Who we are

DancExcel Champion Center for Creative Arts Education, founded In Gary, Indiana in 2004, by Dr. Dionne Champion and Ms. Sherice Grant, mission is to provide professional level fundamental training in dance, music, and theater for artists of all ages. The program is designed to develop discipline and a love for the arts, which we use to teach academic skills, raise self-awareness, and encourage excellence. Since its inception, DX has taught hundreds of students from the Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland area. At DancExcel Champion Center for Creative Arts Education, we offer dynamic, and unique artistic programming that motivates and challenges our students to be the best they can be. DancExcel was founded in the belief that movement and art-centered learning can help people to acquire the skills, discipline, and confidence to achieve success both in school and in their personal lives. We employ an arts-education curriculum, which helps school-aged children to build stronger relationships between the principles of movement and academic skills. DancExcel is a safe space for all ages to learn, grow, and express themselves through arts. 

 

Our Staff

Our dynamic staff of highly trained professional artists and educators is dedicated to giving DancExcel students the training and performing experiences they need to achieve success in whatever their chosen field of endeavor. 

Meet the Team

  • Dionne N. Champion - Founder

  • Sherice R. Grant - Founder

  • Denzel Smith - Artistic Director / Instructor

  • Daria Brown - Associate Artistic Director

  • Nicholas Brokemond - Instructor

  • Dorothy Champion - Office Manager

  • Carl Champion - Office Manager

What do we dance for?

  • Our innovative programming and top-notch dance and music instruction have firmly established DancExcel as one of the best performing arts programs in the region.  And we continuously reach out to make that same type of impact across the country.

  • Inspire them to be great, Inspire them to create!

    While it has always been DancExcel’s mission to provide high-quality, professional-level arts education and training to our students, our program has always been more than just a place where children learn to play music and dance.  Through our dynamic programming, DancExcel students develop discipline, self-esteem, and the confidence they need to prepare them for future success.  

    By design and with very subtle style, DancExcel is truly more than meets the eye. Our classes do more than just dance, they D.A.N.C.E. (Develop Academic Needs through Creative Expression).  As they progress through the dance curriculum, students are often being taught just as much about science, writing, language arts, and math. This innovative approach to education keeps our students excited about learning, builds confidence and character, and creates talented artists.  

    Since DancExcel’s inception, our goal has been to create a safe and loving community where children can feel free to explore and reach their fullest potential.  We all know the old adage, “It takes a village to raise a child.”  Well, in this village, everyone plays an important role, whether as a student, teacher, parent, or class assistant.  Our students do their best when parents are communicating with teachers, when the more experienced students can offer assistance to those who have yet to reach their level, and when attitudes are positive.  It is our mission to give our students and their families more than their money’s worth when it comes to providing a positive source for quality creative educational enhancement.  Your child will benefit far beyond your expectations, and will soar beyond their own imagination!  We are indeed the Center for CHAMPIONS!