Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Dance School in Altoona Since 1939
Established in 1939, Sigel's School of Dance has been a cornerstone of dance education in Pennsylvania for over eight decades. Our studio specializes in cultivating talent through rigorous training in Cecchetti Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop, and Musical Theatre. With a legacy of producing professional dancers for Broadway, film, television, and cruise lines, we combine technical excellence with character development. Our faculty, including third-generation instructors, brings unparalleled expertise from global stages to local students. We emphasize personalized attention, ensuring each student receives foundational training that builds confidence, discipline, and artistry. Our commitment to safety and professionalism is reflected in our Act 153-certified staff and family-centric environment.The annual recital at Mishler Theatre showcases our students' achievements in a Broadway-style production. As a member of prestigious organizations like the Cecchetti Council of America, we maintain the highest standards in dance education. Generations of families have trusted us to nurture their children's passion for dance while fostering lifelong skills. Our alumni continue to influence dance studios across Central Pennsylvania, extending our impact beyond the classroom. This enduring dedication to excellence has solidified our reputation as the region's premier dance institution.
Services
Cecchetti Ballet
Tap Dance
Jazz Instruction
Lyrical Dance
Hip Hop Classes
Musical Theatre
Pointe Training
Details
- Year established: 1939
Highlights and features
- We offer 82 years of proven expertise in dance education
- Our faculty includes professional dancers with Broadway and cruise line experience
- Act 153-certified instructors ensure child safety and professional standards
- Third-generation family ownership maintains consistent teaching philosophy
- Award-winning choreography and competition preparation
What people say
Caring and professional staff
Well-prepared for competitions
Lifelong friendships formed
Confidence and poise developed
Magical childhood memories
Services
Cecchetti Ballet
Our Cecchetti Ballet program develops technical precision and artistic expression through a structured curriculum. Students learn proper body alignment, pointe work, and classical repertoire. This foundation prepares dancers for advanced training and professional opportunities while cultivating grace and discipline.
Tap Dance
Our Tap program emphasizes musicality and improvisation with a focus on clear articulation and rhythmic complexity. Students study various styles from Broadway to contemporary, developing coordination and performance skills in a supportive environment.
Hip Hop Classes
Our Hip Hop instruction teaches urban dance styles with emphasis on isolations, rhythm, and personal expression. Certified instructors guide students through foundational moves and freestyle techniques while maintaining technical discipline and creative energy.
Musical Theatre
This program integrates dance with acting and singing for stage performance. Students learn Broadway-style choreography, character development, and performance techniques. Regular recitals provide practical experience in full-scale theatrical productions.
Pointe Training
Advanced students receive specialized pointe instruction focusing on proper technique, foot strength, and injury prevention. Classes emphasize graceful transitions and classical ballet repertoire to prepare dancers for professional-level performances.
People
Skip Sigel
Principal Tap Teacher
Professional dancer with experience working alongside stars like Frankie Avalon. Cecchetti-certified instructor and founder of Pennsylvania's Cecchetti Ballet Company. Award-winning choreographer with decades of teaching experience.
Mindy Frye
Artistic Director
Former Norwegian Cruise Line performer and Atlantic City dancer. Recipient of Dance Masters of Pennsylvania's Best Choreography Award. Brings professional stage experience to student training and production direction.
Pandy Foreman
Jazz Department Director
Professional dancer with Carol Lawrence's 'Sweet Charity' tour. Artistic Director of Altoona Dance Company with multiple state championship awards. Specializes in jazz technique and competition preparation.
Nancy Sigel-Weyer
Children's Program Director
Third-generation instructor with decades of experience teaching foundational dance techniques. Focuses on early childhood development through dance, combining family tradition with modern pedagogical approaches.
Laura Oswald
Assistant Instructor
Alumni with Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education and Dance Studies. Combines classroom teaching experience with dance instruction, specializing in early childhood dance education and special needs adaptations.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach?
We offer Cecchetti Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre, and Pointe instruction for ages 3+ with specialized programs for different skill levels.
Are your instructors certified?
All staff maintain Act 153 certification with comprehensive background checks. Many instructors have professional performance experience and specialized dance certifications.
What performance opportunities exist?
Our annual June recital at Mishler Theatre features all students in a Broadway-style production. Competitive teams participate in regional and national dance competitions.
How do you ensure child safety?
We maintain Act 153 certification for all staff, require background checks, and have secure facilities with monitored parking access through Dollar General's lot.
What makes your school unique?
Third-generation family ownership preserves our teaching legacy while maintaining modern techniques. Our alumni network and professional performance preparation distinguish us from other studios.
Do you offer adult classes?
While our primary focus is youth instruction, we occasionally offer adult Hip Hop fitness classes and community workshops. Contact us for current offerings.
Reviews (1)
Sharon Whittaker
Nov 03, 2020
Report
I grew up in sigels many years ago. I can say I started my dancing life at sigel's so many years ago that I have taken claas from each Sigel family member that started the school Bill and roslie Sigel , then on to their daughter Nancy and son skip. And I am now honored to be taking class once again with the beautiful granddaughter of the founders , Miss Mindy ! She has inherited so beautifully characteristics from each and every Sigel before her. What a lucky girl and even luckier students to benefit from that
