You’ll learn technique at Power House Dance. That’s a given.
But the studio’s classes, and there are more than 30 to choose from, teach something more.
“It gives them the confidence to do everything, whether it’s in the arts or not,” said Wendy Buchan, owner and director.
Open since 2014, Power House Dance contains four studios and an energy contagious to any who walk through its doors, whether looking to dance competitively or just for fun, whether three years old or 73.
Buchan admits she’s not a dancer. She’s actually a budget analyst at Fort Lee. But she wanted better dance education, at a better value, for her two daughters in competitive dance. Soon, Buchan was on track to open a studio.
“This is what I was meant to do,” she said. “Now I have 150 children, and I want the same thing for them.”
Two years since the studio opened, Power House Dance has taken on a life of its own.
“It just feels different, and it’s because it’s family,” Buchan said. “It’s a positive environment for kids and families.”
And dance is at the center of it all.
“Our main focus is dance education,” said Deanna Bellando, the studio’s artistic director. “We really focus on the art of dance.”
This translates to a focus on performance quality, movement quality, musicality and technique, Bellando said.
The studio offers three tiers of instruction: recreational, performance and competition. Bellando, assistant artistic director Kay Brown and instructor Keisha Gervais—all with degrees in dance—teach across every level.
Classes include tap, jazz, ballet, hip-hop, musical theater, adult tap, adult jazz and more. But there’s also tumbling and vocal classes, as well as adult fitness options like zumba.
Jessica Bull’s 9-year-old daughter takes ballet and lyrical classes at the studio. They joined the Power House family about a year and a half ago.
“It’s helped her just come out of her shell more. It’s helped her be confident,” Bull said.
Power House, still a young company, has room for growth. But Buchan hopes the studio continues supporting students in their passion, whatever that may be.
“I want a place where children can learn and grow in what they love doing,” she said.
Bridges can be reached by phone at 757-345-2342.
Check it out
Power House Dance is located at 8105 Richmond Road, Suite 104. Call 757-250-3119 or visit phdance.com for more information.
