From studio to shortstop: How Dance Training Elevated My Game on the Baseball Field
- Academy of Dance Arts
- Apr 10
- 3 min read
At The Academy of Dance Arts, we’ve seen our students grow into incredible artists, leaders, and professionals across many paths—but few stories are as unique and inspiring as Jude Warwick’s. A former member of our ballet, jazz, and hip hop teams, Jude took the discipline and artistry he developed in the studio all the way to the baseball field—where he was drafted by the Detroit Tigers straight out of high school. His journey is a powerful testament to the far-reaching impact of pre-professional dance training. We caught up with Jude for a Q&A to explore how his dance background continues to shape his athletic performance, mindset, and life as a pro athlete.
How did your dance training contribute to your development as an athlete, particularly in baseball?
My dance training helped me in every aspect of being a baseball player, from my footwork to my coordination to feeling light on my feet and core strength. I can see the correlation between my dancing and baseball every day I play.
Did the balance and coordination from dance improve your skills on the field? If so, how?
It absolutely helped me and shaped me into the baseball player I am today. My coaches always applaud my balance, and I can thank dance for truly teaching me that. Thanks to dance, my coordination was sharpened, and it helps me when I field a ground ball or hit a pitch. I can see the difference it has made in my baseball career and my everyday life.
Has your experience with dance helped you become more agile and flexible in your movements on the field?
I fully believe that without dance, my flexibility and agility would not be anywhere close to where they are today. The countless hours of stretching and conditioning and learning how to use my body to fill space in jumps and dances have helped me throughout my baseball career. I can see the flexibility and agility when I am making diving plays or staying light on my feet while running to a ball. Without dance, I wouldn’t have known that feeling, so it has helped me a lot.
How did the discipline and work ethic you developed at our dance academy translate to your training and performance in baseball?
The discipline and work ethic was unmatched. I cannot express my gratitude enough to the amazing teachers at ADA for instilling that drive for greatness. I can still see the drive while I am lifting, hitting, and playing the game I love to eventually achieve my goal of playing for the Detroit Tigers. ADA has taught me how to set myself up for success and try my absolute hardest to get what I want.
Dance often involves working closely with others. How has this experience influenced your ability to work as part of a team in baseball?
It has helped me a lot since I played with my new team. I only have a few English-speaking players on my team this year, and I reflect on my dance experience to help me overcome this. Within dance, you can express yourself and talk to others through movements. I have used that ability by speaking to others using my body. We can communicate by showing movements while fielding a ground ball or hitting without using a single word. Dance taught me that skill that truly has helped me a lot.
What advice would you give young dancers who may not immediately see a connection between dance and other sports like baseball?
I wouldn’t have believed the number of connections dance has gifted me to other sports. I never truly realized the correlations until my time dancing was completed. Once I was done dancing and truly focused on baseball, I could see the direct connections to my baseball career. My advice for others would be to be patient. You won’t see the progression until you fully understand all it has helped you with.
Beyond physical skills, how has your dance training shaped your mindset, confidence, or approach to life outside of sports?
Dance has taught me to enjoy every moment and perform in whatever I am doing. On the baseball diamond, before every game, I think of it like a show, and I always try my best to perform for the people watching. This has always allowed me to play free and enjoy every second of playing. It boosts my confidence knowing the amount of support I have from all the amazing people I have met at ADA, and I truly can’t thank them enough for everything they have done for me, allowing me to be where I am today.
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