Business Details
Award-Winning Dance Education in Luzerne
At Joan Harris Centre, we have dedicated ourselves to cultivating excellence in dance education since our founding. Our studio prioritizes the health and personal growth of every student, fostering self-esteem through structured training and a family-first philosophy. With five full-scale productions annually and a professional faculty drawn from top industry talent, we serve students from five Northeastern Pennsylvania counties. Our comprehensive approach includes rigorous technical evaluation, low student-to-teacher ratios, and specialized programs like our unique teacher training initiative. We maintain a state-of-the-art facility featuring a fully stocked dance shoppe with professional pointe shoe fittings. Our commitment to community engagement extends through local performances, charity work, and intergenerational programs that create lasting connections.The studio's leadership team combines decades of industry experience with personalized attention to each student's development. We measure success not just in technical proficiency but in the confidence, discipline, and lifelong relationships formed through dance. Our alumni consistently achieve advanced dance degrees and professional opportunities, crediting their foundational training here for their continued success. Through regular master classes and performance workshops, we ensure our students receive the most comprehensive dance education available in the region.
Services
Ballet Classes
Tap Classes
Jazz Classes
Modern Classes
Dancing With Mommy
Theater Programs
Performance Opportunities
Dance Shoppe
Pointe Shoe Fittings
Community Involvement
Highlights and features
- We maintain low student-to-teacher ratios for personalized instruction
- Our faculty includes master instructors with decades of industry experience
- Five annual full-scale productions develop performance skills and confidence
- Specialized teacher training program cultivates future dance educators
- Community-focused approach creates lasting family connections through dance
What people say
Amazing staff
Family atmosphere
Excellent training
Performance opportunities
Accommodating special needs
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops technical precision and artistic expression through structured training. Students learn foundational techniques while building strength, flexibility, and performance skills. Classes follow a progressive curriculum evaluated through quarterly assessments.
Tap Classes
Tap instruction focuses on musicality and rhythmic complexity. Students develop coordination and improvisation skills while learning various tap styles. Classes emphasize both technical proficiency and creative expression.
Jazz Classes
Jazz program combines technical training with performance preparation. Students explore multiple jazz styles while developing strength, flexibility, and stage presence through choreographed routines and improvisation exercises.
Performance Opportunities
Five annual productions provide practical performance experience. Students participate in full-length ballets, holiday shows, and community performances at professional venues like the F.M. Kirby Center stage.
Dance Shoppe
Our onsite dance shop offers professional dancewear and accessories. Services include expert pointe shoe fittings and a wide selection of dance apparel for students of all ages and skill levels.
People
Joan A. Harris
Founder
Established the studio with a vision for holistic dance education, combining technical excellence with character development through her decades of industry experience.
Jim Harris
Manager
Oversees daily operations while maintaining the studio's original philosophy of family-centered dance education and community engagement.
Elisabeth Harris
Faculty Administrator
Directs instructor training programs and ensures curriculum standards, drawing from extensive experience in dance pedagogy and staff development.
Sean T. Harris
Master Instructor
Leads advanced technique classes and choreographs major productions, sharing expertise from years of professional dance performance and instruction.
Jennifer Harris
Master Instructor
Specializes in student evaluations and progression planning, applying comprehensive knowledge of dance development and technical assessment.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We teach ballet, tap, jazz, modern, and theater dance styles with specialized programs for different age groups and skill levels.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes, we produce five full-scale shows annually including a spring ballet, holiday extravaganza, and summer performances at professional venues.
Do you accommodate special needs students?
We provide personalized accommodations for students with medical needs, ensuring all participants can fully engage in our dance programs.
How are class placements determined?
Students are evaluated based on age, skill level, training history, and maturity to ensure appropriate class placement and progression.
Is there a dance retail store onsite?
Our Dance Shoppe offers professional dancewear, shoes, and accessories with expert pointe shoe fitting services available.
What community involvement programs exist?
We participate in local festivals, charity events, and community theater productions while offering intergenerational dance programs.
Reviews (5)
Karen Simmers
Feb 02, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
Our son has been dancing here since he was five and loves it more and more every single week he goes for all these years! He has done hip hop, tap, jazz, ballet and modern. The staff is amazing and treats every single child as if they are a star. They also treat them all like family! Definitely recommend!
Our son has been dancing here since he was five and loves it more and more every single week he goes for all these years! He has done hip hop, tap, jazz, ballet and modern. The staff is amazing and treats every single child as if they are a star. They also treat them all like family! Definitely recommend!
Relyt Construction Llc
Jan 16, 2021
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This place is much more than an incredible dance studio, It is a family that will help teach your kids values, dedication and pride. The best review is by seeing how these children turn out and how highly they all speak of this school and what an influence it has played in who they are. Truly a one of a kind place and a gem of Northeast PA.
Bluestar Pulse
Oct 27, 2020
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The dance studio does such a wonderful job nurturing & teaching their dancers. "Prima" mentality is not tolerated here, & as a result ALL the dancers encourage eachother as well. During the staged class dances, the best students are placed front row, BUT there is always a rearranging during the dances so EVERY student gets their time to shine in the front
Jordan Ayers
Aug 27, 2020
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The teachers are awesome. Everything is very nice and relaxing when they put on a show. Mr. Jim is a wonderful person and it reflects throughout the dancers. Everyone including the parents are very friendly and flexible.
Kaylee Rushton
Nov 09, 2017
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It is awesome there. We are all one huge family. I'm at the studio 5 times a week and I never get tired of it. Totally recommend this place.