At a time when many dance studios slow their programs down to compensate for vacations and other summer activities, the Art of Dance Studio, in beautiful downtown Chester, has taken the opposite approach.  The Art of Dance continues to offer opportunities for students to experience a variety of summer programs for the pre-professional dancer and the recreational dancer, both young and not so young.

Dancing is a fun way for the dancers to spend their summer and stay fit both physically and mentally.  It is a great way to break up the monotony of the long hot summer days.  The Art of Dance offers weekly classes in tap, ballet, jazz, Irish, and hip-hop for preschooler’s, children and adults.  The Boys Only classes in tap and hip hop continue to grow in popularity.

The Art of Dance is hosting a stellar line up of faculty for their 16^th annual Summer Dance Intensive and Ballet Intensive in July.  Kat Wildish, formerly of New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theater along with Kenny Easter directly off the American Ballet Theater (ABT) season at the Met are teaching a weeklong intensive of ballet that includes partnering, technique and choreography from Romeo & Juliet.  While the dancers are receiving the best possible ballet training, these amazing teachers keep it upbeat and positive while challenging the dancers so that they enjoy working hard to accomplish the difficult but beautiful art of ballet. What makes this week of dance different is that these teachers make ballet so much fun.

This ballet Intensive runs from July 25-29 for dancers nine to 19 years.

Guest teachers at the Dance Intensive include an incredible faculty of teachers direct from the Broadway stage. Michael Cusamano – An American in Paris / Chicago; So You Think You Can Dance Tour, Alexia Meyer season 12; and Jon Bond from the Netherlands Dance Company, touted as the best dance company in the world. Bond is formerly of Cedar Lake Contemporary Dance Co. who has a way of getting dancers to move in a new and expressive way and shed their inhibitions and is a favorite particularly with the teenagers.

The Art of Dance, which is known for its great tap dancers and strong tap program is excited to welcome Sarah Savelli, just off a tour with Savion Glover. It’s amazing to see how she shares her knowledge with the students and manages to get the young dancers to move their feet at lightning speed.

Also joining the intensive line up are current faculty members Jen Savelli-Montaldi who appeared in six Broadway shows including Spider Man and Boy from Oz and a former Rockette; and Linsey O’Neal of Dana Foglia Dance Company.

New this year is Legally Blonde Musical Theater Camp with Cari Sanchez.  Cari originated the role of Margot/Elle in Legally Blonde the Musical at sea on the brand new Norwegian Getaway.  Musical theater training is imperative to anyone that is pursuing a theater career and it is just plain fun!

These dancers are incredibly fortunate to be able to train with these accomplished professionals in the convenience of a local dance studio.  Many of these teachers are busy performing yet they are special teachers who take the time from their busy lives to give back to young dancers and share their incredible talents.  The intensive is held every July at the Art of Dance and will raise the level of training to be the best dancer.

For dancers who love to dance or want to try something new this summer, there is a camp for everyone including Irish, Tap, Hip Hop, Ballet, Rock Your Dance (includes all forms of dance) and Triple Threat Theater Camp throughout the months of July and August.

The Art of Dance loves the littlest dancers and provides a warm, welcoming environment at Princess Camp, Mermaid Camp, Frozen Camp and the newest star Princess Plie Camp.

No one is ever too young or too old to learn to dance.  The Art of Dance is now taking registration for all summer classes and camps. Come visit their beautiful facility and the Essential Dance Shop for all your dancing needs.

For information on any of these programs, contact the Art of Dance at 908-879-4919 or www.artofdance.org.