Lancaster School of Ballet
2690 Lititz Pike
Lancaster
717.569.0955 or 717.393.9221
The recommended teacher is Carolyn Trythall, who is director of the school. Here's what her student has to say: 'Carolyn is very patient and truly loves to teach. She has a great sense of humor, and puts students at ease.' There are three adult classes per week: two evenings and one morning.
Broadway Bound Dance Academy
1245 N. Providence Road
Media
610.891.9959
This studio has a thriving adult population. Here's what my totally gonzo (and 40+) correspondent has to say: 'Donna Ranalli, the studio owner (and my tap and jazz teacher) is just fantastic. She cares just as much about (if not more than) her adults as she does about the rest of her students -- and her adult classes go to competitions. Donna's studio is known for tap, and I will have my first competition experience with my adult tap class this year. She has some really well-seasoned adult dancers, and I was rather intimidated when I first came, but both Donna and the other students have been very encouraging and inspirational. They also are never too busy to review parts of the routine that I have trouble with. Our adult tap class danced in the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade, and I never worked so hard as I did to learn that routine! I felt like I had really accomplished something when I did that parade. She also has an absolutely wonderful ballet teacher who teaches our adult class. Our ballet class is also going to be in the recital this year.' She goes on to say that she's never worked so hard for anything in her life, and is having 'an absolute blast.'
Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet
29 N. Narberth Ave.
Narberth
610.664.3455
The man who wrote in about this studio says its adult program is exceptional, and that students work at their own pace and without pressure. The school is run by John White and Marguerita de Saa, with classes held M-F at 9:30am, and additional classes in the evening.
Wissahickon Dance Academy (WDA)
38 E. Schoolhouse Lane
Philadelphia
215.849.7950
Here are the details, in my correspondent's own words: "I take a 9:30am Monday class from school director Nancy Malmed (a bit easier than the other two) and two classes (Tuesday & Thursday, 9:30am) from the most wonderful teacher, Viktor Yeliohin. Viktor is Ukranian and is a former soloist with the Donetsk Ballet of Ukraine and an honest to goodness treasure for adult and child
students alike. He teaches the high intermediate and advanced children's classes (18 and under) at WDA, as well as the variations and partnering classes and helps choreograph the end of year productions. He does exactly what you say we as adults need: he takes us seriously, giving us valuable corrections, challenges us but also takes care of us so that we don't get injured and can continue to do what we love. The adult classes have a range of students, from former 'real' dancers, as we like to call them, to dance teachers to the newlyconverted like me. We treasure our time together and support each other as well. We'd welcome any new students, and I know they would soon call WDA a home away from home. There is also an adult class one evening a week, not sure of the time."
Academy of International Ballet
450 Long Lane
Upper Darby
610.622.1900
The teachers are Denis Gronostayskiy and his wife, Anastasia Babayeva. Both graduates of the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow. My correspondent writes: "This is an
excellent facility with top-notch teachers training students in the Vaganova method. The newly renovated facility is very well laid out and studios are quite spacious. Both Denis and Nastia are brilliant in their teaching philosophy geared toward the adult student. They make you work hard! It's a truly rewarding class that makes you feel as though you are truly a dancer. I am so delighted to share with you this wonderful school." The school also offers an adult beginner pointe class.
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