ABOUT ILLUMINATE
illuminaTe Dance and Arts Center is a strong family oriented studio devoted to teaching the art of dance for the purpose of artistic, intellectual, physical and social development to create a long lasting love for the arts in people of all ages.
"A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle " -James Keller
WHY CHOOSE ILLUMINATE
As a parent, we realize that you have many choices as to where you invest your time when it comes to activities for your children. We assure you that at illuminaTe, we are very aware of how precious your children are. Our goal is to foster an environment of learning and fun all while respecting the discipline of the art, teaching proper technique and nurturing your child to be their very best. Our staff is composed of highly trained and experienced professionals who all believe that each child is an individual and we strive to nurture each individual through a caring atmosphere where your child will be encouraged to ask questions, step out of comfort zones and work to the best of their ability. We offer classes from 18 months- adult and have something for everyone!
DEENA BRYAN
Deena Bryan was born and raised in Tecumseh, Michigan and began her dance training at the age of 3 at Tecumseh Dance Workshop. She was one of the first Caravan Kids to tour with Hoctors Dance Caravan in 1993, where she met and assisted hip hop great Devora Cooper Howard.
She received a dance scholarship to Oakland University where she studied all forms of dance including kinesiology, choreography and dance history. Through her years at Oakland University, she was a member of Oakland Dance Theatre Repertory Company under the direction of Laurie Eisenhower and Gregory Patterson. While at Oakland, she was chosen to perform 'The Hundreds' with Twyla Tharpe.
She has received numerous scholarships to Debbie Reynolds Dance Studio in Los Angeles, California. She received the honor of being a forever guest choreographer for Cathy Roes Dance Spectacular. She was invited to be a part of Jayson Michaels Energy Source Dance Association in 2011 at his National Company Performance as a choreographer and teacher and quickly became a full time staff member and Energy Source Kids Director teaching all genres of dance in studios all around the country. She has taught at Tecumseh Dance Workshop, The Dance Centre, Metropolitan Dance Centre and was the Executive Director of Tecumseh Dance Theatre Company. She is well versed in all forms of dance and has taught for over 20 years. Through those years, her dances have won numerous choreography and technique awards.
In 2017, Mr. Jayson Michaels passed away and left the company to Deena and Associate Director, Angela Harris. They renamed the company Energy Source Dance Experience and Deena is currently the co director/co owner.
Deena is very proud to be the owner/director of illuminaTe Dance and Arts Center opening in the fall of 2018!
Deena believes in the art of dance, the integrity and discipline of the art and also the creativity and expression of the person. Through her unique choreography and connection with her students, she is able to convey her passion and inspire new generations of artists and performers.
