The Movement Laboratory School of Performing Arts

Hello, Pennsylvania families! Are you searching for a dance school in Central Pennsylvania that offers not only top-notch technical training but also nurtures the whole child, fostering confidence, self-worth, and a lifelong love for the arts? Look no further than The Movement Laboratory School of Performing Arts, a true "gem" nestled in the heart of Lebanon City. This acclaimed institution, led by the inspiring Miss Judy Williams Henry and her dedicated staff, is renowned for bringing the very best of a prestigious dance education to the local community, all while embodying their profound mission of "Goodwill thru Dance."

For over 50 years, The Movement Laboratory has been a cornerstone of dance education, originally founded in Boston and now a beloved fixture in Lebanon, PA. Their philosophy goes far beyond mere steps and choreography. As parents consistently affirm, it's about providing a solid foundation in classical dance technique while instilling crucial life lessons such as hard work, perseverance, self-worth, and meaningful relationships. This holistic approach ensures that students not only become skilled dancers but also develop into confident, well-rounded individuals ready to take on the world.

At The Movement Laboratory, every student is treated with care and respect, creating an environment where young artists feel empowered to explore their potential and truly fall in love with dance. The emphasis on a classical approach, combined with a commitment to maintaining class and modesty, makes it a distinctive choice for families seeking a comprehensive and values-driven dance education. For locals looking for a place where passion for dance is ignited and character is meticulously shaped, The Movement Laboratory offers an unparalleled experience in the heart of Lebanon.

The Movement Laboratory School of Performing Arts is conveniently located at 720 Cumberland St Rear, Lebanon, PA 17042, USA. This strategic position in Lebanon City makes it highly accessible for families and individuals residing throughout Lebanon County and the wider Central Pennsylvania region.

Cumberland Street is a well-known thoroughfare in Lebanon, making the studio straightforward to locate. The "Rear" designation suggests a dedicated space that often provides easier access and potentially more convenient parking compared to street-front locations, which is a significant advantage for parents and students. This ease of access contributes to a stress-free experience when attending classes.

Being situated in Lebanon City means that The Movement Laboratory is a central hub for the local community, easily reachable from various neighborhoods within Lebanon and surrounding towns. Its accessibility ensures that students from diverse backgrounds can benefit from its top-notch dance education, solidifying its role as a vital part of the performing arts landscape in Central Pennsylvania.

• Classical Ballet/Pointe: The foundation of all dance styles, emphasizing vocabulary, body alignment, footwork, and arm placement. Classes are offered at various levels, from Ballet I (introduction) to Pre-Professional levels (Ballet VI-VIIII) with Pointe work.
• Modern/Lyrical: Explores technique, kinetic intelligence, prepared variations, improvisation, and composition. Lyrical specifically focuses on the emotional connection between movement and music.
• Musical Theater/Jazz: Teaches traditional and contemporary styles based on Broadway, cinema, and other media. Jazz classes focus on technique, jazz barre, form, and style, with an emphasis on dynamic leaps, turns, and high-energy performance.
• Tap: Develops rhythm, musicality, and coordination by teaching dancers to create percussive sounds with their feet. Focuses on proper tap technique through barre exercises, creative movement, and center floor studies.
• Character Dance: Encompasses ethnic dances, movements, forms, and styles, providing a deeper understanding of cultural dance forms and enriching a dancer's versatility.
• Kinder Level/Early Childhood Programs: Including "Child Movement I" (Eurythmics, Laban Method, space awareness, listening skills, musicality for ages 4-6) and "Child Movement II" (step and gesture, ballet pantomime, group movement, character dances).
• Men's / Boys Classes Available: Dedicated programs to encourage male dancers, developing coordination, strength, agility, and overall confidence.
• Private Coaching: Personalized one-on-one sessions for focused technique improvement, audition preparation, or specific skill development.
• Performance Opportunities: Through the Movement Laboratory Youth Ensemble and their "Goodwill Through Dance" International Touring Program, students gain invaluable stage experience and cultural exchange opportunities.
• Summer Camps: Specialized seasonal programs like "SUGAR PLUM CAMP" and "STORYBOOK BALLET CAMP" designed for younger students (Kinder levels) to engage with dance in a fun, immersive setting.
• Adaptive Hip Hop: Classes specifically geared for teens and adults with developmental and/or physical disabilities, fostering community and movement enjoyment.
• Breaking: Classes focusing on the foundations and fundamentals of break dancing movement, emphasizing fun and community for younger dancers.

• Classical Approach to Dance Education: The studio is praised for providing a solid foundation in classical dance technique, preparing students with comprehensive training.
• Nurturing and Respectful Environment: Miss Judy and her staff treat every student with care and respect, fostering a loving atmosphere where students feel free to try new things and grow.
• "Goodwill thru Dance" Mission: This guiding principle is embodied in everything the staff does, promoting positive values, cultural exchange, and personal development beyond just dance.
• Holistic Student Development: Students learn important life lessons such as hard work, perseverance, self-worth, and relationship building, alongside their dance education.
• Experienced and Dedicated Staff: Miss Judy Williams Henry, with over 50 years of experience, and her entire staff bring high-level education from a prestigious background to the local community.
• Long-Term Student Retention: Many students attend for several years, from early childhood into their teens, indicating a deeply satisfying and impactful experience.
• Opportunities for All Ages and Levels: From Kinder classes for the youngest dancers to Pre-Professional levels and even adult/teen classes (including adaptive options), the studio caters to a wide demographic.
• Cultural Exchange Emphasis: Through their "Goodwill Through Dance" International Touring Program, students have unique opportunities for international performance and cultural immersion.
• Focus on Class and Modesty: Parents specifically value the school's commitment to maintaining class and modesty in their approach to dance education.

Ready to discover the enriching dance experience at The Movement Laboratory School of Performing Arts? Here's how you can get in touch:

Address: 720 Cumberland St Rear, Lebanon, PA 17042, USA

Phone: (717) 949-2129

Mobile Phone: +1 717-949-2129

For residents of Pennsylvania, particularly those in Lebanon and the surrounding Central PA communities, The Movement Laboratory School of Performing Arts is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended choice for dance education. Its profound suitability for locals stems from its unique blend of top-tier classical training, deeply ingrained values, and a nurturing, community-focused environment.

In a smaller community like Lebanon City, having access to a "top-notch dance school" that delivers the "very best education of a prestigious dance school" is a significant advantage. Families no longer need to travel to larger cities to find high-quality instruction in classical ballet, modern, jazz, and other forms. Miss Judy and her staff provide a rigorous technical foundation while also prioritizing elements like class, modesty, and modesty, aligning with values important to many local families.

What truly resonates with local parents is the studio's commitment to holistic development. Beyond just dance steps, students learn crucial life lessons such as hard work, perseverance, and self-worth, which are invaluable for their entire lives. The concept of "Goodwill thru Dance" isn't just a motto; it's a living philosophy that fosters a sense of care and respect among students and staff, creating a genuine "dance family" that many have been a part of for years. The convenience of its Lebanon City location, coupled with its proven track record of inspiring growth and a love for dance, makes The Movement Laboratory an ideal and cherished institution for any family in Central Pennsylvania seeking a comprehensive and values-driven performing arts education.

The Movement Laboratory School of Performing Arts

720 Cumberland St Rear, Lebanon, PA 17042, USA