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WELCOME TO
CITY BALLROOM
DANCE FOR THE MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT
To dance is to be out of yourself.
Larger, more beautiful, more powerful...
This is power, it is glory on earth
and it is yours for the taking.
- Agnes De Mille
ABOUT ME
Rebecca Gentry - teacher, mentor, and general encourager - is a professionally trained ballet and ballroom dancer, though she dabbles in a variety of dance styles, from Bachata to Bollywood, Tap to Tango. She began teaching ballroom over 20 years ago and has been on staff at both the Arthur Murray and Fred Astaire Franchised Dance Studios. She competed nationally in Professional American Style Smooth and was a finalist in both the Rising Star and Open Professional categories. In addition to teaching ballroom dance, she guest-teaches Ballet, Pointe, Tap, and Jazz in studios across Lancaster County and in Philadelphia. She has performed locally with the Grant Street Dance Company, UpFront Theatre Company, and PRiMA Theatre, has choreographed for PRiMA and UpFront, as well as the Lancaster Shakespeare Theatre, Servant Stage, and the Ephrata Performing Arts Center. She is resident choreographer in the Columbia Borough and Manheim Central High School theatre departments and for an annual, Lancaster-based production of The Rocky Horror Show.
Born from passion and built on quality, City Ballroom was founded in 2011 and is approaching its 15th Anniversary! Rebecca has one goal: provide a warm and fun atmosphere for learning, quality instruction, and a place to discover the joy of dance. Creative in her presentation and full of life and energy, she has been known to lie on the floor in celebration of her students’ accomplishments!
Photo by: Lauren Altheah Photography
TESTIMONIALS
We’ve had the privilege and pleasure of working with Becca over the past several years. Her consistently upbeat demeanor and always positive, innovatively creative and empathetic approach to teaching has given us a truly memorable and relaxed learning experience! Even given our 40 minute drive to City Ballroom in Lancaster, we continue to look forward to our weekly lesson at her warm and inviting studio and have come to admire and appreciate her patience and willingness to tackle both the technical and psychological challenges of teaching couples to dance!
- Ann & Bill Unwin / York
City Ballroom is Awesome! So kid friendly! Both of my kids take from Becca and she is Super Motivating and Positive with them! They have learned a TON in such a short amount of time! She truly instills a love for dance!
- Jenny Norgaard / Lancaster
City Ballroom and Becca were a gem to find. It was super easy to get ahold of her and schedule ballroom lessons for our wedding last March. Becca has such vision and knows exactly when and where in a dance routine to "work the crowd". My wedding photographer was DELIGHTED when I was able to pinpoint exactly when and where the biggest photo-op was during our First Dance routine, thanks to Becca's insight. She is so much fun to be around and very flexible and her prices are competitive. You can't go wrong!
- Christina Reynolds / Lebanon
Becca is a consummate professional. I came to her specifically to better my Latin dances (Salsa, Bachata and Merengue). She helped me not only with the technical dance aspects (footwork, moves, etc), she also focused on the look and feel of the dance. Becca is incredibly kind and generous as a teacher - something any student will appreciate and value.
- Nicole J. / formerly of Lancaster
WHAT WE OFFER
PRIVATE LESSONS
A private lesson is ideal for singles or couples who want individualized attention from an instructor. Each private lesson is 45 minutes and tailored specifically to fit your needs and dancing goals. The personalized instruction allows you to work at your own pace and only on dances you have an interest in. Private lessons are the backbone of your dancing and ensure the most rapid and thorough learning process.
SEMI-PRIVATE LESSONS
Gather a few friends and make learning to dance a social event!
A semi-private lesson is for groups that want to learn to dance together in a private setting. Each semi-private lesson is 60 minutes and by appointment only. We can accommodate groups of up to 12 people, and whenever possible, suggest you organize your group in such a way that everyone has a partner to dance with.
GROUP CLASSES
Group classes are a supplement to your private lessons and a fun way to develop your skills in a social setting. They are ideal for learning the fundamentals of specific dance styles and general techniques related to ballroom dancing. Group classes are offered in a developmental series. They are progressive and an effective way to learn basic dance patterns and rhythms.
Please note: Our group class schedule is constantly changing. Please call or email for the most up-to-date information or to be added to our contact list, and be sure to check social media for special events!
DANCESPORT
What is Dancesport? Dancesport is the name given to competitive ballroom dancing. If you thrill at the art of sport, you can't do any better than this! Should you choose to compete, your instructor becomes your coach. They guide you through performance training, they help you learn choreography, and they assist with costuming and overall presentation. The anticipation of competition is the fastest way to improve your dancing skills. City Ballroom attends several dancesport competitions a year, including one held right here in Lancaster!
We invite you to take a FREE, 30-minute Introductory Dance Lesson. Get to know us while trying out some simple moves. At the conclusion of your lesson, we'll help you assess your needs and dancing goals and determine which path is right for you.
No cost, no obligation - Just FUN!*
* While we hope you never have to cancel a dance lesson, we understand that things happen in life and you may need to do so. In the event of a non-emergency, we ask that you please provide notice of cancellation 24 hours before your scheduled appointment time. We sincerely appreciate your understanding. Thank you!
YOUTH PROGRAMS
Tutus + Tendus or Ballgowns + Box Steps?
Even little ones have been bitten by the ballroom bug! If you’re searching for an alternative to the traditional avenue of ballet, tap, and jazz, or wanting to expand your child’s creative horizons, ballroom dancing may be the answer. Partner dancing provides a unique experience that the other forms of dance do not. Dance as a whole is a powerful ally in the development of a growing child. Dance helps children mature physically, emotionally, socially, and cognitively. Dancing with a partner requires good balance, a sense of rhythm, and strong body awareness and develops relationships necessary for close teamwork. Children are taught to understand their bodies as well as their partner’s. The maturity it takes to dance together fosters respect, civility, cooperation, and confidence.
That being said, we are also about fun at City Ballroom! We encourage your child to explore their creativity and self-expression. We are committed to educating the dancers of the future and hope to foster a lifelong appreciation for the art of dance.
Minimum age required is 6 years old, though exceptions may be made based on attitude and maturity level. Students do not need a partner - they will dance with their instructor - though it does enhance the experience to learn with someone their own age. Private lessons are immediately available. Contact us for information on upcoming group classes.
WEDDING DANCE PROGRAM
Congratulations on your engagement!
Your first dance as a married couple should be unique and special - perhaps outrageous, classy, fun or understated. Most importantly, it should be uniquely you. Whether you want one-of-a-kind choreography or just the basics, we can create the perfect routine for your special day.
Unless you’re equal parts Martha Stewart, hostage negotiator, and organizational superhero, wedding planning has the capacity to drive any bride to the brink of elopement. Avoid any potential pitfalls along the way, and plan ahead! That includes your dance lessons. We suggest you begin 6 to 8 weeks before the big day. But, don’t worry. We can help even if you don’t have that long!
Our Wedding Dance Program is also perfect for parents of the bride and groom and other members of the wedding party.
Photo: Students Jordan Strybos & Shannon DePaul
Photo by: Kemp Collective
THE DANCE COLLECTIVE
What is The Collective?
The Collective is Lancaster's first Ballroom and Latin competitive dance team for youth ages 8-19!
Collective, adj. a group of people working together toward a common goal; of or by all or many of the individuals in a group acting together
Synonyms: collaborative, cooperative, mutual, shared
Our Vision Statement
To provide an environment where students can express themselves fully, in a space and among people who encourage vulnerability and exploration. To foster a community of evolving artists. To nourish creativity and inspire confidence. To seek joy, connection, and ultimately, self-actualization through dance.
Why Ballroom and Latin?
Dancers who are well-rounded, diverse, and technically proficient in their training are undoubtedly the most competitive in the industry. In the current climate of athleticism and technical virtuosity, it is imperative that a dancer be not only skilled in a variety of styles but also mature, professional, and unique. We are in the business of creating artists, not dancers. Young men and women who understand how to work as a team and be accountable, how to respect one another, and how to dig deeply inside themselves and ask the same of their neighbor.
Be a part of The Collective. Make your mark.
Our competition season runs from October through May. We are always accepting applications, though dancers may not join the team once the season has begun. But for details and our Application Form, click here!
See what people are saying!
After completing our first year with City Ballroom and The Dance Collective, my daughter leaves class each week wanting more! Miss Becca's passion for teaching children is evident the minute you meet her, and her personality is infectious!!! With ballet as her foundation, tap in her toes, and ballroom in her heart, her dance knowledge spans across all styles. Pair that with her energy, encouragement, and pure love for her students, you will be happy you chose class with Miss Becca. She teaches her students confidence while having fun every step of the way. What more could a mother ask for?
- Janelle Lountzis
Lancaster
We have been a part of The Dance Collective for 3 years and my daughter has found an amazing love for Ballroom! Miss Becca makes every class exciting and fun. Her nurturing and loving environment makes every dancer feel valued for the skills they bring into the classroom. We have had so much success at competitions where Ballroom is underrepresented and highly respected. I’m so happy we found Becca and City Ballroom to expand our dance knowledge and skills for a future dance career! We are so excited to continue our journey! I can’t recommend this studio enough!
- Jeni Hlubny
Lititz
"When you dance, you enjoy the luxury of being you." - Paulo Coelho
CONTACT US
ADDRESS:
420 W Grant St
Lancaster, PA 17603
EMAIL:
TEL:
717-380-6195
We look forward to dancing with you!