2021 Performing Companies
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.
Poetico Dance Collective
Founded in the summer of 2019, Poético Dance Collective is a performing group of local artists, a space for creative expression, and a platform for social change. Formerly a performance-based organization under the name Catherine Westerduin Presents, Poético involves mixed media, visual arts, and musical composition in collaboration with dance in all its forms, and explores different spaces for uniting audiences and community members. The founder, Catherine Westerduin, is a classically trained dancer who has danced on many acclaimed stages, and with dance innovators, around the world. She looks forward to creating new and engaging work with adults and youth alike, and share it with the community to raise awareness and bring people together.
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 Creative Edge Center for the Arts
Creative Edge Center for the Art is a performing arts school located in North Wales, PA. The CECA Performance Group is for dance students ages 11-18 years old looking to advance their
dance education beyond the classroom setting. The dancers take a variety of weekly classes in addition to working with Philadelphia area choreographers. The students also gain knowledge of the choreographic process through independent projects and group work. These dancers perform at community events, festivals, and in-house productions. As a performing arts school, many of these dancers also participate in multiple musical theater productions throughout the year produced by CECA. Instructors at CECA are active in regional companies or are creative directors of their own companies. Their experience provides a high quality dance education, rich in technique and performance quality. Creative Edge Center for the Arts provides a safe and nurturing environment where young performers can fall in love with the arts. |
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 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 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.
Evolution Dance Company
Evolution Dance Company is a pre-professional dance company run under the
Valverde School of Performing Arts, located in San Bernardino County. Evolution
Dance Company promotes student choreography, professional opportunities, and
training in concert dance. Comprised of students between the ages of 12 -18,
students partake in modern, ballet, and composition to ready students
for collegiate/professional dance.
Valverde School of Performing Arts, located in San Bernardino County. Evolution
Dance Company promotes student choreography, professional opportunities, and
training in concert dance. Comprised of students between the ages of 12 -18,
students partake in modern, ballet, and composition to ready students
for collegiate/professional dance.
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.
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, Koresh Youth Ensemble members are hand-selected based on their talent, dedication, and commitment to training 11+ hours per week. Dancers have the unique opportunity to perform works throughout Philadelphia and New York City choreographed by Roni Koresh, Melissa Rector, Shannon Murphy, Sammy Reyes, Eric Bean Jr., Cheryl Carson, Gary Jeter, and more! Through dance classes, rehearsals, and performances the Koresh Youth Ensemble gives dancers the necessary tools and experiences to become successful professional dancers. KYE Alumni often go on to study dance in prestigious universities and have been invited to train and perform with reputable companies across the country.
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.
Metropolitan Ballet Academy & Company
Metropolitan Ballet Academy & Company is a nationally recognized school of classical ballet, named by Pointe Magazine as “one of seven local studios in America cultivating top talent.” Founded in 1996 in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, we celebrate our 25 th Anniversary in 2021.
Metropolitan provides classical training for students ages three through 18, nurtures the artistic and
creative abilities of young people, and through performances, community outreach and scholarship programs, promotes a love and appreciation of dance for all. Noted for its high-caliber faculty, successful alumni, and acclaimed Boys’ Scholarship Program, Metropolitan has four times been honored with the Youth America Grand Prix “Outstanding School Award” (2012, 2015, 2017 & 2018).
Our alumni dance professionally from coast to coast, accepted into company and trainee positions at San Francisco Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, Colorado Ballet, Indianapolis Ballet, Charlotte Ballet, Washington Ballet, Joffrey Chicago, and more.
Emerging and nationally renowned choreographers create new dances on our young company: an astounding 68 works, including 24 world premiere contemporary works and three world premiere story ballets for children. Choreographers including Jessica Lang (ABT, Alvin Ailey, Pacific Northwest Ballet),
Kanji Segawa and Carlos dos Santos, Jr. (Alvin Ailey), Kate Skarpetowska (Lar Lubovitch Dance Company), Sarah Mettin (Mettin Movement, Jacob’s Pillow), Tommie-Waheed Evans (Joffrey Ballet, Philadanco), Ashley Walton (National Choreographic Recognition Award) and Jenelle Figgins (Aspen Santa Fe Ballet,
Dance Theatre of Harlem). Metropolitan’s annual Collaborations performance welcomes guest artists such as Pennsylvania Ballet2, Philadanco’s D/2, the San Francisco Ballet School Trainee Program, and Met alumni soloists.
Metropolitan’s curriculum combines professional expertise with an appreciation of the developmental needs of young and aspiring dancers. Faculty includes dancers from diverse backgrounds, including: The Bolshoi Ballet, ABT, Pennsylvania Ballet, Juilliard, and Twyla Tharp. Founder Lisa Collins Vidnovic
traces her dance lineage back to the Ballet Russe, with early studies under Moscelyne Larkin and Roman Jasinski, Sr., and to Balanchine, having begun her professional career at Lyric Opera Ballet, Chicago, under the direction of Maria Tallchief, George Balanchine’s muse and collaborator. “Ms. Collins” danced
with Pennsylvania Ballet for ten years and also served as a company Ballet Mistress. Metropolitan’s Summer Intensive provides a wealth of creative opportunities for students to expand their technical and artistic horizons, featuring teaching artists of Alvin Ailey, New York City Ballet, Martha Graham,
American Ballet Theatre, and Broadway. To learn more, please visit www.metropolitanballetacademy.com (215) 663.1665
Metropolitan provides classical training for students ages three through 18, nurtures the artistic and
creative abilities of young people, and through performances, community outreach and scholarship programs, promotes a love and appreciation of dance for all. Noted for its high-caliber faculty, successful alumni, and acclaimed Boys’ Scholarship Program, Metropolitan has four times been honored with the Youth America Grand Prix “Outstanding School Award” (2012, 2015, 2017 & 2018).
Our alumni dance professionally from coast to coast, accepted into company and trainee positions at San Francisco Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, Colorado Ballet, Indianapolis Ballet, Charlotte Ballet, Washington Ballet, Joffrey Chicago, and more.
Emerging and nationally renowned choreographers create new dances on our young company: an astounding 68 works, including 24 world premiere contemporary works and three world premiere story ballets for children. Choreographers including Jessica Lang (ABT, Alvin Ailey, Pacific Northwest Ballet),
Kanji Segawa and Carlos dos Santos, Jr. (Alvin Ailey), Kate Skarpetowska (Lar Lubovitch Dance Company), Sarah Mettin (Mettin Movement, Jacob’s Pillow), Tommie-Waheed Evans (Joffrey Ballet, Philadanco), Ashley Walton (National Choreographic Recognition Award) and Jenelle Figgins (Aspen Santa Fe Ballet,
Dance Theatre of Harlem). Metropolitan’s annual Collaborations performance welcomes guest artists such as Pennsylvania Ballet2, Philadanco’s D/2, the San Francisco Ballet School Trainee Program, and Met alumni soloists.
Metropolitan’s curriculum combines professional expertise with an appreciation of the developmental needs of young and aspiring dancers. Faculty includes dancers from diverse backgrounds, including: The Bolshoi Ballet, ABT, Pennsylvania Ballet, Juilliard, and Twyla Tharp. Founder Lisa Collins Vidnovic
traces her dance lineage back to the Ballet Russe, with early studies under Moscelyne Larkin and Roman Jasinski, Sr., and to Balanchine, having begun her professional career at Lyric Opera Ballet, Chicago, under the direction of Maria Tallchief, George Balanchine’s muse and collaborator. “Ms. Collins” danced
with Pennsylvania Ballet for ten years and also served as a company Ballet Mistress. Metropolitan’s Summer Intensive provides a wealth of creative opportunities for students to expand their technical and artistic horizons, featuring teaching artists of Alvin Ailey, New York City Ballet, Martha Graham,
American Ballet Theatre, and Broadway. To learn more, please visit www.metropolitanballetacademy.com (215) 663.1665
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.
New Dance Workshop
New Dance Workshop Hartsville is in their 11th year of teaching students the art of dance in the Doylestown, Warminter, and Warrington communities. Our professional staff promote individual successes while teaching performance quality technique in our classes and companies. Our full curriculum of ballet, tap, jazz, pointe, modern, lyrical, and hip hop, use a developmental approach that enables students to learn and grow at their own pace. The New Dance Workshops studios have been directed by Marlyn Abramson for nearly 50 years, forming dance environments that help instill confidence, discipline, and care in our students within a positive environment. We are thrilled to be invited to PYDF and look forward to sharing in our mutual love of dance with our communities this year.
Pennsylvania Classical Ballet Academy
Founded and directed by Dana Nederostek, Pennsylvania Classical Ballet Academy located in Northampton, PA, opened its doors in 2008. Ms. Nederostek’s professional career began with the Cincinnati Ballet. She continued on to perform with the Georgia Ballet and guest perform with numerous companies throughout the US including Kentucky Ballet Theatre and Northern Plains Ballet, amongst others.
Pennsylvania Classical Ballet Academy was formed on the basis of offering the finest training in ballet and dance technique and to give the students the ability to pursue dance and realize their greatest individual potential. Since opening, students have performed in professional full-length ballet productions, galas, festivals and competitions and former students have gone on to dance with colleges
and professional companies. Pennsylvania Classical Ballet Academy is thrilled to perform and be a part of the Philadelphia Youth
Dance Festival!
Pennsylvania Classical Ballet Academy was formed on the basis of offering the finest training in ballet and dance technique and to give the students the ability to pursue dance and realize their greatest individual potential. Since opening, students have performed in professional full-length ballet productions, galas, festivals and competitions and former students have gone on to dance with colleges
and professional companies. Pennsylvania Classical Ballet Academy is thrilled to perform and be a part of the Philadelphia Youth
Dance Festival!
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.
Today's Dance Company
TDC Company, under the direction of Kim O’Connor-Sparks, is for the serious, more advanced students at Today’s Dance Center who would like to have the opportunity to perform on a regular basis. A student must audition for a spot in the Company. These students are very dedicated and study many hours each week, having a similar training experience to members of a professional dance company. Our mission is to participate in community outreach through performing at senior homes, medical centers, schools and other facilities that house individuals who would not otherwise be exposed to the art of dance. The company also performs in other events & venues across the US & Abroad. They have performed in NYC with the Project Dance annual event; Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines; Nassau Bahamas, Disney World, FL; Disneyland, CA; Six Flags-Great Adventure, NJ; Hershey Park, PA; Philly Fringe Festival, PA; DelAwareness, DE, Philly Phresh Crew’s Winter Jam, PA; Dancing for Life Dance Festival, PA; and The
International Dance Festival in LA where they were selected to represent the state of New Jersey and USA, along with numerous charitable events at malls, concerts, and dance festivals. The Company also participates in dance competitions and has won many outstanding and special awards for their technique,
performance and choreography. Student's of Today's Dance Company have gone on to appear in TV commercials, New York City Ballet, River North Dance Company, Broadway Theater, Charleston Ballet, Las Vegas, Disney World, Sesame Place, Hershey Park, and Disney Land, to mention a few. TDC Graduates have also been accepted on scholarship to the University of the Arts, George Washington University, Rider University, The Rock School, Rock West, American Academy of Ballet, Mason Gross School of the Arts, Virginia School of the Arts, Joffrey Ballet, Boston Ballet, Ballet Met, Nutmeg Ballet, Charleston Ballet, The Harid Conservatory, Atlantic City Ballet, and the prestigious Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow. Students are now performing professionally in dance companies and on cruise ships all over the world. Many Graduates of Today's Dance Center are outstanding students and graduates of Colleges and Universities throughout the
country. They are so excited to be a part of the 2021 Philadelphia Youth Dance Festival and thank you for
the opportunity.
International Dance Festival in LA where they were selected to represent the state of New Jersey and USA, along with numerous charitable events at malls, concerts, and dance festivals. The Company also participates in dance competitions and has won many outstanding and special awards for their technique,
performance and choreography. Student's of Today's Dance Company have gone on to appear in TV commercials, New York City Ballet, River North Dance Company, Broadway Theater, Charleston Ballet, Las Vegas, Disney World, Sesame Place, Hershey Park, and Disney Land, to mention a few. TDC Graduates have also been accepted on scholarship to the University of the Arts, George Washington University, Rider University, The Rock School, Rock West, American Academy of Ballet, Mason Gross School of the Arts, Virginia School of the Arts, Joffrey Ballet, Boston Ballet, Ballet Met, Nutmeg Ballet, Charleston Ballet, The Harid Conservatory, Atlantic City Ballet, and the prestigious Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow. Students are now performing professionally in dance companies and on cruise ships all over the world. Many Graduates of Today's Dance Center are outstanding students and graduates of Colleges and Universities throughout the
country. They are so excited to be a part of the 2021 Philadelphia Youth Dance Festival and thank you for
the opportunity.
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.
Villa Maria Dance Company
Villa Maria Academy High School’s dance program includes a variety of courses and opportunities for both experienced and novice dancers. The VMA Dance Company is an auditioned ensemble of dedicated dancers who take dance as a part of their academic schedule and benefit from multiple performance opportunities both on and off campus.
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.
Voorhees Ballet Theatre
Artistic Director Suzanne C. Steinbach started The Voorhees Ballet Theatre in 1986 as
The Little Theatre Dance Troupe. The Troupe were the serious-minded dancers of Lowe
Dance Studio. Lowe Dance Studio began its journey in 1958. Ruth M. Lowe (Suzanne’s
mother) started the school with 5 students in her basement. The school now resides in
Voorhees (since 1967) and has given the joy of dance to more than 5 generations. The
LTDT performed throughout the South Jersey area at various banquets and community
events, eventually broadening their performing areas to North Jersey and throughout the
Greater Philadelphia Area. This young group dazzled audiences in the Invitational Dance
Festival hosted by the National Ballet of New Jersey, under the direction of the late, great
Lorraine McAdams. As the dancers matured and grew in style and grace, the board
decided to mature the naming of the company as well, naming the group the Voorhees Danse Ensemble.
In 1987 the first annual Nutcracker performance by The Voorhees Danse Ensemble was
staged. Suzanne choreographed the entire ballet using unique ideas she had dreamed
about as a young girl. In 2000, the company began to produce two full-length ballets per
year including ballets such as Firebird (with Assistant Choreographer Brad Parquette),
Hansel & Gretel (choreographed by international choreographer Paulo Manso de Sousa),
Parisienne, Rodeo, Cinderella, Coppelia, Snow White, and Alice’s Adventures in
Wonderland.
In 2004, the Voorhees Danse Ensemble doubled in size and once again was re-born as
The Voorhees Ballet Theatre. However, The Danse Ensemble remained a part of the
Ballet Theatre, as the group of serious dancers who intend to make the arts a career. The
Voorhees Ballet Theatre's Danse Ensemble performs throughout the entire Delaware
Valley. Lowe Dance Studio is very proud of the students that have passed through its
doors. Many have landed careers in the arts as performers, educators, and
choreographers. We are very honored and excited to perform with the Philadelphia Youth
Dance Festival 2021. Thank you for this opportunity!!
The Little Theatre Dance Troupe. The Troupe were the serious-minded dancers of Lowe
Dance Studio. Lowe Dance Studio began its journey in 1958. Ruth M. Lowe (Suzanne’s
mother) started the school with 5 students in her basement. The school now resides in
Voorhees (since 1967) and has given the joy of dance to more than 5 generations. The
LTDT performed throughout the South Jersey area at various banquets and community
events, eventually broadening their performing areas to North Jersey and throughout the
Greater Philadelphia Area. This young group dazzled audiences in the Invitational Dance
Festival hosted by the National Ballet of New Jersey, under the direction of the late, great
Lorraine McAdams. As the dancers matured and grew in style and grace, the board
decided to mature the naming of the company as well, naming the group the Voorhees Danse Ensemble.
In 1987 the first annual Nutcracker performance by The Voorhees Danse Ensemble was
staged. Suzanne choreographed the entire ballet using unique ideas she had dreamed
about as a young girl. In 2000, the company began to produce two full-length ballets per
year including ballets such as Firebird (with Assistant Choreographer Brad Parquette),
Hansel & Gretel (choreographed by international choreographer Paulo Manso de Sousa),
Parisienne, Rodeo, Cinderella, Coppelia, Snow White, and Alice’s Adventures in
Wonderland.
In 2004, the Voorhees Danse Ensemble doubled in size and once again was re-born as
The Voorhees Ballet Theatre. However, The Danse Ensemble remained a part of the
Ballet Theatre, as the group of serious dancers who intend to make the arts a career. The
Voorhees Ballet Theatre's Danse Ensemble performs throughout the entire Delaware
Valley. Lowe Dance Studio is very proud of the students that have passed through its
doors. Many have landed careers in the arts as performers, educators, and
choreographers. We are very honored and excited to perform with the Philadelphia Youth
Dance Festival 2021. Thank you for this opportunity!!
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
