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. The highlight of her youth was winning First Place at the Tremaine Dance Convention in NYC as a member of the PIZAZZ Dance Company.

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

Miss Kelly has found that the daily responsibilities of being the director of two locations while being ‘Mommy’ to three young children limit the number of hours she is able to give to the business. She has been rejuvenated this year, hiring a managing director in the Conshohocken studio and returning to her first love, teaching! She is grateful to her wonderful staff for their help in making it possible to balance the joy of motherhood and the continued success and growth of LeRoux School of Dance.

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Managing Director, Conshohocken Facility

Karin (Logan) Flanagan, Managing Director, 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.

New this year, Miss Karin invited students from our Conshohocken location, age 6 and up, to audition for our brand new dance team, The LeRoux Jr. Steppers. She looks forward to the success of our developing competition team, as they grow, perform and win.

Teaching Petite Feet, Children's Dance, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Cheer and Hip Hop techniques for beginner through advanced levels, is only one aspect of Miss Karin’s job in our Conshohocken facility. She has also hosted many of our unique birthday celebrations and should be congratulated on her success in her new directing role.

By day, Miss Karin is employed by Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company, a subsidiary of AIG Insurance Company in Wayne, Pa. She resides in Perkiomenville with her husband, Todd, their son, Logan Patrick and their dog, Lucky.

Meet Our Teaching Staff

Barbara Cefaratti developed her love of dance and skills at LeRoux, where she began dancing at age 6. After graduating from West Chester University, she returned to the Conshohocken area. Almost 25 years ago, she became an instructor here at LeRoux. Now, this wonderful Mom of 3 young adults is realizing a dream she has had for many years, she is a grade school teacher at St. Phillips. Miss Bobbie is a truly gifted teacher and holds a special place in her heart for everyone she has ever taught. Although semi-retired from teaching dance, Miss Bobbie can still be found hard at work on Friday evenings as our Special Needs teacher. She is admired for her dedication to providing music and movement education to all children. When she is not teaching, she is busy with her new grandson and is looking forward to the arrival of grand-baby number 2!

Jenny Campbell began dancing at the age of three in her hometown of Rochester, New York. At the age of twelve, she auditioned and was chosen to be a part of her studio’s performing company and traveled the nation dancing at community events, conventions and competitions, winning several of the highest awards. Also an accomplished singer, Jenny attended various vocal competitions and toured nationally and internationally with theater and show choir productions beginning in sixth grade.

Performing with the Orchesis Dance Company at Penn State University, Jenny gained her first exposure to modern dance. As a member of the company, she choreographed and performed in many school and community events and was also able to attend and perform at the American College Dance Festival. Jenny received her degree in Bioengineering and is currently employed by Merck in West Point. Jenny resides in Manayunk and enjoys an occasional dance class which helps her maintain her strong knowledge of the newest dance techniques. Jenny has deeply enjoyed teaching pre-pointe, ballet, jazz, and children’s dance at LeRoux since 2005.

Frank Laurenzi of Plymouth Meeting was exposed to the performing arts as a young child. His mother, a professional ballroom dancer encouraged him to explore music and movement at the young age of 4. Over time, he studied social dance, which included Salsa, Tango, Fox Trot, Waltz and Rumba, to name a few. He didn’t develop his true enthusiasm towards movement until he reached his teens where he was introduced to hip hop. In 2005, Frank performed on stage with Cindy Lauper and Jade Sterling at the Penn’s Landing Festival Pier, in Philadelphia, hosted by the Equality Forum. This highlight of his dancing career was performed in front of an audience totaling over 10,000 people.

Frank has taught ballet, tap, jazz and hip hop locally to children ages 4-18 for over 4 years. Here at LeRoux, he was thrilled to challenge our advanced dancers with hip hop technique on Tuesday evenings. He believes that dancers should always be looking for ways to expand their dance knowledge and improve their own technique. Frank is currently teaching and dancing throughout the Delaware Valley.

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. Once again she joined our staff and enjoyed instructed Children’s Dance, Hip Hop and her Lyrical in our Royersford location.

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.

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 worlds 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.

Beyond teaching dance, yoga and Pilates, Bethanie works independently for companies all over the country, representing and selling their products on-air for QVC. Bethanie may be seen on infomercials, TV/Radio commercials and also in print advertising, and has even starred as an extra on film. She resides in Conshohocken with her husband, Jason, and their Italian Greyhound, Oscar. In achieving any career goals, Bethanie follows the advice of a former teacher and shares this philosophy with her students: Make what you love be what you do.

New In 2008 – Margaret Aichele & Jeanne Dugan

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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:

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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 1/2

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 ? 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 and lots of energy is what you will find in one of our cheer clinics! Novice to advanced cheer dancers welcome. This class is currently offered during the summer for children 6 through 10.

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Tuition - Schedule of Fees
2008-09 Academic Year

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

Registration/Insurance fees:
$45.00 First Child
$10.00 Sibling 2 & 3

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

**Petite Feet program is offered in 10-week sessions for $115.00

For more than 3 hours per week, please contact our office.
Tuition is capped at 5 hours/week.

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.

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 5% discount. No exceptions. We will not accept payments under this option after August 10th.

OPTION 2: Bi-Yearly Payment

First payment due August 1st, second payment due January 1st. Your balance will be discounted 5% if paid in full by January 15th.

OPTION 3: Monthly Payment

First & last payments 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 $8.00 late fee.

Tuition fee will be pro-rated for anyone joining after the first of October. For information regarding refunds, please review our policy below.

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 Logan (the current director of LeRoux).

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 Miss Kelly, and the other students of LeRoux. She 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 and sold the school to Kelly Logan Stento. On September 17, 2001, LeRoux School of Dance opened its second location in Royersford.

Today, classes continue to be taught using a few records and tapes, but now iPods and CD’s lead the way for movement. A one-hour lesson costs about $15.00 and all recital costumes are ready-made. Each spring, approximately 400 students put on four separate recitals (each about 2 hours in length) at one of the local public schools.

Some families now send their 4th generation of children to LeRoux and each student continues to enjoy an atmosphere that is warm and friendly. 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 making a positive difference in the lives of children for more than 65 years.

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