Meet Our Administrative & Artistic Director

Kelly (Logan) Stento, Director, began her dance training at LeRoux School of Dance under the direction of the school's founder, Phyllis (LeRoux) Gershbach and Bonnie (Fahey) Gordon at the age of 10. Her dance education included lessons in ballet, tap, jazz and pointe. Miss Kelly held a position in the student teacher program and was a selected member of the LeRoux Steppers.

Miss Kelly received formal dance training at DeSales University in Allentown and at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia.   She has taken classes with many master teachers, among her favorite are  Al Gilbert, Bob Rizzo and  Karen Cleighton.   Miss Kelly received most of her teacher training from Denise Walsh (Director of LeRoux between 1985 and 1996).  In addition, her training includes Kiddance, Tempo-Level-Energy & Shapes, and Jazz for Teens & Adults and Gilbert's Graded Tap.  She has been teaching since 1989.

Miss Kelly is a busy wife and mom, with three elementary age children.  She resides with her husband Jamie in Royersford where they are active with their church, schools and community.  She feels blessed with the ability to balance the joy of motherhood and the continued success and growth of LeRoux School of Dance.

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Margaret Aichele is originally from Hershey, Pennsylvania and has been dancing for 21 years.  Margaret studied dance at several schools throughout the Hershey area, but spent the most time at Hershey School of Dance under the direction of Kelly Strange.    She successfully auditioned to attend the Pennsylvania Governor's School for the Arts as a ballet major during her junior year in high school.  Margaret attended Slippery Rock University for one year as a dance major and was a member of the Dance Express Dance Team.  She later transferred to Pennsylvania State University where she was heavily involved in Orchesis Dance Company and received her minor in Dance.   She taught company classes, choreographed, performed, and acted as the elected Treasurer for ODC.  After college, Margaret lived in Manhattan, where she continued her dance education at various dance schools as well as performed in the PMT Dance Studio Showcases.  Margaret is the newest member of our staff here at LeRoux.  She has been teaching since high school; students ranging from age 6 - 22.  Margaret also works as a Report Developer for the Burgiss Group in Paoli and resides with her husband Justin in West Chester.  Now in her second year at LeRoux, Miss Margo teaches in both our studio locations.

Wendi Bergstrom has been ranked nationally at competitions in the forms of Tap, Lyrical, Jazz, Musical Theatre Dance, Hip-hop and Song & Dance.  Now, she achieves the same for her choreography. Musical choreography is one of Wendi's fortes and she can be found winning medal after medal throughout the Northeast performed by various Dance Teams.  She has been producing our summer musical theatre camps for 3 years and is very popular among our students.  This year, she will add Lyrical and Broadway Tap to her Friday evening class schedule here at LeRoux.

Annejeannette Dugan may be new to our teaching staff, but is no stranger to LeRoux School of Dance.  Miss Jeanne began dancing here at LeRoux at the young age of 7 under the Direction of Bonnie (Fahey) Gordon.  She studied Ballet, Pre-Pointe, Tap, Jazz, and Street Style Funk at our Conshohocken location.  She was accepted to the Consortium of the Fine Arts for dance from the ages of 11 through 13.  She was a member of our student teacher program and competed locally and regionally.  She was an original member of the Pizazz Dance Company, a competitive dance team, who performed at local events, throughout the Plymouth Meeting area and was a guest dancer on "Dance Party USA", through high school and college.  Her passion to perform has brought her back to the classroom many times; including between having her two children, at LeRoux and most recently at Koresh in Philadelphia.  In 2005, Miss Jeanne was invited to perform in our annual recital along with 5 other staff members to take part in the first performance of the LeRoux Steppers.  Since then she has enjoyed tapping and pop & locking along with the Ladies of LeRoux. She is looking forward to performing with this unique group of talented dancers as they pursue local performance opportunities this fall.  It is this love of dance that she now gets to share with the students of LeRoux.  Miss Jeanne received her Bachelor’s of Science in Accounting from Rosemont College in 1995.  She is currently working full-time at Trefoil Management LLC, where she is the Assistant Controller.   She resides in Upper Pottsgrove with her husband Michael and their two daughters Erinn and Brenna. Miss Jeanne can be found teaching Hip Hop on Saturday mornings in our Royersford location.

Karin (Logan) Flanagan is an award-winning choreographer with a wide variety of training in jazz, ballet and tap. She continues to educate herself through participation in national dance conventions and teacher training seminars.  She received her CECDI (Certified Early Childhood Dance Instructor) certification and has attended Al Gilbert's annual seminar and Kiddance, "Teaching Dance Creatively." Her thirst for knowledge has taken her to several master classes with prestigious teachers Al Gilbert, Bob Rizzo, Sheila Barker and Karen Cleighton, to name a few, and on weekends enjoys taking class in Philadelphia.

Karin has shared many magical moments with her students over the years.  She danced down Main Street USA in Disney World, coordinates and participates annually in the Hillcrest Holiday Parade, hosts the "Slamming Sleepover Party" at our studios and shows community support by hosting local Girl Scout, Brownie and Daisy Troupes to achieve their Dance Badges. 

By day, Miss Karin is employed by Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Munic Re Insurance Company in Wayne, Pa.  She resides in Perkiomenville with her husband, Todd, their son, Logan Patrick and their dog, Lucky.  This year, Miss Karin continues her 13-year tradition of Petite Feet, Children's Dance, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Cheer and Hip Hop techniques for beginner through advanced levels and looks forward to the birth of her second child around New Year’s 2010!

Megan Lawless' love for dance developed instantly when she put on her first pair of ballet slippers at age 5. Under the direction of Cathy Cianciulli, she studied all styles of dance including ballet, tap, jazz, and pointe.  Miss Megan began teaching at LeRoux her senior year of high school and has returned every summer to teach the day camps and night classes. 

Megan is a 2007 graduate of Penn State University where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing.   She was also accepted into the Dance Minor Program and became was a member of Penn State's oldest performance dance company "Orchesis". In Orchesis, Megan was given the opportunity to choreograph among her peers as well as perform at many famous Penn State events throughout the community.  She was elected Junior Officer her junior year and President her senior year by the ODC members! She is currently employed at MayoSeitz Media where she works as an Assistant Communications Planner in Blue Bell, PA.

Since 2007, Miss Megan has been enjoying teaching Children's Dance, Ballet, Hip Hop and Lyrical technique to our students.  This year, we will bring her Jr. Stepper's choreography to competition!

Bethanie Lori, dancing for nearly 25 years, has appreciated the transformation her passion has undergone as she progressed from student to teacher.  As a high school student, her dance teachers encouraged her to expand upon her skills over the summer and recommended that she study with the American Academy of Ballet at Vassar College.  It was there that Bethanie studied ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, modern, character, Spanish, Brazilian, African, mime, and yoga with some of the world’s most highly regarded professional dance instructors.

While attending West Chester University, she held leadership roles in all of the dance organizations on campus. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Studies, with minors in Biology and Dance. Locally, Miss Bethanie has performed with Opus One, a Philadelphia-based contemporary dance company, was invited to dance for the Kelly Ann Dolan Foundation's annual charity event on the Spirit of Philadelphia, and performed on television as a dancer for the Baha Men and their hit, Who Let the Dogs Out.  

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Student Teachers

Our student teacher program is designed to provide an apprentice program to those who are interested in furthering their careers in Dance Education.  Acceptance in this program is based on dedication to dance and one’s natural ability to help, love and nurture younger children.  Student teachers must volunteer their time and are often face a choice between this program and other school activities.  They are commended for their hard work and dedication, and are an inspiration to our younger students.  Class size does not change when a student teacher is available.  Small classes are essential to offering individual attention from our teaching staff.

We are pleased to name the following dancers to this program:

Chelsea Logan        *          Delaney Logan        *          Taylor McFadden    *          Rachel Young

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Curriculum

About Our Tot & Pre-School Programs

Developmental levels for children between the ages of 2 and 5 years are vastly different and ever changing.  It is our goal to challenge and entertain while we teach a love of movement and a desire for independent, imaginative exploration.  Basic movement concepts are disguised through the use of props and age appropriate music.  The repetitious nature of our classes provides comfort to the small child and helps to build strong self-esteem and confidence.  Some youngsters learn by watching then exploring, while others jump right in and mimic every concept from the very first class.

PETITE FEET                  
A tot program for the littlest dancers.  Explore movement in this wonderful class designed for petite feet!  Enroll with the guiding hand of an adult beginning at 18 months, or go solo beginning at age 2.   Remember, independent readiness varies among children ages 24 to 40 months.  We will be glad to assist you as you find the right level for you and your child.

Age 18 to 40 months

PRE BALLET            
An introduction to the wonderful world of dance.  Creative movement, rhythmic play and pre-ballet exercises help to prepare young dancers for the more formal dance training of the future.  Classical and modern children's music are used to inspire and develop a love and appreciation for the art of dance.  Elementary tap will also be taught in all classes that run from September to May.      
                                                                                           
Age 3 to 4 ½

Basic Class Structure

Hello Circle provides ‘getting to know you’ time for student and teacher while providing an opportunity to reinforce patience and courtesy, as well as when “sharing” is appropriate.

Center Warm Up prepares all of the major muscle groups for movement while teaching listening skills and musicality.

Locomotor skills are so important, as these young dancers have only been moving freely for a short time.  They still have so many ways of traveling from one place to another to explore.  Over time our dancers learn to perform various types of movement; alone, with a partner and group, in different directions, on different levels and at varied tempos.

Musical Awareness: Even our youngest dancers learn about rhythm, beat and timing.  Ability to recognize music changes, move on different levels, in different directions and create unique movement are vital to a dancer’s foundation.

Creative Expression is explored both with and without the use of music and props.  Props ignite the young imagination and transform our classroom to a world of wonder and make-believe.  Success builds confidence and this type of free movement is an essential part of our dance program.

CHILDREN’S DANCE
Young dancers will learn proper classroom etiquette while being introduced to the basic elements of movement in a fun and educational atmosphere. Ballet technique, terminology and body positions are introduced but not forced, at this level of development. Our dancers develop strong self-esteem and confidence through pride in each task they master. The elementary years hold so much imagination and exploration, which will be strengthened through dance and movement. All exercises and activities are taught using music that is enjoyable for all, with age appropriate lyrics. We also use props for an added level of exploration. Our curriculum is designed to welcome new dancers, as well as challenge those who continue from year to year.

Kindergarten to Grade 3

Formal Training Course Descriptions

All students are initially placed in our program according to age and grade.  Students are frequently evaluated and when necessary, placed according to ability.

Grade 4 & Up

BALLET:  The foundation of all dance forms.  At age 8, students slowly begin to transfer from creative dance exercises into the proper terminology and training of classical ballet.  Ballet is required as part of all combination classes for one hour week.

TAP:  Rhythmic sounds of happy feet!  Tap is offered in combination with all ballet classes.  Snappy music and fast movements make tap a hit. 

JAZZ:  A combination of New York and lyrical style jazz are offered in combination with all ballet classes for first grade on up.  Musical selections range from oldies to pop hits and jazz styles vary by instructor.

Pre-POINTE & POINTE:  Ballet class ‘en Pointe’ (dancing on your toes) is offered in conjunction with our regular combination classes beginning at age 10.  All students are required to attend a minimum of 1 ½ hours of ballet per week when ‘en Pointe.’

HIP-HOP:  Popular, stylized ‘pop & lock’ to musical selections that are appropriate for students of all ages.  Ballet technique is recommended in combination with this class to maximize dancer’s technique and strength, but is not required.  Hip Hop classes are available for students in grade 2 through Adult.

LYRICAL:  Combination of ballet and jazz performed with emotion, generally telling a story based on the lyrics of the musical selection.  One hour of ballet technique required for enrollment in any lyrical class, beginning in grade 5.

CHEER:  Chants, cheers, basic stunts, jumps and lots of energy is what you will find in one of our cheer classes!  Novice to advanced cheer dancers are welcome.    Contact the studio for current cheer class schedules.

MUSICAL THEATRE DANCE:  Learn more about dancing in a production!  In this class, you will learn so much more than dance.  We teach blocking, staging, pantomime and of course choreography!  No dance experience is needed – all are welcome to explore the world of theatre.


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LeRoux School of Dance Financial Policies 2010-11

If you would prefer a PDF version of Financial Policies, click here.

Registration/Insurance fees: 
$45.00 - First Child           
$15.00 - each for Sibling 2 & 3

This annual fee is non-refundable, no additional charge for more than 3 siblings.

Payment Options
We provide the following payment options for your convenience.

OPTION 1: One Yearly Payment
Students who are paid in full by August 10th will receive a 10% discount.  No exceptions.  We will not accept payments under this option after August 10th.

OPTION 2: Bi-Yearly Payment
The first payment (50% of fee) is due August 1st, the second payment is due January 1st.  Your balance will be discounted 10% if received in full by January 7th.

OPTION 3: Monthly Payment
First & last payment are due by August 1st or at the time of enrollment.  Remaining payments are due on the first of each month, October to May.  All tuition payments received after the 7th will be charged an $10.00 late fee.

Our yearly tuition fee guarantees each student a minimum of 32 classes.  The number of classes offered each month varies based on the day of week, scheduled holidays or vacation breaks.  Tuition will not be pro-rated due to absences.
There will be no exceptions.  Pre-paid tuition is refundable as detailed in our refund policy.

Refund Policy

All refunds are calculated based on payments received to date.
Registration/Insurance Fees are charged annually and are non-refundable.

Yearly Tuition Schedule
August 10th thru October 1st 80%
October 2nd thru November 1st 60%
November 2nd thru Dec. 1st 35%
December 2nd thru January 1st 10%
After January 2nd 0%

Bi-Yearly Tuition Schedule
August 10th thru October 1st 70%
October 2nd thru November 1st 45%
November 2nd thru Dec. 1st 15%
After December 2nd 0%

Monthly Tuition Schedule
August 10th thru September 1st 50%
September 2nd thru October 1st 25%
After October 2nd 0%

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The History of LeRoux School of Dance

Dance training began in 1944 in a small room above a sandwich shop at 1st and Fayette Streets by Phyllis LeRoux Gershbach. At that time, her mother accompanied her on the piano and each lesson cost $1.50. Miss Phyllis was an excellent tap dancer, and was wanted by the Rockettes at the tender age of 14, but her mother wouldn't let her go! Instead, at the age of 25 she opened her own dance studio. Their first recital was held in 1945 at the Forest Theater in Conshohocken. They had 24 students who put on a two-hour show. Due to the birth of Miss Phyllis' third child, Bonnie there was no recital in 1946. However, there has been a recital every year since 1947. In 1956 they started recording the recitals - what a task with live accompaniment! Then, in 1957 the school began to use records…then tapes. All recital costumes were made by hand until 1960 when LeRoux began to use ready-made costumes.

Miss Phyllis brought in several ballet tutors from various companies and her daughter Bonnie trained with Pat Taschner from 1955 until 1960. In 1958, Miss Bonnie began teaching at LeRoux, and the Mother-Daughter team worked together until the early 1980's. During that time, Miss Bonnie opened a branch at All Saints Episcopal Church, which is where she met and began to teach, Kelly and Karin Logan (directors of LeRoux in Conshohocken 1996-2009).

In the early 80's the school moved from Apple Street to the Plymouth Square Shopping Center, where it is still located today. In 1985, Bonnie Gershbach Gordon sold the school to Denise Hagan Walsh who continued to teach and train the students of LeRoux, among them a young Susie Anhorn.  Miss Denise taught with the same love and dedication to dance that had been a part of the LeRoux program for so many years. Miss Denise retired in 1996.

It was then that Kelly Logan Stento continued the tradition of dance excellence.  Under her directorship, the Pizazz Dance Company won Gold and High Silver honors on local and national levels, they participated in numerous community events and parades, and a notable highlight, paraded down Main Street USA, Walt Disney World, Florida.   On September 17, 2001, Miss Kelly expanded this wonderful program by opening a second location in Royersford.

On October 13, 2009 Kelly Logan Stento sold the Conshohocken location of LeRoux to Susie Anhorn.  Miss Susie received a BA in dance education and dance therapy while attending Cedar Crest College in Allentown, PA.  She returned to LeRoux in 2008.  Miss Susie has many wonderful ideas that she will be bringing to life and the children will continue to receive the same love and excellence that our families have come to trust and expect. 

Today, some of our current families are actually returning families; now bringing their children and grandchildren for the same experience, in our warm and friendly atmosphere.  Classes continue in both locations using very few records, tapes and CDs, as now iPods lead the way for movement.  A one-hour lesson costs about $15.75 and all recital costumes are ready-made. Each spring, approximately 425 students put on four separate recitals (each about 2 hours in length) at one of the local schools.

At LeRoux, the discipline of dance is carefully balanced with the pleasures of self-expression and the development of confidence, because we believe that the emphasis should be on FUN. LeRoux School of Dance continues to provide a caring staff and the promise of excellence in dance education. Our small class size provides an environment where both parent and child feel comfortable, and our dancers can receive individual attention during every class. Diversity in dance technique helps to create strong dancers and a variety of teachers provide a well-rounded education for both the recreational or serious dancer. Our program has been proudly making a positive difference in the lives of children for 65 years.

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