fireWALL dance theater Introduce
For those in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, fireWALL dance theater is more than just a place to take a class; it is a sanctuary where movement, community, and personal growth intertwine. This unique establishment, led by its dedicated owner, has created a welcoming and inclusive space that feels less like a business and more like a family. Here, the focus is not just on perfecting technique, but on fostering an environment where every dancer, from absolute beginners to seasoned professionals, feels valued and accepted for who they are. At fireWALL dance theater, the experience is about rediscovering a love for movement, being challenged to become stronger and more vulnerable, and finding a community that celebrates your unique self. It’s a place where you can confidently take a step through the door knowing you’ll be in good hands.
The philosophy at fireWALL dance theater is a testament to the passion and vision of its owner, Elisa. She is known for being very strict about who teaches at the studio, ensuring that every instructor prioritizes the comfort and safety of the dancers. This meticulous attention to detail and care provides a foundation of trust that allows students to feel secure and supported as they explore their potential. The studio’s commitment to community is highlighted in a touching review from a former student who describes their time at fireWALL as a "work" study that never felt like work, emphasizing the same care and attention they received upon their first visit. This sentiment of feeling loved, accepted, and valued for one's unique qualities is a recurring theme among those who have found a home here. It’s an environment that pushes dancers to be both stronger and more vulnerable, teaching them how to love themselves through the art of dance.
fireWALL dance theater is centrally located at 2504 E Carson St, Pittsburgh, PA 15203, USA. This address in the heart of Pittsburgh makes it a convenient destination for residents across the city and surrounding Pennsylvania communities. The studio’s commitment to accessibility is a key feature, as it offers a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience the joy of dance and the welcoming community that fireWALL has cultivated. The location on East Carson Street places it within a vibrant, dynamic part of Pittsburgh, with various amenities nearby, making it a practical and appealing choice for dancers on the go.
The location’s accessibility is not just a convenience but a reflection of the studio’s inclusive mission. By providing a wheelchair-accessible entrance, fireWALL dance theater demonstrates its dedication to breaking down barriers and making dance an art form for all. This thoughtful consideration for its patrons' needs reinforces the studio’s reputation as a welcoming and safe space for everyone in the Pennsylvania community.
fireWALL dance theater offers a diverse range of classes designed to cater to various interests and skill levels, all taught by carefully selected, compassionate, and expert instructors.
Ballet: Classes are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:00 pm. These lessons provide a strong foundation in classical technique, essential for all forms of dance.
Contemporary Dance: Students can immerse themselves in this expressive and fluid style, with classes available on Wednesdays at 7:45 pm. This is a great way to explore creative movement and personal expression.
Contemporary Technique & Progressions: This is for those who want to build a solid technical foundation in contemporary dance. Classes are offered on Thursdays at 6:00 pm and Mondays at 2:00 pm, as well as Wednesdays at 6:00 pm, providing ample opportunity for growth and improvement.
Heels (16+): A unique and popular class on Thursdays at 7:45 pm, where dancers can learn to move confidently and expressively in heels. This class is for dancers aged 16 and over.
Private Lessons: For those seeking personalized attention or a more customized learning experience, fireWALL offers private lessons tailored to individual needs and goals.
Stretching & Conditioning: Offered on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11:00 am, these classes are designed to improve flexibility, strength, and overall physical readiness, which are crucial for any dancer's health and performance.
For convenience, the studio accepts both credit cards and debit cards, making the payment process seamless for all patrons.
Several key features and highlights make fireWALL dance theater a truly special establishment in Pittsburgh, PA.
Strong Community and Family Atmosphere: The studio is widely praised for its welcoming and inclusive environment, where dancers feel like they are part of a family. This strong sense of community is a major reason why students love the space and keep coming back.
Exceptional Staff and Safe Environment: The owner’s strict policy on who teaches at the studio ensures that every instructor is not only a skilled dancer but also a caring and compassionate mentor. This prioritizes the safety and comfort of all dancers, providing a trustworthy learning environment.
Acceptance and Self-Love: The studio focuses on more than just dance technique. It encourages dancers to be vulnerable, push their limits, and, most importantly, love themselves. This emphasis on personal well-being sets it apart from many other dance schools.
Diverse Class Offerings: With a variety of classes ranging from classical ballet to the popular heels class, fireWALL caters to a wide range of interests and skill levels, ensuring there is a class for everyone.
Welcoming to Beginners: As one reviewer pointed out, even when a class felt a little difficult, the other dancers and staff made them feel comfortable and encouraged, reassuring them that they were doing great. This is a crucial feature for anyone intimidated by trying something new.
For more information about classes or to book a lesson, you can contact the studio directly.
Address: 2504 E Carson St, Pittsburgh, PA 15203, USA
Phone: (914) 720-4117
What is truly worth choosing about fireWALL dance theater is its profound dedication to creating a space that feels like home. It's a place where the joy of movement is complemented by a genuine sense of belonging. The testimonials from long-standing students highlight a deeply personal journey of growth, not just as a dancer but as a person. The studio’s commitment to providing a safe, accepting, and loving environment is a rare and invaluable asset. When you step into fireWALL dance theater, you are not just signing up for a class; you are joining a "Fire Fam" that will support you, challenge you, and celebrate your progress. The combination of expert instruction, a diverse range of classes, and an unparalleled community spirit makes it the ideal choice for anyone in the Pittsburgh area looking to explore dance in a way that is both physically rewarding and emotionally enriching. It is a place that teaches not only dance steps but also invaluable lessons about self-worth and the power of a supportive community.
fireWALL dance theater Services
Dance School
- Ballet Tue/Thu 1:00 pm
- Contemporary Dance
- Contemporary Dance Wed 7:45 pm
- Contemporary Technique Thu 6:00 pm
- Heels (16+) Thu 7:45 pm
- Private Lessons
- Stretching & Conditioning Mon/Wed/Fri 11am
- Technique & Progressions Mon 2 pm / Wed 6:00 pm
fireWALL dance theater Details
Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
fireWALL dance theater Photos
fireWALL dance theater Location
fireWALL dance theater
2504 E Carson St, Pittsburgh, PA 15203, USA
fireWALL dance theater Reviews
studioenvironmentclassesspaceadultheelscreativehip hopbodyventilation
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Over 3 years moving and grooving at this wonderful establishment.I started taking classes at firewall in 2021. I began my “work” study in 2024. “Work” is in quotations because it has never felt like work. I sweep the floors with the same care and attention that I love the space with. I check-in dancers with the same welcoming energy that I received when I first met Elisa 3 years ago. I enter class with the energy of making dance what it should be:It’s about community. When you step through the door, you will feel accepted and loved and valued for what makes you unique. You will be challenged and pushed to be stronger and more vulnerable.Elisa is very strict about who teaches here because the comfort and safety of the dancers takes priority, so you can join any class feeling confident that you’ll be taken good care of, because that’s what families do.If I wasn’t moving away, I would be here every Saturday til I dropped. Can’t thank my Fire Fam enough for all the lessons, and for teaching me how to love myself.
December 21 · Claire GendronI loved everything about this studio. It felt so homey and Elisa was so welcoming. The beginners technique class was a little hard for me, but everyone made me feel more comfortable by encouraging me and reassuring that it’s a beginners class and I’m doing good. I love everything about firewall, if you’re thinking about going, just do it.
December 30 · brinnyah wolfordI love Firewall. I started 4 years ago at the age of 60 to tap. Elisa is the most wonderful teacher. Patient and positive. She has given me so much joy and confidence. I have performed in front of others. The studio has such an amazing energy. All the young dancers cheer me on!!!! I am trying contemporary dance! It brings me such joy.
May 14 · Michelina FatoI’m not sure what I can safely share without being penalized, so I will summarize. I spent about a year dancing A LOT at Firewall and i probably would have rated it an overall 3/5 as a lifelong dancer, and as someone who has taken most of the classes here and taken class with most of the instructors. The space is really small and difficult to breathe in (not Firewall’s fault, but I find the space challenging) ever since the building was redesigned, something has been wrong with the ventilation.I appreciate that Firewall offers most styles of dance throughout the week in a casual drop in format. I feel compelled to say however—that as a neurodivergent person with specific learning needs (I learn best when counts are provided) I cannot recommend Firewall to neurodivergent dancers. I’m sorry to say that I never felt safe asking for counts more than once, and ultimately, I never received them anyway. I was called “difficult” and “negative” by different instructors and when I requested a single refund one time for one class- citing a bad experience - I was again called “negative” and told by the owner (in writing) not to return with “my energy”.So I left a review.Then I was banned altogether- citing my original review, but here is the thing.An honest, bad review from a REGULAR customer is a golden opportunity to rectify that relationship.Following Juneteenth, I found myself thinking-revisiting my role in protecting my community and as a Black dancer, it is not right that a yt woman’s unaddressed discomfort with me was conflated with me being “dangerous” to my fellow dancers. It isn’t right that the owner of Firewall retaliates to unbiased reviews in an open marketplace.It’s not right that I have accepted the erasure of my experiences at Firewall, especially when so many of my fellow Black dancers have asked me to speak up on what happened to me here, so this is a revised review.
June 21 · Rachel SMy daughter Preslie absolutely loves taking classes at Firewall! Shayla Pringle always brings fire combos. I do want to say how much we appreciate Elisa! Elisa, thank you for providing a space that is kind. Your recent support at the winter intensive is so appreciated! Thank you for everything!
December 30 · Emily
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