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Passo di Danza (Step of the Dance), Detroit
The Passo di Danza (Step of the Dance) is a breathtaking bronze sculpture by renowned Italian sculptor Giacomo Manzù, commissioned by architect Minoru Yamasaki for the Jefferson Avenue entrance of One Woodward Avenue. Crafted in the likeness of Manzù's wife, the statue captures the ethereal beauty of a ballet dancer poised delicately on her toes, her hands resting elegantly on her head as she prepares for the first step of her dance. The sculpture gleams in the sunlight, adding an air of sophistication and artistry to its surroundings.
Originally, the statue stood at the center of a reflecting pool adorned with gas torches, creating a dramatic interplay of fire and water. However, due to structural issues with the pool's base, much of it was replaced with greenery in the 1980s. Despite these changes, the Passo di Danza remains a striking feature of the office tower plaza, adding a touch of European elegance to Detroit's urban landscape.
Commissioned in 1962 for Minoru Yamasaki’s first skyscraper, One Woodward Avenue, the Passo di Danza graces the entrance of this 29-story modernist landmark, now home to Fifth Third Bank. Adding to its lore, pranksters once painted green footprints leading from the Spirit of Detroit to the sculpture, imagining a late-night visit.
The Passo di Danza stands near the Renaissance Center (RenCen), a cluster of skyscrapers that define Detroit’s skyline and house Michigan’s tallest building. This contrast between the timeless bronze sculpture and the modern RenCen reflects Detroit’s blend of history, culture, and innovation, showcasing the city’s artistic and architectural vibrancy.
Originally, the statue stood at the center of a reflecting pool adorned with gas torches, creating a dramatic interplay of fire and water. However, due to structural issues with the pool's base, much of it was replaced with greenery in the 1980s. Despite these changes, the Passo di Danza remains a striking feature of the office tower plaza, adding a touch of European elegance to Detroit's urban landscape.
Commissioned in 1962 for Minoru Yamasaki’s first skyscraper, One Woodward Avenue, the Passo di Danza graces the entrance of this 29-story modernist landmark, now home to Fifth Third Bank. Adding to its lore, pranksters once painted green footprints leading from the Spirit of Detroit to the sculpture, imagining a late-night visit.
The Passo di Danza stands near the Renaissance Center (RenCen), a cluster of skyscrapers that define Detroit’s skyline and house Michigan’s tallest building. This contrast between the timeless bronze sculpture and the modern RenCen reflects Detroit’s blend of history, culture, and innovation, showcasing the city’s artistic and architectural vibrancy.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Detroit. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Passo di Danza (Step of the Dance) on Map
Sight Name: Passo di Danza (Step of the Dance)
Sight Location: Detroit, USA (See walking tours in Detroit)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Detroit, USA (See walking tours in Detroit)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Detroit, Michigan
Create Your Own Walk in Detroit
Creating your own self-guided walk in Detroit is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Downtown Detroit Walking Tour
Detroit is Michigan's largest city, Wyne County's seat, and the biggest city on the United States border with Canada. Its location on the Detroit River, proximity to the Great Lakes, and proximity to Canada have helped secure this city as a major trading area over its long history. The city is also famous as the home of Motown.
European settlement in the 17th century began with the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
European settlement in the 17th century began with the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Midtown Detroit Walking Tour
Midtown Detroit is a mixed-use area consisting of a business district, cultural center, a major research university, and several residential neighborhoods, located along the east and west side of Woodward Avenue. Most of all, it is a cultural epicenter with numerous activities huddled in one place, especially when it comes to museums, restaurants, and bars.
Start your journey with the Wayne... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles
Start your journey with the Wayne... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles
Monuments Tour
Detroit is known for having many monuments and statues to great personalities that are scattered across the city.
Did you know that the monument commemorating the “freedom fighter for two continents”, Thaddeus Kosciuszko, is actually replica of the monument standing by Wawel castle in Krakow, Poland? Another featured military figure, Gen. Alexander Macomb, was a hero in the War of 1812 and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Did you know that the monument commemorating the “freedom fighter for two continents”, Thaddeus Kosciuszko, is actually replica of the monument standing by Wawel castle in Krakow, Poland? Another featured military figure, Gen. Alexander Macomb, was a hero in the War of 1812 and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles