Strictly Ballet

05/25/2026

While I’m on vacation next week Trey will teach two classes!
Wednesday 5/27 and Friday 5/29 from 6:30-8–open level teen-adult.

Trey was a once professional dancer in NYC with a focus on modern dance. He is a Gyrotonics instructor and when based in NYC worked with facets from New York City Ballet, Joffrey Ballet and Dance Theatre of Harlem among others. He is currently an acupuncturist and gyrotonics instructor in Lewisburg and is also the producer of “A Lewisburg Victorian Nutcracker” and “A Victorian Fairy Garden Party”.

05/24/2026

Preparations for a “Victorian Fairy Garden Party” began in April! Based on the classic ballet “Swan Lake” our theme this year is “magical transformations.”

The choreography is inspired by Swan Lake and we’ll be using the original music by Tchaikovsky—but I’m very excited to announce that I am partnering with our Tradition Keeper/Storyteller Fiona Powell to create a new and unique story just for this cast!

The first task for the party was the making of violet syrup for our magic drinks. A delightful spring outing!

Finding costume materials and making mock ups have been continuous since the first dancer signed up! We like to be as gentle on the environment and try and use as many reclaimed materials as possible. This year we are using clothes, fabrics, sheets, lace — anything white. If you have unused clothes/linens you’d like to donate please let me know!

If you’re not dancing in the party then start planning your costume to wear to the enchanted evening!

The planning process is underway for the entertainment and we are very excited for returning and new exhibitors that are joining the party.

May 31 is the last day to sign up (payment must be made to confirm your participation) to be a dancer in the party (although I’m working on choreography/spacing now so the sooner you sign up the better!)

Join us July 25 on the front lawn of the Greenspace Center at 7:30pm for the 2026 Victorian Fairy Garden Party!

05/21/2026

In June the Basic ballet “Swan Lake” camp will only meet on Monday, Thursday and Friday.

Adult beginner ballet will meet on Tuesdays in June from 11-12:30.

05/13/2026

Parents, friends and loved ones may watch their dancer in class on Thursday 5/21. Technique class begins at 5 with barre until 5:45 and center from 5:45-6:30. Pointe class will begin around 6:40.

05/06/2026

I completely agree with this!

Dance Students: You cannot take the summer off from dance and pick up where you left off. Dance is not a seasonal sport. These are dance facts of life.

If you take an entire summer off or take only a few classes here and there, plan to begin the fall having lost at least 50% of the strength, stamina, placement, flexibility, and mental focus that you gained in the previous year.

If you study dance 2-4 days per week over the summer, plan to maintain the level you created during the school year, but not necessarily improve—unless that 2-4 days per week is significantly more than you are used to.

If you want to improve your dance immensely, attend a summer intensive in addition to consistent classes while you are home. Or stay home and attend a full schedule of classes at your home studio.

These decisions will affect your placement level in the fall and possibly your long-term dance goals.

I intend no judgement here. I am pointing out the physical and mental demands of long term progress in dance. People have different goals with their dance training. Make sure that your actions match up to and will create your goals.

Dancing as a hobby is fantastic and gives you space to take longer periods of time off.

If you want a dance career, yes, go ahead and take a week or two for rest and relaxation. (It’s good for you.) But more than that hinders progress. The choice is yours.

Photo: Scott Serio
Dancer: Magnolia Williams

04/29/2026

—Bucknell Dance Department is offering tickets to see their Spring Concert on Friday and Saturday May 1 & 2. Sign up at the studio or send me a message.

—Student evaluations—which are optional—are Saturdays May 2 & 9. Sign up in the studio. We’ll discuss summer/fall placement, what you’ve improved on and what you can work on, Nutcracker roles etc. bring your own questions!

—May 12–The World Ballet Company is coming to Williamsport at the Community Arts Center. They will be performing Swan Lake! I highly recommend that you go see the show—it’s the ballet we’ll learning this summer!

—May 16–Ballet Lab—where we work on your specific questions. Breaking down steps, learning conditioning exercises for strength, flexibility, body placement and injury prevention.

—May 22–the last day of the Spring Session—and the last day to sign up for VFGP camps!!!

—May 27 & 29–special guest teacher! I’ll be out of town but Trey will teach open class from 6:30-8!

—June 1 Summer Session begins with our Swan Lake theme!

July —VFGP on July 25

August —Nutcracker camps and auditions!

04/26/2026

A huge thank you to my dancers who volunteered to help at the Arts Festival yesterday. It really means a lot to me that you take time out if your day to help spread the word about the studio, keep me company—on what while fun is a very long day, and -special thanks to Robin for being the only one there while Trey and I had our date! And thanks for the kettle corn Regina!

Even though it was raining we managed to talk to a lot of people and spread the word about “A Lewisburg Victorian Nutcracker” and “A Victorian Fairy Garden Party” and Strictly Ballet.

Pictured here are students: Vida, Charlie, Amanda, Emma, Elsie, Annika, Robin, and Trey!!!

04/25/2026

It’s raining but we’re still here!

Thank you Hannah and Addison for helping me in my booth!

04/24/2026

Reminder —no Open class 4/25!
Instead join us at the Lewisburg Arts Festival from 9-4. Strictly Ballet will have a booth on 6th street. Volunteers are still needed to spread the word about ballet classes, the Nutcracker and VFGP!

We’ll have wings, crowns and perfume for a suggested donation!

04/24/2026

Pointe class has a new student—congratulations Claire!