According to Darlene Giordano Cummings, the Owner and Director of American Dance Academy (ADA) in Hockessin, Delaware, they are a wonderful studio that fosters the love of dance in their students. They offer two performances for everyone per year, an Intensive Competition Program and fun events throughout the year. Their staff works hard each week to refine technique so that each student can wor26k to their fullest potential. They encourage friendships and smiles each week!
ADA was founded in 1993 by Darlene-Giordano Cummings. The facility offers top of the line floating dance floor, state of the art equipment, and ballet barres. The curriculum includes pointe, ballet, tap, jazz, modern dance, hip-hop, modern dance, cheer/tumble and pre-school, intensive and adult dance programs for beginner through pre-professional levels.
ADA’s mission is to motivate their dancers to be the best that they can be and to encourage a passion for performing. They strive to promote self-confidcnce, self-assurance, self-esteem, social skills and working together as a team.
Darlene believes that their studio stands out from other studios because it is a great place for both the recreational dancer and the intensive dancer. They intermix the classes so that recreational dancers can still train as much as the competitive team without the commitment of being on the team. They all work together encouraging and supporting each other.
ADA’s staff is made up of an awesome group of caring teachers who have a genuine love for the children and the art of dance. Their instructors assume the responsibility to make sure that activities are age/gender appropriate and safe. Each teacher encourages a supportive, positive, and mutually respectful working environment while motivating children’s physical skills and minds. They strive to get the students to value the art of dance and to work at meeting their fullest potential. Their teachers partake in annual continuing education programs and opportunities to supply the most up-to-date quality instruction to their students. Their instructors are motivators, mentors, and positive role models.
ADA’s Dance Company is comprised of five separate levels. These dance teams consist of students who love to perform, are dedicated to dance, and are looking to be challenged in rehearsals, class, competitions, and performances. Each team is designed for the age group, and reaps teamwork, self-confidence, and most importantly guidance tailored for each specific student. This healthy and safe atmosphere is great for young dancers looking to further their studies, perform more often or for those considering a career as a professional dancer or studying performing arts and dance in college.
Everyone can participate in their mid-year holiday show and that has separate rehearsals. They also offer their competitive team the chance to work on self-choreography for their senior company dance and the graduating seniors dance in the holiday show.
In addition to offering field trips to New York City to study with multiple Master Teachers, ADA also brings in numerous Master Teachers from California, New York and Philadelphia every year to broaden the student’s dance education. Many of their students become choreographers for their dance team working on large groups, small groups, duos, trios and solos. They bring New York and California training right to their students!
Darlene could not pick a “proudest moment” during her coaching career because there have been so many over the years! Every time she sees their dancers working together and having fun, she becomes more and more proud of them.
The biggest mistake Darlene sees dancers make is to be too hard on themselves! Kelly and her staff encourage them to always work to their fullest potential and know that it is good to always want to be better. She stresses that they should “Never give up and enjoy the journey!”
Her year goals and plans for this year are met and currently in the works so she is onto thinking about next year. She would like for her senior company to become more involved in their holiday show. Seniors narrated the show this year and it put a fun and personal touch to it! Next year she would like to offer them more of the backstage experience of planning and producing as a project they could use on their resume for college.
Darlene founded American Dance Academy because she was teaching both middle school and at a studio. Her father’s friend had just opened up a shopping center in a growing area and was looking for tenants. The opportunity arose for her to be one of those tenants and she did not think twice about it as she loves teaching; plus, she loves kids and she grew up in a self-employed family. Consequently, she knew what she was getting herself into!
Darlene has teachers who drive 1.5 hours to get to the studio each week just because they love the kids and the environment. Some have even moved to be closer to the studio! They all truly love what they do and everyone works together to create a special program.
If you would like more information about American Dance Academy, visit their website at http://www.danceatada.com, call them at (302) 234-9900 or email them at danceatada@comcast.net. You can also “Like” them on Facebook.
Please post a comment if you have had any experience with Darlene Cummings of American Dance Academy.
