Performing Arts School of Central Pennsylvania - Dance studio in State College, Pennsylvania
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Performing Arts School of Central Pennsylvania

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Address

3006 Research Drive

State College, Pennsylvania 16801

Opening Hours
  • Monday: 4:00 - 8:45 PM
  • Tuesday: 4:00 - 9:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 4:00 - 8:00 PM
  • Thursday: 4:00 - 9:00 PM
  • Friday: 4:30 - 6:30 PM
  • Saturday: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Sunday: Closed
37 programs

About Performing Arts School of Central Pennsylvania

The Performing Arts School of Central Pennsylvania, located in State College, Pennsylvania, is a vibrant hub for artistic growth across multiple disciplines. Under the guidance of its dedicated leadership, including Artistic Director Paul Gibson, School Director Becca Beck, Director of Communications and Registration Terra Deyo, and Director of CPYO Anthony Fortuna, the school offers a comprehensive performing arts education. A cornerstone of the school is Nittany Ballet, a distinguished division focused on classical ballet training for all levels, emphasizing technique, child development, and dance science. Beyond ballet, the school embraces a broad spectrum of dance styles, including hip hop and contemporary, ensuring a diverse curriculum. Programs are thoughtfully structured into age-specific divisions: a Children's Division (ages 2-7), Young Dancer's Division (beginning at age 7), Advanced Level, Pre-professional, and an Adult Division (18+). Students develop not only their technique and artistry but also crucial life skills like perseverance, time management, and leadership, leading to significant academic and extracurricular achievements, including admissions and scholarships to prestigious global programs. The school provides numerous performance opportunities throughout the year, featuring the beloved holiday production of "The Nutcracker" at Eisenhower Auditorium, a Spring Performance, and showcases at local venues. Families seeking quality arts education will find a supportive and inspiring environment dedicated to nurturing talent and fostering a lifelong love for the performing arts.

Styles offered at Performing Arts School of Central Pennsylvania

Programs from Performing Arts School of Central Pennsylvania

37 programs available

Classes

ballet

high-quality ballet and orchestral instruction and performances. As an organization, we are committed to encourage more people to participate in the arts, nurture each student’s potential for success and inspire them to enjoy the arts for life.

Ballet

The Performing Arts School of Central Pennsylvania is proud to continue to fill a need in central Pennsylvania for high-quality ballet and orchestral instruction and performances. As an organization, we are committed to encourage more people to participate in the arts, nurture each student’s potential for success and inspire them to enjoy the arts for life.

Irish Step Dancing

IRISH STEP DANCING Irish step dancing is characterized by its intricate footwork, rigid upper body, and lively jigs and reels. Our classes teach the fundamentals of this energetic Irish tradition, focusing on precision, speed, and rhythm. Dancers will develop exceptional foot dexterity and cardiovascular fitness.

Latin Dance

LATIN DANCE Latin dance styles are known for their sensuality, vibrant energy, and intricate rhythms. Our Latin dance classes will introduce you to popular dances like salsa, merengue, bachata, and samba, focusing on hip movement, footwork, and partner connection. Discover the passion and fun of Latin rhythms.

Ballroom

BALLROOM Ballroom dancing encompasses a variety of partner dances known for their elegance and social interaction. Our ballroom classes teach fundamental steps and techniques for dances such as waltz, foxtrot, cha-cha, and tango, emphasizing posture, frame, and connection with a partner. It's a great way to improve social skills and fitness.

Musical Theater

MUSICAL THEATER Musical theater dance combines acting, singing, and dancing to tell a story through performance. Our musical theater classes train dancers in various styles relevant to Broadway and West End productions, focusing on character development, stage presence, and ensemble work. Participants will hone their skills in storytelling through movement and song.

Acro Dance

ACRO DANCE Acro dance combines the art of dance with the athleticism of acrobatics. Our acro classes focus on developing flexibility, strength, balance, and coordination through safe and progressive tumbling and dance techniques. Students will learn to integrate acrobatic skills seamlessly into their dance choreography, adding a unique dimension to their performance.

Creative Movement

CREATIVE MOVEMENT Creative movement is designed for our youngest dancers, fostering imagination, coordination, and a love for dance. Through playful activities, music, and storytelling, children explore basic movement concepts, spatial awareness, and social interaction in a nurturing and engaging environment. It's a wonderful introduction to the joy of dancing.

Hip Hop

HIP HOP Hip hop dance is a high-energy, street-style dance form that emphasizes rhythm, improvisation, and personal expression. Our hip hop classes cover a variety of styles, including breaking, popping, locking, and choreography, set to diverse urban music. Participants will enhance their groove, coordination, and confidence.

Tap

TAP Tap dance is a thrilling percussive art form that utilizes the dancer's feet to create complex rhythms and sounds. Our tap classes emphasize clarity of articulation, musicality, and dynamic footwork, ranging from fundamental techniques to intricate combinations. Students will develop rhythm, coordination, and a strong sense of musical improvisation.

Jazz

JAZZ Jazz dance is characterized by its energetic rhythms, syncopated movements, and vibrant performance quality. Our jazz classes focus on developing isolations, sharp technique, dynamic leaps, and turns, all set to a wide range of popular and theatrical music. Dancers will improve coordination, stamina, and stage presence.

Contemporary

CONTEMPORARY Contemporary dance is a dynamic and expressive art form that blends elements of ballet, jazz, and modern dance. Our contemporary classes explore fluid movement, emotional storytelling, and innovative choreography, encouraging dancers to discover their unique style and voice. Participants will develop versatility, musicality, and a deep connection to movement.

Ballet

BALLET Ballet technique is the foundation of many dance forms and is essential for dancers seeking to excel in any genre. Our ballet classes focus on building strength, flexibility, grace, and discipline through precise movements and classical artistry. We offer a progression of classes from introductory levels for beginners to advanced training for experienced dancers, ensuring a supportive and challenging environment for all.

Adult Ballet

We recommend following the ballet dress code, however, you may also wear fitted athletic tops and leggings.

Level D-E Males

Black or gray tights, black or white ballet shoes.

Level A-C Males

Black tights, no loose clothing. White socks or black footed tights worn over feet. Black ballet shoes with elastic straps worn on top of foot, not under foot. Plain white form-fitting dance/athletic shirt.

Level D-E Contemporary

Any dancewear, except for bra tops, as long as it isn’t distracting or hindering training. Hair is pulled back off of their face. Bare feet or socks.

Level D-E Jazz

For females, fitted athletic tops and leggings or bike shorts. No baggy shirts and pants. Your teacher still needs to be able to see your body for technique. Hair neatly secured in a pony or similar style that is suitable for floor work. Black jazz technique shoes optional.

Level D-E Ballet

For females, Level E only Mondays - light blue leotard and optional light blue demi skirt. All other days any color leotard and optional demi skirt. Flesh tone or pink tights, footed or convertible, with feet worn in shoes, not rolled up. Ballet shoes that match the color of the dancer's tights with elastic straps worn on top of foot, not under foot. Demi skirts should be short, no longer than mid-thigh length.

Level C Jazz

For females, fitted athletic tops or leotards of any color and leggings, bike shorts, dance pants. No baggy shirts and pants. Hair neatly secured in a pony or similar style that is suitable for floor work. Black jazz technique shoes will be required in class.

Level C Ballet

For females, black ballet leotard, flesh tone or pink tights, footed or convertible, with feet worn in shoes, not rolled up. Ballet shoes that match the color of the dancer's tights with elastic straps worn on top of foot, not under foot. Demi skirts are not permitted in class.

Level A-B Jazz

Same attire as ballet, with the addition of dance shorts or jazz pants (not flared) on top of leotard and tights. Black Jazz shoes preferred.

Level A-B Tap

Same attire as ballet class. Black tap shoes.

Level A-B Ballet

For females, black ballet leotard, flesh tone or pink tights, footed or convertible, with feet worn in shoes, not rolled up. Ballet shoes that match the color of the dancer's tights with elastic straps worn on top of foot, not under foot. Demi skirts are not permitted in class.

Creative Movement and PreBallet

For females, any color ballet leotard, optional demi skirt, footless or convertible flesh tone or pink tights. Ballet shoes to match tights. Black or tan Mary Jane tap shoes. For males, white T-shirt, black shorts or leggings, black ballet shoes, tap shoes, optional white socks.

Leveled classes

For pricing for the Leveled classes please email us at frontdesk@pascp.org. All tuition paid is non-refundable and non-transferable, unless a program is cancelled by PASCP.

PreBallet
$89.00

Tuition rates represent 10 equal monthly installments of the full tuition, except for Creative Movement and PreBallet classes which run Sept-May. All tuition paid is non-refundable and non-transferable, unless a program is cancelled by PASCP.

Creative Movement
$59.00

Tuition rates represent 10 equal monthly installments of the full tuition, except for Creative Movement and PreBallet classes which run Sept-May. All tuition paid is non-refundable and non-transferable, unless a program is cancelled by PASCP.

Dance With Me
$90.00

Tuition rates represent 10 equal monthly installments of the full tuition. All tuition paid is non-refundable and non-transferable, unless a program is cancelled by PASCP.

Adult Division

Pre-professional Division

Young Dancer's Division

Advanced Level

Children's Division

Beginning At Age 7

Classical Ballet

Nittany Ballet, the PASCP dance division, is the preeminent classical ballet school in Centre County, PA. From our tiniest dancers to our most advanced dancers we provide top quality training based in solid technique, an understanding of child development, and informed by dance science.

Dance class with the Sugar Plum Fairy and her friends
$18.00

Children and grown ups will delight in beautiful performances, delicious treats, a fun Holiday craft, and a dance class with the Sugar Plum Fairy and her friends!

Ballet

Dancers from the Performing Arts School of PA in State College, home of the renowned Nittany Ballet, will join the orchestra onstage to bring selections from The Nutcracker to life!

Nittany Ballet

Nittany Ballet is a renowned classical ballet school and performing company that is part of the Performing Arts School of Central Pennsylvania. They are proud to continue to fill a need in central Pennsylvania for high-quality ballet instruction and performances.


Frequently Asked Questions

How do I contact Performing Arts School of Central Pennsylvania?

Call Performing Arts School of Central Pennsylvania at (814) 234-4961 or visit http://www.pascp.org/.

Does Performing Arts School of Central Pennsylvania have a website?

Yes, you can find Performing Arts School of Central Pennsylvania online at http://www.pascp.org/.

Does Performing Arts School of Central Pennsylvania have evening hours?

Yes, Performing Arts School of Central Pennsylvania offers evening hours. Monday: 4:00 - 8:45 PM, Tuesday: 4:00 - 9:00 PM, Wednesday: 4:00 - 8:00 PM, Thursday: 4:00 - 9:00 PM, Friday: 4:30 - 6:30 PM, Saturday: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM.

Is Performing Arts School of Central Pennsylvania open on weekends?

Yes, Performing Arts School of Central Pennsylvania is open on weekends — Saturday: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM.

What are Performing Arts School of Central Pennsylvania's hours?

Performing Arts School of Central Pennsylvania is open Monday: 4:00 - 8:45 PM, Tuesday: 4:00 - 9:00 PM, Wednesday: 4:00 - 8:00 PM, Thursday: 4:00 - 9:00 PM, Friday: 4:30 - 6:30 PM, Saturday: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM.