Skip to main content

Chester County Press

Chesco Dance Center’s big year includes an expansion to third studio

10/18/2022 12:55PM ● By Steven Hoffman

The Chesco Dance Center set the stage for an exciting performance season with a recent expansion to a third studio. Students are already benefiting from the additional space during the Avondale-based dance center’s 14th season of dance classes. Upcoming highlights for students also include a presentation of “The Nutcracker” and then a trip to Walt Disney World to perform at the Magic Kingdom in 2023.

“This journey has been so amazing,” said Kellie Gwaltney-Greer, the owner and director of the Chesco Dance Center. “From one studio back in 2009 to now when we have three dance studios for our Chesco Dance Center families.”

Kellie said that they kicked off using the newest studio with the annual Summer Dance Experience in August. She said that the addition of a third studio will allow for more programs and classes—and that also means that the instructors at the Chesco Dance Center will be able to teach the art of dance to more students in the community. The dance center has been growing by leaps and bounds since Gwaltney-Greer opened it in 2009.

Over the course of  those 14 years, hundreds of students in the area have been introduced to the world of dance by Kellie and the talented faculty.

“Our goal is to provide a place for students to ignite their love of dance, to be part of something that is joyous and to find their true passion for the art of dance,” Kellie said. “We try to instill positivity and remind all of our dancers and parents to support and inspire each other.”

The Chesco Dance Center offers instruction in many styles of dance—including ballet, Pointe, jazz, tap, hip-hop, contemporary, acro dance, and more. 

Kellie explained, “We are offering all styles of dance for ages two-and-a-half through adult. We added brand new adult ballet and tap dance classes this year that are open to all experience levels.”

The main studio is located in the London Grove Shopping Center, while the two other studios are located nearby in the Chelsea Station Center on Lake Road. The additional space allows the Chesco Dance Center to offer flexible schedules for busy families. Classes are available for all skill levels, including everything from beginner to pre-professional levels.

The opening of the new studio gave Kellie a chance to reflect on the dance center’s history. Dance has been an important part of her life. She started dance training at the age of three, and she has 44 years of extensive dance training. She has also been teaching dance for more than 32 years throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New York. The opening of a dance studio that emphasizes training dancers in a positive and supportive environment is a dream realized for her.

“Our goal,” she said, “is to provide the highest quality dance instruction and to uphold a professional caliber. We want each student’s experience here to be educational, inspirational, and fun.”

Looking ahead, the Chesco Dance Center’s students will once again have the opportunity to perform at Walt Disney World. These performances are always special memories for participants and their families.

Kellie explained, “Last October, we danced in Walt Disney World and will be performing there again next year, representing our area at the Magic Kingdom.”

Currently, the dancers are hard at work preparing for the upcoming performance of “‘The Nutcracker.’

Kellie explained, “We are celebrating five years of “The Nutcracker” performances this December 18 at The Tatnall School in Wilmington, Delaware.” She added that “The Nutcracker’ is a magical ballet, and the performances always take place at a magical time of the year.

“It’s a great production for all ages and all skill levels, and we have lots of local kids involved in the production,” she said.

In addition to Kellie, instructors at the Chesco Dance Center include Mindy Kendi (Ballet, Pointe, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Gems Choreographer),  Jenica Narducci (Gems Choreographer, Contemporary), Sarah Vogan (Tap, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Gems Choreographer) Val Goncharov (Ballet and Pointe), Jamal Matthews (Hip Hop, Gems Choreographer), and Kayla Babicki (AcroDance, Jazz, Contemporary).

More information about the Chesco Dance Center including information about classes and upcoming performances is available by emailing [email protected] or by visiting the website at www.chescodancecenter.com or the Facebook page.

To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email [email protected].