Under the artistic direction of Elizabeth and Rebekah Brown, Warren Dance Academy (WDA) stands as one of the only all Black staffed and operated dance schools in the Roanoke Valley.
WDA is a small privately owned dance school serving dancers and aspiring dancers throughout the Roanoke Valley area. The academy’s mission is to “encourage, inspire and create through dance,” and offers a wide range of experiences from creative dance preschool classes to adult tap courses.
The staff has a vast knowledge of working with youth and using dance in therapeutic settings. Smaller class sizes offer a unique opportunity for individualized attention where the students can grow at their own pace.
What makes Warren Dance Academy stand above the rest?
The academy prides itself on ensuring that the students not only study technique, but also study the rich history of many Black and Brown performers who have shaped the culture of dance.
WDA dancers are recognized through their distinctive signature flesh tone tights and flesh tone ballet shoes. The academy was the first studio to use flesh tone attire in the Roanoke community. The use of flesh tone tights and shoes originated with the Dance Theater of Harlem, New York in 1974 as a way to embrace the cultural shades of Brown.
Elizabeth Brown Co-owner, dance instructor, Rebekah Brown Co-owner, dance instructor and Kai Washington-Brown dance instructor.
The Dance Academy will be performing at the studio at Bethlehem Bible College Christian Education Outreach Center Campus: Thursday February 27th, 7pm. (Seating capacity is limited) RSVP Call (540) 759-0366 or E-mail: Bethlehem2620@gmail.com
