Movement Laboratory

For over five decades, Movement Laboratory has been a cornerstone of dance education and cultural exchange in Pennsylvania, particularly serving the community of Newmanstown and the wider Lebanon County region. Established in 1969 by the visionary Founding Artistic Director Judy Williams Henry, this internationally acclaimed dance studio is much more than just a place to learn steps; it is a vibrant institution dedicated to fostering artistic talent, promoting personal growth, and building global understanding through the universal language of dance. If you're a local in Pennsylvania seeking a dance school with a rich history, a commitment to excellence, and a unique mission, Movement Laboratory offers an unparalleled experience.

At the heart of Movement Laboratory's philosophy is its inspiring "Goodwill Through Dance" mission. Judy Henry, an accomplished artist and educator, believes that movement is a powerful vehicle for peace and understanding. This guiding principle has led to ambitious cultural exchange programs, taking students to perform and study in diverse countries around the world, long before such initiatives were commonplace. The studio's enduring success over 50 years is a testament to Judy's unwavering focus on education and responsibility, shaping not just skilled dancers but also well-rounded individuals with strong self-esteem and personal acceptance. Join us as we explore the diverse curriculum, exceptional faculty, and remarkable features that make Movement Laboratory a truly unique and cherished performing arts institution in Pennsylvania.

Movement Laboratory is located at 327 Old Mill Rd, Newmanstown, PA 17073, USA. While the mailing address is P.O. Box 521, Schaefferstown, PA 17088, the physical studio in Newmanstown places it conveniently within Lebanon County. This location makes it accessible for families residing in Newmanstown, Schaefferstown, and other nearby towns within Central Pennsylvania.

The studio's address on Old Mill Road suggests a setting that is likely easily reachable from main routes, providing a straightforward commute for students and parents. A key benefit often highlighted by locals for businesses in this area is the availability of parking, which is a significant convenience for daily drop-offs and pick-ups. The Movement Laboratory's presence in Newmanstown integrates it firmly into the local community, serving as a dedicated center for dance and performing arts education for the region.

Movement Laboratory offers a comprehensive curriculum of dance and movement classes designed for all ages and skill levels, emphasizing technical proficiency, artistic expression, and cultural understanding:

• Diverse Dance Genres: The studio provides instruction across a wide spectrum of dance styles, ensuring a well-rounded and versatile education. These include:
  • Ballet/Pointe: From introductory levels to advanced and pre-professional training, focusing on classical technique, body placement, and coordination.
  • Modern/Lyrical: Emphasizing technique, kinetic intelligence, prepared variations, improvisation, and composition.
  • Musical Theater/Jazz: Incorporating elements of stage performance, form, style, combination work, turns, jumps, and isolations.
  • Tap: Focusing on musical theater style, form, technique for classical dances, and intricate rhythms.
  • Character Dance: Exploring ethnic dances, movements, forms, and styles, broadening cultural understanding.
• Structured Class Levels: Classes are meticulously structured into divisions to cater to different age groups and developmental stages:
  • Kinder Level/Early Childhood: Including "Child Movement I" (Eurythmics, Laban Method, space awareness, musicality) and "Child Movement II" (step and gesture, ballet pantomime, character dances).
  • Intermediate Youth (Division B): Ballet III, IVa, IVb, IVc progressing through increasing technical demands.
  • Advanced Youth (Division C): Ballet Va, Vb, focusing on intermediate-advanced technique and preparation for Pointe work.
  • Pre-Professional (Division D): Ballet VI, VII, VIII, IX for advanced and pre-professional dancers, including intensive Pointe work.
  • Contemporary Techniques (Division E): Focused on modern and contemporary styles for various levels.
• Adult Classes: Programs are available for adults who wish to engage in dance and movement, regardless of their prior experience.
• Men's / Boys Classes: Specific classes are available to encourage participation from male dancers.
• Private Coaching: Personalized one-on-one instruction is offered for focused skill development and refinement.
• Performance Opportunities: Students are provided numerous opportunities to showcase their talents, including participation in the Movement Laboratory Youth Ensemble, annual performances like the winter Nutcracker, and participation in the "Goodwill Through Dance" International Touring Program.

Movement Laboratory is distinguished by several key features and highlights that underscore its exceptional reputation and profound impact on its students and the broader community:

• Over 50 Years of Excellence and Legacy: Established in 1969, the studio has a rich history spanning "over 50 years" of inspiring young people to dance. This longevity speaks volumes about its sustained quality and community trust.
• Visionary Artistic Director, Judy Williams Henry: Judy is celebrated as a "truly an inspiration," a "dancer, actor, choreographer, director and mentor." Her unique perspective as an artist and educator (holding BFA and MS degrees) is central to the studio's holistic approach to shaping the "whole person."
• "Goodwill Through Dance" Mission: A core and distinguishing highlight, this mission emphasizes movement as "the universal language" and a "vehicle for peace and understanding." This philosophy underpins ambitious "foreign exchange programs" that have taken students to perform and study globally, fostering cultural understanding.
• International Performance Opportunities: Through the "Goodwill Through Dance" International Touring Program, students have had "international performance opportunities in countries as diverse as the former Soviet Union, Poland, Romania, Austria, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Spain, France, Portugal, Italy and Hungary," providing unparalleled global exposure.
• Commitment to Holistic Development: Beyond technical dance skills, Judy's focus on "education and responsibility" aims to build "self-esteem and personal acceptance in each of her students," making them well-rounded individuals prepared for life.
• Rigorous and Diverse Curriculum: The detailed breakdown of class levels and genres demonstrates a commitment to comprehensive and progressive dance education, from early childhood movement to pre-professional training.
• Community Recognition: Described by locals as the "#1 Dance Studio in Lebanon County" and "best studio in PA," indicating high esteem within the local performing arts community. Their winter Nutcracker performance is noted as a "yearly highlight."

For those in the Pennsylvania region interested in exploring the world of dance through a studio with a rich legacy and a global mission, you can connect with Movement Laboratory using the following contact details:

• Address: 327 Old Mill Rd, Newmanstown, PA 17073, USA
• Mailing Address: P.O. Box 521, Schaefferstown, PA 17088
• Phone: (717) 949-2129
• Email: movementlab17042@gmail.com

It is highly recommended to visit their official website for detailed class schedules, registration information, faculty bios, and more insights into their unique "Goodwill Through Dance" programs. You can also reach out via phone or email for any specific inquiries.

For residents of Newmanstown and the broader Central Pennsylvania region, Movement Laboratory stands as an exceptionally suitable and invaluable local institution for dance and performing arts education. Its deep-rooted legacy, spanning over five decades, combined with its unique mission and commitment to holistic student development, makes it far more than just a dance studio; it's a profound community asset.

The core of its suitability for locals lies in the guiding vision of Judy Williams Henry and her "Goodwill Through Dance" philosophy. This emphasis on movement as a vehicle for peace and understanding, culminating in ambitious international cultural exchange programs, offers local students unparalleled global exposure and a broadened perspective right from their home community. Parents seeking to instill not just dance technique but also strong values, self-esteem, and a sense of global citizenship will find Movement Laboratory to be an ideal fit.

The comprehensive curriculum, catering to all ages from early childhood to adults, and offering diverse dance genres, ensures that every individual can find their artistic path. The rigorous training, provided by an accomplished and experienced faculty, leads to students who are not only "beautiful amazing dancer" but also "good human," as proudly attested by a long-term parent. For any Pennsylvanian seeking a dance school that prioritizes technical excellence, personal growth, and a unique mission of global goodwill, Movement Laboratory in Newmanstown is undoubtedly a top recommendation and a treasured local resource.

Movement Laboratory

327 Old Mill Rd, Newmanstown, PA 17073, USA