Uptown Dance Academy

- 186 E 123rd St, New York, NY 10035

In the heart of New York City, particularly in vibrant neighborhoods like Harlem and East Harlem, a dedicated dance school can be a vital resource for young people. Uptown Dance Academy, founded in 1996 by Robin Williams, is a performing arts school with a mission to provide high-quality dance training and cultural enrichment to urban youth. It is a place that goes beyond simply teaching steps, focusing on instilling self-discipline and personal achievement. For residents of New York, this kind of institution offers a valuable opportunity for children and teenagers to engage with the arts and prepare for potential careers on the professional stage.

The philosophy of Uptown Dance Academy is deeply rooted in providing comprehensive and professional training to minority youths who may not have had prior exposure to formal dance education. The academy prides itself on offering a diverse curriculum that includes a wide range of dance disciplines. Director Robin Williams, a highly respected choreographer and a certified American Ballet Theater teacher, has a personal history of performing with renowned companies, bringing a wealth of professional experience and a unique perspective to the school. This background is a key part of the academy's identity, as it ensures students are trained by a dedicated professional who understands the demands of the performing arts world.

The school has a strong focus on performance opportunities, setting it apart from many other dance schools. Students reportedly perform about 40 times a year outside of their regular calendar schedule, including full productions like the annual "Black Nutcracker." These opportunities provide invaluable real-world experience and prepare students for the professional stage. The reviews provided, however, raise some serious concerns about the safety and overall environment of the studio. One review from a parent mentions "an unsanitary and unsafe environment" with "homeless men wandering the halls after hours." Another review states there is "no leadership or purpose" and expresses concerns about a "dangerous environment." These reviews are a critical factor for any family to consider when evaluating this location for their children.

Uptown Dance Academy is located at 186 E 123rd St, New York, NY 10035, USA. This address places it in the East Harlem area of Manhattan, a central location for the community it serves. The studio is situated near Third Avenue, making it accessible via New York City's public transportation system. The specific location is on the second floor of the building, which is important to note for anyone visiting for the first time.

While information on specific accessibility features is not provided in the publicly available data, the studio's urban location means it is likely served by public transit that has some level of accessibility. For a business that is noted as being "good for kids," the safety and ease of access for families are paramount. The concerns raised in the reviews regarding the environment should be considered when assessing the location's suitability.

Uptown Dance Academy offers a wide variety of services and dance disciplines, catering to students from a young age to teenagers.

• Professional Dance Training: The school provides structured training in a number of dance styles.
• Ballet: Students can receive training in classical ballet, which is a foundational discipline for many dance forms.
• Tap: Classes are offered to teach rhythm and footwork.
• Modern & Jazz: Students can learn modern and jazz dance, which are essential for a diverse skill set.
• Acrobatics: Training in acrobatics is included, helping students with flexibility and strength.
• Hip Hop & African Dance: These classes cater to a range of interests, offering training in popular and culturally rich dance forms.
• Performance Opportunities: A key service of the academy is providing numerous opportunities for students to perform throughout the year.
• Professional Children's Dance Theatre: The academy runs a professional children's dance theatre, preparing students for the demands of a professional stage.

Uptown Dance Academy has several notable features and highlights that make it a unique part of the New York dance community.

• Focus on Urban Youth: The academy is specifically dedicated to serving urban youth, providing a professional and structured environment that may not be available elsewhere.
• Extensive Performance Schedule: Students reportedly perform around 40 times a year, which is a significant highlight and a major benefit for those serious about a dance career.
• Diverse Curriculum: The variety of dance styles offered, from ballet and jazz to hip hop and African dance, ensures a well-rounded education.
• Highly Experienced Founder: The school's founder and director, Robin Williams, is a highly respected choreographer and dancer with a professional background, which adds to the credibility and quality of the training.
• Convenient Payments: The studio accepts credit cards, providing a convenient payment option for families.
• Good for Kids: The business is focused on children, indicating a safe and nurturing environment for young students.

For more information, please use the contact details below.

Address: 186 E 123rd St, New York, NY 10035, USA

Phone: (917) 202-1601

When choosing a dance school for your child in New York, it is critical to consider all aspects of the environment, not just the curriculum. Uptown Dance Academy offers a robust training program and numerous performance opportunities that are highly appealing to aspiring dancers. The mission to provide professional training to urban youth is admirable and the breadth of dance styles offered is a significant benefit. However, the provided reviews raise serious concerns that a parent must take into account.

The negative feedback regarding an "unsanitary and unsafe environment" and a lack of "leadership or purpose" cannot be ignored. These are fundamental issues that can severely impact a child's safety and well-being. A parent's confidence in the school's oversight and security is paramount. The review mentioning homeless men in the halls after hours, while a singular account, points to a potential issue that would require a direct inquiry with the school's administration.

While the curriculum, and the reported success of the students in getting professional opportunities are positive points, the safety and leadership concerns are critical. For any New York resident considering this academy, it would be essential to visit the location in person, speak directly with the staff and leadership, and ask specific questions about security measures, class supervision, and studio cleanliness. A well-rounded dance education should include both artistic excellence and a safe, supportive, and professional environment. The information available suggests that while the artistic training may be strong, other factors require careful consideration and verification to ensure it is the right fit for your family.

Uptown Dance Academy

186 E 123rd St, New York, NY 10035, USA