Metrics and Feedback

At LWDA, we want our work to speak for itself. Each and every person we interact with becomes a vessel for the entire experience that our curriculum has to offer, and we strive to ensure that each experience is phenomenal, memorable, and impactful for the future. Below, you will find chronicled Metrics and Feedback from our clients, both youth as well as adults, that have participated in LWDA programming. More experiences are constantly being added. The proof lies within an intrinsic motto as well as the real-time results: "The Value of LWDA Far Outweighs Our Cost." To view more first-hand accounts and feedback from clients and patrons, click on the GreatNonprofits Banner on the bottom of the screen.

 
 

Professional Feedback

2019

Professional with expertise in this field
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"I've had gratifying and positive interactions with LWDA. Experiencing their social commitment, expenditure of time, and well placed faith in their young people, made it a delight to be able to help them, by making Company Tank Tops for an important performance at the Muny this summer. LWDA's tireless dedication to improving youth's lives and minds through artistic expansion and exposure, has heightened my sense of community pride. I'm happy to be able to give of my time and talent to help the youth that LWDA serves!"

Carmella Y. Simpson

C. Simpson & Co. Tailoring & Designs

4144 Lindell Blvd, #321

St. Louis, Missouri 63108
 
 

Parent Feedback

2019

"I have been having a very enjoyable experience watching my children participate in this program. It encompasses Education, Performing Arts, Nutrition, and everything that the program should have, to set children in motion for a positive future. This program has enhanced both of my children's social interaction, communication, self-discipline and good nutrition. The director sets a great example for the students and she is a very positive influence on my children. When I look for after school enrichment and artistic outlets, I appreciate if programs are productive and convenient. LWDA is located in the city and it gives my children a positive way to express themselves. In addition, it's good exercise! The Director, Ms. Willis, is always easy to get in contact with, and responds in a very timely manner. I am very excited to help and assist with their nutrition education program as well as at performances. I love seeing both of my children's work and effort come to life when they perform what they have learned. This is a great organization to assist children to grow and develop both in a professional capacity and personally. Both of my Daughters Love this Program. They share their words here:"
 
Daughter #1 (Age 13).
"Being part of LWDA will mean that I will pursue a second career of being a Dancer, along with my dreams of being an Anesthesiologist. My favorite part of the program was a specific dance that I was able to assist with. The Dance Instructor, Ms. Willis is very open and respectful, and allowed me to share my choreographic ideas. She listened to me when I suggested a dance that we could do with beautiful fans. She said yes and we worked together on the concept and choreography. It was so much fun and this is my favorite part so far in this program. I was given attention and respect the entire time and every class. I would like to remain in the program for as long as it goes on."
 
Daughter #2 (Age 9)
"Being part of LWDA means so much for my future. I believe that now, after being in this program, I can be a better Dancer and I also have a new talent. I have a better way to express myself, and something to help me transform my anger into something positive and creative. I am happy to have an adult woman that's like extended family, who has tolerance for who I am and what I am. My favorite part of the LWDA program is working hard on our dances and showing our community what we can do. I feel like I was given more than I could ask for and the most attention and especially respect from classmates and the teacher at all times. I would love to remain in the LWDA program for as long as possible and I would stay because it feels like my second home."
 
 

Parent Feedback

2019

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"This Program goes above and beyond my expectations, by what they provide the students. Aside from the physical fitness and endurance, healthy eating and dance technique, the Program also teaches the children how to follow instructions. What is important and exciting for me, is that the children also learn their true history, as so-called African-American or black children. As far as enrichment activities or artistic outlets go, this program teaches the children in all areas of life. The education they receive has built confidence within my children, and has raised their self esteem as well!"
 
 

Professional Feedback

2018

Professional with expertise in this field

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"Nothing is better for our children than to teach them to move, to experience the freedom of motion, and to believe in their own power to take charge of their lives. That what LWDA does. This is a gift to children to be the authors of their own joy. Leah Willis Dance Arts is a treasure."

Michael Willis, FAIA

 

Professional Feedback

2018

Professional with expertise in this field

"My experience with this Nonprofit Organization has been highly satisfying and greatly rewarding. I am the Owner of the We Rock The Spectrum Kids Gym in St. Ann, Missouri. The CEO of Leah Willis Dance Arts and I, collaborated together and created a never-before seen, neurologically enhancing program for children who live with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. The Program is called LWDA Time To Fly!© This uplifted my world, because it positively affects my son. I think I have to say-I have to approach it from my personal experience. Anything that reaches my child, anything that helps him to engage with other people is a SUCCESS. And it is HUGELY successful. It went from him needing to not be with people, to actually being engaged and wanting more. And it happened within the span of what, 30 minutes? IT MEANT EVERYTHING TO ME."

Donor Feedback

2018

: Donor

"I am the Store Manager of the Discount Dance Supply located in Mission Viejo, California. We provide high quality Dancewear worldwide. We are the site for Dance Teachers, Dancers, Fitness & Health, Careers, Auditions, and more. Mrs. Willis is setting her students on the path to greatness in Dance and in life through her program. It’s been a pleasure working with Mrs. Leah Willis. I am happy to Donate to this Amazing Program. It’s wonderful to know that these donations will help out all Dancers in their future careers."

Donor Feedback

2018

: Donor

"I am a Store Manager at The Southtown Home Depot in St. Louis, MO. It was my pleasure to Donate to Leah Willis Dance Arts. Their values closely relate to our own, which begin with Trust, honesty and integrity. We do a lot around the holidays, but we are very appreciative when organizations have a genuine "inner smile" and do all they can to help kids."

 

Donor Feedback

2018

: Donor

"I am a Store and Community Outreach Manager at Trader Joe's in Brentwood, Missouri. I'm Glad we had the opportunity to be a part of LWDA's endeavor. Their Mission resembles our own. With a collaboration like this that would actively benefit our communities, it was our pleasure to Donate and give our support. We aim to be your #1 grocery store. We always want to be engaged with the community."

 

Parent Feedback

2017

: Client Served

"Because of this program, my son is willing to do better in school. It's motivation for him, to participate in this activity. I'm very happy that I have less driving to do, since he's already there. They bring their program to my son's facility. Very helpful."

Parent Feedback

2017

: Client Served

"Leah Willis Dance Arts builds confidence in each child and inspires them to do better. Their program meets our requirements as parents by allowing each child to express themselves."

 

Parent Feedback

2016

: Client Served

"To tell the truth, before they started here I was so worried about them all. Now they are focused, and seem to be so much more happy. Also SCHOOL WORK HAS IMPROVED 100%. Oh yes, my son loves it and my daughter is starting to be more of a social person...."

 

Youth Feedback

2016

: Client Served

"This program means a lot to me because dancing is my favorite thing to do, and I want to grow up and be a professional dancer like Ms. Leah. I felt I was given a whole lot of respect while I was in the Program and she taught me some dance moves that I couldn't get, respectfully. Ms. Leah is just amazing. She brightens me and she taught me new amazing moves."

 

Professional Feedback

2016

Professional with expertise in this field

"This is a life-altering nonprofit organization. The curriculum that they offer gives children an outlet not just in Dance but in life in general. It teaches teamwork, hard work, and allows them to see what progress looks like. It shows the parents how creative, focused, and positively daring their children can be, and that they can achieve something great. The feeling that these children have being part of the LWDA program is second to none. The Innovative Arts program gives children the opportunity to connect dance with academics. This organization helps children to learn the fundamentals of movement as well as the science behind movement. It is a worthy investment in the children's futures. This organization exposes children to professional elements in the larger Performing Arts Community such as theater, professional artist workshops, as well as performances at venues that they themselves host. LWDA also gives them a head start on creating their own professional career portfolio through photo shoots and building a choreography repertoire. I recommend this nonprofit organization highly, as it gives life to all organizations that do not have Performing Arts Outlets. Organizations like this do not come around often."

 

Volunteer Feedback

2016

Volunteer

"I am so grateful to be a part of the LWDA family. Being able to help LWDA build a new foundation in a new community has given me the chance to grow as a professional and as a person. The passion that Leah Willis and her husband have in changing the youth is contagious. You can’t help but want to give back as much as you can. I grew up playing cello and dancing, and I believe that giving children the opportunity to develop through the arts is an amazing thing. I hope that LWDA will continue to change the world through dance, education and determination."

 

Parent Feedback

2011

"My daughter's middle school no longer has the arts programs and classes that it once had several years ago when my older child was a student there. She loves singing and dancing and these opportunites were no longer offered at school.
I was so happy to learn of LWDA. Having the LWDA program at school is a great thing, words cannot express my joy that my daughter has this opportunity. The program teaches more than dance, which makes them better students and builds character. I love LWDA."

 

Professional Feedback

2011

Professional with expertise in this field

"Leah has devoted her life and time to the non-profit organization to help children. I had the privilege to be in class with her. We did a project in our Marketing class to promote the organization. She was an inspiration in class. We told the class how we were going to help the children that were unable to have economic security. We wanted to make a difference in the community. Children need financial and emotional support to make positive changes in their lives. We want the children to succeed and go to college. The drop out rate is extremely high and Leah is trying to make a difference. She has a family, but she is willing to put in the time and effort to help the community."

 

Volunteer Feedback

2011

Volunteer

"I know the founder personally, and she's dedicated to the kids of Long Beach. Her professionalism can only be matched by her care of building self esteem in all those this organization touches. Great Job Leah... Keep going..."