About Us
Founded in 2021 by Michelle and Sergio Urban, Urban Movement Dance Academy was built with a mission to go beyond the traditional dance studio experience. Located in El Paso, TX, we are a training ground for dancers of all levels to grow—not just in skill, but in confidence, creativity, and purpose. At UMDA, we believe in consistent, gap-free training, and we foster a community where mistakes are part of the journey, not something to fear. While competition has a place, our true focus is on developing well-rounded dancers through intentional instruction, choreography, and mentorship. Whether your goal is to perform, teach, or simply move with passion, we are here to guide and support you every step of the way.
How Urban Movement Began
As dance parents, we watched how the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted more than just classes—it deeply impacted how dancers saw themselves and their future in dance. Many were discouraged, uncertain, and losing connection with the art they once loved. We knew our community needed more than a place to dance—it needed a space for growth, reconnection, and purpose.
In 2021, we founded Urban Movement Dance Academy to meet that need. Our vision was to create a studio where dancers could build a strong technical foundation while also being challenged creatively and artistically. We set out to showcase meaningful choreography that reflects and uplifts our community—work that inspires not only dancers, but audiences and future artists in El Paso.
We also knew that real growth comes from exposure and experience, so we committed to bringing in opportunities that are often unavailable locally—guest instructors, performance platforms, workshops, and mentorships that broaden our dancers’ horizons and connect them to the larger world of dance.
What started in a time of uncertainty has grown into a movement rooted in possibility. At UMDA, we are proud to guide dancers on a journey of discipline, creativity, and confidence—both on and off the stage.
Founders
Michelle & Sergio Urban
Co-Founders & Owners, Urban Movement Dance Academy
Michelle and Sergio Urban are the husband-and-wife team behind Urban Movement Dance Academy. With backgrounds in fine arts and engineering, they bring a unique blend of creativity, structure, and vision to the studio.
Michelle is a Fine Art Educator with the Socorro Independent School District, where she inspires creativity in the classroom and beyond. Sergio is an engineer with HP Enterprises, bringing problem-solving, precision, and steady leadership to the UMDA mission.
As passionate dance parents, their journey began by supporting their own children’s love for movement. Over time, that love grew into something greater—a calling to create a space where young dancers across El Paso could thrive, grow, and feel truly seen. Since founding UMDA in 2021, Michelle and Sergio have embraced every student as part of their extended dance family.
Together, they are committed to offering consistent, meaningful training, nurturing artistic expression, and expanding access to performance and growth opportunities that inspire dancers and uplift the community.
"We wanted to offer a place where dancers could feel supported in both their training and their growth as artists-and the vision became Urban Movement."
Mission Statement
Urban Movement Dance Academy is committed to shaping strong, capable artists who carry discipline, creativity, and resilience into every space they enter. Our mission is to provide accessible, high-quality training with a focus on consistent growth over competition. We believe in elevating the dance community by creating opportunities for development, education, and leadership—on and off the stage
Impact Statement
Urban Movement Dance Academy is a hub for dance excellence and community development in El Paso. We equip dancers not only to perform but to lead—on stage, in classrooms, and in life. Through innovative programs, mentorship, and expanded resources, we’re shaping a generation of confident, resilient, and well-rounded artists who uplift the dance community and inspire those around them.
Our Pillars
Growth Without Gaps
We believe in consistent, high-quality training that builds a strong technical foundation. Every dancer deserves the opportunity to grow without shortcuts, confusion, or burnout.
Progress Over Perfection
At UMDA, we welcome mistakes as part of the process. We guide dancers in developing confidence, resilience, and a growth mindset—where progress is the goal, not perfection.
Creative Impact
We are committed to creating and showcasing choreography that speaks to our community. Our work is intentional, expressive, and rooted in storytelling that inspires dancers and audiences alike.
Expanding Opportunity
We bring in performance and training experiences that many dancers in our area wouldn’t otherwise access—guest instructors, workshops, mentorships, and platforms that open new doors for our students.
Family-Led, Community-Focused
As a family-owned studio, we care deeply for every student we serve. Our dancers aren’t just participants—they’re part of a community built on trust, encouragement, and shared passion.
Who We Serve
- Recreational dancers
- Pre-professional dancers
- Students interested in choreography or teaching
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Competitive teams
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Ages served (preschool, youth, teen, adult if applicable)
Facility
UPSTAIRS
5411 N Mesa Ste 13B, El Paso, TX 79912
DOWNSTAIRS
5411 N Mesa Ste 31, El Paso, TX 79912
What Makes Us Different?
“We don’t leave growth to chance—our instructors are either formally trained or actively mentored to ensure every dancer receives aligned, high-quality instruction.”