Conservatory of Dance

Conservatory of Dance Information

• Class Descriptions

  Creative Movement (ages 4-5 by September 1, 2024)
  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, 2024)
  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, 2024)
  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. 

  Jazz Funk (ages 8+ by September 1, 2024)
  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.

• Class Schedule

  All Conservatory of Dance classes are held on Saturday mornings.

  Labuda Center for the Performing Arts Dance Studio

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

• Dress Code

  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.

• Tuition & Registration

  Fall Session

  • Saturdays, September 14 to November 23 (No classes on October 12)
  • Family Observation Day: November 23

  Spring Session

  • Saturdays, February 1 to April 26 (No classes on March 8 & April 19)
  • Informal Recital in Schubert Theatre: April 26

  Per session, per student

  • 1 class = $120
  • 2 classes = $240
  • 3 classes = $360 

  Registration fee

  • $15 per student (not per family) – includes DeSales University COD t-shirt

  Registration is now open for the Spring Session as of August 1, 2024.

  Register as a Current Student

  Register as a New Student

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

• Program Policies

  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 14, 2024, or February 1, 2025) will receive a full tuition refund for that session.

  Students who withdraw within the FIRST MONTH of classes in the session (Fall Session - September 14 – October 5 or Spring Session – February 1 – February 22) 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 5, 2024 for the Fall Session or February 22, 2025 for the Spring Session.

  Please contact Jill Fitzgerald, Director of COD with any questions:
  Jill.Fitzgerald@desales.edu
  COD Hotline 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 Hotline Number.

• About the Director

  Jill Fitzgerald earned her B.A. in Dance from De Sales University and continues to broaden her training by studying with a wide variety of dance masters. Jill spent 8 years in Richmond, VA as a vital member of the arts community as adjunct faculty for Virginia Commonwealth University's Dance Department, Business Manager and faculty member at Richmond Dance Center and choreographer/instructor for SPARC (School of the Performing Arts in the Richmond Community). One of Ms. Fitzgerald's career highlights was serving as Assistant Entertainment Manager for Busch Entertainment Corporation, at Sesame Place in Langhorne, PA where she helped to develop the entertainment program there, and in Osaka, Japan.

  Jill is most proud of her work with the Great Valley Girl Scout Council and SPARC as a volunteer dance instructor and choreographer for inner city youth. Her teaching and choreographic abilities have been put to use by many established programs including PYT (Pennsylvania Youth Theatre), the University of the Arts, Third Coast Rhythm Project in San Antonio, TX, Badlands Crowning Star in Glendive, Montana, and for Lehigh University and Moravian College Dance Companies. Ms. Fitzgerald is currently adjunct faculty at both Cedar Crest College and De Sales University, where she will take on the position of Director of the Conservatory of Dance in Fall 2018.

  Jill is a Founding Member, Co-Director, and performer with Tap Ties, a community based professional tap company in the Lehigh Valley which provides instruction and information to tap dancers by conducting year-round Community Tap Classes and hosting several local Tap Dance Festivals. Jill is very happy to be able to share her diverse dance experience with the Lehigh Valley Dance Community.

• About the Student Teachers

  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.