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 to be carried on the ice.
“We’re looking forward to everything, including the crowd’s reaction to this performance because it will be different,” Angela said.
“Seeing the costumes come together and everyone sees th Kwanzaa flag, especially in,the times we’re living in now, I feel like it’s just really important for them to see that unity, not just off the ice, but they get to see it on the ice as well.”
Image courtesy of Dream Detroit Skating Academy
This dream materialized in the form of DDSA, based at Adam-Butzel Recreation Center Ice Arena. The academy is the only Black- and woman-owned figure skating club in Detroit, offering a comprehensive, high-quality program designed for local youth.
Candice emphasizes that she rarely saw Black skaters competing at a high level and why representation is important.
“Skaters that look like me on the ice, I didn’t see that growing up. I luckily did start skating with skaters that look like me because I actually started here at Jack Adams, but then as I got higher up and more competitive, there weren’t a lot of faces like mine,” Candice said.
“And it’s important for them to see that representation on the ice. It’s important for them to know that, or see the end game of where they can go and see that just because, none of us went to the Olympics that we weren’t successful individually as skaters.”
At DDSA, skaters as young as four years old are introduced to the world of figure skating through Learn to Skate classes. As students progress, they can train in specialized disciplines, preparing for competitive events and ice show performances. The academy’s rigorous approach ensures that every skater has the opportunity to develop their skills to the fullest, while also embracing the joy and artistry of figure skating.
Candice’s and Angela’s mission goes beyond technical training. They are committed to breaking down barriers in a sport historically marked by exclusivity, both in terms of race and socioeconomic status. DDSA’s approach emphasizes not only athletic excellence but also community engagement and personal growth. By providing Detroit’s youth with access to high-caliber instruction and mentorship, DDSA aims to transform the face of figure skating, inspiring a new generation of skaters who feel seen, valued, and capable of achieving their dreams.
The impact of DDSA is already being felt across Detroit. It’s not just a figure skating academy; it’s a movement aimed at fostering resilience, confidence, and cultural pride on the ice. As Candice and Angela continue to expand their program, their hope is that DDSA will serve as a national model for diversity and inclusion in figure skating, paving the way for broader change in the sport. With each jump and spin, their skaters are not only learning the art of skating but also writing a new chapter in the history of figure skating one where all dreams are valid, and every child has a place to soar.
‘It’s rewarding, I didn’t realize the magnitude of it until we started this (Dream Detroit Skating Academy),” Angela said.
“Hearing the response that people have is a really big deal. And I think we’ve been able to see just how important this sport is in the African American community, and so it’s rewarding to see how much they’ve grown to the impact we’ve had on a lot of these kids.”
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