5 Shocking Reasons Westside Dance Academy Tigard Is Dominating Oregon's Competitive Scene In 2025
The Westside Dance & Gymnastics Academy in Tigard, Oregon, continues to solidify its reputation as a powerhouse in the Pacific Northwest’s performing arts community, with recent achievements pushing them into the national spotlight for the 2025 season. This comprehensive facility, a staple in the Tigard area, is not just a place for recreational classes; it is a training ground for award-winning talent, demonstrated by their latest competitive nominations and a robust schedule of events planned through November 2025.
The academy, which has been teaching generations of dancers and gymnasts, offers a unique blend of programs from foundational arts training to elite-level competitive performance. The combination of dedicated instructors, diverse curriculum, and a commitment to both dance and gymnastics makes Westside a premier destination for families seeking high-quality arts education in the Tigard School District area.
The Westside Dance & Gymnastics Academy: A Comprehensive Profile
Westside Dance & Gymnastics Academy, often simply referred to as Westside Academy, has a rich history dating back decades, though its current iteration began in 1995 when Mellanie Heniff purchased the gymnastics side of the business and renamed it. The facility has since grown into a multi-faceted performing arts center.
- Official Name: Westside Dance & Gymnastics Academy
- Main Location (Main Office & Facility): 11632 SW Pacific Highway, Tigard, OR 97223
- Additional Facilities: Mini Gym (13727 SW Pacific Highway, Suites 150 & 300) and Training Center.
- Ownership History: Mellanie Heniff (purchased and renamed the business in 1995).
- Key Leadership: Brad Hampton (Owner, Dance Program & Company Director).
- Competitive Success: Known for award-winning dance and gymnastic programs.
- Notable 2025 Achievement: Nomination for the Industry Dance Awards for the tap performance "CAN'T HOLD US."
- Contact: (503) 639-5388 | info@westsideacademy.com
- Community Focus: Follows the Tigard School District for weather and school closures, indicating a strong local connection.
1. The 2025 Industry Award Spotlight: A Competitive Edge
One of the most compelling reasons for Westside Academy's current notoriety is its recent success on the national competitive stage. The studio has garnered significant attention, highlighted by a prestigious nomination for the 2025 Industry Dance Awards.
National Recognition for "CAN'T HOLD US"
The academy’s Tap/Small Group performance, "CAN'T HOLD US," was nominated for the Best Tap Performance of 2025. This recognition places the Tigard-based studio among the elite dance programs in the country. The nominated piece, which lit up the stage at the Portland 1 Regional Competition, was choreographed by the talented Erica Walter, who also serves as the Performing Company Administrative Assistant. This achievement underscores the high caliber of Westside’s accelerated Dance Troupe and performance groups.
This level of competitive achievement serves as a powerful magnet for aspiring dancers across Oregon, cementing Westside’s position as a top-tier competitive dance studio. The success is a direct result of the rigorous training and dedication instilled by the faculty, including the efforts of key staff members like Brad Hampton, the Dance Program and Company Director.
2. Unmatched Program Diversity: Dance, Gymnastics, and Preschool
Westside Academy distinguishes itself by offering a truly comprehensive range of performing arts and athletic programs under one roof. Unlike many specialized dance studios, Westside caters to a broad spectrum of interests and age groups, ensuring lifelong engagement in movement and performance.
A Full Spectrum of Training
The core dance offerings are extensive, covering foundational and contemporary styles. Recreational classes are available in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Musical Theater, and Acrobatics. This diversity allows students to explore multiple disciplines, fostering well-rounded performers. For those seeking a more intensive path, the accelerated Dance Troupe provides a clear route toward the competitive performance groups, which include the Hip Hop Company and the Ballet Company.
Furthermore, the facility is a renowned Gymnastics Academy. This dual focus allows students to cross-train, which is highly beneficial for competitive dancers, especially those in Elite Acrobatics. The presence of specialized staff, such as Andrea Vidovic, who joined the staff in 2020 with a background in competitive gymnastics, ensures high-quality instruction in both realms.
The Performing Arts Preschool
A unique entity within the academy is the Performing Arts Preschool. This program introduces the youngest students to the world of movement, music, and performance, integrating arts education directly into their early childhood development. It creates a natural pipeline for students to continue their training at Westside, fostering a sense of community from a very young age.
3. Deeply Experienced and Dedicated Faculty
The success of any academy hinges on the quality of its instructors, and Westside Academy boasts a faculty with both professional experience and a strong educational foundation.
Many parents and students praise the dedicated instructors for creating engaging classes that make children look forward to each session. This positive environment is key to long-term student retention and skill development. For example, instructor Kelly Schmidt brings a Bachelor of Science in Education with a specialty in Dance, highlighting the academy’s commitment to a pedagogically sound approach to teaching.
The leadership, including Director Brad Hampton, ensures that the curriculum is both challenging and supportive, preparing students not just for the stage but for life. The blend of administrative support from individuals like Registrar Carrie Berg and the creative direction from choreographers like Erica Walter creates a cohesive and professional environment.
4. Clear Pathway for Performance and Growth
Westside Academy provides a structured, multi-tiered system for student progression, offering a clear path from a beginner's first class to an elite competitive performance. This structure is crucial for student motivation and skill mastery.
- Recreational Classes: The starting point, offering fun and technique building in styles like Jazz and Musical Theater.
- Accelerated Dance Troupe: A transitional group for students showing potential, training in all core areas.
- Performance Groups: The elite level, including the Ballet Company and Hip Hop Company, focused on competition and high-level performance.
This systematic approach ensures that every student, regardless of their initial skill level, has the opportunity to grow and eventually participate in events like the annual Dance Department Recital, which has a fee due in November 2025, according to the latest calendar updates. They also host community events like "First Saturday Skills: Tumbling Edition," ensuring continuous opportunities for skill refinement.
5. A Central Hub for the Tigard Community
Beyond the awards and classes, Westside Academy functions as a vital community hub in Tigard, Oregon. Its central location on SW Pacific Highway, coupled with its long history of serving local families, makes it more than just a business—it's a local institution.
The academy's proactive communication with families, including email updates and adherence to the Tigard School District’s weather closure schedule, demonstrates a strong commitment to local community life. By fostering generations of dancers and gymnasts, the Westside Dance & Gymnastics Academy not only produces award-winning performances but also contributes significantly to the cultural fabric and performing arts scene of Tigard and the greater Portland area.
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