Dearborn Dance Academy

Dearborn Dance Academy serves dancers ages 3 and up in a supportive, non-competitive environment that balances strong technique with creativity and personal growth. The studio offers classes in ballet, tap, jazz, baton, and gymnastics, with an emphasis on building confidence and fostering a lifelong love of the arts. You'll find a place where every dancer is celebrated—whether stepping into their first class or advancing their technique week by week.

The ballet program follows the Cecchetti method, focusing on proper technique, posture, and musicality. Tap dance emphasizes rhythm, timing, and musicality through percussive footwork, while jazz blends technique with expressive movement using upbeat music and stylized choreography. Baton combines elements of dance, gymnastics, and rhythmic movement using a twirling baton to build coordination and balance. Gymnastics classes focus on strength, flexibility, and acrobatic skills like rolls, handstands, cartwheels, and backbends in a safe, supportive environment. The studio also offers adult ballet and tap classes designed to be approachable and confidence-building for complete beginners or those returning after years away.

The academy was founded in 1991 by Patricia Damian Mortens, who brought deep classical ballet training and a passion for teaching. Today it continues a legacy of over 40 years of dance education in the Dearborn community. The studio is now led by Asimina (Asi), the current owner and artistic director, who began dancing at DDA at age three under Patricia's direction and became a full-time instructor by 17. Asi brings over 30 years of dance experience and 20+ years of teaching, with training from Broadway Dance Center and Steps on Broadway in NYC, plus studies at Wayne State University and Western Michigan University.

The faculty includes instructors deeply rooted in the studio's history. Miss Amber is a proud DDA alum who has taught hundreds of students and is known for high-energy, positive classes filled with encouragement; she leads the gymnastics program and holds multiple Zumba certifications including Zumba, Zumba Toning, Zumba Kids, and Zumba Gold. Miss Amy studied at DDA for 17 years under Patricia Mortens, trained at Steps on Broadway and Broadway Dance Center, and returned to teaching in 2013 as a Zumba instructor before expanding to ballet, tap, and jazz. Miss Elizabeth began dancing at age eight and became a full instructor at 17; she recently graduated from Albion College in 2024.

The studio emphasises community, kindness, and personal growth, creating a welcoming space where students thrive, make friends, and shine in their own way. The studio is now enrolling for summer classes and offers make-up classes so dancers can catch up when absent; make-ups must follow the designated Make-Up Schedule to match the student's level and style, with no limit to how many can be attended. Consistent attendance is encouraged for learning and progress, and frequent absences may impact placement in performances or readiness for advancing levels.

Classes are age-appropriate, supportive, and non-competitive, balancing strong technical training with creativity. You'll work with experienced instructors in a welcoming environment designed to build confidence and foster a genuine love for movement.

The studio is led by Asimina (Asi), owner and artistic director with 30+ years of dance experience and 20+ years of teaching, trained at Broadway Dance Center and Steps on Broadway. Miss Amber, a DDA alum and the studio's longest-serving instructor, teaches gymnastics and holds Zumba certifications. Miss Amy studied at DDA for 17 years and teaches Zumba, ballet, tap, and jazz. Miss Elizabeth, a recent graduate of Albion College (2024), teaches full-time at the studio.

Adult ballet and tap classes are designed for complete beginners and those returning after years away, emphasising approachability and confidence-building.