West End Academy of Dance has been Richmond’s most beloved neighborhood dance studio for almost 50 years. We offer a warm, welcoming environment where kids, teens, and adults can freely express themselves, make great friends, and learn the joy of dance from nurturing, professional teachers. Our state of the art facility on Ridgefield Parkway offers three dance studios equipped with Harlequin flooring and a top notch sound system, a spacious lobby for families to gather before and after class, study rooms for middle and high schoolers, plus dressing room space for all dancers to prepare for class.
We are thrilled to partner with Conflux Dance Theater, to provide a whole new community of artists a space to create and explore. Their free weekly classes are open to the RVA community and beyond. Here you’ll find high quality instruction in a warm and welcoming environment, which aligns perfectly with WEAD’s mission. Angelica and Miguel are dedicated to creating an inclusive company where dancers of all backgrounds, nationalities, race, religion, and gender can come together to create something truly inspiring. We are also looking forward to the opportunities this now affords our academy’s pre-professional dancers to work alongside and collaborate with working professionals in the field. It’s truly an honor to have Conflux Dance Theater based here at WEAD, and we are excited for what’s to come!
Miguel Perez started dancing at the University of Arizona where he was fortunate enough to receive a 4-year scholarship for dance. He then went on to dance for both River North Dance Company, and Hubbard Street 2 in Chicago. After making a change from concert to commercial dance Miguel moved to Las Vegas to dance for Celine Dion “ A New Day “ at Caesars Palace. Once the Celine show closed in Vegas Miguel was fortunate enough to go on Celine Dion’s world tour “Taking Chances,” where he was also dance captain. After being on tour Miguel made LA his new home. He’s appeared on Americas Got Talent, SYTYCD, and has danced with Leona Lewis on Dancing with the Stars. Miguel was also a featured dancer in the show “Viva Elvis” for Cirque Du Soleil. He has performed on the Miss USA Pageant and Miss Universe. He also performed for Paulina Rubio in Mexico City. Miguel has performed in two movies “Behind the Candelabra” where he worked with Marguerite Derricks and “Ted 2 ” choreographed by Rob Ashford. Other accomplishments include BODYTRAFFIC Dance Company, Shania Twain’s show at Cesar’s Palace Casino in Las Vegas, The Oscars, performed with Taylor Swift on the AMA’s, and The Kennedy Honors awards tribute to Rita Moreno. His most recent performing credits include “Steve Wynn’s Showstoppers” at the Wynn casino and dance Captain for The Donny/Marie Osmond show. Miguel is currently teaching at West End Academy of Dance, Premiere Dance Studio, and Valley Dance Theater. He has also been an adjunct teacher at University of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University, and guests teaches at George Mason University, University of Arizona and Cary Ballet. He has had the privilege to work with some of the most influential names in concert dance and commercial world like Jamie King, Vincent Paterson, Mia Michaels, Brian Friedman Tabitha and Napoleon, Mandy Moore, Stacey Tookey, Bonnie Story, Tyce Diorio, Hofesh Shechter, Kyle Abraham, Victor Quijada, Richard Siegel, and Sidra Bell. So many great artists have influenced Miguel’s career and his goal is to share his knowledge and inspire a new generation of dancers.