New Cumberland School of Ballet

- 323 Bridge St, New Cumberland, PA 17070

For residents of Central Pennsylvania with a passion for dance, the New Cumberland School of Ballet stands out as a true institution of excellence. Located in the heart of New Cumberland, this studio has been providing a rigorous yet nurturing environment for aspiring dancers for many years. Founded by the highly respected Jacqueline Thomas, a dance major graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy and the Boston Conservatory of Music, the school is built on a philosophy that combines world-renowned technique with a supportive, family-like atmosphere. It’s a place where students don’t just learn steps; they build a strong foundation that can lead to professional careers, as one former student’s journey from this studio to the Charlotte Ballet and Washington Ballet demonstrates.

The school’s reputation is rooted in the quality of its instruction and the passion of its founder, Jacqueline Thomas. Known affectionately as Ms. Jacqui, she has a wealth of performing and teaching experience from her time with various dance companies throughout the United States and Europe. Her commitment to her students is unwavering, and she has had the privilege of teaching two generations of dancers, including her own grandchildren and the children of her former students. This dedication creates a close-knit and deeply personal learning environment. The focus on strong foundational technique is a hallmark of her teaching, preparing students not just for performances but for the possibility of a professional dance career. Her choreography has won awards, and her students have been awarded dance scholarships to prestigious universities and conservatories, a testament to the high caliber of education provided.

New Cumberland School of Ballet is also the home of Souls of the Feet Dance Company, a non-profit organization founded by Jacqueline Thomas. This company provides adult dancers the opportunity to study and perform with peers, and it also extends the magic of dance to children who may not have had the chance to experience it before. This commitment to the broader community, both within the studio walls and beyond, reinforces the school’s mission to be a source of information and preparation for young dancers while sharing the joy of dance with everyone.

The New Cumberland School of Ballet is located at 323 Bridge St, New Cumberland, PA 17070, USA. This location makes it a convenient option for residents of New Cumberland and the surrounding areas, including Harrisburg and Camp Hill. Situated on Bridge Street, the studio is easily accessible and a familiar sight within the local community. The academy strives to be an inclusive space, with a wheelchair-accessible car park provided for the convenience of all visitors. This feature, combined with the school’s overall dedication to its students, ensures a welcoming environment.

The school is widely regarded as a place that is good for kids, offering a supportive and nurturing atmosphere where young dancers can learn and grow. The combination of serious training and a caring community is a rare find and is a primary reason why parents in Pennsylvania trust the New Cumberland School of Ballet for their children’s dance education.

New Cumberland School of Ballet offers a focused range of classes designed to build a strong foundation in classical ballet.

Services Offered:

• Pre-Ballet: Classes for the youngest dancers that introduce the basics of movement and rhythm in a fun and engaging way.
• Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Ballet: A structured progression of classes that teach the fundamental positions, barre exercises, and center floor combinations.
• 1-Hour Class: A standard class format that provides a consistent and structured learning experience.
• Open Class: Classes available for intermediate-level dancers and up who want a drop-in option.

In addition to these core classes, the school hosts an annual recital at the West Shore Theatre, giving all students the opportunity to perform on a professional stage. They also participate in a Souls of the Feet Fundraiser Performance, offering a chance for some classes to perform in the studio. This variety of performance opportunities provides students with invaluable stage experience and a sense of accomplishment.

The New Cumberland School of Ballet is distinguished by several key features and highlights that set it apart in the world of dance education.

Features / Highlights:

• World-Renowned Instruction: Led by Jacqueline Thomas, a highly experienced dancer and teacher whose students have gone on to professional careers and received scholarships to top dance programs.
• Strong Foundational Training: The school's curriculum focuses on proper technique and discipline, providing students with the skills needed to succeed at any level, including professionally.
• Close-Knit Family Environment: The studio is described as a "close knit family school" where teachers are mentors and students feel supported and encouraged.
• Proven Track Record: The success of the school's alumni, including one who dances with the Charlotte Ballet and the Washington Ballet, is a powerful testament to the quality of the training.
• Community Involvement: Through the Souls of the Feet Dance Company, the school extends its passion for dance to the wider community, offering opportunities for both adult dancers and underserved children.

The glowing review from the former student who is now a professional dancer is perhaps the strongest endorsement of the school. The reviewer's statement that "Jacqueline Thomas gave me the foundation I needed to go the distance" and that the school has "world renowned teachers" highlights the exceptional quality of education. The emotional connection to the school, calling it a "close knit family," is a testament to the nurturing environment.

For more information or to inquire about class schedules, you can contact the New Cumberland School of Ballet using the details below.

Contact Information:

Address: 323 Bridge St, New Cumberland, PA 17070, USA

Phone: (717) 525-3441

Mobile Phone: +1 717-525-3441

When choosing a ballet school in Pennsylvania, what is worth choosing about New Cumberland School of Ballet is its unique combination of professional training and a deeply personal, family-like atmosphere. This is a place where every student is seen and valued, and where the potential for a professional career is real. The strong foundational technique taught by Jacqueline Thomas is a priceless gift that prepares students for success, whether they pursue dance professionally or apply the discipline and resilience they have learned to another field. For residents of New Cumberland and beyond, this is not just a dance studio; it is a place where dreams are given a foundation and where a love for the art form is nurtured by the very best in the field. It is a true local treasure for the arts community.

New Cumberland School of Ballet

323 Bridge St, New Cumberland, PA 17070, USA