Dance & Company

Create. Dance. Live.

We offer serious classical and contemporary training from youth to adult in a positive and progressive program of study. Performance opportunities are provided through annual spring concert performances, informal showings and student participation in the dance center's repertory youth performance companies. Classes are offered year-round in ballet, modern, tap, jazz, musical stage, hip-hop, and Irish step dance.

March Masterclasses - March 5th at 1:00 (Modern) and 2:30 (Jazz)

Dance & Company will be hosting two March Masterclasses with guest artists on Sunday, March 5th, at 1:00 and 2:30. Intermediate/Advanced dancers ages 13+ are invited to take part in the afternoon masterclasses given by dancers Katie Dean (Contemporary/Modern from 1:00-2:15) and Suzanne Miller-Corso (Jazz from 2:30-3:45). Each class is $15 per dancer. Sign up online soon if you'd like to participate since space is limited. We hope you can join us!

Photo credit: Maria Baranova

1:00 Modern Masterclass with Katie Dean

Katie Dean is a performer and designer originally from Virginia, who has performed in New York City since 2009. She grew up dancing at Dance and Company and is excited to be returning this winter! Dean has performed in work for visual artists and choreographers including Phoebe Berglund, Kim Brandt, Xavier Cha, Megan Chu, Jessica Cook, Ayano Elson, Jennifer Harge, Ivy Baldwin Dance, Julie Mayo, Melanie McLain, Phoebe Osborne, Shannon Hummel/Cora Dance, Nadia Tykulsker, Hannah Walsh, and others, in collaborative work with Heather Robinson, in music videos, and in video work by Mia Lidofsky and Celia Rowlson-Hall. She has performed in spaces including MOMA PS1, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, the Guggenheim Museum, the New Museum, the Jam Handy, the Queens Museum, Artists Space, a dinner table, and a storage unit, and her performance work spans physical theater, work for museum spaces and concert dance. Since 2021, Dean has split time between Sperryville, Virginia (where she lives with her husband Mike and her cat Pez Dispenser), and Brooklyn, New York. Dean is currently working with Shannon Hummel/Cora Dance for a show in Clifton Forge, VA this April 2023, and she recently completed a project in Winter 2022 with Ivy Baldwin Dance. More at katiedean.net/performance.

Photo Credit: Richard Finkelstein

2:30 Jazz Masterclass with Suzanne Miller-Corso

Recipient of the Distinguished Service Award, 2009-2010, and Distinguished Service Award 2017-2018 for the College of Visual and Performing Arts at James Madison University (JMU), Suzanne Miller-Corso is a Professor of Dance at JMU. She has performed professionally in the musicals Hello Dolly, Annie Get Your Gun, and A Chorus Line and abroad in Sydney, Australia in Phantom of the Opera. Additionally, she performed during the Aloha Bowl in Hawaii during half-time. Her performing experience includes work with choreographers Daniel West, Remy Charlip, Derrick Evans, Maurice Fraga, Daniel Burkholder and Vincent Thomas. Her choreography has been presented at the Jack Guidone Theatre at the Joy of Motion Dance Center in the D.C. area, the Harris Theatre Millennium Park in Chicago, and the Scottish Rite Theatre in Austin, Texas. She has been a two-time finalist in the Leo’s Jazz Dance Choreography Competitive Event at the Jazz Dance World Congress in New York and Chicago. Her original work also has been presented in Colorado, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, New York, Texas, and Florida. For three years, she served on the Board of Directors for the American College Mid-Atlantic Regional Dance Festival Association. Suzanne is a certified instructor in the Beginning, Basic and Intermediate Levels of the Nan Giordano Certification Program® (NGCP®). She received her M.F.A. degree in Dance Performance and Choreography from the University of Colorado at Boulder and a B.F.A. degree in Dance from Towson University. 


Sign up online today! Email dancencompany@gmail.com with questions.

Teen Collaborative Dance Festival Masterclasses and Showcase

Sunday, April 3rd, 12:30-1:45 and 2:00-3:15

Performance at 5:30 pm (Court Square Theater)

The Shenandoah Contemporary Dance Theatre, will be holding their annual Shenandoah Teen Collaborative Dance Festival on Sunday, April 3rd, 2022. We are inviting several dance ensembles from along the east coast to participate in this one day masterclass and showcase. Advanced dancers ages 13+ are invited to take part in the afternoon masterclasses given by dancers Sarah Gosselin (Contemporary/Modern from 12:30-1:45) and Jana Kalivoda (Hip Hop from 2:00-3:45). Each class is $15 per dancer (or $30 for both). Email dancencompany@gmail.com if you'd like to participate since space is limited. 
The day will end with a performance at 5:30 pm at Court Square Theater featuring the groups and dancers involved in the festival. Tickets are $8
online or $10 at the door. We hope you can join us!

Dr. Sarah Gosselin PT, DPT, CSCS is a physical therapist and dancer in the Harrisonburg-Rockingham area. She grew up dancing, and graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance. She then attended Shenandoah University, graduating with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2011. Since that time, her focus has been to combine her two passions of dance and physical therapy, by providing specialized treatment and education for dancers. She obtained further dance medicine specific training through Westside Dance Physical Therapy’s dance medicine practicum, and is an active member with the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science. She is the owner and operator of SG Performance, LLC, which provides individual training and workshops to dancers and dance studios. Sarah has returned to the area of her alma mater to work closely with the JMU Dance department, providing injury screens to the first year students. She is also adjunct faculty, educating students in the School of Theatre in Dance on anatomy, injury prevention, and conditioning. Within the dance realm, Sarah has continued to stay active in regards to teaching, choreographing, and performing. After graduating from JMU, she danced with smaller companies in Washington DC and North Carolina. She was treasurer, as well as a performer and choreographer, for a local arts non-profit, the Harrisonburg Dance Cooperative (HDC). She currently continues to teach master classes for HDC.

Jana Kalivoda is currently studying dance at James Madison University, and is Head Artistic Director of James Madison's competitive hip hop team Mozaic Dance Team. She has been dancing since she was 8 and is trained in contemporary, jazz, ballet, hip hop, and modern. From 2013 - 2018, Jana was a part of Capitol Movement Inc.; a non-profit, pre professional dance company in Washington, DC. With this company, she has performed multiple times at renowned venues, including: The Anthem Theatre, John F. Kennedy Center of the Performing Arts, the Atlas Performing Arts Center, the Shakespeare Theatre, and the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade. Fall of 2018, Jana started studying dance at James Madison University, and since then she has performed pieces by Kyle Abraham, Omar Roman De Jesus, Christian Warner, Ricky Ruiz, Xiang Xu Jones. She also has taught classes and made choreography for Capitol Movement Inc., The Movement Studios - a competitive dance studio in Springfield, Virginia, Dance & Co - a dance studio in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and Mozaic Dance Team.

Physical Storytelling Masterclass

Saturday, March 26th, 1:00-3:00

Please join the Shenandoah Contemporary Dance Theatre as we welcome Irene and Joshua back to Harrisonburg! Dancers of all levels, ages 12+, are welcome to join the SCDT for a Physical Storytelling Masterclass with Irene and Joshua at Dance & Company. Only $10 per dancer to work with these amazing professional dancers/storytellers! Email dancencompany@gmail.com if you'd like to participate since space is limited.

Irene Hamilton recently graduated from James Madison University with a BA in Theatre. She is a company member at Synetic Theatre, where she has performed in Treasure Island, Snow Queen, Phantom of the Opera, Shhhakespeare Revue, Cinderella, Servant of Two Masters, and more, including virtual works for the Body of Mind Laboratory. She has also performed in the Kennedy Center Concert Reading Series (Voir Dire), and the Madison New Works Laboratory (Divided: The Musical/Basement Demons and Trailer Saints). Before this, she grew up dancing all styles of dance at Dance & Company.

Joshua Lucas is a Company Member and Teaching Artist with Synetic Theater. After spending about 10 years dancing with Dance & Co, he has been training with Synetic since 2018, performing in many productions including the Tempest, Snow Queen, Phantom of the Opera, and more. Joshua has also been teaching with Synetic since 2020 to people of all ages. 

Irene and Joshua are excited to be able to offer this class to Dance & Company dancers and we are so glad they are able to share their gifts with us again!

Announcing Auditions for Shenandoah Contemporary Dance Theatre!

Friday, September 24th, 2021, 6:15-8:00

Dance & Company - 115 South Main St. Harrisonburg, VA

6:15 - Arrive to register and begin stretching

6:30-8:00 - Auditions

All Intermediate and Advanced Students are highly encouraged to attend (ages 14+). 

Come for the experience! 

DANCERS NOT ACTIVELY SEEKING COMPANY MEMBERSHIP ARE STRONGLY URGED TO PARTICIPATE AND LEARN!

Interested in…

⚬ Advancing leadership skills

⚬ Increasing confidence in performance skills  

⚬ Acquiring additional experiences in the audition process  

⚬ Increasing operational knowledge of the Arts  

⚬ Receiving 2 free hours of dance training with sensitive, informative feedback  

⚬ Gaining skills in retention of sequential material

⚬ Focusing intensely and exclusively on connecting mind, body, effort and emotion?

Mark your calendars now. 

Honor us with your presence!

More information online at www.dancenco.com/companies

Dancing at Dance & Co. During COVID-19

Updated policy August 2021

Dance & Company will be putting the following procedures into place during our fall 2021 term, and will continue to update as guidance from the CDC and RCPS changes:

  • Students will be asked to enter the studio through the Water Street door and exit through the Main Street door, unless you are asked to do otherwise.

  • Before entering the building, we ask that all dancers complete a home screening found here.

  • The dressing room will be closed, so students are to come dressed for class under their street clothes. Personal items and street clothes may be placed around the edges of the studio during class.

  • Students should bring their own water bottles to class as the water fountain is only to be used for refilling.

  • We request that parents and families do not wait in our waiting rooms during class to avoid additional contamination of surfaces and are prompt during pick-up and drop-off. 

  • Everyone is asked to wear cloth face masks and remain at least 4 feet apart while in our building.

  • Dancers should remain 4 feet apart during class, noted by taped boxes on the floor.

  • Due to spacing, there will be a strict cap on the number of students per class at our studio, so there will be no walk-in registrations allowed.

  • If students use the bathroom while in our space, they will be asked to spray disinfectant provided before leaving the bathroom.

  • Additionally, teachers will disinfect the studio and high touch surfaces at the end of each day.

  • If any students are challenging the restrictions put in place to maintain the safety of all dancers, we will ask that those students refrain from taking classes at this time.

Thank you for adhering to this protocol. Please let us know if you have any questions.

"Concert Week" Letter from Ms. Drew

May 18th, 2020

Dear Dance & Company Dancers, Dance Families, Teachers, and Senior Dancers,

I write to you in a state of anxiety and disappointment, which I am sure you share with me.

Today, we should be heading into Wilson Hall at the start of our exciting concert rehearsal week: a week of camaraderie and mutual support of one another. It is the culmination of our intense year of training and sharing together. 

Our Dance & Company Graduating Seniors are certainly those feeling the most disappointment and sense of unfairness. Our senior dancers have anticipated this moment with years of training and watching others before them. Graduating senior dancers have already prepared their senior solos and were certainly looking forward for their chance to perform them in their own senior concert.

It isn't fair. It isn't just. It is not something we can rail against. It is not something we can control. It is simply sad and disappointing. Those words, not likely helpful or comforting, were meant to be a conduit to commiseration. They were meant to be an expression of recognition and understanding. It is okay to feel what you are feeling. 

Your Dance & Company friends and teachers know how truly amazing you are and are yet to be.

To all students, you have put forth physical exertion, mental preparation, and emotional investment. You demonstrated a devotion to personal expression in a challenging field, utilizing your mind, your body and your heart. You explored your potential and the extremes of your endurance and abilities. You gave of yourselves in the pursuit of an artistic voice. In so doing, you made sacrifices necessary to pursue self-betterment, challenge, achievement and success.

Teachers, you lovingly devoted your time to coaching your students. You consumed countless hours in class planning, assessing student progress, and identifying needs. You created thoughtful and imaginative class combinations and spent your time bringing meaningful instruction to our dance classrooms. You gave life to artful, insightful concert choreography. You inspired your students. 

This year, students and teachers shared countless moments of success and achievement. We enjoyed hours of laughter, warmth, closeness and affection. We cheered one another. We smiled and hugged. 

This week is meant to be the pinnacle event celebrating our efforts, our growth, our shared togetherness, in a final performance which is a celebration of joy.

This is what is meant to be but this is not what is.

I just wrote of the hard work and dedication you exhibited during this year. I point out the caring way you interact with each other and with your community. I see you are devoted and responsible human beings. 

Not being in concert with one another this year, is another way in which we demonstrate we are responsible and care for others in our lives. Knowing this does not make it easy. It is still difficulty and disappointing. It is sacrifice.

Every day during this week, I will think of you: Dance & Company Students, Teachers, Graduation Seniors and your families. With every thought, I will be grateful to you and for you, remembering your love, your laughter, your dedication, your talent, your support and your many sacrifices…

With much love and warm wishes,

Drew Jones 

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At Home Learning during COVID-19

There are many great websites offering free “at home” dance classes during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are several links recommended by teachers at Dance & Company for you to help keep up your flexibility and technique.

VARIOUS STYLES & LEVELS:

INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED BALLET:

BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE BALLET:

TAP DANCE:

PRESCHOOL DANCE:

Studio Closed Until Further Notice

Due to COVID-19, Dance & Co. studios will be closed until further notice. We will notify you when we will be reopening and working towards a new concert date. Teachers are sharing choreography and online class links with their students via email over the next few weeks. Keep dancing and let us know if you have questions by emailing dancencompany@gmail.com.

You're Invited to a Paint Party!!

Saturday, November 23, 2:00-4:00 at Dance & Co.

Ages 7 to adult are welcome to join the fabulous Mr. Michael for this SCDT FUNdraiser! We will be painting our versions of the image below. This is a great time to create a homemade gift for a friend, or bring your friend and paint together! Only $30 for supplies and snacks. Email dancencompany@gmail.com if you'd like to participate. Space is limited!

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Upcoming Advanced Dance Masterclasses at Dance & Co.

All dancers levels 8 and up are welcome - Email dancencompany@gmail.com to register

Saturday Sept. 28, 9-10:30 - Contact Improv Jam

Guest artist Andrej Andrejev has hosted workshops all across Europe. This class will include basic principles of contact improv and exploration of connection through the body structure. Cost - $5

Friday, Oct. 4, 5:15-6:45 - Contemporary Dance

Guest artist Ilana Puglia is a teacher and Specialty Center Dance Company director at Thomas Dale High School. Ilana is also a part owner, teacher, and Ensemble Director at 804 Dance Place and dances professionally for Dogwood Dance Project. Cost - $15

Friday, Nov. 1, 5:15-6:45 - Contemporary Dance & the Dance Industry

Guest artist Dani Maloney trained at Shenandoah Conservatory, danced with DMD and is a member of the DIAVOLO Architecture in Motion and Daurden Dance Company. This class will include Dani’s personal contemporary style fused with Modern, performance and athleticism. Cost - $15


Friday, Jan. 24, 5:15-6:45 - Modern Contemporary Dance

Guest artist Katie Dean grew up dancing with the SCDT at Dance & Company. Katie is currently a performer and graphic designer in Brooklyn working with many renowned artists and choreographers including Shannon Hummel/Cora Dance. Cost - $15

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SPECTRUM - Spring Dance Concerts

Join us for our Spring Dance Concerts!

Saturday, May 25th at 7:00 pm and Sunday, May 26th at 3:00 pm

Memorial Hall Auditorium, JMU

FREE and open to the public!

Featuring pieces from the many classes who have been working hard all year in Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz, Hip Hop, Irish Dance, and Musical Stage!

If you can’t make it to the concert - you can order DVDs at www.bit.ly/spectrumDVD.

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First Night SCDT Performances

Please join the Shenandoah Contemporary Dance Theatre as they perform at First Night Harrisonburg! Performances will be December 31 at 6:00 and 7:30 pm at Dance & Company studio - 115 South Main Street. The SCDT will premier several new dances at this time. Hot cocoa and t-shirts will be sold. Don’t miss it!

First Night buttons required for admittance. See http://firstnightharrisonburg.com/ for more information.

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