Uptown Dance Academy

- 345 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY 10027

Uptown Dance Academy, a cherished institution in the heart of Harlem, is a destination for aspiring dancers of all ages. This is not your average dance school; it's a place with a clear mission: to provide high-quality dance training and professional children's dance theatre, especially for urban and minority youth. Founded in 1996 by Robin Williams, a former principal dancer with the Dance Theatre of Harlem, the academy is a testament to her dedication to exposing children to the rich world of professional dance. Here, students not only learn a diverse curriculum but also gain self-discipline, cultural enrichment, and a sense of personal achievement.

The core of Uptown Dance Academy's philosophy is its commitment to turning "youth into stars." It offers rigorous, certified training designed to prepare students for professional careers in dance, with many of its alumni going on to secure scholarships for major institutions and professional jobs on Broadway. The academy's well-rounded curriculum, which includes ballet, tap, modern, jazz, acrobatics, hip hop, and African dance, is designed to give students the foundation they need to succeed on any stage. One reviewer's praise for the "experienced teacher" and the "excellent dance classes" speaks to the high caliber of instruction that is a hallmark of the academy.

Uptown Dance Academy prides itself on being a theatrical dance school that offers an unparalleled number of performance opportunities. Students perform regularly throughout the year, including in the academy's annual Black Nutcracker production, a highlight for the entire community. These performances provide invaluable real-world experience, allowing students to apply what they've learned and build confidence on stage. The academy's long-standing presence in Harlem, where it has successfully developed and trained local youth for nearly three decades, solidifies its reputation as a cornerstone of arts education in the neighborhood.

The academy’s mission is about more than just dance; it's about providing a path to success for underserved and undertrained dancers. It aims to be a hub where dreams come true, forging partnerships with artists and nonprofits who share a vision of a world without racial and socioeconomic barriers in the arts. This dedication to equity and opportunity is a defining feature of Uptown Dance Academy and a powerful reason it has become such a respected institution in New York City.

Uptown Dance Academy is located at 345 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY 10027, USA. It is also noted to have had a previous location at 186 East 123rd Street, which adds to its deep roots in the East Harlem community. The current location on Malcolm X Boulevard is a central and well-known thoroughfare, making it easily accessible for families residing in Harlem and surrounding neighborhoods.

Its location in a bustling part of the city means it is well-serviced by various public transportation options. The proximity to multiple bus routes and subway lines provides a convenient and straightforward commute for students and their families. This ease of access is a key factor for those with busy schedules, ensuring that a professional dance education is within reach. However, it's worth noting the feedback from a reviewer who mentioned the building's lack of security and custodial service. While the academy's commitment to dance excellence is clear, potential students and parents may wish to inquire about the current state of the facilities to ensure it meets their expectations for safety and comfort.

Uptown Dance Academy offers a wide variety of dance disciplines and programs for students of all ages and levels.

• Diverse Dance Curriculum: The academy provides professional training in ballet, tap, modern, jazz, acrobatics, hip hop, and African dance, ensuring a well-rounded education.
• Youth and Adult Classes: Classes are available for ages 3 to 19, as well as for adults who wish to train or take open classes.
• Transformation Trainee Program: A rigorous curriculum with a minimum number of weekly classes in all disciplines.
• Transformation Academy: A pre-professional program for serious students aiming to secure admission into high school and college dance programs.
• Private Classes: Customized, one-on-one training sessions available for both children and adults.
• Preschool Program: A combination class of Pre-Ballet and Acrobatics for young children.
• Performance Opportunities: Students are provided with numerous opportunities to perform throughout the year in a professional theatre setting.
• Teacher Training: The academy is committed to training the next generation of dance educators.
• Open Classes: Drop-in classes are available for teens and adults, often with special discounted rates for college students and professional dancers.

Uptown Dance Academy is distinguished by several key features and highlights that set it apart in the New York dance community.

• Professional Training for Youth: The academy specializes in providing professional-level training to urban and minority youth, preparing them for a career in the performing arts.
• Abundant Performance Opportunities: No other theatrical dance school in New York City offers as many performance opportunities, a huge benefit for aspiring professionals.
• Experienced Faculty: The instructors are highly experienced professionals, like founder Robin Williams, a former principal dancer with the Dance Theatre of Harlem.
• Diverse and Inclusive Curriculum: The curriculum is a fusion of certified techniques, including ballet, modern, and African dance, catering to a wide range of interests.
• Community-Oriented Mission: The academy is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering cultural enrichment, self-discipline, and personal achievement.

For more information about classes, registration, or events, you can contact Uptown Dance Academy using the information below.

Address: 345 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY 10027, USA
Phone: (917) 202-1601

When it comes to choosing a dance school in New York, Uptown Dance Academy is a compelling option, particularly for families seeking a professional and purpose-driven environment. While a review did raise concerns about safety and maintenance, the overwhelming sentiment from many is the high quality of dance training. One of the most important factors that makes this academy worth choosing is its unwavering commitment to providing a professional dance education for youth. The "excellent dance classes" and the focus on "training with an experienced teacher" are direct benefits of a curriculum designed to produce professional dancers. The founder, Robin Williams, is a testament to this, as a highly respected choreographer and former principal dancer.

Another key reason to choose Uptown Dance Academy is the sheer number of performance opportunities it provides. For a young dancer, the chance to perform in a full production like "The Black Nutcracker" and other shows throughout the year is invaluable experience that can’t be easily found elsewhere. This hands-on, stage-ready training is what truly sets their students apart. Furthermore, the academy's mission to serve and empower minority youth is a powerful motivator for many families who want their children to receive a high-quality education in a culturally enriching environment.

While some reviews raise concerns about the physical location, the mission and the quality of the training remain the top reasons for a positive experience. The academy's history of successfully training students who have gone on to professional careers speaks for itself. For a student who is serious about dance and wants a structured, professional, and performance-oriented program, Uptown Dance Academy is a destination that delivers on its promise to "transform youth into stars."

Uptown Dance Academy

345 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY 10027, USA