2020 Performing Companies
Academy of Notre Dame de Namur
The Academy of Notre Dame de Namur is a Catholic, independent, college preparatory school for young women, grades 6 through 12 located in Villanova. The Academy’s dance program offers dance to all interested students with varying degrees of dance experience. The Academy of Notre Dame Dance Company is an auditioned group of students who study the art of dance as part of their academic day. The Upper School Dance Company attends and performs at festivals throughout the region. Whether a student has been dancing for years or is a beginner, there is a class for everyone at the Academy of Notre Dame.
The Ali Cats Hip Hop Crew
The Ali Cats Hip Hop Crew [TAC] is a performing dance class/crew whose mission is to provide young dancers with a comprehensive artistic experience through hard work, dedication and discipline. TAC will assist in the fostering of excellence in technical performance, precision, freedom in artistic creation, a greater awareness of dance as a fundamental form of human expression and a deeper understanding of the cultural impact of the arts. TAC is a mentoring experience where artists are born and self-confidence is developed.
Balance Dance Center Jr. Company
Balance Dance Center, located in Exton, PA, provides quality instruction in a welcoming environment that nurtures all levels of talent. The Balance Dance Junior Company offers students the opportunity to explore movement through collaboration and creativity as they grow in confidence, self-esteem, and discipline. Balance Dance Junior Company members are ambassadors of love, dance, and artistic expression. Inclusivity, diversity, and respect for one another are some of our most important guiding principles. Students are empowered through movement to find their own voice as they also celebrate the voice of others. Dancers in the company perform throughout the year at dance festivals and public events in multiple performance venues. Company members have been selected for notable awards and programs including: a 2020 Young Arts winner, the Alvin Ailey Summer Dance Intensive, the Broadway Dance Center Junior Training Program, and study in the dance program at Temple University.
The Blue Bell School of Dance
The Blue Bell School of Dance has had a rich history in dance education since its creation in 1964 by founder Irene Evens. BBSD has been passed down three generations and is currently run by Angela Preston, Evens’ granddaughter. The family run school promotes a safe, caring and supportive environment for all its students.
BBSD prides its self on the technical excellence that it imparts to its students through its professional faculty. BBSD offers a Vaganova-based ballet curriculum as well as classes in pointe, hip-hop, tap, contemporary, lyrical, jazz and acrobatics. We offer classes to all ages on recreational, pre-professional and competition tracks.
Our Blue Bell Senior Company Team performing at PYDF are some of our most dedicated and promising students. They are currently training under the direction of Nataly Morales (choreographer and instructor) and Jordyn McNichols (instructor). Most of the company members have been students at BBSD since the age of six and have dedicated themselves to the joy of dance. They are honored for this opportunity to perform at the Philadelphia Youth Dance Festival. www.bluebelldance.com
BBSD prides its self on the technical excellence that it imparts to its students through its professional faculty. BBSD offers a Vaganova-based ballet curriculum as well as classes in pointe, hip-hop, tap, contemporary, lyrical, jazz and acrobatics. We offer classes to all ages on recreational, pre-professional and competition tracks.
Our Blue Bell Senior Company Team performing at PYDF are some of our most dedicated and promising students. They are currently training under the direction of Nataly Morales (choreographer and instructor) and Jordyn McNichols (instructor). Most of the company members have been students at BBSD since the age of six and have dedicated themselves to the joy of dance. They are honored for this opportunity to perform at the Philadelphia Youth Dance Festival. www.bluebelldance.com
Bucks County School of the Performing Arts
The BCPA Dance Company was created in 2012 with a goal to develop, in each dancer, a genuine respect for dance as an art form. The BCPA Dance Company has been the proud recipient of the “Ballet Technique”, “Outstanding Choreography”, “Studio Etiquette” , “Best Director”, and “Studio Excellence in Technique” awards at various regional dance competitions and conventions, and have several performances throughout the season including the Philadelphia Youth Dance Festival. We consider these performance opportunities more than simply part of our students’ training as dancers; it’s also an important part of how we influence them as people. The Teen/Senior Dancers train 6-7 days per week and study Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Modern, Contemporary, Tap, and Hip Hop. We believe that members of our Dance Company will not only grow as dancers but also grow as individuals and thereby realize, achieve, and exceed their true potential as artists.
Catherine Westerduin Presents
Catherine Westerduin Presents’ is a diverse dance and music collective in Philadelphia and the surrounding area, combining professional and youth performers in showcases around the city. Soloist of Kozlov Dance International, Catherine Westerduin has performed throughout the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean, and continues to dance with professional companies throughout the tristate area, including the Buglisi Dance Theatre, and University of Pennsylvania’s African Rhythms Company. Catherine is currently working on founding and establishing ‘Poético Dance Collective of Philadelphia’, a collaborative movement and music project that joins with the community and local charitable organizations through art. Catherine was a finalist in the 2006 Youth America Grand Prix, and has performed at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall, among other acclaimed venues. ‘Catherine Westerduin Presents/Poético Dance Collective’ welcomes performance of all types, and looks forward to engaging with the community in creative ways.
Charottesville Ballet Academy
Charlottesville Ballet Academy is located in Charlottesville, Virginia and is the official training school of the Charlottesville Ballet, Charlottesville's professional dance company whose mission is to elevate the art of dance through wellness, performance, education and community outreach. Charlottesville Ballet Academy opened in 2011 and now serves over 600 students in various training levels. Our students performing in the Philadelphia Youth Dance Fest include 4 of our Pre-Professional Program students. This program is a rigorous training program designed to prepare students for a professional career within the ballet industry, though students train in all genres of dance. Our students are honored to have the opportunity to participate in this year's Philadelphia Youth Dance Fest.
Chester Valley Dance Academy
The Chester Valley Dance Academy, LLC. located in Exton, PA, was founded in 1989 and is celebrating its 30th year in business. C.V.D.A. has brought entertainment and quality dance training to many throughout the years.
Dancers in our Company have the opportunity to dance in numerous festivals and conventions and travel around the country to experience different styles of dance. Locally, this performance group has participated in the West Chester Winter Dance Festival, Chester County Dance Festival, Philadelphia Youth Regional Dance Festival, Falling Leaves Festival, and more. These dancers will be representing the State of Pennsylvania in the International Dance Boards at Dance Excellence in Los Angeles California in April of 2019. Our Company Dancers have been accepted into summer programs at Kaatsbaan International Ballet, the Royal Ballet, Joffrey Ballet School, the American Ballet Theater, and Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. Upon graduation many of our dancers go on to dance professionally while others receive college scholarships to dance while they further their academic education. www.chestervalleydance.com Christina Cultural Arts Center Dance Ensemblecoming soon
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Classified Dance Company
Classified Dance Company is comprised of students from Dance Class studio in Laurel Springs, New Jersey. The CDC is currently in their sixth season, under the direction of Greg Anmuth. These young students are encouraged to develop their artistry through improvisation, understanding of the body, and critical thinking. Classified Dance Company dancers have been awarded several choreography awards, national recognition, and two top ten placements at the World Dance Championships in August 2017. We are honored to be performing alongside all the groups in this year’s Philadelphia Youth Dance Festival.
Connecticut Dance Center
Established in 2012 as the official pre-professional company of Connecticut Dance Center (Stamford, CT), the CDC Contemporary Dance Company aims to create a launching platform for teens that are looking to take dance to the next level. Through mentorship, versatility in training, and community engagements, the dancers of CDC’s Contemporary Dance Company are challenged to become responsible citizens of the dance community. The Company’s dedication and love of dance to has gotten them into ABT, Joffrey, Ailey, CPYB, and Paul Taylor Summer Intensives; CDC's alumni have been accepted into colleges such as Boston Conservatory, NYC Tisch School of the Arts, Butler University among reputable others.
CORE Academy of Movement
Xtensions Youth Dance Co. presented by CORE Academy of Movement from Mt Laurel NJ is our pre- Professional Training Program, designed for the committed and talented dance student. Beginning from Grade 6 through to our college prep, this modern-based program demands high levels of physical strength, technique, and discipline.
At CORE, our mission is to increase the appreciation for the arts by providing specialized and professional educators from our Early Childhood Program through our college prep. We know that introducing arts at a young age encourages a lifelong love and support across artistic genres. Our educators are professionals with degrees or commensurate experience, they are current working professionals who value teaching the whole child and do so by living their art form.
Created in 2005, Xtensions founders Jaclyn A Smith and Lauren Rahilly Wolicki noticed the need for a youth-focused dance program that encouraged the exploration of advanced dance arts and the many facets of the historical and then emerging contemporary dance world. Comprised of dancers who successfully pass audition or are invited to participate, Xtensions dancers attend regular technique classes, and are given the opportunity to work with locally, nationally and internationally renowned guest artists in the areas of choreography, student composition, dance-arts productions and more. Students perform their work in dance festivals, guest artist adjudication and workshops both at their home studio and off-site, quarterly concerts at the performance garage in Philadelphia, studio recitals, competitions and more. Performances are an integral part of the program, developing a sense of community and ultimately a thorough understanding of their chosen art form.
We are proud to have welcomed regular artists in residency, Alexei and Natalia Charov, Ashley Rich, Rochelle Haynes, Jessica Olinik as well as guests Allison Ulrich, Teddy Forance, Brandon Cournay, Brandon Coleman and Ashley Lindsay.
Our unique approach to dance is designed to help young artists develop physically, emotionally, and intellectually. CORExtensions teaches various dance techniques, but more importantly, we teach our dancers how to be thinking artists.
At CORE, our mission is to increase the appreciation for the arts by providing specialized and professional educators from our Early Childhood Program through our college prep. We know that introducing arts at a young age encourages a lifelong love and support across artistic genres. Our educators are professionals with degrees or commensurate experience, they are current working professionals who value teaching the whole child and do so by living their art form.
Created in 2005, Xtensions founders Jaclyn A Smith and Lauren Rahilly Wolicki noticed the need for a youth-focused dance program that encouraged the exploration of advanced dance arts and the many facets of the historical and then emerging contemporary dance world. Comprised of dancers who successfully pass audition or are invited to participate, Xtensions dancers attend regular technique classes, and are given the opportunity to work with locally, nationally and internationally renowned guest artists in the areas of choreography, student composition, dance-arts productions and more. Students perform their work in dance festivals, guest artist adjudication and workshops both at their home studio and off-site, quarterly concerts at the performance garage in Philadelphia, studio recitals, competitions and more. Performances are an integral part of the program, developing a sense of community and ultimately a thorough understanding of their chosen art form.
We are proud to have welcomed regular artists in residency, Alexei and Natalia Charov, Ashley Rich, Rochelle Haynes, Jessica Olinik as well as guests Allison Ulrich, Teddy Forance, Brandon Cournay, Brandon Coleman and Ashley Lindsay.
Our unique approach to dance is designed to help young artists develop physically, emotionally, and intellectually. CORExtensions teaches various dance techniques, but more importantly, we teach our dancers how to be thinking artists.
Dance 360
The Dance 360 Company, directed by Tracy Latini, is from Willow Grove Pennsylvania. Their mission is to utilize the art of dance to teach students positive skills that will last a lifetime. These dancers are serious about their dance training and have truly developed an understanding of what dedication, hard work, & discipline are all about. The Dance 360 Company is a place for these passionate dancers to become artists and achieve what it takes to go all the way!
Dance One Studios Contemporary Ballet Theater
This pre-professional dance company explores a fusion of classical ballet and modern dance
through various performance opportunities. DOCBT has performed at the Kennedy Center, The
National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. and Carnegie Hall. DOCBT was honored to
perform at Lincoln Center in January 2018.
through various performance opportunities. DOCBT has performed at the Kennedy Center, The
National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. and Carnegie Hall. DOCBT was honored to
perform at Lincoln Center in January 2018.
Dance Fusion's Fusion2
Dancefusion’s fusion2, a training company for young dancers, was formed in 1995 when Gwendolyn Bye recognized the need for dedicated young dancers to experience and express movement beyond their technical training. The junior company provides upper level students from the Gwendolyn Bye Dance Center an opportunity to broaden their dance and leadership education through performance and outreach. fusion2 has performed throughout Philadelphia in cultural and community centers, schools, hospitals, senior care facilities, and concerts for the general public. They have been presented at Theaters and Festivals including the Painted Bride Art Center, the Mann Center for the Performing Arts, Philadelphia Youth Dance Festival, The Philadelphia Carousel House for Handicapped Persons, The Philadelphia Free Library, The Please Touch Museum, and The Iron Gate Theater at University of Pennsylvania. For over fifteen years, fusion2 has presented the CAPE project (Choreography, Art, Poetry, Experience) in partnership with the HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy, each year creating new work for the spring season and outreach to the community. fusion2 and the CAPE project are supported through grants from The Loeb Performing Arts Fund of Philadelphia Foundation, The Philadelphia Cultural Fund, and Pennsylvania Trust Fund and through sponsorship and private donations.
Dance Works
The Dance Works Elite group was established to provide extra performance opportunities for dancers seeking more than their regular classes provide. These works are developed in a limited rehearsal process and presented throughout the tristate area. We strive to train well-rounded, technically sound dancers who are choreographically versatile and good human beings. We are thrilled to be participating in our 3rd Philadelphia Youth Dance Festival.
Delaware Ballet
Delaware Ballet is central Delaware’s premier student ballet company, funded by individual and corporate donors and contributions from Delaware State University. Founded in 1991 by Artistic Director Daniel Kaiser, Delaware Ballet is an independent company, fielding members through audition and employing the services of guest artists from renowned companies. It is the mission of the company to provide residents of Kent County and its surrounding communities with access to high quality classical and contemporary ballet performances, aiming to share the dancers’ passion and the gift of dance with the broadest possible audience. In addition to its regular performance season, Delaware Ballet has an extensive outreach program that reaches thousands of families every year. www.delawareballet.net
Delaware Valley Dance Academy
Photo by Julianne Harris
Delaware Valley Dance Academy offers the finest dance training in an encouraging and professional atmosphere. Our classes are designed to take students from their first introduction of dance to a full and varied course of dance training. An emphasis is placed on proper body placement and lines. We stress the importance of musicality and the joy of artistic expression. We have an enthusiastic staff of professionally experienced teachers supplemented by visiting guest teachers. A close working partnership between student and teacher is an important aspect of our program. Whether in pursuit of a professional dance career or simply to derive the joys and physical benefits of dance class, our students enjoy the highest quality of classes in a warm and nurturing environment. Delaware Valley Dance Academy students have been accepted and received scholarships to such prestigious summer programs as the Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Arts, American Ballet Theater, North Carolina School of the Arts, Princeton Ballet School, and South Carolina Summer Dance Conservatory. Our graduates have been accepted to attend some of the finest collegiate dance programs in the country including the Ohio State University, University of Michigan, SUNY Purchase & University of the Arts.
EStreet Dance Academy
E-Street Dance Academy is owned by Amy Ferrigno and based in Edgewood, Maryland. The studio and company is currently in their sixth season. ESDA is known for developing vibrant and passionate performers. Their students and choreographers are consistently recognized for their storytelling and ability to move an audience both in the competition and community performance worlds. Above all else, ESDA prides themselves on creating a studio culture of belonging, family, and support.
Freestyle Dance Academy
Freestyle Dance Academy has been voted among the Best of Bucks County for Dance in 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018, with teachers who are active professionals & educators. FDA is a dance studio that provides high-quality dance education to the Warrington, Doylestown & Chalfont, PA communities. Dance classes are offered in various dance styles including: hip-hop, jazz, breaking (“breakdancing”), musical theatre, contemporary/lyrical, tap, and more. Freestyle Dance Academy also has Sr. & Jr. performance groups, known as The FDA Company, which appears around the Philadelphia & Bucks County regions. This performance ensemble provides young performers with a place to grow in both performance quality and dance knowledge. Some credits include: Philadelphia 76ers, Philadelphia Fashion Week, Temple University, CHOP, Trenton Thunder, Philadelphia Union and various local community events.
Fusia Dance Company
Celebrating its eleventh season, FuSia Dance Company represents dance in the Monroe County for young aspiring dancers who seek the pre-professional experience of life as a performer. Artistic Director, Francesca Marinaro created the company to bring to audiences the fusion of dance genres and universal cultures. Art, poetry, and multimedia are other mediums used by the company to further explore the unity of all art and expression. The company prides itself on serving the local community in many educational dance forms. The company spends much time performing within and throughout the tri-state area and promoting dance awareness in the school systems as well as raising money for organizations such as the American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, Breast Friends, Habitat for Humanity & more. FuSia is currently based out of Stroudsburg, PA at its home FuSia Dance Center. The company hosts a summer dance intensive for students ages 6+ giving them the opportunity to work with local and regional teachers & choreographers.
FX Mid Maryland Performing Arts Center
FX is Mid Maryland Performing Arts Center's resident student repertory dance company. FX acts as a training ground for MMPAC dancers looking to pursue dance at the college and professional level. Being a member of FX brings special opportunities as well as responsibilities which include, but are not limited to, community performances, national and regional conventions, and participation in an occasional competition. Dancers learn and perform repertory from different choreographers in a variety of genres and often work with guest instructors.
Company members are required to take classes in ballet, modern, jazz, and in other styles such as musical theater, tap, and lyrical. They participate in weekly rehearsals to focus on company repertory. As ambassadors of the studio, FX company members are expected to uphold the standards of MMPAC and to model discipline, respect, and a positive attitude.
Company members are required to take classes in ballet, modern, jazz, and in other styles such as musical theater, tap, and lyrical. They participate in weekly rehearsals to focus on company repertory. As ambassadors of the studio, FX company members are expected to uphold the standards of MMPAC and to model discipline, respect, and a positive attitude.
Jane Baron's Academy of Dance
Jane Baron's Academy of Dance is located in Limerick, PA. The studio was established in 1998 by the late, Jane S. Baron. Miss Jane, as she was affectionately called, strived to create an atmosphere of love of dance, that always nurtured every dancer that came through its doors. As the studio grew, Jane decided to create a group of dancers within the studio that wanted to pursue dance more seriously. This is how the Performance Ensemble was created. This group now has about 60 members who dance at community events, competitions and parades. They are role models at the studio that others look up to, and who also continue to share Miss Jane's love of dance with the community. This group of dancers from the Performance Ensemble that is represented at the Philadelphia Youth Dance Fest, is part of our oldest group and represents the hard work and dedication that Jane always wanted for her students.
Janice's Danceworks
Janice’s DanceWorks takes pride in offering quality dance education for ages 2 through adult in a structured, positive caring environment that instills creativity, discipline and self esteem. DanceWorks has an educated and accomplished staff of teachers, a state-of-the-art facility with surround sound, sprung wood floors, air conditioning, and a waiting room with two 42″ monitors to observe class every week! Janice's DanceWorks offers both a recreational program as well as a pre-professional program. One of the greatest pleasures of teaching dance is the privilege to work with young people- to see their skills develop, their ability to perform blossom and the special relationships that are fostered in a positive and exciting studio environment. www.janicesdanceworks.com
Jo-Mé Youth Dance
Jo-Mé Dance is a Modern–Contemporary dance organization whose mission is to develop young and new artists regardless of experience and financial means, and to provide a creative ground for professional and emerging artists to deepen their creative practice. Founded in February 2011 by Joe Gonzalez and May-Lisa Chandler, Jo-Mé was originally established as a pre-professional track dance company for teens with limited access to the arts. The company offered free classes and choreography for inner-city youth to develop their artistic hunger. Growing their organization to meet the talent of their young dancers, In 2012 Gonzalez and Chandler established Jo-Mé Dance Theatre, a professional company where dancers could pursue their artistic endeavors as a career. The organization expanded further in 2013 to include Jo-Mé Youth Dance in order to open the doors to artistic growth to dancers starting at a young age.
Jo-Mé Dance Theatre and Jo-Mé Youth Dance has performed in festivals such as Dance for World Community and River Dance Festival (Cambridge, MA), Outside The Box, First Night Boston, and Green Fest (Boston, MA), RadFest (Kalamazoo, MI), ArtBeats (Somerville, MA) and many more. The 1st Company has toured the US and internationally to Montreal CAN and was first runner-up for the Montreal Fringe Festival “Frankie Award” for Outstanding Choreography.
Jo-Mé Dance Theatre and Jo-Mé Youth Dance has performed in festivals such as Dance for World Community and River Dance Festival (Cambridge, MA), Outside The Box, First Night Boston, and Green Fest (Boston, MA), RadFest (Kalamazoo, MI), ArtBeats (Somerville, MA) and many more. The 1st Company has toured the US and internationally to Montreal CAN and was first runner-up for the Montreal Fringe Festival “Frankie Award” for Outstanding Choreography.
Kimberton Dance Academy Performance Company
KDAPC is the performance company of Kimberton Dance Academy's group of dedicated, advanced dancers. The Company performs every year in numerous dance festivals, community events, and charity functions throughout the tri-state area. Kimberton Dance Academy (KDA) was established in 2012 in Phoenixville, PA, as a school for children, teens, and adults to learn, love, and appreciate the art of dance. Offering a varied dance program for all levels of interest and ages, KDA’s mission is high quality dance education in a nurturing and supportive atmosphere. KDA prides itself on being a training facility for all dancers, whether as a pre-professional stepping stone or a recreational outlet. Many KDA students have gone on to receive scholarships and attend Summer Programs as well as Universities to continue their dance training. www.kimbertondance.com
Korean School of Southern New Jersey
The Korean School of Southern New Jersey ("KSSNJ") is a non-profit, educational, and cultural organization. We are dedicated to teach the Korean cultural heritage and share it with the local American society. KSSNJ has been recognized with countless awards through the efforts of our professional teachers, administrators, and more than 170 of our students.
Koresh Youth Ensemble
Koresh Youth Ensemble was formed in 2008 to give gifted young dancers more intensive dance training and greater performance opportunities. Under the direction of Melissa Rector, Assistant Artistic Director of Koresh Dance Company, selected students of the ensemble demonstrate both talent and desire to become professionals and are given the opportunity to train with highly respected teachers and choreographers in Philadelphia. Koresh Youth Ensemble trains extensively for 12+ hours per week and performs in showcases and festivals throughout Philadelphia and New York.
Longwood Dance Company
Longwood Dance Company, the resident performing company of Longwood Performing Arts, was established in 1998 to provide aspiring dancers further training and performance opportunities. Company members participate in various master classes and conventions throughout the year, as well as a two-week annual summer intensive with industry professionals. Recent performances of Longwood Dance Company include the Kennett Square Annual Tree Lighting, the Kennett Square Mushroom Drop, Victory Spring Festival, West Chester University Winter Dance Festival, Chester County Dance Festival, Delawareness, Holiday Magic, A Summer Dance Festival and ASH Showcase. Dancers are encouraged to be well-rounded and versatile performers. In addition, company members participate in volunteer opportunities with local community organizations.
Nava Nritya Dance Academy
For 16 years now, Nava Nritya Dance Academy (NNDA) of Philadelphia is a vibrant 70+ family of dancers of ALL ages who are learning and elevating the art of Bharatnatyam (South Indian Classical Dance) and Navanritya (contemporary synthesis of classical dance forms, martial arts, yoga and ballet) to incredible levels of novelty. The academy has trained 125++ dancers over the years and has danced to music from Indian and from other parts of the world in 18+ languages. To name a few, the academy has performed at prestigious venues such as The US Treasury, Univ of PA Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Painted Brides Arts Center, corporations, Philadelphia 76ers, many Indian organizations, local dance company artist showcases, and Philadelphia Musuem of Art. In addition, the academy produces 2-3 professional productions a year both for the entire dance school and senior solo productions.
Most recently, the Academy was chosen to be a part of WHYY’s special programming on Indian classical dance, and Anwesha Dutta was interviewed and the seniors dancers are a part of this TV documentary. The academy has a goal of dancing to make a difference and has raised $210k++ for various charities through its shows, including our own charity Ray of Hope International Foundation.
Most recently, the Academy was chosen to be a part of WHYY’s special programming on Indian classical dance, and Anwesha Dutta was interviewed and the seniors dancers are a part of this TV documentary. The academy has a goal of dancing to make a difference and has raised $210k++ for various charities through its shows, including our own charity Ray of Hope International Foundation.
Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet
The Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet was established in 1974 to train students who wish to study the art of ballet and who also demand the very best dance training available. All Academy students, regardless of age or interest, receive the same high quality training whether enrolled in the Regular or Adult Division. Academy founders, Margarita and John White, met as members of the Ballet Nacional de Cuba where they performed internationally as Principal and Soloist dancers. They began their teaching careers after learning the Vaganova teaching method from Soviet ballet masters. The Whites have extensive international performing and teaching backgrounds. Joining them in 1991 as co-director is Melinda Pendleton who, after performing internationally, joined the faculty of the Academy. Together with their highly trained staff they teach the Vaganova method of classical ballet. The method emphasizes precise technique, musicality, proper body placement, and a carefully structured breakdown of each movement. Young children may begin as early as age 3 in our special parent-participation class, moving on to independent Pre-ballet classes at age 5. Academic ballet lessons are for children starting at age 8 and continuing through high school. We also have a robust Adult program with multiple levels and daily classes. Advanced students take daily lessons and also have an opportunity to dance in our performing group. Students who are interested in pursuing a professional career in classical ballet receive additional instruction to provide the technical and artistic skills required to pursue this dream. Many Academy graduates are dancing professionally in ballet companies throughout the world, and several have won high honors in international and national competitions.
Philadelphia Dance Conservatory
Altynay Mazhikeyeva is a professional ballerina, instructor and choreographer with almost 35 years of experience. Altynay graduated from Ballet Academy in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan. Throughout her career she performed in renowned theaters and ballet companies of Russia, such as Bolshoi Theater and theater of Nemirovich-Damchenko. She worked with many acclaimed ballet instructors and dancers such as Asaf Messerer, Nina Timofeeva, and Galina Ulanova. In her repertoire were leading parts in well known ballets, among them “Swan Lake”, “The Nutcracker”, “Sleeping Beauty”, “Carmen”, “Paquita”, “Don Quixote”, and “Giselle”. She performed on the stages of 22 countries. Altynay opened Philadelphia dance conservatory in 2002. Over her 18 year of experience in America she has taught and still shares her experience and knowledge with children who love, understand, and want to touch such graceful, beautiful and delicate art as Ballet.
Philadelphia Dance Theatre
Artistic Director Joy Delaney Capponi
Established in 2000 by Artistic Director, Joy Delaney Capponi, Philadelphia Dance Theatre is a non-profit 501-(c)3 organization located in the northwest section of Philadelphia. Philadelphia Dance Theatre distinguishes itself by providing a premier venue for young dancers to authentically experience the world of dance, and presenting high-caliber performances that are accessible to it’s community. Philadelphia Dance Theatre offers a repertoire that is diverse in range: from the classical to contemporary, which includes full-length and short works.
Philadelphia Dance Theatre has performed by invitations at Esther’s Aid (Albany, NY), Symphony Space (New York, NY), and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The company’s outreach programs include: Boys Tuition Free Program, and has developed partnerships with Silver Springs Orphanage, St. Mary’s Home for Children, and VetTix.Org, including on site performances for the aging and those suffering from mental illness. PDT is deeply proud of it’s exceptionally dedicated students, many of whom have been awarded scholarships into some of the countries finest professional programs and universities. Alumni have gone onto careers in a diverse range within the industry including professional ballet companies, modern and contemporary companies, Broadway, arts management, dance movement therapy, nutrition, and commercial venues. Philadelphia Dance Theatre embraces the ever-expanding boundaries of the ephemeral art of dance. Creating artists one dancer at a time.
Established in 2000 by Artistic Director, Joy Delaney Capponi, Philadelphia Dance Theatre is a non-profit 501-(c)3 organization located in the northwest section of Philadelphia. Philadelphia Dance Theatre distinguishes itself by providing a premier venue for young dancers to authentically experience the world of dance, and presenting high-caliber performances that are accessible to it’s community. Philadelphia Dance Theatre offers a repertoire that is diverse in range: from the classical to contemporary, which includes full-length and short works.
Philadelphia Dance Theatre has performed by invitations at Esther’s Aid (Albany, NY), Symphony Space (New York, NY), and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The company’s outreach programs include: Boys Tuition Free Program, and has developed partnerships with Silver Springs Orphanage, St. Mary’s Home for Children, and VetTix.Org, including on site performances for the aging and those suffering from mental illness. PDT is deeply proud of it’s exceptionally dedicated students, many of whom have been awarded scholarships into some of the countries finest professional programs and universities. Alumni have gone onto careers in a diverse range within the industry including professional ballet companies, modern and contemporary companies, Broadway, arts management, dance movement therapy, nutrition, and commercial venues. Philadelphia Dance Theatre embraces the ever-expanding boundaries of the ephemeral art of dance. Creating artists one dancer at a time.
Providence Creek Ballet Theatre
Providence Creek Ballet Theater began in 2004, at Providence Creek Academy in Clayton, DE, under the Artistic Director, Dr. Lydia Creasy Cooper. This introductory, after-school ballet program grew by 2008 to offer classes in various dance genres and ranged in levels from Creative Movement through Performance Company. PCBT's curriculum maintains a central focus on classical ballet technique while now encompassing tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, and tumbling. Started in 2011, PCBT's Summer Intensive Program has grown to include multiple Guest Artists, a choreography workshop, and a Showcase performance.
2011 also introduced a new Artistic Director, Stephanie Artigliere, to PCBT. Her vision of supporting PCBT's dancers beyond the walls of the studio continues to flourish. In addition to PCBT's annual Summer Concert, they have also performed full-length ballets including Peter and the Wolf, Snow White, and Winter Suites. March 2012 marked PCBT's debut performance at Delaware Dance Festival which is attended by numerous dance studios from Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Additionally, PCBT joined in the holiday tradition of The Nutcracker, performed annually since 2013.
PCBT's dancers have performed commissioned works by award winning choreographers including Danielle Guillermo, Christine Aumiller, and Victoria Silva. PCBT students have been awarded numerous DDF scholarships, accepted into Delaware's renowned Cab Calloway School of the Arts, and attended various summer programs nationally. In June 2016, PCBT was evaluated and accepted into the prestigious Regional Dance America/Northeast as an Intern Company. In 2018, PCBT was accepted into the organization as a Full Performing Company. PCBT looks forward to returning to DDF, PYDF, and RDA/NE Festivals in 2020.
2011 also introduced a new Artistic Director, Stephanie Artigliere, to PCBT. Her vision of supporting PCBT's dancers beyond the walls of the studio continues to flourish. In addition to PCBT's annual Summer Concert, they have also performed full-length ballets including Peter and the Wolf, Snow White, and Winter Suites. March 2012 marked PCBT's debut performance at Delaware Dance Festival which is attended by numerous dance studios from Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Additionally, PCBT joined in the holiday tradition of The Nutcracker, performed annually since 2013.
PCBT's dancers have performed commissioned works by award winning choreographers including Danielle Guillermo, Christine Aumiller, and Victoria Silva. PCBT students have been awarded numerous DDF scholarships, accepted into Delaware's renowned Cab Calloway School of the Arts, and attended various summer programs nationally. In June 2016, PCBT was evaluated and accepted into the prestigious Regional Dance America/Northeast as an Intern Company. In 2018, PCBT was accepted into the organization as a Full Performing Company. PCBT looks forward to returning to DDF, PYDF, and RDA/NE Festivals in 2020.
Sanskriti School of Dance
Chitra Ramaswamy was introduced to classical dance at the age of nine and began her education in the Kalakshetra style under the able guidance of her Guru Padmashree Adyar.K.Laksmanan of Chennai. She trains under
Kalaimamani Jayanthi Subramaniam and Kalaimamani Priyadarsini Govind. She has toured various places in India for performances including Solo and dance dramas. Chitra pursued dance avidly even as she was earning a Bachelors degree in Engineering in BITS, Pilani. The second phase of Chitra dance career started when she moved to the USA. Chitra has played leading parts in the dance dramas staged by other dance companies like Nrithyanjali Institute of Dance, Bharatha Choodamani, Padmni Institute of Dance. Chitra instituted “Sanskriti School Of Dance”in New Jersey in 2004. The school offers programs in Bharathanatyam with the aim of spreading the richness and grandeur of this art form and yet retaining its pureness and tradition. She also plans to inculcate the precious art to various young students as devotedly and diligently as her Gurus.
Kalaimamani Jayanthi Subramaniam and Kalaimamani Priyadarsini Govind. She has toured various places in India for performances including Solo and dance dramas. Chitra pursued dance avidly even as she was earning a Bachelors degree in Engineering in BITS, Pilani. The second phase of Chitra dance career started when she moved to the USA. Chitra has played leading parts in the dance dramas staged by other dance companies like Nrithyanjali Institute of Dance, Bharatha Choodamani, Padmni Institute of Dance. Chitra instituted “Sanskriti School Of Dance”in New Jersey in 2004. The school offers programs in Bharathanatyam with the aim of spreading the richness and grandeur of this art form and yet retaining its pureness and tradition. She also plans to inculcate the precious art to various young students as devotedly and diligently as her Gurus.
The School of First State Ballet Theatre
The School of First State Ballet Theatre - Founded in 1999 by Pasha and Kristina Kambalov, The School of First State Ballet Theatre is located in Wilmington’s historic Grand Opera House and is affiliated with First State Ballet Theatre, Delaware’s only professional ballet company. FSBT enrolls students ages 4 and up with an emphasis on classical ballet training in the Vaganova method. Students of FSBT have been accepted at the JKO School of American Ballet Theatre, Houston Ballet Academy, Kirov Academy, Harid Conservatory, Boston Ballet School and Ellison Ballet, as well as many summer programs, including American Ballet Theatre (NYC), the School of American Ballet, Kirov Academy, Ballet West, Birmingham Royal Ballet, Houston Ballet, and San Francisco Ballet. FSBT graduates have gone on to dance professionally with Milwaukee Ballet, Alabama Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet, Washington Ballet, Universal Ballet, Ballet du Capitole, Tulsa Ballet and First State Ballet Theatre. The School of First State Ballet Theatre’s ensemble placed in the Top 12 Ensembles at the 2017 and 2018 Youth America Grand Prix Finals in New York and won the Gold medal at the 2018 World Ballet Competition
Shannon Coopers Academy of Dance
Shannon Cooper's Academy of Dance is celebrating their sixteenth year in Coatesville, PA. They are a non-competitive dance program offering jazz, ballet, tap, hip hop and contemporary for ages two and up. Shannon's dance companies perform multiple times throughout the year for community events, dance benefits and re professional dance galas. Shannon received her early dance training in the Lancaster area and continued her training at West Chester University, Broadway Dance Center and Koresh. She currently teaches an after school dance program for middle school students in the Coatesville School District and is an Adjunct Professor of Dance at West Chester University.
Teresa Andris Dancers from The Bowman School of Dance
Teresa Andris Dancers is the resident dance company at The Bowman School of Dance. The group was created in 1983 by Teresa Andris for dancers with a serious interest in performing. The award winning Troupe has performed in a variety of venues in the tri- state area. They have appeared at The Arts Bank, Robin Hood Dell East, The Painted Bride Arts Center, The Drake, Waterfront Arts, The Tweeter Center, South Jersey Performing Arts Theater, The New Jersey State Aquarium, The Gorden Theater, The Tropicana & Taj Mahal Casinos, Rutgers University, Rowan University, Stockton University, Drexel University, local schools, civic events, charitable events, and many competitions. These well-trained dancers are uniquely Bowman; excelling in classical ballet, jazz, tap, modern, and musical theater. The company has performed at the LA based Hollywood Connection, The Pulse, The Tweeter Center Youth Festival, South Jersey Performs, The Young Dancer’s Association Benefit, The Cherry Hill Township Spring Festival, Urban Outfitters, with Dance Alloy, The Philadelphia Youth Dance Fest and at Disney World. The company won top honors at New York City Dance Alliance for Hairspray at Nationals and has appeared at Manhattan Dance Project , Broadway Dreams and the Philly Youth Dance Festival. Additional prestigious performance venues include Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center in NYC, Carnegie Hall in NYC and The Kennedy Center in Washington DC. ,The Kimmel Center, The Annenberg Center, The Mandell Theater, the Wells Fargo Center and the Academy of Music in Philadelphia . This year’s charity performances and our outreach efforts marked another successful season. Company alumni are recipients of numerous awards and scholarships including over a dozen NJ Governor School of the Arts participants, five Presidential Arts Scholarship awardees and dozens of summer intensive invitees. We are proud of our many dancers currently working and training in the “business” while they pursue Broadway & theater credits, professional ballet careers, private studio associations, and college degrees.
UMDGC Youth Dancers of Upper Merion Dance & Gymnastics Center. LLC
UMDGC is located in King of Prussia, PA offering an artistic dance education to youth in Montgomery County since 2004.
Providing a nurturing space for dancers to grow through dance training across genres with exposure to performance opportunities. Students are also encouraged to explore personal creativity and expression through their own choreography.
Performing in this year's PYDF is UMDGC's Contemporary Performance Group under the direction of choreographer Rachel Repinz.
Providing a nurturing space for dancers to grow through dance training across genres with exposure to performance opportunities. Students are also encouraged to explore personal creativity and expression through their own choreography.
Performing in this year's PYDF is UMDGC's Contemporary Performance Group under the direction of choreographer Rachel Repinz.
Visions Dance Company
Visions Dance Company - Visions Dance Performance Company, based in Boyertown, PA is comprised of dedicated dancers exploring additional performance opportunities in all dance styles. Established in 2016, these dancers have since performed at the Gershwin Theater, Statue of Liberty, Cedar Crest, Hershey Park, Wing of Hope Benefit Concert, Arts in the Park, The Miller Center for the Arts, Disney World and numerous community events. VDPC strives to provide quality dance education to students both pre-professional and recreational, spreading the pure joy of dance to all.
Wissahickon Dance Academy
coming soon
2019 Participating Companies
The Alison Owusu Dance Experience, The Ali Cats Hip Hop Crew, Balance Dance Jr. Company, Beat Addikts United, Bedford Dance Center Repertory Ensemble, The Blue Bell School of Dance, Bucks County School of the Performing Arts, CDC Contemporary Dance Company, Chester Valley Dance Academy, Chhandam Youth Dance Company, Classified Dance Company, Dance Ones Studio Do Tap, Dance Works, Delaware Ballet, Delaware Valley Dance Academy, Freestyle Dance Academy, FuSia Dance Company, Fusion 2, Janice’s DanceWorks
Kimberton Dance Academy, Koresh Youth Ensemble, Longwood Dance Company, Mid Maryland Performing Arts Center, Nava Nritya Dance Assembly, Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet, Pennsylvania Classical Ballet Academy, Philadelphia Dance Theatre, Providence Creek Ballet Theater, Sanskriti School of Dance, Shannon Cooper’s Academy of Dance, South Jersey DanceWorks, Straight to the Point! Dance Company, Supernova Dance Company, The Teresa Andris Dancers/ The Bowman School of Dance, Villa Maria Dance Company, Visions Dance Company
Kimberton Dance Academy, Koresh Youth Ensemble, Longwood Dance Company, Mid Maryland Performing Arts Center, Nava Nritya Dance Assembly, Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet, Pennsylvania Classical Ballet Academy, Philadelphia Dance Theatre, Providence Creek Ballet Theater, Sanskriti School of Dance, Shannon Cooper’s Academy of Dance, South Jersey DanceWorks, Straight to the Point! Dance Company, Supernova Dance Company, The Teresa Andris Dancers/ The Bowman School of Dance, Villa Maria Dance Company, Visions Dance Company
2018 Participating Companies
The Alison Owusu Dance Experience, Balance Dance Jr. Company, Beat Addikts United, Berks Ballet Theater, Beth Jacobsen School of Dance, Bucks County School of the Performing Arts, CDC Contemporary Dance Company, Chester Valley Dance Academy, Classified Dance Company, The Dance Institute of Washington, Dance Works, Delaware Ballet, Delaware Valley Dance Academy, The School of First State Ballet Theater, Janice’s DanceWorks
Kimberton Dance Academy, Koresh Youth Ensemble, Longwood Dance Company, Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet
Philadelphia Dance Theatre, Providence Creek Ballet Theater, Shannon Cooper’s Academy of Dance, South Jersey DanceWorks, Supernova Dance Company, The Teresa Andris Dancers, Visions Dance Company
The Alison Owusu Dance Experience, Balance Dance Jr. Company, Beat Addikts United, Berks Ballet Theater, Beth Jacobsen School of Dance, Bucks County School of the Performing Arts, CDC Contemporary Dance Company, Chester Valley Dance Academy, Classified Dance Company, The Dance Institute of Washington, Dance Works, Delaware Ballet, Delaware Valley Dance Academy, The School of First State Ballet Theater, Janice’s DanceWorks
Kimberton Dance Academy, Koresh Youth Ensemble, Longwood Dance Company, Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet
Philadelphia Dance Theatre, Providence Creek Ballet Theater, Shannon Cooper’s Academy of Dance, South Jersey DanceWorks, Supernova Dance Company, The Teresa Andris Dancers, Visions Dance Company
2017 Participating Companies
Addicted 2 Dance, Aurora Borealis Dance Company, Beat Addikts United, Berks Ballet Theater, Brandywine Contemporary, Bucks County School of the Performing Arts, CanDance & Company, Concepts in Choreography, Delaware Ballet, Delaware Dance Alliance, Delaware Valley Dance Academy, Edge Dance Company, The School of First State Ballet Theater, Institute of Dance Artistry, Janice's DanceWorks, Kimberton Dance Academy
Koresh Dance Youth Ensemble, Longwood Performing Arts, Mariposa, Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet, Philadelphia Dance Theatre, Providence Creek Ballet Theater, School of Pennsylvania Ballet, South Jersey DanceWorks, Wissahickon Dance Academy
Koresh Dance Youth Ensemble, Longwood Performing Arts, Mariposa, Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet, Philadelphia Dance Theatre, Providence Creek Ballet Theater, School of Pennsylvania Ballet, South Jersey DanceWorks, Wissahickon Dance Academy
2016 Participating Companies
All Star Dance, Babylon School of Dance, Chester Valley Dance Academy, Cobalt Dance Company, Concepts in Choreography, Dance Elite, Dancefusion's fusion 2, Delaware Ballet, Delaware Valley Dance Academy, Innovation Dance Project, Institute of Dance Artistry, International Ballet Theater, Janice's DanceWorks, Kimberton Dance Academy Performing Company, Koresh Dance Company Youth Ensemble, Opus 2 Project, Philadelphia Dance Theatre, Shannon Cooper's Academy of Dance, The DANCE! Workshop Company, Wilmington Ballet Jr. Company
Wissahickon Dance Academy
Wissahickon Dance Academy
2015 Participating Companies
Babylon School of Dance, Butler Center for the Performing Arts, Beat Addikts United, Chester Valley Dance Academy, Cobalt Dance Company, Dance Elite, Dancefusion's fusion 2, Delaware Ballet, Delaware Valley Dance Academy, Institute of Dance Artistry, International Ballet Theatre, Janice's DanceWorks, Metropolitan Ballet, Opus 2 Project, Philadelphia Dance Theatre, Wissahickon Dance Academy
2014 Participating Companies
Babylon School of Dance , Berks Ballet Theatre , Dance Elite , Delaware Ballet, Delaware Valley Dance Academy
Institute of Dance Artistry , Janice’s DanceWorks , Jovo Dance, Nava Nritya Dance Academy , Opus 2 Project
Pennsylvania Regional Ballet, Philadelphia Dance Theatre
Institute of Dance Artistry , Janice’s DanceWorks , Jovo Dance, Nava Nritya Dance Academy , Opus 2 Project
Pennsylvania Regional Ballet, Philadelphia Dance Theatre
