A Brief History of West End Academy of Dance
Originally the Freda Griffin School of Dance, the West End Academy of Dance first opened it’s door in the Far West End in 1977. Miss Mary, owner, director and the only instructor at that early time, offered classes in classical ballet and jazz.
As the studio grew and instructors and class offerings were added, The West End Academy moved from Tuckahoe Village West Shopping Center to it’s present location in Canterbury Shopping Center in 1987. It continues to enjoy it’s reputation as “your local neighborhood studio”.
Miss Mary, who danced professionally with The National Ballet Company of Washington DC, believed that dance could be taught with a love and respect of tradition and technique on the highest level, while being fun and available to any person with a desire to learn how to move. Dancing in any of the classes at this studio is to experience pure joy and expression through movement. Movement is one of life’s most vital art forms. To dance is to become more poised, physically fit and mentally disciplined. Whether it is a classical or a contemporary dance form, moving connects us to music, history, culture and the performing arts. Dance, after all, has existed since “mankind found it’s heartbeat”.
The West End Academy of Dance presently enjoys a professional faculty teaching many different styles of dance and music to all levels of students. They share the philosophy that where there is a desire to dance, there is opportunity to learn. Teaching dance is what we have done for three generations. We have every intention to continue these traditions for many generations to come.