Stage Dance Academy

At The Stage Dance Academy, we are dedicated to providing high-quality dance instruction to children and teens of all levels in a nurturing environment. Our mission is to enrich the lives of each student and family while also building the community around us. We believe that dance is an avenue that can help our students gain not only technical proficiency but also self-esteem, a strong work ethic, leadership skills, teamwork, and creativity.

Why Choose The Stage Dance Academy?

We offer a variety of benefits that set us apart from other dance studios. Our small class sizes ensure that each student receives personalized attention and instruction. Our newly expanded studios provide ample space for our dancers to move and learn. Our faculty is comprised of professional, accredited, and caring instructors who are dedicated to helping our students grow and succeed. We offer affordable costs and a variety of class times, including weekdays and Saturdays, to accommodate different schedules. Our studios are equipped with floating Dura-Dance floors, which provide a safe and comfortable surface for our dancers. We also utilize the newest technology to enhance our classes and provide the best possible learning experience for our students.

Class Descriptions

At The Stage Dance Academy, we offer a variety of classes to suit different ages, skill levels, and interests. Below are descriptions of some of the classes we offer:

• Ballet: The foundation of all dance forms. This class maximizes technique and longevity in a career of dance. It provides grace, poise, and technique needed to be proficient in all other areas of dance. It also helps improve posture, flexibility, fitness, balance, self-discipline, and self-confidence.

• Tap: Designed to develop rhythm, style, and sound. Students will learn a variety of tap styles and techniques, including classical, contemporary, and hip-hop.

• Jazz: A high-energy class that combines elements of ballet, modern, and African dance. It is designed to improve flexibility, strength, and coordination while also teaching various jazz techniques and styles.

• Hip-Hop: A fun and energetic class that focuses on current dance trends and popular music. It is designed to improve flexibility, strength, and coordination while also teaching various hip-hop techniques and styles.

• Modern: A contemporary class that emphasizes emotional expression and storytelling through movement. It is designed to improve flexibility, strength, and coordination while also teaching various modern techniques and styles.

• Contemporary: A fusion of modern, jazz, and ballet techniques. It is designed to improve flexibility, strength, and coordination while also teaching various contemporary techniques and styles.

Meet Our Team

Our faculty is comprised of professional, accredited, and caring instructors who are dedicated to helping our students grow and succeed. Below are brief descriptions of some of our team members:

• Lisa Gebhardt: Co-Owner/Instructor. Lisa was born and raised in Northeastern, PA. She started her dance journey at the age of 3 at The Back Mt. Dance Studio. Here and throughout her community, Lisa was able to develop a love for multiple genres of dance and live entertainment. Lisa is a repeat Broadway Dance Center, NYC scholarship recipient and has been teaching at various studios for 14 years. Her love for dance and passion for teaching led her to complete her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at The Pennsylvania State University in 2010 where she created her own degree title encompassing business management and dance education, which is now being used as an innovative college curriculum template on campus. After completing her degree Lisa moved to Florida to perform in and eventually train performers in multiple shows, parades, and special events for The Walt Disney Company from 2010-2017. Lisa is also licensed in Zumba Fitness. Owning a dance studio of her own, and the ability to create an encouraging, passionate and fun learning space for students to express themselves is her favorite and never-ending lifelong goal.

• Tricia Hitchcock: Instructor. Tricia has been dancing for over 30 years and has been teaching for over 20 years. She has trained in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, and hip-hop and has performed in numerous productions and competitions throughout her career. Tricia is passionate about sharing her love of dance with her students and helping them grow and succeed both on and off stage.

• Rachel DeSando: Instructor. Rachel has been dancing for over 25 years and has been teaching for over 15 years. She has trained in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, and hip-hop and has performed in numerous productions and competitions throughout her career. Rachel is dedicated to providing a supportive and encouraging learning environment for her students and helping them reach their full potential.

Pricing and Registration

We offer a variety of pricing options to accommodate different schedules and budgets. Please visit our website or contact us for more information on our pricing and registration process.