Westside Dance Academy

Hello, fellow Iowans! If you're searching for a truly exceptional dance studio where your child can not only learn the art of dance but also grow into a confident, disciplined, and compassionate individual, then Westside Dance Academy in Waukee is a name that resonates deeply within our community. For over 36 years, this beloved institution has been more than just a place to take classes; it's been a second home, a place of profound personal development, and a nurturing environment where lasting friendships are forged.

The heartfelt testimonials from their dance families speak volumes about the Westside Dance Academy experience. As one parent enthusiastically shared, "My daughter has been at Westside Dance Academy for 12 years. She has grown up here. She has learned so much about herself, friendship, trust, accountability and perseverance. It’s so much more than a dance studio. The owner, Cindy, loves our kids as her own. Genuinely. Oh, and my daughter has had some incredible teachers over the years! Highly recommend!" Another long-time admirer echoed this sentiment, stating, "I LOVE and respect this studio so much! 36 plus years ago I entered the door to enroll my daughter Kristi (Neil) Ickowitz, now a teacher there. I witnessed Professionalism, knowledge, talent and kindness from the owner Cindy Nelson. Then and now the entire staff are amazingly talented. The students are encouraged, challenged and loved. I have never known Cindy to forget a name. She treats everyone like family! You can never go wrong joining the dance family of Westside Dance Academy!" These powerful endorsements truly highlight the unique and supportive culture that permeates every aspect of Westside Dance Academy.

Westside Dance Academy is conveniently located at 125 NE Dartmoor Dr, Waukee, IA 50263, USA. This prime location in Waukee makes it easily accessible for families residing not only in Waukee but also in neighboring communities across the Greater Des Moines metropolitan area, including West Des Moines, Clive, Urbandale, and Adel. Its position within Waukee ensures straightforward navigation and typically provides ample parking, which is a significant advantage for parents juggling busy schedules and coordinating multiple activities.

The studio's presence in Waukee allows for seamless integration into the daily lives of local families, reducing travel time and making it simpler to prioritize dance education. This accessibility firmly establishes Westside Dance Academy as a vital community resource, bringing top-tier dance instruction within easy reach for Iowans passionate about the performing arts. They also have additional locations for gymnastics, extending their reach in providing physical activity opportunities.

Westside Dance Academy offers a comprehensive and diverse array of programs designed to cater to dancers of all ages, skill levels, and aspirations, from recreational enjoyment to competitive excellence. Their curriculum is structured to provide a well-rounded and progressive dance education, focusing on both technique and artistic expression.

• Recreational Dance Classes: Westside offers a wide range of recreational classes designed for fun, skill development, and a love for movement. Styles typically include:
  • Ballet: Foundational classical ballet training, including "Princess Dance" for young children (ages 2.5-5) and "Pre-Ballet" for slightly older students.
  • Tap: Emphasizing rhythm, coordination, and the clarity of sounds through footwork.
  • Jazz: Energetic classes focusing on technique, flexibility, and performance, often with a "Tap/Jazz/Tumble" combination for younger ages.
  • Hip Hop: Dynamic and popular street dance styles, including "Disney Hip Hop" for ages 4-5 and general Hip Hop for various age groups, even "Boys Hip Hop."
  • Musical Theater: Combining dance with acting and performance skills.
  • Acrobatics (Acro): Integrating dance with acrobatic and tumbling elements, enhancing flexibility, strength, and balance.
  • Contemporary: For older dancers (e.g., 9+ yrs), blending elements of ballet and jazz with emotional expression.
  • Beg Pom: For ages 8+, focusing on proper Pom technique, stamina, and dynamic routines.
  • Adult Ballet: Classes specifically for adult dancers (e.g., 18-60 yrs), allowing adults to pursue or revisit ballet.
• Accelerated Dance Troupe: A pathway for dancers interested in more intensive training across all areas. This leads to specialized performance groups.
• Performance Groups/Companies: For committed dancers who wish to perform and compete, including:
  • Hip Hop Company
  • Ballet Company
  • Elite Acrobatics
  • Performing Company
  • Northwest Fusion
  • These company dancers perform and compete both locally and nationally.
• Annual Performances: Many dancers participate in their annual Nutcracker/Holiday showcase and a large spring recital, providing valuable stage experience.
• Performing Arts Preschool: A unique program for children ages 3-5 that integrates pre-reading, writing, literature, math, and science with a full performing arts curriculum including art, drama, music, tap, jazz, ballet, acrobatics, and gymnastics. This program also explores different cultures.
• Gymnastics Programs: Beyond dance, Westside also offers recreational gymnastics classes and competitive gymnastics teams (Xcel Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum & Diamond), as well as Junior Olympic levels and an Acrobatics & Tumbling team.
• Camps and Events: Half or full-day camps are offered during school breaks (winter/spring break, school closures) and throughout the summer. They also host field trips and birthday parties.

Westside Dance Academy stands out in the Iowa dance community due to several exceptional features and highlights that contribute to its long-standing success and the profound loyalty of its dance families.

• Generational Impact and Enduring Legacy: The studio's 36+ year history, coupled with testimonials like "Westside Dance Academy was my entire childhood," highlights its deep roots and lasting influence. The fact that former students, like Kristi Ickowitz, return as teachers underscores the positive and nurturing environment that fosters lifelong connections.
• Exceptional Leadership and Caring Owner: Owner Cindy Nelson is consistently lauded for her "Professionalism, knowledge, talent and kindness." Her genuine love for the students, treating "everyone like family," creates an incredibly supportive and welcoming atmosphere that is rare to find.
• Dedicated and Talented Staff: The entire staff is described as "amazingly talented" and comprised of "incredible teachers." They are committed to encouraging and challenging students, ensuring they feel loved and supported throughout their dance journey.
• Focus on Holistic Development: Westside Dance Academy is "so much more than a dance studio." It instills vital life lessons such as "friendship, trust, accountability and perseverance," equipping students with skills that extend far beyond dance and prepare them for life.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: The Waukee location boasts three large, "state of the art studios," two of which are 35x50 feet with high ceilings. All studios feature professional sprung floors with Marley surfaces, mirrors, and sound systems, providing a safe and optimal environment for dance training.
• Comfortable and Convenient Amenities: The newly remodeled lobby offers ample comfortable seating, and there's a dedicated Kid's Room with a microwave and refrigerator for students, along with free Wi-Fi. These amenities enhance the overall experience for both students and waiting parents.
• Comprehensive Program for All Ages and Levels: From recreational classes for toddlers and adults to highly accelerated dance troupes and competitive companies, Westside offers a pathway for every dancer, ensuring continuous growth and diverse opportunities.
• Unique Performing Arts Preschool: This integrated preschool program offers a distinctive blend of traditional academics with a full performing arts curriculum, promoting early childhood development through creative expression.

For those in the Iowa area interested in enrolling or learning more about Westside Dance Academy, here is their contact information:

Address: 125 NE Dartmoor Dr, Waukee, IA 50263, USA

Phone: (515) 987-1531

Mobile Phone: +1 515-987-1531

For locals across Iowa, especially those in Waukee and the surrounding Greater Des Moines area, Westside Dance Academy is an exceptionally suitable choice for dance education. The profound impact it has had on generations of students, being described as their "entire childhood" and a "second home," speaks volumes about its nurturing and enriching environment. The genuine care from owner Cindy Nelson, who treats "everyone like family," and the dedication of the "amazingly talented" teachers create a truly unique and supportive community where students feel valued and encouraged.

The comprehensive nature of their offerings, from recreational classes in a myriad of styles like ballet, jazz, hip hop, and tap, to highly competitive performance companies, ensures that every dancer can find their place and pursue their passion at their own pace and commitment level. The emphasis on teaching vital life lessons—such as friendship, trust, accountability, and perseverance—means that students gain far more than just dance steps; they develop essential character traits that will serve them well in all aspects of life.

Furthermore, the state-of-the-art facilities, including professional sprung floors designed for dancer safety, and parent-friendly amenities like a comfortable lobby and a dedicated kids' room, enhance the overall experience. With over 36 years of expertise and a proven track record of fostering talent and confidence, Westside Dance Academy stands as a premier institution in our Iowa community. It's truly a place where children are encouraged, challenged, and loved, making it the ideal choice for any local family seeking a lifelong connection to the art of dance.

Westside Dance Academy

125 NE Dartmoor Dr, Waukee, IA 50263, USA