About Us

#WEdance

West End Academy of Dance specializes in ballet, pointe, tap, contemporary (lyrical), and many styles of jazz. Our teachers work with dancers to reinforce proper techniques and the importance of teamwork while building skills in each dance specialty. Throughout the year, dancers of W.E.A.D. share their talents and love of dance with the community through volunteer performances at a variety of events.  These events take place at several locations such as the West End FairGrounds, Pleasant Valley School District, and local churches. Our annual recital is the main event of the year. The recital provides students an experience of being a part of a professional performance. They learn about stage presence, responsibility, respect (for their peers and teachers), and the importance of being prepared for a performance. Each dancer performs approximately two numbers per class, and participates in their company’s finale (junior/senior). It is certainly a special night to remember for dancers and their families!

 

#WEdream

West End Academy of Dance began as a dream that has grown into an accomplished studio thanks to the direction of founders Mary Louise Behrends and Rena Williams. 

 

In September 1999, W.E.A.D. opened its doors in the West End Fire Hall with 25 students (several of which are now our teachers!). Over the past 20 years, Miss Mary Lou and Miss Rena fostered the love of dance for hundreds of students. They taught students to express themselves through dance and encouraged them to be confident, well-rounded individuals. 

 

This year West End Academy of Dance will open its doors at a new location under the direction of Nicole Warner. Nicole has dreamed of being a studio owner and choreographer since she was a little girl. Dance has always held a prominent role in Nicole’s life. Aside from taking dance classes, she has choreographed numbers for dance teams, cheerleading squads, and high school musicals. Within the past few years, she became a dance teacher for West End Academy of Dance. She feels that watching her students perform on stage brings her a special kind of joy that is indescribable. Nicole is looking forward to this new adventure of owning a studio and feels lucky to have her mentor, Miss Mary Lou, help her make her dreams come true!

 

#WEgrow

West End Academy of Dance has shown growth in many ways over the past 20 years. The number of students has grown from 25 to over 150. We pride ourselves in helping students grow as dancers and watch them become well-rounded citizens. Because of the creative and hard-working atmosphere at W.E.A.D., several students have applied their skills to a variety of programs from Charter Arts, (Lehigh Valley Performing Arts School), collegiate dance, and choreographer positions.

 

As a studio, we continue to grow by looking to the future. We will be offering new adult classes that will focus on beginner and  intermediate skill levels in a variety of dance styles. In addition, we will run several sessions of “Grow with Me” classes for young toddlers and their grown-ups as an introduction to music and movement.

 

We have watched our dancers grow from toddlers, to teens, to adults. All of our teachers have danced for W.E.A.D. for over 15 years. West End Academy of Dance prides ourselves in the loyalty of our dance families. We are excited to welcome back all of our students and alumni (graduates) to the new studio! We are looking forward to meeting and welcoming new students and the next generation of dancers to West End Academy of Dance!