By April R. Duncan, Elma High School Intern
Dayna Daneker, owner, director and instructor of High Impact Dance Academy, is a renowned dance instructor in Grays Harbor County. Born and raised in Grays Harbor, Daneker started dancing at 18-months-old under the direction of her dance instructor mother who taught classes out of their home. By the time Daneker was a student at Aberdeen High School, she was an active participant in many extracurricular activities including competitive sports, gymnastics, cheerleading, and – of course – dance, and by age 15 she was helping teach dance lessons alongside her mom.
After high school, Daneker pursued her dancing ambition by heading to Chicago where she studied and danced at Giordano Dance, operated by the well-known choreographer, Gus Giordano.
In 1995, after returning to Washington, Daneker opened her first dance studio in Mountlake, and later, in 2001, merged with Lynwood-based High Step Dance Academy to form High Impact Dance Academy (HIDA).
Shortly after combining names, Daneker returned to her hometown to open a studio in Grays Harbor. For two years Daneker traveled between Lynnwood and Grays Harbor, until making the Harbor her permanent location. After being away from Grays Harbor for about 20 years, Daneker returned to uphold the family tradition her mother had began so many years ago.
Daneker now has four children and three grandchildren. One of her daughters is following in her footsteps to teach dance, her son is an airman in the US Air Force, and her youngest daughter attends Elma High School. Daneker also has a granddaughter taking gymnastics in Arizona.
Why Join High Impact Dance?
Daneker’s outlook on dance is that, “dance isn’t just about learning a dance, it’s about the technique and fun all in one.” She believes in all of her dancers and offers everyone equal opportunities. High Impact Dance Academy offers many types of dance, such as:
- Tap
- Jazz
- Ballet
- Clogging
- Pointe
- Lyrical
- Hip hop
- Cheerleading
- Tumbling
Daneker allows children ages 2 – 18 to enroll at any time and compete in competitions if they wish. All Daneker asks is that each dancer tries and is committed to learn. This year 12 dancers are in competitions and the youngest dancer is only 4-years-old. Classes run yearly, from September through June. There are two shows each year as well, including a holiday show and an end-of-the-year show like this year’s “A Winter Wonderland” and “Disney Drizzle.” Last year the competitive dance team was successful, winning high scores against other dancers in Portland and Seattle.
Daneker’s experience and education more than qualify her for the job. A license for instructing dance does not exist but Daneker, a member of the Professional Dance Teachers Association, feels that such a license could help ensure quality instruction. Daneker’s involvement in workshops at companies like Hollywood Dance Experience and Dupree Dance Expo, help further her education and show her dedication to dance.
Daneker also teaches preschool out of her dance studio. However, this year she is taking a break because she is working on obtaining her Bachelor’s Degree in Education while still continuing to teach dance classes. Her plate may be full, but she always approaches everything with an eager mind and a positive outlook.
Want to Get in Touch?
High Impact Dance Academy has two Grays Harbor location in Elma and Aberdeen. Daneker teaches out of the Elma facility. You can contact her by calling 206-999-7313, emailing her at highimpact@netscape.com, or visiting the studio in person in Elma at 115 W Main St, or in Aberdeen at 104 S Chehalis St.
Additional information about High Impact Dance Academy can be found online at www.highimpactdanceacademy.com.
