Mo' Motion Dance Academy

- The Gallery, 1102 A St, Tacoma, WA 98402

For residents of Washington State's South Sound region seeking a professional, supportive, and high-quality dance education, the Mo' Motion Dance Academy in Tacoma stands out as a leading institution. The Academy is dedicated to empowering youth and adults through the transformative power of dance, seamlessly uniting artistic excellence with holistic mentorship. Their rigorous training program builds a strong technical foundation for all students, whether they aspire to a professional dance career or simply wish to enjoy dance as a means of fitness and artistic expression.

Founded and led by Artistic Director DéShawn, whose extensive background includes training at Tacoma City Ballet, a BFA in Dance with triple emphasis in ballet, modern, and jazz, and performances across the globe, the Academy brings a world-class perspective right to downtown Tacoma. Mo' Motion Dance Academy is more than just a school; it is a community-focused organization deeply committed to diversity and championing equitable access to the arts, ensuring that every local student feels seen, valued, and encouraged to thrive both on and off the dance floor.

Location and Accessibility

The Mo' Motion Dance Academy is strategically located in a prime cultural hub of Tacoma, Washington, ensuring easy access for families and students commuting from areas throughout Pierce County and the greater Puget Sound region.

Address: The Gallery, 1102 A St, Tacoma, WA 98402, USA

The facility is housed within the Tacoma Movement Center, located at Courthouse Square. This places the Academy in the heart of downtown Tacoma, close to the vibrant arts and culture district. Being situated in 'The Gallery' implies a professional and artistic setting, providing dancers with state-of-the-art studio space. The location benefits from excellent accessibility via Interstate 5 and is well-served by Tacoma’s Link Light Rail and bus routes, making it convenient for Washington commuters. Furthermore, the environment within the Tacoma Movement Center—a multi-generational, community-focused facility offering various movement modalities—enhances the holistic focus of the dance training.

Services Offered

The Academy offers a comprehensive range of classes designed to accommodate dancers at every stage of their journey, from their very first steps to pre-professional conditioning. The curriculum emphasizes a strong technical foundation across diverse styles.

• Youth Classes: Structured programs available for children and adolescents, typically categorized by age and skill level (e.g., 8-12 and 12-18).
• Beginner's Classes: Foundational instruction for dancers new to the art form, welcoming those with no prior experience to learn basic technique and vocabulary.
• Intermediate Classes: For students who have mastered basic skills and are ready for more complex choreography and technical challenges.
• Advanced Classes: Rigorous training tailored for dedicated dancers with aspirations of pursuing professional careers or advanced college programs.
• Adult Lessons: Classes designed specifically for adult learners of all levels, offering a welcoming environment for both fitness and artistic pursuit.
• Jazz: Specialized training in Jazz technique, a popular and expressive style taught within the curriculum.
• Ballet: The core of the technical training, with classes available for various age and proficiency levels, including introductory sessions and advanced pre-pointe/pointe work (subject to pre-approval).
• Pointe Classes: Advanced ballet instruction focused on developing the necessary strength and technique for dancing en pointe, requiring instructor approval.
• Contemporary Dance: Classes emphasizing expressive movement, drawing on elements of ballet and modern technique.
• Private Lessons: One-on-one instruction to address specific technical goals, prepare for auditions, or accelerate skill development.

Features / Highlights

The Mo' Motion Dance Academy distinguishes itself in the Washington dance community through several key highlights, all centered around a philosophy of holistic development and artistic excellence:

• Professional, Experienced Leadership: Artistic Director DéShawn provides world-class training and mentorship, rooted in his professional performance career and over 15 years of teaching experience.
• Holistic Mentorship: The Academy’s mission emphasizes building confidence, discipline, and essential life skills alongside technical proficiency, developing well-rounded individuals.
• Rigorous Training Program: The curriculum is designed to be high-quality and technically challenging, aligning with the standards required for professional dance careers.
• Commitment to Diversity and Equity: The school champions equitable access to high-quality dance education, reflecting a deep commitment to inclusivity for all members of the Washington community.
• Performance Opportunities: Students have opportunities to perform, with events like 'Steps... In The Key Of Life' and annual shows, allowing dancers to apply their training on stage.
• Partnership with Tacoma Movement Center: Located within a multi-disciplinary center, students benefit from a movement-focused environment that also offers related modalities like Pilates and somatics.
• Pre-Professional Track: The Academy supports the Mo' Motion Jr. Dance Company, offering audition-based training and performance experience for dedicated young artists.

Contact Information

For individuals in the Washington area interested in enrolling or learning more about the Mo' Motion Dance Academy’s programs, class schedules, or facility, please use the following contact details:

Address: The Gallery, 1102 A St, Tacoma, WA 98402, USA

Phone: (253) 344-7044

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Mo' Motion Dance Academy is choosing an environment that prioritizes the 'whole dancer'—a philosophy that resonates strongly with Washington families who value comprehensive development. The combination of the Artistic Director's professional pedigree and the school’s dedication to a positive, inclusive, and anti-competitive culture makes it a premier destination in the Puget Sound area. Washington residents choose Mo' Motion for its commitment to building high-level technical skill across styles like Jazz and Ballet, while simultaneously cultivating the confidence and resilience necessary for life beyond the studio. From the dedicated youth programs to the welcoming adult classes, the Academy offers a unique blend of challenging artistic training and a supportive community, ensuring that every student finds their motion and achieves their fullest potential in the heart of Tacoma.

Mo' Motion Dance Academy

The Gallery, 1102 A St, Tacoma, WA 98402, USA