MEET OUR INSPIRING TEAM OF TEACHERS AND STAFF!
All of our dance instructors are personable and excited to help every one of our students reach their fullest potential in dance. Whether your focus is technique, a fun pastime, or you're just looking for a new way to work out, you can find it here! Try a class today and our "family-focused" studio!
McMorris
OWNER / ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Choreographer and dance instructor for over 20 years, "Ms. Rita" is no stranger to hard work and commitment. Teaching in Southfield, Michigan and multiple studios and schools throughout the Metro Detroit area, Ms. Rita has been the recipient of multiple choreography awards and 1st place titles including the opportunity to have her work featured for Executive Producer, choreographer and judge, Nigel Lythgoe from "So You Think You Can Dance" and known choreographer and director Barry Lather.
Recognizing that talented dancers and financial support don't always align to fund proper dance education, Ms. Rita is committed to providing dancers with the opportunity to receive training at a nominal cost, award financial scholarships to those that qualify and provide a broader dance network that allows greater visibility and exposure with opportunities to travel.
Choreographer for the first multicultural dance team at Michigan State University, Ms. Rita continues to carefully select diligent instructors and faculty with professional training and experience. She currently holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Advertising, and has worked in the Ad Industry for over 20 years.
Under her directorship, the staff will continue to work together to follow a carefully planned syllabus that is conducive to different learning styles and suitable for all body types.
Rita McMorris is CPR certified and a Proud Mom of one!
Clayton-Reid
Mrs. Janet Clayton-Reid has been a professional dancer since the age of 19, performing in ballet, modern, tap and jazz companies in the U.S., Japan, Italy and more! She's been a guest instructor for the Cecchetti Council of America, Blue Lake Fine Arts camp, American College Dance Festival, the Michigan Dance Council and several other prominent dance programs. Mrs. Clayton-Reid was also a member of the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp Faculty for ten years working with many professional teachers from around the world!
Karin began dancing at the age of 6 at MBS Studio in Oak Park, MI. She later went on to earn her BA in Dance and Psychology from Oakland University. She was a member of Oakland Dance Theater, and worked with many choreographers; including Greg Patterson, Laurie Eisenhower, Ali Woerner and Thayer Jonutz (Take Root Company founders), Meg Paul (setting a work from Twyla Tharp's Torelli), Jill Cassidy and many more. She received the MaTilDa Award for Outstanding Performance in 2015. In 2012 she became a company member of the Luna Dancers Company in Royal Oak, MI. Wherein, she became a GoGo dancer and choreographed and performed in themed shows once a month. She is technically trained in ballet, hip-hop, jazz, modern, African, house and contemporary. Karin is also certified in Basic Giordano Jazz technique by the Giordano Dance Chicago Company. Soon after graduating college, she visited Berlin, Germany to study abroad at the Tanzfabrik through the Free University of Berlin and was featured on TV Berlin. In 2016 she moved to Los Angeles, CA where she pursued dance and modeling professionally. She has had the pleasure of performing at Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC), Posers Productions, Choreographer's Carnival, Club Jete, BuildaBeast Convention as well as dance in a movie trailer for the dance flick, "Shadow Dancing". She also worked with the brands Fab Fit Fun, Karmagraphy, AirLango, Red Releve, Burlington Coat Factory and even appeared on the Steve Harvey TV Show. She's also been in music videos for Kenneth Paige, Kilo Angelino, and few other African artists. In 2019, Karin had the pleasure to tour with Jump Dance Convention for the 2019-2020 season! She has recently relocated to her hometown in Michigan and shows no signs of slowing down and hungry to take on more. Karin values hard work and correct technique at the core of her teaching. She is excited to share her knowledge and experience with all.
Cortney
GUEST INSTRUCTOR
Since 2003 Ms. Cortney has been sharing her passion for dance, movement and performance with students of all ages and levels. Specializing in Tap, Hip Hop and Jazz, teaching is her true passion, and she is grateful to have been invited to many area studios as a guest teacher. Cortney is also a Certified STOTT Pilates instructor, and Group Fitness Educator. She believes true technique comes from understanding your body from the inside out. Her calm and positive nature creates an encouraging and motivating atmosphere where dancers can feel safe to make mistakes, try new things and grow as movers and humans.
Maya is a 19-Year old junior Dance Major attending Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee. She was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan where she trained in dance for over 11 years in styles ranging from ballet, tap, jazz and hip hop at LaShelle's School of Dance. Maya has a passion for all things dance, whether it be behind the scenes or on-stage front and center. She is pursuing a BFA in Dance in hopes to one day teach at the University level!
Former Detroit Windsor Dance Academy (Second Dance Co.) Member, Ryan Harvey is currently an instructor with DWDA. Ryan is also a student at Henry Ford Community College, majoring in Chemistry. He began his dance training with DWDA in 2000 at the age of eleven. He is the recipient of many dance scholarships to such institutions as The Alvin Ailey Dance Summer Intensive, Dance Theater of Harlem, and Wayne State University where he received a full scholarship to attend.
JUNIOR DANCE ASSISTANT
Micah Singleton is a Junior level dancer currently mastering a variety of art forms while as training as a junior dance assistant. Micah's favorite style of dance is Hip Hop! Her passion certainly shows through on stage and she always welcomes new challenges to help push her to new heights!
Diondra
TEEN DANCE ASSISTANT
Diondra "DD" Reynolds serves as a Teen Dance Assistant during the summer sessions at Impulse Dance Academy. Dancing since she was 3 years old, DD is a wonderful assistant and great addition to the team. She currently attends the Detroit School of Performing Arts!
Impulse Dance Academy
26000 Evergreen Rd.
Southfield, Mi. 48076
248 - 388-1618 (phone)
impulsedancestudio@yahoo.com
We build strong, confident dancers and turn their passion and love for dance into "live for dance".