Business Details
16 Years
experience
Your Trusted Dance School in Corning, NY
Stage Door Performing Arts Center was founded in 2010 by Heather Haskins, a dedicated dance professional with over two decades of experience in performance and instruction. Our mission is to provide high-quality dance education to students of all ages in Corning and surrounding areas. We offer comprehensive training in ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, and multiple other dance styles, taught by instructors with extensive industry experience. Our faculty includes certified educators who prioritize student well-being and personal growth alongside technical development. We maintain strong community ties through local performances and partnerships with regional arts organizations.Our facility supports both recreational and competitive dance programs, with a focus on creating a supportive environment for artistic expression. We continually invest in professional development for our staff, ensuring they remain current with evolving dance techniques and pedagogical approaches. Our commitment to excellence has established us as a trusted institution in the regional performing arts community. We emphasize the value of discipline, creativity, and teamwork through our structured curriculum. Our students regularly participate in competitions and showcase events that demonstrate their progress and achievements.
Services
Ballet
Tap
Jazz
Contemporary
Lyrical
Hip Hop
Pom Pom
Musical Theater
Creative Movement
Fundamentals
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- We offer 15+ years of combined teaching experience from certified dance professionals
- Our curriculum includes 8+ dance styles from beginner to competitive levels
- We prioritize student safety and emotional well-being in all classes
- Our instructors include award-winning choreographers and competition winners
- We maintain small class sizes for personalized attention and growth
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops technical proficiency through structured training in classical positions and movements. Students learn proper turnout technique and graceful execution of steps while building strength and flexibility. Pointe work is introduced with instructor approval to ensure proper skeletal development and safety.
Tap Dance
Tap classes focus on developing rhythm and coordination through percussive footwork. Students learn to create clear sounds using metal taps while maintaining proper posture and technique. Classes incorporate various styles from traditional Broadway tap to modern rhythmic patterns.
Contemporary Dance
Contemporary dance classes blend elements from multiple disciplines to develop expressive movement capabilities. Students explore fluid transitions and emotional storytelling through choreography that emphasizes individual artistry while maintaining technical precision in movement execution.
Hip Hop Classes
Our hip hop program teaches foundational street dance techniques including breaking, popping, and locking. Students develop rhythm, coordination, and improvisational skills while learning current trends in urban dance styles performed to contemporary music.
Musical Theater
Musical theater classes combine dance, acting, and singing to develop performance skills for stage productions. Students learn choreography from popular musicals while developing character interpretation and stage presence through ensemble and solo work.
People
Heather Haskins
Artistic Director
Founder Heather Haskins holds a Bachelors of Arts in Musical Theatre from Elmira College. With 20+ years teaching experience, she has trained under industry professionals in New York City and continues to perform locally while directing the center.
Danielle Butler
Instructor
Danielle Butler began teaching at Stage Door after graduating from SUNY Brockport with a psychology degree. She has received multiple choreography awards and specializes in creating engaging learning experiences across all age groups.
Colleen Donovan
Dance Educator
Colleen Donovan brings expertise in early childhood education and dance instruction. A Niagara University graduate with a dance minor, she specializes in musical theater techniques and has over 20 years of dance experience across multiple styles.
Paige Kennedy
Assistant Instructor
Paige Kennedy, a current high school senior, teaches young dancers after completing training at CLI Conservatory. She shares her passion for dance while continuing her own education and performance opportunities.
Lexi O'Connor
Junior Instructor
Lexi O'Connor, a high school junior with extensive ballet and lyrical training, teaches foundational dance skills. She brings energy and enthusiasm to classes while continuing her own dance education and performance activities.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, hip hop, pom pom, musical theater, creative movement, and fundamentals classes for all skill levels.
At what age can children start classes?
Our creative movement classes accept students as young as 3 years old, with progressive levels available through adulthood.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes! We offer recitals, community performances, and competitive team opportunities for students who wish to participate.
Do you offer summer programs?
We provide summer intensive programs and special workshops throughout the year featuring guest instructors from professional dance backgrounds.
How are class placements determined?
Students are placed by age and experience level. New students receive placement recommendations during their initial trial class.
Can I observe classes?
We offer designated observation days and provide regular progress updates to keep parents informed about their child's development.
