WELCOME TO
CITY BALLROOM
DANCE FOR THE MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT
To dance is to be out of yourself.
Larger, more beautiful, more powerful...
This is power, it is glory on earth
and it is yours for the taking.
- Agnes De Mille
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
We are living in unprecedented times. As we continue to navigate the circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic and deal with extraordinary challenges in our industry, we are committed to keeping you informed. The health, safety, and well-being of our students remain our highest priority. As the timeline for reopening is in constant flux, City Ballroom will remain closed until further notice. In the meantime, we invite you to support our small business AND get a jump-start on your dancing! For a limited time, we are offering the following gift certificates:
$15 toward a future group class admission (single)
$30 toward a future group class admission (couple)
$100 - 2 private lessons (single or couple)*
Contact us below, and we thank you!
*New students only please
WHY CITY BALLROOM?
Photo by: Lauren Altheah Photography
MEET THE OWNER!
Rebecca Gentry - teacher, mentor, and general encourager - is a professionally trained ballet and ballroom dancer, though she dabbles in a variety of dance styles, from Bachata to Bollywood, Tap to Tango. She began teaching ballroom nearly 20 years ago and has been on staff at both the Arthur Murray and Fred Astaire Franchised Dance Studios. She competes nationally in Professional American Style Smooth and is a finalist in both the Rising Star and Open Professional categories. In addition to teaching ballroom dance, she guest-teaches Ballet, Pointe, Tap, and Jazz in studios across Lancaster County and in Philadelphia. She has performed locally with the Grant Street Dance Company and PRiMA Theatre, has choreographed for PRiMA, as well as Encore! Home School Productions, the Lancaster Academy for the Performing Arts, the People’s Shakespeare Project, and the Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center. She is resident choreographer in the Manheim Central High School theatre department and for an annual, Lancaster-based production of the Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Born from passion and built on quality, City Ballroom was founded in 2011 and just celebrated its 9th Anniversary! Rebecca has one goal: provide a warm and fun atmosphere for learning, quality instruction, and a place to discover the joy of dance. Creative in her presentation and full of life and energy, she has been known to lie on the floor in celebration of her students’ accomplishments! Come join her on the journey!
TESTIMONIALS
We’ve had the privilege and pleasure of working with Becca over the past several years. Her consistently upbeat demeanor and always positive, innovatively creative and empathetic approach to teaching has given us a truly memorable and relaxed learning experience! Even given our 40 minute drive to City Ballroom in Lancaster, we continue to look forward to our weekly lesson at her warm and inviting studio and have come to admire and appreciate her patience and willingness to tackle both the technical and psychological challenges of teaching couples to dance!
- Ann & Bill Unwin / York
City Ballroom is Awesome! So kid friendly! Both of my kids take from Becca and she is Super Motivating and Positive with them! They have learned a TON in such a short amount of time! She truly instills a love for dance!
- Jenny Norgaard / Lancaster
City Ballroom and Becca were a gem to find. It was super easy to get ahold of her and schedule ballroom lessons for our wedding last March. Becca has such vision and knows exactly when and where in a dance routine to "work the crowd". My wedding photographer was DELIGHTED when I was able to pinpoint exactly when and where the biggest photo-op was during our First Dance routine, thanks to Becca's insight. She is so much fun to be around and very flexible and her prices are competitive. You can't go wrong!
- Christina Reynolds / Lebanon
Becca is a consummate professional. I came to her specifically to better my Latin dances (Salsa, Bachata and Merengue). She helped me not only with the technical dance aspects (footwork, moves, etc), she also focused on the look and feel of the dance. Becca is incredibly kind and generous as a teacher - something any student will appreciate and value.
- Nicole J. / formerly of Lancaster
WHAT WE OFFER
We invite you to take a FREE, 30-minute Introductory Dance Lesson. Get to know us while trying out some simple moves. At the conclusion of your lesson, we'll help you assess your needs and dancing goals and determine which path is right for you.
No cost, no obligation - Just FUN!*
* While we hope you never have to cancel a dance lesson, we understand that things happen in life and you may need to do so. In the event of a non-emergency, we ask that you please provide notice of cancellation 24 hours before your scheduled appointment time. We sincerely appreciate your understanding.
Thank you!
YOUTH PROGRAMS
Tutus + Tendus or Ballgowns + Box Steps?
Even little ones have been bitten by the ballroom bug! If you’re searching for an alternative to the traditional avenue of ballet, tap, and jazz, or wanting to expand your child’s creative horizons, ballroom dancing may be the answer. Partner dancing provides a unique experience that the other forms of dance do not. Dance as a whole is a powerful ally in the development of a growing child. Dance helps children mature physically, emotionally, socially, and cognitively. Dancing with a partner requires good balance, a sense of rhythm, and strong body awareness and develops relationships necessary for close teamwork. Children are taught to understand their bodies as well as their partner’s. The maturity it takes to dance together fosters respect, civility, cooperation, and confidence.
That being said, we are also about fun at City Ballroom! We encourage your child to explore their creativity and self-expression. We are committed to educating the dancers of the future and hope to foster a lifelong appreciation for the art of dance.
Minimum age required is 6 years old, though exceptions may be made based on attitude and maturity level. Students do not need a partner - they will dance with their instructor - though it does enhance the experience to learn with someone their own age. Private lessons are immediately available. Contact us for information on upcoming group classes.
WEDDING DANCE PROGRAM
Congratulations on your engagement!
Your first dance as a married couple should be unique and special - perhaps outrageous, classy, fun or understated. Most importantly, it should be uniquely you. Whether you want one-of-a-kind choreography or just the basics, we can create the perfect routine for your special day.
Unless you’re equal parts Martha Stewart, hostage negotiator, and organizational superhero, wedding planning has the capacity to drive any bride to the brink of elopement. Avoid any potential pitfalls along the way, and plan ahead! That includes your dance lessons. We suggest you begin 6 to 8 weeks before the big day. But, don’t worry. We can help even if you don’t have that long!
Our Wedding Dance Program is also perfect for parents of the bride and groom and other members of the wedding party.
Photo: Students Jordan Strybos & Shannon DePaul
Photo by: Kemp Collective
THE DANCE COLLECTIVE
What is The Collective?
The Collective is Lancaster's first Ballroom and Latin competitive dance team for youth ages 11-19.
Collective, adj. a group of people working together toward a common goal; of or by all or many of the individuals in a group acting together
Synonyms: collaborative, cooperative, mutual, shared
Our Vision Statement
To provide an environment where students can express themselves fully, in a space and among people who encourage vulnerability and exploration. To foster a community of evolving artists. To nourish creativity and inspire confidence. To seek joy, connection, and ultimately, self-actualization through dance.
Why Ballroom and Latin?
Dancers who are well-rounded, diverse, and technically proficient in their training are undoubtedly the most competitive in the industry. In the current climate of athleticism and technical virtuosity, it is imperative that a dancer be not only skilled in a variety of styles but also mature, professional, and unique. We are in the business of creating artists, not dancers. Young men and women who understand how to work as a team and be accountable, how to respect one another, and how to dig deeply inside themselves and ask the same of their neighbor.
Be a part of The Collective. Make your mark.
Video auditions for The Collective have begun! Deadline to submit is Monday, June 8th.
Fill out the application form below, and click HERE for audition guidelines.
"When you dance, you enjoy the luxury of being you." - Paulo Coelho
CONTACT US
We look forward to dancing with you!