WOOLWICH TWP.—You know what they say: When a family expands, so does its ability to love.
After six years in business, Dance Artistry Center (DAC) has doubled its square footage. In September 2016, DAC will reopen a bigger, better studio, welcoming new students with open arms.
DAC owner Sara Bittle said the expansion will benefit dancers and their families. With staff that has grown to eight experienced teachers, DAC added tap and acro. Additional space allows more classes after 5 p.m. to accommodate parents’ work schedules. Dancers will rest and keep up on homework in the new break room, and parents can relax in the larger lobby.
Choosing a dance studio can be difficult. When considering the many wonderful studios in our area, Bittle advised, “Teachers should be well-trained, educated, and great with children of all ages. Dance should be a positive thing in a child’s life, and teachers need to promote that positivity. A studio should provide a variety of performing opportunities and enough classroom hours to progress technique.”
Bittle is determined to see dancers grow along with her flourishing studio. “A new dancer,” Bittle said, “can expect to gain life-long memories and friendships, discipline, a creative outlet, and appreciation for fitness and the arts.”
Inexperienced dancers need not be afraid to jump in at any age. With additional space, DAC now offers recreational and company divisions.
“The recreational division instils creativity, discipline and confidence in beginning and intermediate students. These levels can be a stepping stone into our company division as well as provide an exceptional experience for those who simply love to dance,” said Bittle.
“The company division is for intensive students who want to focus on dance and perfecting technique, so these dancers take more class hours per week of ballet and are with dancers who share the same goals.”
Bittle extends her success to families by making costs manageable. Bittle said, “We offer class discounts for everyone; your cost per class goes down the more class hours your child takes. We also offer family and early pay discounts.”
Part of the outstanding DAC experience is that despite increasing enrollment, dancers never feel like a number. Bittle puts herself in the dancer’s place.
“Dance is extremely important to me,” said Bittle. “Dance has been with me for almost every stage of my life, so it’s like another family member. Studying ballet at a professional level gave me the drive and work ethic to get where I am today.
“Dance gives me confidence and a creative outlet to express myself and let go of any negativity happening outside of the classroom. I try to instill the same focus and confidence in my students. It is a gift to see young dancers grow into mature, successful young adults, and even if they do not pursue dance after high school, skills learned in the classroom will help throughout life,” she said.
Being a dance studio owner is not easy, but it is well worth it. “Whenever I start to feel burned out, I think about my littlest dancers,” Bittle said. “Their smiles, hugs and excitement put everything into perspective.”
It also helps to have a strong support system. “I’m thankful for everyone who helped me over the years. Especially my mom, who drove me 45 minutes each way, six days a week to ballet and made sure I had everything I needed to follow my dreams, and my dad, who was always supportive and proud. I also could not do this without my amazing staff. They always go the extra mile and their support is so appreciated.”
For more information about DAC, located at 501 Glen Echo Avenue in Woolwich Township, please visit www.danceartistrycenter.com, “like” their Facebook page, or call 856-241-1736.
