Business Details
Premier Dance & Performing Arts School in Newtown, PA
The Pennsylvania School of the Performing Arts has been Bucks County's premier dance and theater training institution for over 25 years. Founded on the principles of nurturing talent in a non-competitive, supportive environment, we offer professional-level instruction in ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, contemporary, and theater arts. Our faculty includes Broadway performers, Equity artists, and master instructors from renowned institutions like the Bolshoi Ballet and Joffrey Ballet.With state-of-the-art facilities featuring sprung floors and performance opportunities throughout the year, we emphasize holistic development, building confidence, character, and physical well-being. Recognized as Bucks County's #1 dance school, we combine New York-caliber training with personalized attention, fostering a community where students of all ages thrive artistically and personally.
Services
Ballet Classes
Jazz Dance
Tap Dance
Hip-Hop
Contemporary Dance
Musical Theater
Acting Classes
Singing Lessons
Dance Workshops
Private Lessons
Highlights and features
- We offer award-winning instructors with Broadway and professional dance backgrounds.
- Our state-of-the-art facility features sprung floors and HD observation technology.
- We provide individualized attention with small class sizes and personalized programs.
- Our curriculum includes masterclasses with industry professionals and annual performances.
- We combine technical excellence with a nurturing environment for holistic development.
What people say
Award-winning instructors
Supportive family environment
Excellent technique classes
Professional performance opportunities
Safe, clean studio environment
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program offers levels 1-8 training using Vaganova and Balanchine techniques. Classes focus on technical precision, musicality, and performance skills with small class sizes ensuring individual attention. Students progress from foundational barre work to advanced pointe training in a supportive environment.
Hip-Hop
Award-winning hip-hop classes combine rhythm, movement fundamentals, and contemporary choreography. Designed for all skill levels, our high-energy curriculum develops coordination and stage presence while maintaining family-friendly content and fostering creative expression.
Dance Workshops
Annual workshops feature Broadway performers and industry professionals from productions like Wicked and Phantom of the Opera. These sessions provide specialized training in theater dance techniques and performance preparation for competitive and recreational dancers.
Musical Theater
Integrated training combines dance, acting, and vocal techniques with Broadway-style repertoire. Students develop performance skills through character interpretation, ensemble work, and annual stage productions that mirror professional theater practices.
Contemporary Dance
Contemporary classes emphasize Horton and Parsons techniques while encouraging individual movement exploration. Instructors use diverse musical genres to expand students' movement vocabulary and artistic expression through dynamic, expressive choreography.
People
Akasha Alvarez
Artistic Director & Studio Owner
Akasha Alvarez, Bucks County native and West Chester University graduate, has directed PSPA for over 8 years. With 14 years teaching experience and regional performance credits, she combines educational expertise with creative leadership to maintain the school's artistic vision.
Julia Capaldi
Tap Instructor & Assistant Director
Temple University bioengineering graduate Julia Capaldi brings biomechanics expertise to dance instruction. With 5 years teaching experience and Temple Tappers leadership background, she specializes in technical precision and injury prevention for tap dancers of all levels.
Terri Garcia-Lee
Founder
Broadway Equity member Terri Garcia-Lee established PSPA over 25 years ago. With professional credits spanning Broadway, film, and international tours, she developed the school's foundational curriculum that continues producing industry professionals today.
Rachel Neitzke
Ballet & Modern Instructor
Philadelphia-based Rachel Neitzke holds a BFA from the University of the Arts and extensive performance experience with Koresh Dance Company. An award-winning choreographer, she brings professional expertise to ballet and modern technique instruction.
Mikey D'Astoli
Hip-Hop Instructor
Professional dancer-choreographer Mikey D'Astoli, signed with Clear Talent Group, brings industry experience from performances with Red Hot Chili Peppers and roles in Netflix productions. His instruction focuses on authentic hip-hop styles and performance preparation.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer for children?
We offer ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, contemporary, and musical theater classes for ages 3 to 18, with specialized Creative Ballet/Broadway Stars classes for ages 4-6.
Are there performance opportunities for students?
Yes! Students participate in annual performances including June year-end shows, December holiday productions, and special events with Broadway guest artists throughout the year.
Do you offer adult dance classes?
Yes, we welcome adult students in select classes including ballet, contemporary, and hip-hop. Our inclusive environment accommodates recreational dancers of all experience levels.
What qualifications do your instructors have?
Our faculty includes Broadway performers, former company members of major dance troupes, and certified instructors with degrees in dance education from institutions like Temple University and West Chester University.
How do you ensure student safety during classes?
We maintain a safe environment with suspended sprung floors, regular sanitization, and small class sizes. During the pandemic, we implemented virtual options while maintaining strict cleaning protocols for in-person instruction.
Can students try classes before enrolling?
Yes, we offer trial classes and placement assistance. For uncertain placements, instructors meet with students to recommend appropriate class levels and styles.
