West End Academy of Dance

Today, we have Tannin Forsyth! Tannin is studying dance at North Carolina School of the Arts with a major in classical ballet and previously danced at WEAD for 12 years!

When asked, what is something you took away from WEAD that has helped your dance career now she said, “I think my biggest takeaway from my time at WEAD was the importance of work ethic. When performing in a corps role or taking class with a large group, self motivation is imperative to further your technique and artistry. When I performed in Firebird with Dance Theatre of Harlem, we learned our choreography months before we were supposed to perform, so it was up to us to work on it ourselves. The work ethic I learned in performing with WEAD, especially in Ensemble, really prepared me for that.”

We are excited to introduce our Home School Dance Program offering high quality, wholesome dance instruction during the daytime hours. Taught by Artistic Director, Miss Lisa Rumbauskas, these classes will provide an opportunity for dance enthusiasts to experience a structured and professional academy environment in a fun and supportive atmospher.

Reminder! Registration opens for returning families on June 23rd and new families on June 30th!

Next, we have Ryland Ward! Ryland is currently studying dance at Marymount University and previously danced at WEAD for 12 years!

When asked, what is something you took away from WEAD that has helped your dance career now she said, “Dancing at WEAD taught me how to be a conscientious dancer, which includes skills such as picking up choreography quickly, applying corrections to my practice, and being able to reverse combinations quickly. All of these things have been very useful, especially in a college dance setting, and they are often noticed by the teachers and choreographers I work with!”

Photo by Anthony Johnson (narratography)

Next, we have Hannah Jiancrisoforo! Hannah is currently studying dance at JMU and previously danced at WEAD for 15 years!

When asked, what is something you took away from WEAD that has helped your dance career now she said, “is performance quality and overall exposure to different genres of dance! Stage presence and experience in Modern dance is everything at JMU so i’m very grateful that WEAD has prepared me for my next few years as an artist. ”

Today, we have Ryan Parsons! Ryan is currently studying dance at Bennington College and previously danced at WEAD for 10 years!

When asked, what is something you took away from WEAD that has helped your dance career now she said, “I became adept at working long rehearsal days in my time at WEAD, developing a sense of endurance that has shown to be very helpful being a part of a rigorous BFA program.”

Next, we have Jazmine Foster! Jazmine is currently studying dance at VCU and previously danced at WEAD for 8 years!

When asked, what is something you took away from WEAD that has helped your dance career now she said, “was to always keep my head up and do what’s best for myself and never let anyone tell me I’m less than worthy as a dancer and as a person as well. I’m currently a rising senior in the VCU Dance and Choreography program and I’m also a rising Junior in HPEX (Health, Physcial Education and Exercise Science) which is my other major! ”

Photos were taken by Anthony Johnson (Narratography by APJ )

Next, we have Audrey Hammitt! Audrey is currently teaching ballet, jazz, and lyrical at West Chester Dance Works and Balance Dance Center as well as dancing as a soloist with Glorify Dance Theatre. She previously danced at WEAD for 8 years!

When asked, what is something you took away from WEAD that has helped your dance career now she said, “what a healthy balance of excellence in dance and welcoming fun can be like. I felt the teachers all believed in and cared about me, which fostered a safe environment in which to grow as a dancer and person. I’ve sought to carry this balance into my own professional dance career and teaching dance, and I hope that my coworkers, audiences, and students can feel comfortable to explore the joys of dance with me.”

Photo by Keith Dutill

Next, we have Audrey Hammitt! Audrey is currently teaching ballet, jazz, and lyrical at West Chester Dance Works and Balance Dance Center and previously danced at WEAD for 8 years!

When asked, what is something you took away from WEAD that has helped your dance career now she said, “what a healthy balance of excellence in dance and welcoming fun can be like. I felt the teachers all believed in and cared about me, which fostered a safe environment in which to grow as a dancer and person. I’ve sought to carry this balance into my own professional dance career and teaching dance, and I hope that my coworkers, audiences, and students can feel comfortable to explore the joys of dance with me.”

Photo by Keith Dutill

Today, we have Maddie Stevens! Maddie is currently studying dance at JMU and previously danced at WEAD for 3 years!

When asked, what is something you took away from WEAD that has helped your dance career now she said, “is the importance of developing positive relationships with the people you work with. It not only establishes long-lasting connections, but also makes for a better, more supportive environment! ”