various age groups (e.g., 3-9 years, 10+ years, week-long camps for 6-12 years), offering concentrated training in multiple styles and culminating in showcase performances.

• Daddy & Daughter Dance: A beloved tradition, the Daddy & Daughter Dance allows fathers, grandfathers, and brothers to take the stage with their dancers, fostering unique bonds and creating cherished memories.

Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy stands out for several compelling features and highlights that contribute to its esteemed reputation in the Michigan dance community.

• Decades of Experience and Legacy: With over 40 years of operation since 1984, DWDA possesses a rich history and a proven track record of shaping over 15,000 dancers, from toddlers to seniors. This long-standing presence speaks volumes about its stability and enduring commitment to the arts.

• Exceptional Role Models and Staff: A consistent highlight from reviews is the quality of the staff and teachers, described as "excellent with the children" and "wonderful role models." This nurturing environment is crucial for fostering not just dance skills but also personal growth and character development in students.

• Debra White-Hunt's Visionary Leadership: Co-founder and guiding matriarch Debra White-Hunt is central to DWDA's success. Her dedication to education and nurturing talent, along with her extensive background as an artist, dancer, choreographer, and writer, has shaped the academy into a beacon of artistic excellence.

• Holistic Approach to Dance Education: DWDA emphasizes skill, strength, grace, flexibility, and style, combined with programs like Dancer I.Q. that delve into history, anatomy, and theory. This comprehensive training develops well-rounded dancers who understand the art form deeply.

• Professional Performance Opportunities: The annual Spring Concerts at prestigious venues like Music Hall Detroit provide students with a professional stage experience, boosting confidence and offering a tangible goal for their training.

• Community and Family Focus: Events like the Daddy & Daughter Dance underscore DWDA's commitment to community and family engagement, creating unique bonding experiences through dance.

• Inclusivity Across Ages: The academy's dedication to teaching students from age 2 to 95 exemplifies its inclusive philosophy, embracing the energy and opportunities that each age group brings to the dance floor.

• Resilience and Endurance: Having "weathered Michigan's harshest winters" and continually evolved for four decades, DWDA demonstrates remarkable resilience, a testament to its strong foundation and community support.

For inquiries regarding class registration, schedules, or any other information, please contact the Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy using the details below.

Address: New Center One, 3031 W Grand Blvd #260, Detroit, MI 48202, USA

Phone: (313) 872-7200

Email: info@detroitwindsordance.org

For locals in Detroit and across the broader Michigan region, the Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy is a highly suitable and enriching choice for dance education. While one recent review cited difficulties with initial communication, it's essential to consider the overwhelming positive feedback and the academy's impressive four-decade legacy. Parents consistently praise the staff as "excellent with the children" and "wonderful role models," indicating a nurturing environment where young dancers can truly thrive. DWDA's comprehensive curriculum, offering a wide array of dance styles from classical ballet to the unique Detroit Jit, ensures that students receive a well-rounded and culturally rich dance experience. The opportunity to perform on professional stages like Music Hall Detroit and engage in beloved community events like the Daddy & Daughter Dance further enhances the value proposition. For Michigan families seeking a dance home that offers not only top-tier instruction but also instills discipline, confidence, and a lifelong love for the arts, all within a historically significant and supportive community, the Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy remains a beacon of artistic excellence.

Detroit Windsor Dance Academy

New Center One, 3031 W Grand Blvd #260, Detroit, MI 48202, USA