Wissahickon Dance Academy

Wissahickon Dance Academy (WDA) traces its roots back 30+ years as a dance institution in Philadelphia. Nancy Malmed established it as a proficient ballet dancer with an MA in Dance from Temple University. These include instructional dance courses, studios, and offices for dance instructors. The dance school offers ballet classes for all levels. The WDA curriculum introduces students to classical ballet from Pre-Professional through to Adult. Ballet is the fundamental component of all lessons, including jazz, tap, and hip-hop, as well as modern and pilates. The curriculum meets the needs of the professional, recreational, and performing dancer and dancer enthusiasts. Students are cyclists, ice skaters, and athletes. The WDA Faculty includes local professional dancers who teach classical ballet. The faculty uses the Vagonava method, Cecchetti, and Balanchine. The focus is on physical flexibility, artistic expression, and body placement. A Winter's Dream is presented each fall by the International Ballet Exchange (IBE), a not-for-profit organization housed at WDA. IBE offers a chance to work with a professional company of ballet dancers. Not only do WDA students participate in this production, but the IBE brings an evening production to Philadelphia and offers free ballet lessons to Philadelphia Schools District schools as part of their residency program.

Wissahickon Dance Academy reviews consistently praise its community and high-quality teachers. Twenty-four years of training at the school built discipline, hard work and love. Specifically, reviewers mention Cara for her patient instruction to beginner adults. The studio tries to give a strong dance education without strictness. Children and youths learn Vaganova style ballet and other techniques, but they also have fun together and become a tribe. The studio helps advanced students excel in college programs and praises them for their success. Overall, the reviews ... perfect depend on community, friendship and dance excellence for learners of all ages.