The Dance Academy
The Academy provides a holistic dance curriculum for students ages 7-18 while developing, training, and challenging students' physicality, creativity, and performance skills in and out of the studio to prepare them for the rigors of a professional dance career. All dancers are required to study Ballet and techniques in African, Jazz, Modern, Hip-Hop, Theater, Tap, Capoeira, Liturgical Movement, and Dance Composition. Classes are held after school and on weekends.
Throughout the year, HDAT provides students with numerous opportunities to gain practical experience. These include attending outside performances, conferences, and festivals, as well as local and national performances. This focus on practical experience is part of HDAT's commitment to providing a learning environment that supports the discipline of dance and the development of the dance body, while also linking Black cultural traditions and history to excellence in preparation and performance.
Students are placed on the following tracks based on age, skill, commitment, and progression.
Dance Starts Here
Our Dance Starts Here developmental program is designed to inspire students between the ages of 3-6 to begin developing foundational skills in dance through movement exploration. Students develop motor skills, rhythmic awareness, coordination, and discipline through learning Rhythm Acting & Movement (RAM) in Pre-Ballet, African, Afro-Caribbean, Hip-Hop, Capoeira, Jazz, Liturgical, Tap, and Theater. Black dance history, culture, and traditions are laced throughout dance genres.
No previous dance experience is required. We offer programming throughout the year to keep students engaged and learning all year round.
Pre-Academy Track
The Pre-Academy is designed for students starting at age 7 who are committed to dance training. Students’ dedication, and commitment to learning the artistry of dance through disciplined class attendance, engagement, study, practice, and performance is required. With an emphasis on classical Ballet training, students study Jazz, Modern, Capoeira, African and Tap. There is a continued development and focus on Black dance history, culture, and traditions. At this level, students begin to develop self-confidence and a personal commitment to dance.
No previous dance training is required; however, an audition is required for acceptance and level placement.
Pre-Professional Track
The Pre-Professional Academy is designed for students, who are serious, committed dancers, seeking to expand and improve dance techniques and vocabulary while aspiring to become professional artists. The curriculum supports growth and proficiency in all genres and techniques. Students’ continued commitment to dance studies is evidenced in consistent class attendance, engagement, study, practice, and performance at their best, physically and mentally. With an expanded emphasis on classical Ballet training, students study Pointe, Jazz, Modern, African and Tap.
Students participate in master classes, workshops, and audition for performances.
