Business Details
Award-Winning Dance Education in Luzerne, PA
At Joan Harris Centre, we have dedicated ourselves to cultivating excellence in dance education since our founding. Our studio prioritizes the health, confidence, and artistic growth of every student, guided by a family-first philosophy that fosters lifelong friendships and a supportive community. With five full-scale productions annually and a professional faculty boasting decades of combined experience, we provide unparalleled performance opportunities that prepare dancers for both artistic and commercial success. Our structured curriculum, featuring low student-to-teacher ratios and personalized evaluations, ensures each dancer achieves their maximum potential.Recognized as the premier dance institution in Northeastern Pennsylvania, we serve students from five counties, offering specialized training in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, and theater dance. Our unique teacher training program develops leadership skills in advanced students, while our community outreach initiatives reinforce our commitment to holistic development. Every aspect of our operationfrom our rigorous master class evaluations to our inclusive environment for children with special needsreflects our dedication to dance as a transformative educational experience.
Services
Ballet Classes
Tap Dance
Jazz Instruction
Modern Dance
Theater Dance
Dancing With Mommy
Pre-Pointe Training
Performance Opportunities
Highlights and features
- We offer five annual full-scale dance productions for professional stage experience
- Our faculty includes master instructors with decades of industry expertise
- We maintain low student-to-teacher ratios for personalized attention
- Our teacher training program develops future dance educators and leaders
- We provide accommodations for students with special medical needs
What people say
Welcoming atmosphere
Amazing staff
Lifelong friendships
Performance opportunities
Family-first philosophy
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops technical precision and artistic expression through structured training. Students learn classical techniques while building strength, flexibility, and performance skills. Regular evaluations ensure proper progression through our comprehensive curriculum.
Performance Opportunities
Five annual productions provide professional stage experience, including full-length ballets and themed shows at venues like the F.M. Kirby Center. These events build performance confidence and choreography retention skills.
Teacher Training
Advanced students participate in our exclusive teacher training program, gaining leadership experience as dance assistants. This initiative develops mentoring skills while reinforcing technical knowledge through practical application.
Dancing With Mommy
Specialized toddler classes introduce young children to dance fundamentals through interactive parent-participation sessions. These classes develop motor skills and musical awareness in a nurturing environment for ages 2-5.
Pre-Pointe Training
Our pre-pointe program builds essential strength and technique for ballet students preparing for pointe work. Certified instructors ensure proper form and injury prevention through progressive conditioning exercises.
People
Joan A. Harris
Founder
With over 30 years of dance education experience, Joan established the studio to create a family-centered environment where students develop technical excellence and lifelong character.
Sean T. Harris
Faculty Administrator
As co-administrator, Sean oversees faculty development and curriculum implementation, ensuring consistent technical standards across all dance disciplines taught at the studio.
Elisabeth Harris
Master Instructor
Elisabeth directs the teacher training program and specializes in ballet instruction, bringing decades of professional dance experience to her role in developing the studio's educational framework.
Jennifer Harris
Faculty Administrator
Jennifer manages student evaluations and class placements, maintaining the studio's commitment to personalized instruction through her oversight of the assessment process.
Theresa Gawlas
Kirby Kidz Director
Theresa coordinates the Kirby Kidz program, organizing community performances and ensuring students gain diverse stage experience beyond the regular production schedule.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach?
We offer comprehensive training in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, and theater dance, with specialized classes for toddlers through advanced students.
How often do students perform?
All students participate in five annual productions including spring ballet, holiday shows, and June recitals at professional venues like the F.M. Kirby Center.
Are there opportunities for leadership development?
Yes, our unique teacher training program allows advanced students to become dance assistants, developing leadership skills while mentoring younger students.
Do you accommodate special needs students?
We provide personalized accommodations for students with medical conditions, ensuring equal access to dance education and performance opportunities.
How are class placements determined?
Students are evaluated based on age, skill level, training history, and maturity to ensure appropriate class placement with optimal learning conditions.