Long's School of Dance

Introduction / Overview

For over 75 years, Long's School of Dance has been a cornerstone of dance education in the Erie, Pennsylvania area, establishing itself as the region's premier performing arts school. Established in 1946, this institution has nurtured thousands of dancers across three generations, building a legacy of excellence and a vibrant community spirit. Long's School of Dance is not just a place to learn steps; it's a place where passion for dance is ignited, technique is meticulously honed, and lifelong skills are developed. With a faculty certified by Dance Educators of America and a commitment to employing university-educated instructors, the school prides itself on providing the most extensive and high-quality dance training in the tri-state area. Whether you're a curious toddler taking your very first creative movement class, a young aspiring professional, or an adult looking to embrace dance for fitness and fun, Long's School of Dance offers a welcoming and supportive environment. They are celebrated for their professional annual dance concerts at the Warner Theatre, often featuring a live orchestra, showcasing the culmination of their students' hard work and dedication. This article aims to provide a comprehensive look at Long's School of Dance, detailing its wide range of services, accessibility, unique features, and why it remains the top choice for dance enthusiasts in Pennsylvania.

Location and Accessibility

Long's School of Dance is primarily located at 2556 Maple Ave, Lake City, PA 16423, USA. While this is their listed address, it's important for local users to know that Long's School of Dance also has a main facility at 826 Selinger Ave, Erie, PA 16505, and boasts "7 convenient locations to serve you" across the Erie area, including Fairview, West Erie/Millcreek, and Mill Village. This widespread presence makes Long's School of Dance exceptionally accessible for residents throughout Erie County and surrounding parts of Pennsylvania. The Lake City location on Maple Ave, combined with their extensive network, ensures that quality dance education is within easy reach for many families. These locations are generally situated on well-known roads or in easily navigable areas, simplifying commutes for parents and students. Ample parking is typically available at their facilities, enhancing the convenience. Their broad reach across multiple towns in the region means that families have flexibility in choosing a location that best fits their schedule and geographic proximity, reducing travel time and making it easier to commit to dance lessons. This commitment to accessibility underscores their dedication to serving the wider Pennsylvania community and ensuring that dance education is readily available.

Services Offered

• Specialized Children's Dance Classes: Long's School of Dance places a strong emphasis on foundational dance for children. This includes Creative Movement classes for the youngest dancers, focusing on rhythm, motor skills, and listening.
• Two-Style Combo Classes: Introductory dance classes are offered that combine two styles, such as tap, ballet, hip hop, or jazz, providing a broad introduction to various dance forms in a fun and engaging way for younger students (e.g., Junior Tap and Ballet for ages 6-8).
• Diverse Dance Styles: The school offers a comprehensive curriculum across various dance genres. Based on class schedules, these include Ballet (emphasizing posture, grace, and poise through creative movement and music studies), Tap (focusing on challenges in balance, speed, and agility), Hip Hop (energetic, expressive, and dynamic classes), and Contemporary Dance (combining elements of modern, jazz, lyrical, and classical ballet, striving to connect mind and body through fluid movements).
• Adult Dance Classes: Long's School of Dance provides adult dance classes for individuals looking for a fun and beneficial health and wellness regimen. These classes cater to beginner through advanced levels, allowing adults to discover their inner dancer, get fit, and find joy in movement.
• Professional Dance Concerts: All students have the opportunity to participate in Long's professional, two-night Annual Dance Concert held at the prestigious Warner Theatre, often accompanied by a live orchestra. This provides invaluable performance experience in a grand setting.
• Competitive Performing Arts Team: The school is home to a traveling Performing Arts Team that has achieved national and international recognition, including gold medals at the Hawaiian International Dance Competition in 2000. This offers an avenue for highly dedicated students to engage in competitive dance.
• Aerial Arts/Flight School: Long's School of Dance is notably one of the first dance studios in North America to offer a flight/aerial arts school specifically designed for dancers, providing unique and innovative training opportunities.
• Certified and University-Educated Instructors: The faculty is certified by Dance Educators of America and includes university-educated instructors, many of whom are experienced in working with students with special needs and/or disabilities, ensuring high-quality and inclusive instruction.

Features / Highlights

• Decades of Excellence: Established in 1946, Long's School of Dance boasts over 75 years of continuous operation and has trained thousands of students across three generations, solidifying its status as a trusted and experienced institution.
• Award-Winning Reputation: The school has been consistently voted the "#1 performing arts school in Erie" for over 20 years in a row in the Times News Erie's Choice Contest, a testament to its enduring quality and community recognition.
• Comprehensive Training: Long's offers "the most extensive training in the tri-state area," covering a wide range of dance styles and catering to all ages and skill levels, from creative movement for toddlers to advanced competitive dance.
• Highly Qualified Faculty: Their commitment to employing university-educated instructors and being faculty certified by Dance Educators of America ensures a high standard of technical instruction and pedagogical expertise.
• Professional Performance Opportunities: The annual two-night Dance Concert at the Warner Theatre with a live orchestra provides an exceptional, professional performance experience for all students, a significant highlight that sets them apart.
• Innovative Programs: The inclusion of a flight/aerial arts school specifically for dancers showcases their forward-thinking approach and commitment to offering unique and cutting-edge training opportunities.
• Alumni Success: Many of Long's former students have gone on to achieve professional success in the dance world, performing on television, Broadway, with dance companies, in teaching positions, and even as Rockettes, highlighting the quality of their foundational training.
• Inclusive Environment: The instructors' experience working with students with special needs and/or disabilities further emphasizes their commitment to an inclusive and supportive learning environment for everyone.

Contact Information

Address: 2556 Maple Ave, Lake City, PA 16423, USA (Note: Also operates at 826 Selinger Ave, Erie, PA 16505, and other locations.)

Phone: (814) 833-7179

Mobile Phone: +1 814-833-7179

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For individuals and families across Pennsylvania, particularly in the Erie region, Long's School of Dance stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly regarded choice for dance education. Its suitability for locals is rooted in several key factors that cater directly to community needs and aspirations. Firstly, with a legacy spanning over 75 years and multiple convenient locations throughout Erie County, including Lake City, Long's School of Dance offers unparalleled accessibility. This broad geographic reach and established presence mean that quality dance instruction is always within a reasonable distance, simplifying logistics for busy families. Secondly, the school's unwavering commitment to high-caliber instruction, evidenced by its university-educated and Dance Educators of America-certified faculty, ensures that students receive top-tier training regardless of their age or experience level. This dedication to proper technique and comprehensive development, from creative movement for toddlers to advanced competitive programs, speaks to parents seeking a robust and enriching extracurricular activity for their children. The unique opportunity for all students to perform in a professional, two-night concert at the prestigious Warner Theatre, often with a live orchestra, provides an invaluable and unforgettable experience that few local studios can match. Furthermore, the school's reputation as Erie's "#1 performing arts school" for over two decades highlights its consistent excellence and deep trust within the community. For locals, choosing Long's School of Dance means investing in an institution with a proven track record of nurturing talent, fostering a love for the arts, and producing successful dancers. It's not just about learning steps; it's about joining a supportive community and gaining life skills in confidence, discipline, and artistic expression, making it a truly outstanding local resource for anyone passionate about dance.

Long's School of Dance

2556 Maple Ave, Lake City, PA 16423, USA