Breaking Barriers on Ice: Dream Detroit Skating Academy Celebrates 3rd Performance at Detroit Tree Lighting Nov 22

Image courtesy of Dream Detroit Skating Academy With a blend of grace and grit, Dream Detroit Skating Academy (DDSA) is reshaping the ice rinks of Detroit, offering young skaters of color the opportunities that founders Candice Tamakloe and Angela Blocker-Loyd once could only dream of. Growing up as two of the few African American competitive skaters in the area, they struggled to see themselves reflected in the sport. Today, they are transforming those years of underrepresentation into a powerful mission empowering Detroit’s youth through figure skating. Breaking barriers and opening doors, DDSA will take to the ice once again this year, performing at the Detroit Tree Lighting on November 22, marking their third consecutive year in this prestigious spotlight. “Last year, the coaches didn’t skate, and we felt like our skaters had the experience to carry the program themselves, so they performed to a Motown Medley. And so this year, is our third year, so we are coming out with a bang,” Candice said. “We’re going to be celebrating Kwanzaa a little early.” The first year, DDSA performed to Carol of the Bells Song by Trans-Siberian Orchestra, introducing themselves slowy. The coaches skated with the young skates some who had...