Conservatory of Dance

Creative Movement (ages 4-5 by September 1, 2026)
Basic exploration of various movement qualities, rhythms, and energy. Locomotor skills, flexibility, spatial awareness, and interpersonal dynamics will be strengthened with an emphasis on fun. No previous experience is necessary.

Pre-Ballet (ages 6-7 by September 1, 2026)
A continuation of the skills first explored in creative movement, with greater refinement of motor coordination. Previous dance experience is suggested, but not required.

Tap I/II (ages 7+ by September 1, 2026)
Basic tap vocabulary, rhythm concepts, musicality, and tap history will be introduced and explored. This class will develop rhythmic sensitivity and fine motor control. At least one year of previous dance experience is required. 

Ballet I/II (ages 8+ by September 1, 2026)
Basic ballet terminology with an emphasis on technique is taught while stressing grace, poise, and balance. At least one year of previous dance experience is required.

Jazz Funk (ages 8+ by September 1, 2026)
Fusion of Jazz and Hip-Hop technique. This is a fun exploration of movement for ages 8+. Previous dance experience recommended but not required. 

*For progression of technique and class continuity, we highly recommend that children take part in both the fall and spring sessions.

All Conservatory of Dance classes are held on Saturday mornings.

Labuda Center for the Performing Arts Dance Studio

• 9:30AM–10:15AM — Creative Movement (ages 4 & 5)  
• 10:15AM–11:00AM — Pre-Ballet (ages 6 & 7)
• 11:00AM–11:45AM — Tap I/II (ages 7+)
• 11:45AM–12:30PM — Ballet I/II (ages 8+)
• 12:30PM–1:15PM — Jazz Funk (ages 8+)

All classes are required to wear a DeSales University Conservatory of Dance t-shirt for class along with form-fitting athletic wear such as leggings, bike shorts, or a leotard with tights. Loose fitting clothes such as sweatpants will not be allowed. Your DeSales COD t-shirt will be ordered during the registration process and given to you at your first class.

Appropriate footwear is required as follows:

• Creative Movement, Pre-Ballet, and Ballet - pink or black ballet slippers
• Tap - flat black tap shoes
• Jazz Funk – black or tan jazz shoes

Street shoes are strictly prohibited in both dance studios. Long hair must be secured in a ponytail, braids, or bun.

Fall 2026 Session

• Saturdays, September 12 to November 21 (no classes on October 10)
• Family Observation Day: November 21

Spring 2027 Session

• Saturdays, January 23 to April 17 (no classes on February 27 and March 27)
• Informal recital in Schubert Theatre: April 17*
  *subject to change

Per session, per student

• 1 class = $130
• 2 classes = $260
• 3 classes = $390 

Registration Fee

• $20 per student (not per family) – includes DeSales University COD T-shirt

Registration will open on August 1, 2026 for the fall and spring sessions.

Children of DeSales University faculty and staff receive FREE Registration Fee & T-shirt. Please contact the director via email to receive your discount.

Registration and refund policy

Please complete one registration PER CHILD (not per family).

Students who withdraw prior to the first class of the session (September 12, 2026, or January 23, 2027) will receive a full tuition refund for that session.

Students who withdraw within the FIRST MONTH of classes in the session (fall session: September 12–October 3, 2026, or spring session: January 23–February 20, 2027) will receive a refund or credit towards a future COD session for the classes not taken.

NO MONEY will be refunded FOR ANY REASON after October 3, 2026 for the fall session, or February 20, 2027 for the spring session.

Please contact Celina-Anne Martin, director of COD, with any questions:
COD@desales.edu
COD phone number: 610-282-1100, x1830

Inclement weather policy

In the case of inclement weather, please call the DeSales University main number at 610-282-1100 and listen for immediate cancellations. Please DO NOT call the COD phone number.

A Welcome From the Director

There's a particular feeling that comes with stepping into a dance studio before class begins: shoes being tied, chatter settling into quiet, the floor waiting underfoot. It's where curiosity, nerves, and excitement all show up together, and as I begin my first season as director, I'm excited to learn from this community as much as I hope to bring something meaningful to it.

At the Conservatory of Dance, our aim is to meet every student in that moment, whatever level they're at, and give them a place to develop real skill, confidence, and a genuine love of movement. Dance has a way of building both technique and character at the same time: discipline alongside joy, focus alongside freedom.

I'm honored to help create a space where students grow under supportive, dedicated instruction and build a vibrant community. Whether your dancer is attending their very first class or returning to a familiar one, we're glad to have them here!

Welcome to the Conservatory of Dance—we can't wait to see what this season brings.

Celina-Anne Martin
Director, Conservatory of Dance

Bio

Celina-Anne Martin is a dance teaching artist with 25 years of experience across the UK, Europe, and the U.S. She began teaching at 16 and trained entirely within the UK, building a career grounded in strong, disciplined instruction and a deep commitment to student development at every level.

Specializing in Ballroom and Latin, Celina brings versatility across multiple genres and international stages. She holds accreditation with NATD (National Association of Teachers of Dancing) and holds further training and certifications across dance styles and pedagogy, along with full Pennsylvania clearances. Her academic background includes a degree in Music and Professional Practice alongside theological study at Fuller Seminary and the University of Oxford.

Celina is passionate about community dance and believes it belongs to everyone. As director of the Conservatory of Dance, she brings diligence, care, and energy to the role, and is committed to building strong relationships across the program—acting as the connective thread that keeps it running as a welcoming, thriving community.

The student teachers in the Conservatory of Dance Program are all current dance majors who are earning course credit for teaching in the program. The student teachers are supervised by the director in regards to their teaching process, curriculum development and student teaching. The student teachers plan to pursue graduate study and/or a career in dance education after graduation from DeSales University and intend to share their love for dance with your children.