We are so much more than just a dance studio. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, we strive to make dance classes accessible for all, regardless of age, race, gender, dance level, or ability to pay. At Dance It Forward, we keep your dancer happy, healthy, safe and loved. We believe that Dance is a commitment to principles; an art form beyond rankings and judgment. This is why we are NOT a competition school.
who we are
OUR Mission
Change your life
dance your life
We know that dancing your life can change your life! We experience this joy in our own lives and wish to share it with you!
Our mission is to provide positive, healthy and enriching dance experiences to the people of the south central PA region. Students of all levels, ages and abilities may choose programs of interest according to their dance priority with no regard to their ability to pay. Classes are offered using professional standards and many dance genres. We captivate audiences through performances and dedicated outreach activities to promote a lifelong enjoyment of dance and the performing arts.
Our Philosophy
our faculty's responsibility
WHO WE ARE DRIVES our mission
For more than FIVE decades, our school has been a leader in dance education. We are in our 54th Season! Our reputation for inspiring young people to be the best dancers they can be is one of the primary reasons for our success. When we say “the best dancers they can be,” we speak inclusively of every student, whether at the recreational, progressive or intensive level.
We believe a teacher’s influence on the future of a student extends far beyond what goes on in the classroom. Our teaching philosophy is centered on instilling a passion for dance while building confidence in every student. The students’ well-being is our priority; their capability is secondary.
You were born
to dance
our core values
health. Integrity. Creativity. inclusion.
deliberate practice.
Your mindset determines how you will handle situations and what you will do.
Those with a growth mindset believe that these abilities can be developed and strenthened with time and experience.
As opposed to a fixed mindset that believes that qualities and talents are unchangeable.
we seek to build community
CREATING artists
Our Teaching Philosophy drives our mission. Health, safety and wellness come above all things. To teach dance in a fun, safe, and gentle environment that enhances self-esteem through challenge.
Classical dance and ballet is the cornerstone of our programs, and students are assured that a solid technical base will be developed in dance studies.
We seek to build a community of dance artists through quality training, professional performances and an educational outreach program. We are committed to enriching the lives of others on a regional scope and strive to be an anchor in our community and a bridge to fulfillment in the arts. We wish to link arts, education and community. Dance It Forward is a School, a Company, an Outreach Program and an Arts Entertainment Group presenting performances & special events. As a regional center for the development of artistic talent, we play an important part of the cultural fabric of the Susquehanna Valley.
Community Service
National Honor
Society for Dance Arts
Founded by NDEO in 2005, the National Honor Society for Dance Arts has many exciting benefit for our students. It allows us to celebrate the artistic and academic achievements of exceptional dance students and helps to create honor, prestige and reward.
Benefits for Students
Student induction into the NHSDA is awarded on the basis of points earned for meritorious work in dance. Other factors may include the following: dance class grade point average, cooperative teamwork, motivation, outreach, choreography, performance, teaching and production. Inductees receive a Certificate of Membership, added prestige in scholarship applications and future resumes, wear NHSDA honor cords and gold honor pins during graduation ceremonies and are eligible to apply for the NDEO Artistic Merit, Leadership and Academic Achievement Award. NHSDA members have taught free after school ballet and dance lessons to students at many area schools.
We do many great things for our community! Members have collected Toys for Tots, which was timed to coincide with our annual production of The Nutcracker. Our members gathered more than 180 toys for needy children in our community during their month long campaign. Our outreach projects and performances included the United Way Kickoff, Spruced Up, blankets made for flood victims and gift bags as holiday gifts for children in need, Dance It Forward Food Drive, Light Up York, Baby & Kids Expo, York Symphony Children’s Concert, and the Degas Project, a joint collaboration with the York Arts Association and Cultural Alliance of York. Individually, our members also dedicated many hours of service to the community. Some of the agencies included Leg Up Farm, York Rescue Mission, and Make-A-Wish. Members have also provided leadership to several area high school dance teams and student governments. Most of our NHSDA members dance about 20 hours per week with the resident company, Midstate Ballet, while maintaining an aggregate GPA of 3.0.
Role Modeling
Role modeling empowers young people to make smart choices that put them on a better path in life. This occurs naturally in our programs as advanced students of the school, members of the National Honor Society of Dance Arts, often assist in teaching. We invite children to learn about the fascinating, creative world of dance every chance we have! We pride ourselves in sharing what we love most with educators and their students through in-school residencies, lecture demonstrations and other school programs.
SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH SAYS WE WERE BORN TO DANCE
Research says that dance may have evolved as a vehicle for expressing social and cultural information
Despite cultural diversity, the primary communicative functions of dance is most likely the same across societies.
Our team
We maintain a staff of recognized professionals who combine their experience and technical expertise to offer superior, one-of-a-kind training and encouragement to students of all ages, levels and aspirations. Be assured that our faculty has background checks and clearances as healthy and safety always come first.
Board of Directors
The Leadership consists of passionate community leaders who know the difference that dance,
and the arts can make in the lives of everyone.
Terrance Atwood
Corissa Fetrow
Barbara Knox
Laura McClure
Duane Swartz
Shana Garling, Founding Director (1971-2020)
Beth Herbst, Trustee Emeritus
Shana Garling founded our organization in 1971. She served for 49 years, and we thank her for her passion for dance and children. She believed in kindness and has passed her loving ways onto the very heart of all we do. We curtsey to you, Shana... We know that you are dancing with us in heaven. Know, dear Shana, that you were loved and respected. Your life made a difference to this world.
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