First Step provides our youngest students (age three) an introduction to movement in an interactive environment where their caregiver also participates. Children are accepted into the Creative dance class at the age of four.  This class stresses individual exploration of movement, basic dance technique, and simple rhythmic training. At age six, children progress to the Pre-ballet class or the Pre-tap class, both of which build on the creative dance program, offering more of a compositional and technical challenge, and preparing the child for the more rigorous training of ballet, modern, tap or jazz dance.

The Children's Scholarship Program provides the opportunity for children, who might otherwise be unable, to experience the joys and benefits of dance.  The study of ballet affords challenges which stimulate development and growth in physical coordination and grace, learning, and creativity and cultural appreciation. Students are chosen twice a year at a special audition, and scholarships are awarded on the basis of talent and financial need. Children in PreBallet, Beginning Ballet, Intermediate Ballet and Advanced Ballet, ages 6-14, are invited to audition.

Classes for beginning through advanced adults form a major part of the school's curriculum. A progression of classes is offered in ballet, modern dance, jazz, tap; in addition, pointe and hip hop are also offered. All regular adult classes are taught on a twice weekly schedule and are usually offered in the evenings.

CPDW offers interested students this opportunity to grow in another aspect of their dance training.  As teaching assistants (TAs), participants gain valuable experience and expertise as they demonstrate, teach, and work with a variety of students.  Qualified TAs regularly attend their assigned class and work closely with the classroom teacher to develop skills necessary to be an effective mentor and teacher to less experienced students.  On occasion, TAs are called upon to substitute teach when the professional instructor is unavailable.  Each class requires a teaching assistant, so there is ample opportunity for gaining this worthwhile experience.  Openings are posted in the school newsletter.

Fraser Street Dancers (FSD) is a pre-professional training ground for young people who are pursuing or contemplating a career in the dance world. The program includes a rigorous schedule of dance classes at CPDW aimed at developing a high level of physical skill, as well as exposing the dancers to a variety of dance techniques.  The program provides performing experiences within which the dancers can apply the knowledge gained in class. The dancers perform in their own concerts and at locations throughout the community. Performing exciting and diverse works choreographed by the CPDW faculty, FSD has been well received in schools, private residential facilities and banquets.  The program also provides work experience in various technical and performance-related fields, such as lighting, sound, costuming, video and fund-raising.  Additional opportunities include weekly responsibilities as teachers' assistants and demonstrators for various classes.  Students are chosen for the program by audition at the beginning of the Fall and Spring semesters on the basis of hard work, level of skill, potential, and talent. They are given special attention by teachers in the school and are expected to excel and be leaders at their respective levels. The program is generally limited to ten qualified people over the age of thirteen. Past members have gone on to be accepted into performing arts schools, colleges and professional companies throughout the United States.  Auditions are held twice a year.

There are numerous performance opportunities available for students of the Central Pennsylvania Dance Workshop. During the regular school year, there are two School Performances, at the end of the Fall and Spring semesters, in which all students are encouraged to participate.  In past performances, CPDW students have presented our interpretation of  "Peter Pan," "The Night Before Christmas," "Sleeping Beauty," "The Nutcracker," and "Cinderella." CPDW has been invited annually to perform in the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts.

During the Spring semester we offer a unique opportunity to our students to develop another facet of their dance training.   The Student Choreographer's Showcase allows interested students to choreograph their own dances for themselves or their peers. The student choreographers select musical accompaniment and design their own costumes. During the creative process, they receive faculty input on choreographic principles. An informal studio performance is the culmination of this project.

The Fraser Street Dancers, our advanced student performing ensemble, gives adult students an opportunity to perform on a more regular basis.  In addition to the FSD Spring Concert, this ensemble provides outreach performances in a variety of settings throughout the community.  If your organization is interested in booking a performance, please contact our director, Jill A. Brighton, at (814) 237-2666.