• menu icon

      Menu

Dance School

The Dance School at Bryn Mawr offers afternoon dance classes in ballet and jazz to children from Kindergarten through grade eight.

2023-2024 Class Offerings

The Dance School offers the following classes:
  • Ballet K-8
  • Jazz K-8
  • Jazz/Lyrical (grades 6-8 only)
For the 2023-2024 school year, grades K-5 classes will be 45 minutes in length.  Classes for students in grades K through 5 will be grouped by grade: K-1, 2-3 and 4-5. Classes for students in grades 6-8 will be one hour in length. The year will be divided into a Fall Semester and a Winter/Spring Semester.

Classes will be taught by Upper School dance instructor Emily Tankersley along with Brooke Berman, Carly Engelke, Shebrae Dixon Allyson DiMilia . Our goal is to provide young dancers with the opportunity to learn age-appropriate dance technique in a creative and nurturing environment.
Registration will open August 1, 2023 for the 23-24 school year. 

Our schedule for the 22-23 school year is as follows:

Mondays:
Grades 2-3 (NB3 dance studio)
3:45-4:30- Ballet for grades 2-3
4:30-5:15- Jazz for grades 2-3

Grades 4-5 (main dance studio)
3:45-4:30 Ballet for grades 4-5
4:30-5:15 Jazz for grades 4-5

Grades 6-8 (main dance studio)
5:30-6:30 Ballet
6:30-7:30 Jazz/Lyrical combo class


Wednesdays:
Grades K-1 (MPR - lower school)
3:40-4:25 Ballet/Jazz combo for grades K-1
4:30-5:15 Ballet/ Jazz combo for grades K-1 (this second time slot is perfect for students who would normally stay in our Extended Day program)
 

Friday
Grades 4-5 (main dance studio)
3:45- 4:30 Jazz for grades 4-5
4:30- 5:30 NEW!! Dance Company for grades 4-5 (students MUST be enrolled in Ballet and Jazz classes). This class will work on extra choreography for the April performance and have additional performance opportunities. This is a year-long commitment and new students will not be permitted to register after the Fall open registration period. 

Class Descriptions

Ballet and Jazz Combo Class (Girls, grades K-1)

This 45 minute class will incorporate the use creative movement, dance games and traditional dance technique as dancers explore the basics of  Ballet and Jazz dance. Dancers will perform both a Ballet and a Jazz dance in the Spring concert.
(Note: there are two sections being offered on Wednesday afternoons: 3:40-4:25 OR 4:30-5:15)

Ballet for grades 2-5 (Girls, divided by grade: 2-3 and 4-5)

Students will be taught ballet technique, a classic dance form in a friendly and nurturing environment. While ballet is a disciplined style of dance, elements of creativity will be included to add to the overall experience of the dancer.


Jazz for grades 2-5 (Girls, divided by grade: 2-3 and 4-5)

Jazz dance is a high energy, dynamic dance form with several sub-categories such as classic, commercial and street Jazz. This class will keep dancers moving to upbeat music and may include dance styles as seen on Broadway, TV shows and in popular movies and music videos. 

Dance Company for grades 4-5 (must be enrolled in Ballet and Jazz at Bryn Mawr)

This NEW and exciting opportunity is for dancers in fourth and fifth grade who are committed to developing their dance and technique and their performance artistry. Dancers will explore various styles of dance which may include Jazz, Contemporary, Hip hop, and/or Musical Theatre. Dancers will have additional performance opportunities during the year and will perform two dances in the April concert. This class is a year-long commitment (September- April) and will be directed by fourth-grade teacher, Shebrae Dixon.  

Ballet for grades 6-8

Ballet is a classical form of dance that often serves as a strong foundation for dancers. This class will begin with the basics and, in a structured yet friendly environment, encourage dancers to refine their technique and dance vocabulary. 
 

Jazz/Lyrical for grades 6-8

Jazz is a fun, high-energy genre of dance. This class is rooted in dance technique and may explore various forms of jazz dance including traditional, hip-hop, Broadway and commercial jazz dance as seen in music videos. Lyrical dance combines Ballet and Jazz techniques with an emphasis on artistry, musicality and self-expression.

PRICING 

Registration fee: $25 per student

2023-24 class fees for 45 minutes classes. These prices are for the entire session- the discounted rates are for individuals taking more than one class and/or if siblings are enrolled in classes:
One Class every week: $200 
Two classes every week: $365
Three classes every week: $480
Four classes every week: $540 

2023-24 class fees for classes that are 1 hour in length (Middle School classes and Company for grades 4-5); price is for the entire session and will be billed in full after the first week of classes):
One class every week: $220
Two classes every week (for example- the dancer is enrolled in both Ballet and the Jazz/Lyrical class): $410


Spring Performance: Sunday, April 21, 2024 (all rehearsals will be held on 4/20/24)
    • Kindergarten Dance Performance
    • Middle School Dance Performance
    • Lower School Dance Performance
    • Middle School Musical Dance Performance

Program Information

List of 5 items.

  • Dance School Faculty

    Emily Tankersley

    Emily is a graduate of Towson University, where she earned her BFA in Dance Performance. Following her undergraduate education, Emily earned her MA in Dance/Movement Therapy at Drexel University in Philadelphia. Now in her twenty-second year at Bryn Mawr, Emily teaches dance to students from Lower School through twelfth grade and directs the Upper School Dance Company while also serving as the Upper School Arts Department Chair. In addition to her work with the students at Bryn Mawr, Emily has choreographed and performed with The Collective, a local modern dance company in residence at The Bryn Mawr School. She worked with The Collective for 20 years and performed at many local venues such as the Baltimore Museum of Art, The Gordon Center, Theatre Project, Johns Hopkins University, Goucher College, Towson University and Artscape.  Emily is currently pursuing her doctorate degree in Dance Education through the Teachers College at Columbia University.
     

    Brooke Berman

    Brooke is a proud Bryn Mawr alumna (‘08) and former BMS Dance Company member who is excited to join the Dance School faculty this year! Brooke graduated from Franklin & Marshall College with a BA in Psychology where she was a member of both the Dance Company and the Dance Team. She then went on to receive an M.Ed in Special Education from Wilmington University and a graduate certificate in Mind, Brain, and Teaching from Johns Hopkins University. She has spent the last 8 years as a fifth-grade teacher, most recently at the Boys’ Latin School of Maryland. Brooke has choreographed for a number of Bryn Mawr Upper School musicals (including Thirteen, Legally Blonde, Into the Woods, Pippin, and Cinderella) as well as for the Upper School Dance Company. 

    Allyson DiMilia

    Allyson began her dance training at the young age of 5 in the Catskill Mountains in New York. Throughout her childhood, she traveled to and performed at various venues such as Carnegie Hall in New York, Faneuil Hall in Boston, Disney World in Florida, and The Pearl Harbor Memorial in Honolulu, Hawaii. She continued her dance journey in college at Brockport University where she received her bachelor's degrees in Dance, Interdisciplinary Arts for Children, and Therapeutic Recreation. Allyson was also a member of her collegiate dance team and has taught dance for various dance studios and community programs. For many years, Allyson has worked as a Recreation Therapist, using her knowledge and passion for dance as a therapeutic tool for her patients, both young and old. In 2022, she and her family moved from New York to Maryland where she learned of the Bryn Mawr School and currently teaches dance for both middle and upper schools.
     

    Shebrae Dixon

    Shebrae is a native of Baltimore and began her dance training with various dance schools across Maryland. Shebrae attended Goucher College where she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Education and currently holds a Maryland Teacher’s Licensure for grades K-5.  She has worked with studios all across the DMV area and enjoys running her own competitive dance studio (Dynamix Dance). Her practice today is centered around ballet, jazz and contemporary dance forms. Shebrae is a fourth-grade teacher here at Bryn Mawr!

    Carly Engelke- bio coming soon!

     


     
  • Required Clothing

    Standard Uniform Information:

    The Dance School at Bryn Mawr uses Discount Dance Supply as our uniform supplier. Please read the below information and directions carefully. 
    The basic uniform for all classes is as follows but please see specific styles as listed on the Discount Dance Supply website (directions at the bottom):

    Ballet: Black tank style leotard (no decoration, writing, etc), black chiffon ballet skirt (optional for K-1), ballet pink tights and pink ballet slippers
    Jazz: Black tank style leotard (no decoration, writing, etc), plain black dance leggings (no writing, designs, emblems, etc), black jazz shoes
    Lyrical (for 6-8 combo class): same as Jazz

    Important uniform notes:
    1. Please note that we use some pieces of the uniform for our performance and, therefore, it is important that you purchase the correct items. If you purchase any item elsewhere, please make sure it is exactly the same as those on the website. Leotards and pants should be PLAIN - no jewels, writing, colored waistbands, etc.

    2. Shoes are the same styles as we have used previously - no need to buy new shoes unless your child outgrows those that she is wearing. I provided a few different brands on the uniform list from which you can choose.

    3. For some classes, I have included both adult and children sizes under each class but, of course (at the risk of stating the obvious), you only need to order what is appropriate for your child!

    4. The leotard color for ALL classes is black - the Discount Dance program will not allow me to change the picture but the color choice should already show that the black leotard is required.

    5. You will see an "Optional" uniform list that has a couple of long sleeve optional items. You may purchase them if you decide that your child would want to wear something that is long-sleeved in the colder months but they may need the tank style leotard for the performance.
    TO ORDER
    Please follow these directions for ordering from Discount Dance:
    1. Go directly to this link to access "The Dance School at Bryn Mawr" uniform requirements page. 
    2. Click on the box that corresponds to the class for which you are purchasing items to order and choose your items. 
    3. If prompted or given the option at checkout, enter the studio number: TP119912 
    4. If you are unable to access via the above link, you may search for our requirements by going to the "Teacher" tab in the upper right corner, and clicking on "Find my Teacher." You will then enter our id # TP119912 which will then allow you to access the page. 
    Note: Sometimes items are on backorder.  Please feel free to wait for items, order a different brand, or order from a different vendor if that is easier for you. 
  • Technology

    We are thrilled that all classes will be taught in person for the 23-24 school year! 
  • Policies and Procedures

    Standard Tuition at a Glance:

    All students will be charged a once-yearly $25 registration fee per student.
    All billing will take place through the Bryn Mawr School.
    Tuition rates are as follows (cost is for the entire session):

    Registration fee: $25 per student- waived for 2020-2021 school year 
    • All K-5 classes:
      1 class a week: $180 (full price)
      2 classes a week: $165 each class ($330 total for session)
      3 classes a week: $145 each class ($435 total for session)
      4 classes a week (most likely for those with more than one child in the program): $120 each class ($480 session)
    • All 6-8 classes: classes are 60 minutes
      1 class: $200
      2 classes: $185 each class ($370 total for session)
      3 classes: $165 each class ($495 total for session)
    Tuition is based on a 12-week semester and will be billed to your Bryn Mawr account upon receipt of your registration form and non-refundable enrollment fee of $25 (this fee is waived for the 2020-2021 school year and new prices are listed above).

    While we are planning on 12-week sessions, the tuition will remain the same regardless of number of classes held and/or classes attended by the student. All attempts will be made to hold make-up classes should we close due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

    Withdrawal:

    A full refund, with the exception of the registration fee of $25, will be granted after the first week of classes only. Once the first week has passed, students will be considered fully enrolled for the semester.

    Placement:

    • Students are placed in dance classes based on their current grade.

    Attendance/Absences:

    Please notify Emily Tankersley via email should your child be absent from school or not attending class. While it is understood that there are certain circumstances that arise causing a dancer to miss class, dancers are expected to attend all scheduled classes as it is vital to their individual progress and that of the class. Missing classes is difficult not only on the dancer but the teacher and her classmates.

    Performances:

    Parents are not permitted inside the dance studios to observe classes as it can be distracting to the dancers. The 2024 dance season will conclude with a performance on Sunday, April 21, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. Rehearsals for the show will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024.
  • Contact Us

    If you have any questions, please contact Dance School Director Emily Tankersley at bmsdanceschool@brynmawrschool.org or 410-323-8800 x1276.

Performance dates

  • Spring 2024 performance - Sunday, April 21, 2024 at 3pm.
Mandatory class dress rehearsals will be held on Saturday April 20, 2024 (specific times announced in March)

Uniform Requirements

Uniform requirements can be found at Discount Dance
For more information, please read the information on the drop down menu above.
When ordering, please enter our studio number: TP 119912