Business Details
19 Years
experience
Your Trusted Dance Academy in Westbrook, CT
Founded in 2007, Westbrook Dance Academy has dedicated itself to providing comprehensive dance education and exceptional experiences for students of all ages and skill levels. Our qualified instructors emphasize technique, terminology, and mastery of dance steps across diverse styles including Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip-Hop, and Acrobatics. With a proven curriculum enhanced by ongoing professional development, we prepare students for success in dance and life, evidenced by our graduates' achievements in fields ranging from the arts to medicine.Our award-winning performance teams have earned national championships and recognition at the World Dance Championship since 2014, while our community-focused approach fosters a family-like environment. Located on Boston Post Road in Westbrook, Connecticut, we serve 13 towns with two professional studios featuring full-length mirrors, ballet barres, and impact-reducing floors designed for dancer safety and wellness.
Services
Ballet Classes
Tap Instruction
Jazz Dance
Hip-Hop Workshops
Acrobatics Training
Musical Theater
Lyrical Dance
Pointe Technique
Adaptive Dance
Summer Intensives
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- Our instructors have over 15 years of combined teaching experience and professional dance backgrounds
- Award-winning competition teams with 13 national championships since 2014
- Offers 8+ dance styles including specialized Acro and Adaptive Dance programs
- Proven curriculum developed through 18 years of successful student outcomes
- Conveniently located next to Lenny & Joe's in Westbrook with state-of-the-art facilities
What people say
Amazing studio
Caring staff
National championships
Lifelong skills
Family environment
Services
Ballet Classes
Our Ballet program develops proper alignment, strength, and grace through structured technique training. Students learn traditional vocabulary while building foundational skills applicable to all dance styles. Classes emphasize posture, precision, and artistic expression through age-appropriate choreography.
Hip-Hop Workshops
Fast-paced Hip-Hop classes teach contemporary moves including popping, locking, and breaking. Instructors focus on rhythm, coordination, and personal style while maintaining technical discipline. Classes incorporate freestyle elements to develop individual creativity and confidence.
Adaptive Dance
Specialized Adaptive Dance classes follow Boston Ballet's curriculum for students of all abilities. Sessions develop motor skills and musicality through creative movement, emphasizing confidence building, social interaction, and expressive dance techniques in a supportive environment.
Competition Teams
Award-winning competition teams provide advanced training in choreography, technique, and performance. Members participate in regional and national competitions, gaining experience in solo, duo, and group routines while developing discipline and teamwork skills.
Summer Intensives
Annual Summer Intensive programs offer concentrated dance training with master instructors. These sessions include technique workshops, choreography sessions, and performance preparation designed to accelerate skill development and prepare students for competitive dance opportunities.
People
Julie Reed-Russo
Owner/Director
Julie Reed-Russo founded Westbrook Dance Academy in 2007 with 18 years of professional dance experience. A former performer at Walt Disney World, she holds a BFA in Dance and has trained at prestigious institutions including Steps on Broadway. Her choreography has earned multiple national awards.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip-Hop, Acrobatics, Musical Theater, Pointe, and Adaptive Dance programs for ages 0+.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes! Students participate in annual recitals, community performances, and our award-winning competition teams perform at national events like the World Dance Championship.
How do I register for classes?
Register online through our website, by phone at 860-664-4308, or in-person at our studio during registration periods starting September 8th.
What are your facility features?
Our 2,000 sq ft studio includes two professional dance floors with sprung subfloors, full-length mirrors, ballet barres, and climate-controlled environments for optimal training conditions.
Do you offer special programs?
Yes, we provide Adaptive Dance classes for special needs students and Summer Intensive programs that include master classes and competition preparation workshops.
Reviews (5)
Sara M.
Oct 29, 2020
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This studio is amazing. We have been part of the WDA dance family since Day 1, over 13 years. I cannot think of more kind, supportive, friendly, and caring people than the owners and staff of WDA. So many examples, too numerous to list. They are always there for the students and their families.
Students at WDA receive a dance education second to none. And skills such as: accountability, commitment, dependability, organization, attention to detail, resilience, teamwork, and respect are all taught and emphasized all life skills. Its no wonder the studio has grown every year. As for the negative
Students at WDA receive a dance education second to none. And skills such as: accountability, commitment, dependability, organization, attention to detail, resilience, teamwork, and respect are all taught and emphasized all life skills. Its no wonder the studio has grown every year. As for the negative
Gabrielle W.
Aug 16, 2020
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I love WDA so much!!!! I am so glad that my parents were reccomendend this studio. I have learned so much from all of the teachers and have never felt more confident in myself from all of the positive experiences that I have had. Thank you WDA
Nancy Bowe
Nov 23, 2019
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Horrible company. Owners are unsupportive of children they teach, rude and unfriendly to parents, and have favorites, both with parents and children. They created so much drama and made it a very unpleasant experience for years. One of the owners teaches and she degrades and puts down children. The owner's mother who is the receptionist, gets into everyone's business, creating more drama and says degrading, awful things to the children. She also smokes outside the door and the whole studio reaks of smoke. They have said some pretty awful things to my daughter over the years and were never willing
Laura S.
Nov 21, 2018
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We love this studio. We will be going into our third year. Not only I am I impressed with my daughters growth as a dancer - but all of the other dancers as well. The classes are fun and challenging, and the opportunities here are endless. I am so impressed. Year after year the kids and the studio just get better and better. So glad to be a part of the WDA dance family.
S. Moore
Oct 30, 2018
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My daughter just started dancing at westbrook dance academy this year after spending years at another studio. WOW! My daughter has improved so much in such a short period of time. She loves it here. The staff and students are one big family. The recital was top notch (costumes, chor, dancing) It went so smooth compared to other shows that my daughter has been in.Every student shined on stage and you can tell that the kids love it from their faces. We are so blessed to have found this studio and can not wait until next year!
