Julie Ardito School of Dance

For residents across Pennsylvania, especially those in the charming borough of Old Forge and the surrounding communities of Lackawanna County, the Julie Ardito School of Dance stands as a long-standing pillar of artistic education. Since 1985, this esteemed institution has been dedicated to cultivating the art of dance in both children and adults, fostering not just technical skill but also a deep appreciation for movement and expression. In our local area, where community-focused and high-quality educational opportunities are highly valued, the Julie Ardito School of Dance has earned a reputation for its professionalism, accomplished leadership, and a truly enjoyable learning environment.

At the heart of Julie Ardito School of Dance's philosophy is the belief that dance teaches valuable life lessons. They strive to provide a fun and safe environment where students can practice teamwork, build lasting friendships, gain self-confidence, and experience a true sense of accomplishment. Whether you're a parent looking for a foundational dance education for your child, a teenager keen to explore various dance styles, or an adult seeking a fun way to exercise and express creativity, this studio offers a compelling array of programs designed to meet diverse aspirations. Join us as we explore what makes the Julie Ardito School of Dance a cherished and essential point of interest for dance enthusiasts right here in Old Forge, PA.

The Julie Ardito School of Dance is conveniently located at 648 S Main St, Old Forge, PA 18518, USA. This address places the studio centrally within Old Forge, making it highly accessible for local residents and those from neighboring towns in Lackawanna County, such as Scranton, Moosic, Avoca, and Taylor. South Main Street is a well-known thoroughfare in Old Forge, ensuring ease of navigation for families traveling to and from classes.

The accessibility of the studio is a significant advantage for families managing busy schedules, as it minimizes travel time and makes consistent attendance more feasible. The "new air conditioned facility" spanning "12,000 square feet, with hardwood floors" and equipped with "three large studios, two waiting areas, two restrooms, dressing rooms and a vending area and a dance boutique" further enhances convenience and comfort for students and parents alike. This spacious and well-appointed environment contributes to a pleasant experience during class times and waiting periods.

Being an integral part of the Old Forge community, the studio is easily integrated into the daily routines of local families. This fosters a sense of local pride and convenience, allowing students to pursue their passion for dance within their own neighborhood. The readily available contact information also simplifies initial inquiries and registration, ensuring a smooth start to one's dance journey.

The Julie Ardito School of Dance offers a comprehensive and diverse curriculum catering to a wide range of ages and skill levels, from young children to adults. Their programs are designed to provide a well-rounded dance education, emphasizing proper technique and artistic development in a non-competitive setting.

• Pre-Ballet (Ages 3 to 6): A lively and creative introduction to dance designed to develop poise, grace, rhythmic skills, and basic coordination.
• Classical Ballet (Ages 7 to Adult): A structured class stressing French terminology, correct placement and alignment, strength, muscularity, and grace. Includes barre exercises and center floor work.
• Pointe: Available for students who have studied classical ballet for at least three years, focusing on advanced technique performed on pointe shoes.
• Tap (Ages 5 to Adult): Explores "America's original art form" by stressing rhythm, style, and coordination, using various types of music including Big Band and Broadway songs.
• Jazz (Ages 8 to Adult): Incorporates modern movements, current music, and offers a great workout, allowing individuals to express their own personal style and flair.
• Lyrical Dance (Ages 9 through Adult): Merges Ballet, Jazz, and Contemporary techniques, performed to music that inspires movements expressing strong emotions, focusing on individual expression.
• Hip Hop (Ages 9 through Adult): Focuses on "Street Dance" and movements evolved from "Hip-hop culture," performed to hip-hop music.
• Modern/Contemporary Dance: Offers a full curriculum in these expressive dance styles.
• World Dance: Suggests an exploration of diverse dance forms from around the globe.
• Salsa: Instruction in this popular Latin dance style.
• Boys Club: A specific program catering to male dancers.
• Acro Tumbling: Combines dance with acrobatic and tumbling elements, focusing on flexibility, strength, and spatial awareness.
• Adult Fitness & Fun Classes: Tailored classes for adults, providing a great way to exercise and enjoy dance.
• Piano Lessons (Ages 6 through Adult): Offers musical instruction, complementing their dance programs.
• Year-End Recital “STAR-STYLE”: A culminating performance opportunity for students to showcase their progress.
• “Movies, Musicals & More” Show: An additional performance opportunity, highlighting popular entertainment themes.
• “Senior Scholarship Show”: A special performance event.
• "The Nutcracker Jazzed Up" Production: A dazzling holiday production, providing a significant performance experience.

This extensive list underscores the studio's commitment to providing a holistic and enriching performing arts education for the Old Forge community.

The Julie Ardito School of Dance is distinguished by several key features and highlights that make it a standout institution for dance education in Old Forge, PA:

• Accomplished Leadership and Professionalism: Julie Ardito herself is described as "well known and a very accomplished dancer." This speaks to the high level of expertise and artistry at the helm of the school, ensuring that students receive instruction grounded in professional excellence. The review also notes that "The lessons, costumes and recitals are all very professional," indicating a high standard across all aspects of the studio's operations.
• Fun and Engaging Learning Environment: A key highlight for adults is that classes are "so much fun and it's great exercise!" This demonstrates the studio's ability to create an enjoyable atmosphere that motivates students, making learning a positive and exciting experience, even for those returning to dance or starting anew.
• Spacious and Modern Facility: The school boasts a "new air conditioned facility" that is "12,000 square feet, with hardwood floors." This large and well-maintained space, equipped with "three large studios, two waiting areas, two restrooms, dressing rooms and a vending area and a dance boutique," provides an optimal and comfortable environment for learning and practice.
• Comprehensive and Varied Curriculum: As detailed in the "Services Offered" section, the wide array of dance styles (Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Modern/Contemporary, World Dance, Salsa, Acro Tumbling) plus piano lessons, ensures that students have diverse opportunities for artistic exploration and skill development. This breadth caters to all interests and allows for a well-rounded artistic education.
• Focus on Life Lessons Through Dance: The studio's philosophy emphasizes "Teaching Life Lessons through Dance Lessons." They prioritize a non-competitive environment where students develop teamwork, build friendships, gain self-confidence, and experience accomplishment, fostering healthy minds and bodies and improving motor skills. This holistic approach goes beyond just dance technique.
• Professional Performance Opportunities: The culmination of the year in a "STAR-STYLE" recital, along with productions like "The Nutcracker Jazzed Up" and "Movies, Musicals & More," provides students with invaluable experience in stage performance, costumes, and the rewarding sense of accomplishment that comes with a professional production.
• Inclusive for All Ages: With programs for ages 3 through adult, the studio genuinely caters to a wide demographic, making dance accessible to everyone in the community, regardless of age or experience level. The encouragement for "older dancers (people in their 20's and 30's) who are advanced dancers to CONTINUE to dance, perform and take class" is a unique and commendable feature.

These highlights collectively showcase the Julie Ardito School of Dance as a premier destination for quality, professional, and enjoyable dance and performing arts education in the Old Forge area.

For those in the Pennsylvania region interested in learning more about class schedules, registration, or any other inquiries, the Julie Ardito School of Dance can be reached through the following contact details:

Address: 648 S Main St, Old Forge, PA 18518, USA

Phone: (570) 451-7003

Mobile Phone: +1 570-451-7003

Prospective students and their families are encouraged to reach out directly to the studio for the most current information regarding their programs, tuition, and to discuss how they can best meet your dance and performing arts goals. Their official website also provides additional details on their curriculum, philosophy, and upcoming events.

For residents across Pennsylvania, particularly those in Old Forge and the surrounding communities of Lackawanna County, the Julie Ardito School of Dance stands as an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination for quality performing arts education. Its deep roots in the community, combined with its comprehensive offerings and nurturing environment, make it an ideal choice for aspiring dancers of all ages.

Firstly, the convenient and accessible location on South Main Street in Old Forge is a significant advantage. This central position simplifies logistics for local families, reducing travel time and making consistent participation in classes much more manageable. The state-of-the-art, air-conditioned 12,000-square-foot facility further enhances the experience, providing a comfortable and inspiring space for learning and practice.

Secondly, the reputation of Julie Ardito herself, described as a "well known and a very accomplished dancer," instills confidence in the quality of instruction. The emphasis on "very professional" lessons, costumes, and recitals underscores a commitment to excellence that benefits every student. This professional approach, coupled with a "fun and family friendly atmosphere," creates a balanced environment where students are challenged to grow while feeling supported and enjoying their artistic journey. For adults, the ability to have "so much fun and it's great exercise" highlights the studio's versatility in catering to different motivations for dance.

Furthermore, the extensive and diverse curriculum, spanning classical ballet to contemporary hip-hop, tap, jazz, lyrical, and even piano lessons, ensures that every student can find a program tailored to their interests and developmental stage. This breadth allows for holistic artistic growth within a single, trusted institution. The studio's philosophy of "Teaching Life Lessons through Dance" resonates deeply, as it emphasizes the development of character, confidence, and teamwork alongside technical skills, making it more than just a dance school.

In conclusion, the Julie Ardito School of Dance is an invaluable asset to our local community. It provides a unique blend of professional instruction, a supportive environment, and diverse opportunities for artistic expression. For any Pennsylvania family seeking a nurturing and high-quality performing arts education that fosters both skill and personal growth, this Old Forge institution is undoubtedly a premier and highly suitable choice, enriching the lives of its students and the cultural landscape of our region.

Julie Ardito School of Dance

648 S Main St, Old Forge, PA 18518, USA