Meet Our Artistic Director

Kelly Stento began her dance training at LeRoux School of Dance under the direction of the school's founder, Phyllis (LeRoux) Gershbach and daughter, Bonnie 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), but has also attended training seminars that include Kiddance, Tempo-Level-Energy & Shapes, and Gilbert's Graded Tap. She has been teaching since 1989.

Since becoming Director in 1996, Miss Kelly has maintained a professional atmosphere for dance lessons, birthday parties, scouting events and summer camp. In 2001 the LeRoux family grew to include two locations, which annually touch the lives of some 450 students. Together with her staff, they have been sponsoring free classes for moms clubs, providing professionals for Home & School sponsored events as well as Career Day, and for the Spring-Ford School District Families in Training program. In 2011, they were proud to be part of the successful SNAP event, Dancing with the Stars! Her students perform at fairs, malls, community days, in parades, and at local assisted living facilities. In 2005, Miss Kelly enhanced the curriculum with the addition of Petite Feet, appropriately designed for the needs of those who are just beginning to walk and talk.

This busy mom manages the studio and the schedule of her three children, so she understands the great effort that’s required to juggle work and family. In October 2009, the LeRoux tradition in Conshohocken was passed along to another LeRoux alumnus, Susan (Anhorn) Messmer. With all her focus now in one location, Miss Kelly is enjoying the growth and success of the newly formed, Steppers Dance Team. Twice a month, Miss Kelly is the hostess of a specialized story time, a free 45-minute dance experience that explores the adventures of Angelina Ballerina ® at the Royersford Public Library. With pride, she has been managing the continued success of LeRoux School of Dance for more than 15 years.

Return to top of page

Meet Our Dance Instructors

Melanie Baker Niblick is the Owner & National Program Director of Tap-N-Burn and the Owner/Creative Director of KidMoves Dance Company, both based in Knoxville, Tennessee. Melanie has 25 years of experience in all areas of dance, with jazz, lyrical, tap, and creative movement as her areas of expertise. She is originally from Oak Ridge, Tennessee where she trained and performed with an award-winning ensemble for 12 years. Melanie continues her education every year with Dance Makers International, a worldwide leader in classroom curriculum and choreography, affiliated with Broadway Dance Center in New York.

In 2005, Melanie attended classes at Manhattan Motion Studios in New York with Gabrielle Taylor (jazz) and 'Silk Smoove' (dancer and choreographer who has worked with Beyonce, Ashanti and Tyra Banks). She has also had professional dance training from world-renowned performers Savion Glover and Dianne Walker (tap), Frank Hatchett and Steven Boyd (jazz and lyrical), Joan Lather (specialist in children’s curriculum) and Tommy Alexander (tap, jazz and lyrical). Additionally, Melanie danced in the United Methodist Liturgical Dance Conference in North Carolina. Having taught in 10 public and private preschools, Melanie has been instructing preschool children for 10 years, school age children for 8 and
has taught over 1,500 students overall. She has also lived in Minneapolis, Minnesota and Raleigh, North Carolina where she successfully ran similar dance-based businesses.

Melanie recently relocated to Royersford with her husband, Jay and their three children. She can be found in the classroom teaching pre-school and kindergarten dancers on Wednesday afternoons. In addition, Miss Melanie has added lyrical and BOYZ Hip Hop to her schedule. And how can we forget, Tap-N-Burn, a fabulous adult cardio tap class!

Annejeannette (Logan) Dugan 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 Gordon. She studied Ballet, Pre-Pointe, Tap, Jazz, and Street Style Funk. She was accepted to the Consortium of the Fine Arts for dance from age 11 through 13. Miss Jeanne was a member of our student teacher program and an original member of the Pizazz Dance Company, which performed at local events, throughout the Plymouth Meeting area. Miss Jeanne was a guest dancer on ‚Dance Party USA‛, throughout high school and college

She received her Bachelor’s of Science in Accounting from Rosemont College in 1995 and is currently employed at Trefoil Management LLC, a full service Commercial/Retail Real Estate Management company, where she is the Assistant Controller.

Miss Jeanne resides in Upper Pottsgrove with her husband, Michael and their two daughters, Erinn and Brenna. She is looking forward to her third year as a Hip Hop teacher for the students at LeRoux.

Karin (Logan) Flanagan, is an award-winning choreographer with a wide variety of training in jazz, ballet and tap. Her dance education continues through participation at national dance conventions and teacher training seminars. She received her CECDI (Certified Early Childhood Dance Instructor) certification, attended Al Gilbert's annual summer 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, Greg Russell, Barry Youngblood and Karen Cleighton, to name a few, and on weekends enjoys taking class in Philadelphia.

Since 1996, Miss Karin has shared many magical moments with her students. She has danced down Main Street USA in Walt Disney World, danced in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art with performance group‚ FanTAPulous” on Thanksgiving Day and most recently has led our little ones through the Streets of Sesame Place in Langhorne, PA. She hosts our ‚Slamming Sleepover Party‛ in honor of National Dance Week and shows her community support by hosting local Girl Scout, Brownie and Daisy Troupe parties for badge achievement.

Miss Karin can be found teaching Petite Feet, Children's Dance, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Cheer and Hip Hop techniques for beginner through advanced levels in group or private settings. She has also hosted many of our unique birthday celebrations and looks forwards to working with the Steppers Dance Team this year.

By day, Miss Karin is employed by Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Munich Re Insurance Company in Wayne, PA. She resides in Perkiomenville with her husband, Todd, their sons, Logan and Joseph and their dog, Lucky.


Ashley Fuhrmeister started her dance training in Richmond, VA. When she moved to PA she was a student of LeRoux under the direction of her aunt, Denise Walsh. As she continued down the ‘road of dance,’ she studied ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, modern, lyrical/contemporary, and pointe under the direction of Jennifer Oldfield. She is an award winning dancer and competed in dozens of competitions.

Expanding her knowledge of dance and performance opportunities, in 2009 Miss Ashley became of member of the ASH Contemporary Dance Company under the direction of Braham Crane. Some of her most memorable moments include dancing in the halftime show at the Tangerine Bowl in 2003 in Orlando, FL; performing in the Boscov's Thanksgiving Day Parade 10 years in a row; and being cast as Clara in the Nutcracker. Miss Ashley has choreographed musicals, talent show performances and assisted with LeRoux’s Musical Theatre summer productions. In 2010, she made it to the final round when auditioning for a spot with the Eagles’ Cheerleaders. She is currently attending Montgomery County Community College and can be found teaching children age 8-16 in ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary and musical theatre dance.



Angelica Interrante has been dancing since the age of 3! She is looking forward to making dance a full time career, as she joins our staff this September. Miss Angelica will be teaching pre-ballet, ballet, tap, and jazz to children of all ages! Watch for more information...



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. Her dedication to our students brought her back each summer while in college and eventually she made herself at home with us in 2007.

Megan is a 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. Miss Megan can be found in the studio teaching ballet, pointe and lyrical/contemporary to students age 8 through teens.



Bethanie Lori, dancing for more than 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.

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 West Chester with her husband, Jason, and their Italian Greyhound, Oscar. This year they are looking forward to the arrival of their first child! 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.



Macy Poore has been teaching dance since 2008. She is currently pursuing her Early Childhood Education degree at Valley Forge Christain College and is excited to join the staff at LeRoux in September. Watch for more information...

Return to top of page

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        *         Taylor McFadden

Return to top of page

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. 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 dancer.  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 is 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

Formal Training Course Descriptions

Grade 4 & Up
All students are initially placed in our program according to age and grade.  Students are frequently evaluated and when necessary, placed according to ability.  The following classes are offered in conjunction with our Children’s Dance program, or by selection of students in grade 4 or older.

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.

TAP:
Rhythmic sounds of happy feet!  Tap is offered in combination with all ballet technique classes.  Snappy music and fast movements make tap a hit.  
Grade 4 & Up

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.
Grade 1 & Up

CHEER:  Chants, cheers, jumps, basic stunts and lots of energy is what you will find in one of our cheer classes.  This is a specialty class that is offered periodically.
PreK through Grade 2

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.’
Intermediate Level Ballet & Up

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.   
Grade 1 & Up

LYRICAL/CONTEMPORARY: A combination of ballet and jazz techniques taught with emotional performance, generally telling a  story based on the lyrics of the musical selection.  One hour of ballet technique required for enrollment in any lyrical class.  
Grade 5 & Up

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.
Grade 1 & Up

Return to top of page

LeRoux School of Dance Financial Policies 2011-12

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%

Summer Class/Camp Schedule
$50 deposit per class/camp is non refundable.
April 1st to May 15th – 40% or balance after non-refundable deposit
May 16th thru June 1st – 25%
June 2nd thru July 1st - 15%
After July 2nd – 0%

Return to top of page

More Than 65 Years of Dance Excellence
LeRoux School of Dance

                     
In 1945 the dance tradition began; in a small room above a sandwich shop at 1st and Fayette Streets by Phyllis LeRoux (pronounced ‘la-roo’) 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.

As the owner and director from 1984 to 1996, Miss Denise dedicated much of her time to creating our children’s dance curriculum with social and developmental guidelines in mind to encompass whole body development for the students. The opportunity to enroll in a single ballet/tap class at age 3 is unique to LeRoux. At age 6, a student may enroll in a single class that provides instruction in ballet, tap AND jazz. This offering of multiple techniques in a single class is a huge benefit for families with multiple children or multiple activities and continues to this day. For those who don’t want all the techniques, the option to exclude is also available. Miss Denise also devised her own teacher training program and founded the Pizazz Dance Company. Her success was evident by the growth of enrollment that moved the studio from a one classroom, two teacher school to the multiple studio, multi-classroom and multi-teacher program it is today.

It was in 1996 that Kelly Logan Stento took on the responsibility of continuing the tradition of dance excellence as owner of LeRoux. 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; this year, they are proud to be celebrating their 10th anniversary! Over the past 10 years, Miss Kelly and her staff have been sponsoring free classes for moms clubs, providing professionals for the Spring-Ford School District Families in Training program and Home & School sponsored events, as well as Career Day. The students perform at fairs, malls, community days, in parades and at local assisted living facilities.

The staff at LeRoux School of Dance in Royersford have the combined experience of over 75 years of teaching, have been selected for their expertise, and attend monthly training conferences.

In 2005, Miss Kelly enhanced the curriculum with the addition of Petite Feet, appropriately designed for the needs of those who are just beginning to walk and talk. Beginning at 18 months, with the guiding hand of an adult, youngsters explore music through group play with songs, props and tons of encouragement. Independent instruction now begins at the age 2 for those who are ready.

In 2007, the LeRoux Steppers dance team was born to provide a competition experience once again for students dancing at LeRoux. They perform in the Contempra Regional Youth Festival each year and attended their very first competitions in the spring of 2010 where they took home High Gold and Gold awards for their performances.

On October 13, 2009 Kelly Logan Stento sold the Conshohocken location of LeRoux to Susie Anhorn Messmer. Miss Susie danced at LeRoux for 14 years under the direction of Miss Denise and became a student teacher in the 1990’s. While she was a Sr. in high school she was invited to teach and choreography her own class of students under the direction of Miss Kelly. After graduation she went on to receive 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 is bringing to life, as LeRoux School of Dance in Conshohocken begins a new branch of growth under her leadership. For more information about their progress since 2009, visit www.lerouxarts.com.

Today in both studios, 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 $16.25 and all recital costumes are ready-made. Each spring, approximately 450 students put on four separate recitals (each about 2 hours in length) at a local school.

In Royersford, parents are welcome to remain in our studio while their children are in class; our spacious reception area is complete with benches and classroom viewing windows. During morning classes you will often find families rocking strollers or watching a children’s video as they wait; while afterschool you may see homework being completed or a parent utilizing the free Wi-Fi on their laptop.

A family-friendly waiting area, plenty of parking, a receptionist for almost all hours of operation, a convenient credit card Autopay program and communication done by email are unique attributes that you will find at LeRoux School of Dance.

      

Like all local dance studios, LeRoux provides professional dance instruction, on raised dance floors, in classrooms with mirrors and barres. They have classes every day of the week at varied times for students’ age 18 months and up. They have a competitive dance team and offer a recital every spring. Their instructors have specialized training, love the art of dance and hope to inspire the young dancer to achieve their full potential by creating positive self-image, strong self-esteem and personal confidence. We hope you will enroll today!

Return to top of page