Cardell Dance Studio Introduce
For those in Pennsylvania, particularly within the dynamic city of Philadelphia, who seek a place where artistic expression flourishes, community thrives, and a genuine passion for dance is ignited, Cardell Dance Studio stands as an exceptional destination. Tucked away in a charming alley on Melon Street, this studio is far more than just a dance space; it's a "beautiful, bright, warm, modern and amazing space" that functions as a true community hub for dancers of all ages and levels. If you're looking to explore the art of movement, whether for recreational enjoyment or professional development, Cardell Dance Studio offers an unparalleled experience.
The heart of Cardell Dance Studio lies with its owner, Silvana Cardell, a highly respected figure in the Philadelphia dance community and a Guggenheim Fellowship recipient. As a veteran of the Philadelphia dance scene enthusiastically recommended, Silvana is "a marvelous person, and a beautiful teacher ... who hires very smart and lovely Creative Teachers." This dedication to excellence in both instruction and mentorship creates an environment where, as one parent observed, their 9-year-old daughter, new to dance, became "hooked" and now "flows, spins and rolls in such a confident and graceful way that it is clear she is learning a lot and having fun." This transformative impact on students' skills and confidence is a testament to the studio's nurturing and professional approach.
Cardell Dance Studio distinguishes itself by its commitment to offering a diverse range of classes for children, adults, and even professional dancers. This inclusive approach ensures that anyone with a desire to dance, regardless of their background or experience, can find a welcoming and challenging environment. From contemporary and modern dance to ballet and hip hop, the studio's curriculum is designed to cultivate creativity, build artistic skill, and foster a deep connection to movement and self-expression. The focus isn't just on technique, but on connecting people to their bodies and promoting well-being, embodying Silvana Cardell's mission to use dance for positive social change.
The studio's unique location on Melon Street, described as a "cute alley," adds to its charm and sense of discovery for locals. While not a typical storefront, its hidden gem quality makes the experience of finding and entering the space even more rewarding. For anyone in Philadelphia or surrounding areas of Pennsylvania looking for a vibrant, supportive, and expertly led dance community, Cardell Dance Studio is a place where you can truly grow, connect, and fall in love with dance, becoming part of a family that "truly cares about her students and what classes are being offered."
---Location and Accessibility
Cardell Dance Studio is centrally located at 1713 Melon St, Philadelphia, PA 19130, USA. This address places it within a vibrant and easily accessible part of Philadelphia, specifically in the Art Museum Area/Fairmount neighborhood. Its location, though described as being in a "cute alley on Melon Street" rather than a storefront, adds to its unique charm and is a point of positive discovery for visitors.
The studio's proximity to Center City and major transportation hubs makes it highly convenient for residents throughout Philadelphia and its surrounding areas in Pennsylvania. It is reportedly just "four blocks from the Broad Street Subway," providing excellent access via public transportation for those utilizing SEPTA's subway and bus lines. For individuals driving, while it's an urban setting, the Fairmount neighborhood offers various parking options, though planning ahead for street parking is always advisable in a city environment.
Being nestled in the Art Museum Area, the studio is part of a rich cultural landscape, surrounded by museums, parks, and other community resources. This integration into the neighborhood fabric makes it a natural gathering place for locals interested in the arts. The ease of access, combined with its welcoming atmosphere, ensures that Cardell Dance Studio is a convenient and desirable destination for dance enthusiasts and those seeking artistic engagement in Philadelphia.
The specific address on Melon Street, despite being slightly off the main thoroughfare, has become a known landmark within the local dance community, adding to its appeal as a hidden gem that promises a unique and rewarding experience once discovered.
---Services Offered
- Contemporary Dance Classes: Cardell Dance Studio specializes in contemporary dance, which emphasizes creative and somatic approaches to movement. Classes focus on technical skills combined with creative opportunities, often incorporating imagery and anatomical cues.
- Modern Dance Classes: Offering various levels of modern dance, these classes delve into different techniques and styles within the modern dance tradition, promoting strength, lengthening, and expressive movement.
- Ballet Classes: Fundamental ballet instruction is provided, including "Introduction to Ballet" for newcomers and more advanced levels. Ballet forms the cornerstone of many dance disciplines, fostering grace, discipline, and strong technique.
- Hip Hop / Urban Dance Classes: For those interested in dynamic and current styles, the studio offers Hip Hop and urban dance, including "Breaking," allowing students to explore diverse forms of movement.
- Creative Dance for Children: Specifically designed for younger dancers (e.g., ages 3-5, 5-7, 7-9), these classes introduce basic dance concepts through imaginative play and movement, building coordination, rhythm, and a love for dance.
- Adult Dance Classes: A wide range of classes are available for adults of all experience levels, from beginners trying dance for the first time to those looking to refine existing skills. Examples include Release Technique & Floorwork, Contemporary Technique, and All-Levels Contemporary Floorwork & Acrobatics.
- Professional Dance Classes: The studio caters to professional dancers seeking advanced training and opportunities for artistic development, with classes like Release Technique & Floorwork and Contemporary Technique.
- Private Lessons: Personalized instruction is available by appointment for various styles, including ballet, contemporary, modern, and HipHop/Urban Dance. The studio can also arrange private lessons for other dance styles through its network of professional dancers.
- Studio Rentals: Cardell Dance Studio offers its "beautifully renovated industrial building" space for hourly rentals, providing an affordable and well-equipped environment for artistic practice, rehearsals, workshops, and events.
- Workshops & Events: Beyond regular classes, the studio frequently hosts special workshops and events, fostering community engagement and providing opportunities for deeper exploration of dance and related arts.
- Community Engagement Programs: As part of its mission, the studio actively promotes civic engagement through dance, aiming to create positive social change by gathering artists and audiences to address social justice issues through artistic expression.
Features / Highlights
- Exceptional Owner and Instructors (Silvana Cardell): Silvana Cardell, the owner, is consistently lauded as a "marvelous person, and a beautiful teacher" who hires "very smart and lovely Creative Teachers." Her expertise and dedication are a primary highlight, ensuring high-quality instruction.
- Warm, Welcoming, and Nurturing Environment: The studio is described as a "beautiful, bright, warm, modern and amazing space" with an atmosphere that makes new families feel "completely comfortable joining." This supportive environment fosters growth and confidence.
- Holistic Student Development: Beyond dance technique, the studio focuses on a student's overall growth. As one review notes, a daughter's "maturity and personality has flourished" alongside her dance style and form, indicating a comprehensive approach to development.
- Diverse Class Offerings for All Ages and Levels: Cardell Dance Studio caters to a broad audience, offering classes for children (ages 3-5 up to teens), adults (beginner to advanced), and even professional dancers, covering styles like Contemporary, Modern, Ballet, and Hip Hop.
- Community-Centric Philosophy: The studio's mission extends beyond dance instruction to promote "civic engagement through dance to create positive social change." It serves as a "headquarter to gather artists and audiences" for this purpose.
- Beautiful and Modern Facility: The physical space itself is a highlight, described as a "beautifully renovated industrial building" with "full facade windows" and "wood floors," creating an inspiring and functional environment for dance.
- Affordable Dance Classes & Cultural Programs: The studio is dedicated to the "creation and implementation of affordable dance classes and cultural programs," making quality dance education accessible to more members of the Philadelphia community.
- Engagement with Philadelphia Dance Community: Silvana Cardell's extensive background and connections within the Philadelphia dance community, including her work with Cardell Dance Theater, ensure a high level of artistic integrity and opportunity.
- Positive Learning Experience: Customer testimonials consistently highlight students "learning a lot and having fun," indicating an effective and enjoyable teaching methodology.
Contact Information
To discover more about Cardell Dance Studio, enroll in classes, or inquire about studio rentals, please use the following contact details:
Address: 1713 Melon St, Philadelphia, PA 19130, USA
Phone: (267) 616-4689
Mobile Phone: +1 267-616-4689
---Conclusion: Why Cardell Dance Studio is Suitable for Locals
For families and individuals across Pennsylvania, particularly those immersed in or looking to engage with Philadelphia's vibrant arts scene, Cardell Dance Studio stands out as an exceptionally suitable and enriching community hub. Its profound local appeal lies in its unwavering commitment to providing high-quality dance education within an incredibly warm, nurturing, and inclusive environment that truly feels like an extended family.
Under the visionary leadership of Silvana Cardell, a highly acclaimed choreographer and educator, the studio offers a diverse array of classes catering to all ages and skill levels – from foundational creative movement for young children to advanced contemporary and professional development for seasoned dancers. This ensures that every local, regardless of their experience, can find a welcoming space to explore the joy and discipline of dance.
Beyond the technical instruction, Cardell Dance Studio is dedicated to holistic student development, fostering not just artistic skill but also confidence, maturity, and a deeper connection to one's body. The beautiful, modern facility on Melon Street provides an inspiring setting for this growth. Moreover, the studio's active engagement with the community and its mission to promote positive social change through dance make it more than just a place to learn steps; it's a place to connect, create, and contribute to the cultural vibrancy of Philadelphia.
For any Pennsylvanian seeking an affordable, professional, and genuinely caring environment to embark on or continue their dance journey, Cardell Dance Studio offers a truly invaluable and beloved local resource. It’s a place where you can "sashay (quickly!) right over" and become part of a thriving artistic family.
Cardell Dance Studio Photos










Cardell Dance Studio Location
Cardell Dance Studio
1713 Melon St, Philadelphia, PA 19130, USA
Cardell Dance Studio Reviews
Honestly - if you're looking for a beautiful, bright, warm, modern and amazing space with instructors and an owner that is even more amazing and warm - one who truly cares about her students and what classes are being offered - sashay (quickly!) right over to Cardell's on Melon Street - it's not a storefront, it's in the cute alley on Melon Street but don't let that deter you!!
Jan 13, 2025 · Jennifer GreenfieldMy 9 year-old daughter had never taken dance class, but asked me several times in recent months to study contemporary dance. When I asked my neighbor - a veteran of the Philadelphia dance community - about good places to learn, she immediately mentioned Silvana as 'a marvelous person, and a beautiful teacher ... who hires very smart and lovely Creative Teachers.' After her first lesson, my daughter was hooked, and now won't walk across the living room but rather flows, spins and rolls in such a confident and graceful way that it is clear she is learning a lot and having fun. Silvana, Paula and Megan have given her an amazing introduction to the art, and I am excited to see her grow as a dancer.
Feb 14, 2020 · Bob HornsbyI bought my daughter here for a trial lesson in Contemporary dance and I must say that Ms Silvana is an amazing instructor ! Her techniques in contemporary dance is easy for my daughter to catch on to she’s 14 yes old and never had experience in this style of dance .so I didn’t know what to expect but Ms Cardell was very professional and taught with such grace and passion . I hope my daughter decides she want to come back for mote lessons. The atmosphere was relaxing snd welcoming.
Sep 15, 2021 · Sherrell HarrodI recently joined the advanced company class, as a person returning to training after a long hiatus. Silvana is a warm and knowledgeable instructor. It is a traditional modern dance technique class, and I am glad to have it here in our city.
Apr 24, 2023 · Betsy SFantastic class for young kids! Nice and open space. Teacher Loren is terrific at guiding students through moves in a way they think it's just play. The classes are a wonderful way to get your child engaged in dance from an early age.
Jan 22, 2023 · Jody Lurie
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