Westside Dance Academy Introduce
For families in Waukee and the surrounding Des Moines metro area, Westside Dance Academy stands out as more than just a place to learn to dance; it is a true community and a second home. With a legacy spanning over 36 years, this studio has established itself as a premier institution for dance education, built on a foundation of professionalism, talent, and profound kindness. Under the leadership of owner Cindy Nelson, the studio fosters an environment where every student is seen and valued, creating a sense of belonging that resonates with both dancers and their families. It is a place where young people can grow not only in their artistic abilities but also in their character, learning valuable life lessons about perseverance, trust, and accountability.
The core philosophy of Westside Dance Academy is centered on the belief that a positive and supportive environment is crucial for a dancer's growth. The reviews from long-time customers are a powerful testament to this, with one parent noting that their daughter "has grown up here" and learned "so much about herself, friendship, trust, accountability and perseverance." This speaks to the studio's holistic approach to education, where the development of character is just as important as mastering a difficult ballet step. The fact that an alumna of the studio is now a teacher there highlights the lasting impact of its culture. This dedication to fostering a welcoming, family-like atmosphere has made Westside Dance Academy a beloved institution for generations of Iowa dancers.
Westside Dance Academy is conveniently located at 125 NE Dartmoor Dr, Waukee, IA 50263, USA. This central location makes it highly accessible for families in Waukee and neighboring communities. The studio is committed to accessibility for all, as evidenced by its wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot. These features ensure that the studio is a welcoming and practical option for every family, regardless of their needs.
The address on NE Dartmoor Drive places the studio in a well-established and easily navigable part of Waukee, which is a great convenience for busy parents. This prime location, combined with the studio's long-standing reputation, makes it a familiar and trusted landmark in the community. The ease of access, along with a facility designed to accommodate everyone, reinforces the studio’s commitment to providing a seamless and positive experience from the moment you arrive.
Westside Dance Academy offers a comprehensive and diverse range of dance classes to suit dancers of all ages and abilities.
- Ballet Classes & Training: The studio provides a solid foundation in ballet, offering classes from basic ballet to advanced pointe classes and technique.
- Creative Movement & Preschool Ballet: Programs specifically designed for the youngest dancers to explore movement in a fun and engaging way.
- Jazz Classes: Energetic and rhythmic classes for a popular dance style.
- Tap Dance & Tap Technique: Lessons focused on mastering rhythm and footwork.
- Street Dancing: A modern and dynamic style of dance that appeals to many students.
- Competition Program & Choreography: For dancers interested in a more intensive and competitive path.
- Recreational Program & Concert Classes: Providing a less intensive option for those who want to dance for fun and exercise.
- Summer Classes: Flexible programs offered during the summer months.
- Dance Recital: The opportunity for all students to showcase their skills and hard work in an end-of-year performance.
This wide variety of offerings demonstrates the studio’s ability to cater to a broad spectrum of interests and commitment levels. Whether a student is looking for a fun recreational activity or a rigorous competitive training program, Westside Dance Academy has a class to meet their needs. The fact that they offer "Ballet Training" and "Ballet Technique" specifically shows a dedication to teaching the foundational skills of dance with a high level of expertise.
Westside Dance Academy stands out in the Waukee dance community for a number of compelling reasons.
- Decades of Experience: With over 36 years in operation, the studio has a proven track record of excellence and a deep-seated reputation in the community.
- Personalized Care from the Owner: The owner, Cindy Nelson, is described as loving the students "as her own" and remembering everyone's name, which creates a highly personal and nurturing atmosphere.
- Focus on Character and Life Lessons: The studio's emphasis on teaching more than just dance—including perseverance, accountability, and friendship—is a key highlight.
- Highly Talented Staff: Customers praise the "incredibly talented" and "amazing" teachers who challenge and encourage students.
- Inclusive and Welcoming Environment: The studio is suitable for children of all ages and is known for being a family-like community where everyone is accepted.
- Accessibility: Provides a wheelchair accessible entrance and parking lot, ensuring the studio is open to all.
- Convenient Payment Options: Accepts both credit and debit cards, making enrollment and payments easy for families.
The heartfelt customer reviews are the most powerful testament to the studio's unique culture. The fact that a former student is now a teacher speaks volumes about the lasting, positive impact Westside Dance Academy has on its dancers. The phrase "you can never go wrong joining the dance family of Westside Dance Academy" is a powerful endorsement of trust and quality.
For more information or to enroll in classes, you can contact Westside Dance Academy directly.
Address: 125 NE Dartmoor Dr, Waukee, IA 50263, USA
Phone: (515) 987-1531
Mobile Phone: +1 515-987-1531
Reaching out via phone is the best way to get all the details you need about class schedules, tuition, and to speak with a staff member who can help you find the perfect program for your dancer.
What is truly worth choosing about Westside Dance Academy is its unwavering commitment to the personal and artistic development of every student. In a world where dance can sometimes be highly competitive, this studio provides a refreshing and valuable alternative. The owner’s genuine love for the students and the staff’s ability to provide high-quality instruction in a kind and encouraging manner are its most significant assets. This creates an environment where dancers not only improve their skills but also feel empowered and confident. The long history and the fact that it has become a "dance family" for so many people in the Waukee area is a testament to its success and the enduring positive impact it has on the community. For any family seeking a dance studio that prioritizes character, community, and professionalism, Westside Dance Academy is an outstanding and highly recommended choice.
Westside Dance Academy Services
Dance School
- Ballet Classes
- Ballet Steps
- Ballet Technique
- Ballet Training
- Basic Ballet
- Competition Choreography
- Competitive Program
- Concert Classes
- Creative Movement Class
- Dance Classes
- Dance Programs
- Dance Recital
- Dance Training
- Jazz Classes
- Pre- Pointe Classes
- Preschool Ballet
- Recreational Program
- Street Dancing
- Summer Classes
- Tap Dance
- Tap Technique Classes
Westside Dance Academy Details
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Westside Dance Academy Photos
Westside Dance Academy Location
Westside Dance Academy
125 NE Dartmoor Dr, Waukee, IA 50263, USA
Westside Dance Academy Reviews
studiostudentstalentlearnedskillsart
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1My 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!
May 23 · Jennifer MannI 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!
April 25 · Kelly NeilWe love our Westside Dance Academy experiences! The staff are all very professional and great with students. Our daughter has attended for 3 years now (she is currently 6). The experience has helped her with her nervousness/ stage fright, balance and coordination, and listening / following direction skills. I love watching the recitals at the end of the season and seeing all of the amazing choreography and talent. Westside has done an amazing job during this pandemic with connecting with the students and offering zoom classes. We've loved watching our daughter connect with her teacher and dance classmates each week. We highly recommend WDA. We even drive from 20 minutes away each week, passing multiple dance studios, because we believe WDA is the best!
May 01 · Megan KramerFamily. If you want your child to not only have the best dance instruction in the local area plus be treated like a family member, this is the place for you. My daughters have been part of this dance family for seven years. Each of the qualified instructors treat all students with respect and care. The owner of the studio is one of the kindness, well respected, and professional persons I know.
May 04 · Jodi SmithWestside Dance Academy is a great dance studio. The staff is very professional and caring. Over time they have taught my daughter more than just dance. She has she gained friendships, confidence and many amazing memories.
May 01 · Angie
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