Choreographing Possibility
EdD alumna is founder and director of a dance studio specializing in Black dance forms and traditions
The Hill Dance Academy Theatre (HDAT) founded by Ayisha Morgan-Lee (EdD ’20) is celebrating its 20th anniversary in Pittsburgh this year.
The dance studio—located on Bedford Avenue, the same street where famed African American playwright August Wilson was born—focuses on Black dance traditions, histories, and culture. Through this lens, the studio offers a professional curriculum featuring ballet and techniques in African, jazz, modern, hip-hop, theater, and tap dance, among others.
“Growing up in Pittsburgh, it was rare to see any dancers of color in the studio or teaching. I wanted to make sure there was that opportunity, particularly in my hometown,” said Morgan-Lee, who also serves as CEO and artistic director of the studio.
Morgan-Lee earned her Doctor of Education (EdD) from the University of Pittsburgh School of Education to develop her skill set in out-of-school learning. She’s applied lessons and relationships developed in the program toward running the dance studio.
HDAT teaches children from ages 3 to 18 years old, providing a holistic path toward a dance career. To become more well-rounded, students also take classes in nutrition and theatre.
“It’s more than just dance education. We want them to have a knowledge of the arts,” Morgan-Lee said.
A Better Learner and Stronger Person
Morgan-Lee began dancing at 3 years old, studied dance at Howard University, and earned a master’s in arts management at Carnegie Mellon University.
When it was time to earn her education doctorate, she joined the inaugural cohort of seven students in the Pitt EdD program’s Out-of-School Learning Major.
As the lone student in her cohort working in the arts, she had an opportunity to learn from classmates in other areas.
“I liked that in the program you’re already a life-experienced person, not a traditional-aged college student. We had lively discussions when we didn’t agree with what other people said, but it was okay to have different voices,” Morgan-Lee said.
She knows some students considering an EdD degree may be turned off by the length of time required to complete the program, but says they shouldn’t be.
“People are like, ‘Oh, it’s three years.’ The three years go by really fast. The program makes you a stronger person, a better learner, a better administrator, a better teacher. It also helps you connect to things going on in Pittsburgh,” Morgan-Lee said.
Through the Pitt EdD program, Morgan-Lee created a dissertation in practice that explored the big question of “What is Black dance?” She interviewed more than 20 people working in the field to study Black dance cultures, aesthetics, and traditions.
“When it was all said and done, it definitely enhanced the body of my work,” Morgan-Lee said.
Making Careers in Dance Possible
Morgan-Lee is proud of the close-knit community at HDAT.
Some former students have gone on to become professional dancers at dance companies and on cruise lines. Others have pursued a range of professional pursuits in marketing, forensic sciences, entrepreneurship, and physical therapy.
“We want them to become a double threat: someone who loves the visual arts and loves to dance,” Morgan-Lee said.
In 2021, the studio expanded by purchasing the Catholic church’s former St. Benedict the Moor Center.
HDAT now has 31,000 square-feet of space across three different buildings. The campus includes a performing arts center and a residency retreat space to host visiting artists.
“It has become bigger for us than we can ever imagine. We’re teaching kids not just how to dance but how to keep a community arts center vibrant,” Morgan-Lee said.
