Back Mountain Dance Studio

We will be closed today, Monday, February 22nd.

We will be closed tonight, Thursday February 18th.

I think we all need a day to dig out. We will be closed today, Tuesday February 2nd.

We will be closed today, Monday February 1st. Enjoy the

We will be open for business as usual beginning Monday, January 4th. All classes- including all competition, preschool as well as all Thursday night classes will resume this week. All COVID procedures and protocols will remain. We look forward to seeing you and hope you all had a great holiday

Merry Christmas to all of our dance friends and families And thanks to this little lady who took the time to allow us to bend, twist and decorate her for these great photos, smiling the whole time. And to my son the photographer who captured it all for us. Merry Christmas

A weekend of decorating

A cute throwback from Christmas 2012 - there’s always one Thanks for laugh David. He’s still dancing with us 8 years later but he keep his shirt down these days. Have a good weekend.

Your teacher will still see your smile through your mask, but let’s all dance safely

Dance friends, As I’m sure you are all aware, the Governor has ordered a second business shut down which will of course affect our dance school. Therefore, we are currently closed to the public. These business restrictions are currently set to expire on Monday, January 4th. With that in mind, we will hope to reopen the first full week of January for regularly scheduled classes. Please continue to follow our page for updates. Also, please like or leave a comment so we know yo...u’ve seen this post and are aware of the closure. I’d like to thank everyone who has continued to bring their child to dance class and trusted us with their safety during these times of unknowns. I’d just like to say, I think we’ve done things right- and we will continue to do so with our precautions and protocols in place as we reopen again after the New Year. Happy Holidays to all

Five years ago at our annual June recital, several former students from the very beginning back in the early 90’s made their return to the stage to help celebrate our 25th year. They would perform again at the November competition in King Of Prussia just a few months later. The introduction by the announcer is as priceless as their performance Several of these ladies are now dance momsthemselves as their daughters are now members of our competition program.

Do you save every trophy? Every medal, ribbon, sash.....every plaque? Each and every certificate? This girl did. Over a decade of achievements to complete this awesome senior photo. Congratulations to our own Carly Kappler on years of success and to mom Leah on years of organizing it.

For 30 years, we are the Back Mountain’s #1 choice in dance for children. New Fall classes are forming now beginning at age 3. Be sure to visit our website at www.backmountaindancestudio.com (570)675-7227 or email [email protected]. You can also message us here through Facebook.

Happy Halloween

It may not have been what we had in mind for you when you started with us last fall- but any day spent watching kids dance and smile in their costumes is a good day- and this weekend was just that. In a year that has been filled with uncertainty and unknowns, please know that we appreciate your trust, cooperation, kindness, dedication and support. Another in house performance for our competition classes is planned in the next few weeks. Thank you all

Many thanks to the mom who was so kind to bring our entire staff coffee & hot chocolate tonight (and donuts last week) You know who you are and everyone sends thanks

Almost 6 months to the day, I snapped this picture of a dark & empty Thursday night waiting room - the first week of the shutdown back in March. Tonight we turned the lights back on and welcomed those that we’ve missed for so many months. Things may be little different and a little quieter for now, but we’ll take it. Much thanks and appreciation to those who place their trust in us as we manage through these unusual times. I hope this return to dance will help bring about the normalcy that is so needed for our children right now.

Well after many many months, we are so excited to welcome back our preschool classes from last season. While some things may seem a bit different from when we parted back in March, the smiles never change.

PARENTS; Many thanks to those who have reached out about returning to dance this month. We are always overwhelmed at your kindness and how receptive people are, and especially now. For those who have emailed the dance studio, please be sure to check your email tomorrow (Friday) morning for information on how we will proceed with classes and studio protocols concerning COVID. As always, please feel free to reach out to us anytime either by email, Facebook message or by phone if you have further questions. We are always happy to help. Happy Labor Day weekend to all.

It’s been 5 long months, and we’re ready to roll. Recital classes - including all preschool classes- will resume the week of SEPTEMBER 14th. This is a restart from where we left off in March. We still have a season to finish and we hope your as anxious to get restarted as we are. To better help us plan, we ask that all parents email the studio if they are planning to return. We will return your email in the next 7-10 days with your class and schedule information as well as t...he policies and protocols we have set in place regarding COVID. While most schedules and classes will continue as usual, some will need changes in accordance with the Governor’s cap on crowds and gatherings. The studio email is [email protected] We hope everyone is well - and I hope that a return to the dance studio can help bring about the normalcy that is so important to children during these trying times.

We are here from 11am- Noon on this beautiful summer Saturday for costume pick ups. Look forward to seeing you

As mentioned in our previous post, we will be having an outdoor costume pick up day this weekend- Saturday from 11:00am- Noon. Simply like this post or comment below so we know you’ll be stopping by and we will have your costumes out and ready for pick up. Look forward to seeing those that plan to pick up. I will make future arrangements for those that are unable to stop by. Feel free to share to help get the word out.

Many thanks to the mom who was so kind to bring our entire staff coffee & hot chocolate tonight (and donuts last week) You know who you are and everyone sends thanks

It’s been 5 long months, and we’re ready to roll. Recital classes - including all preschool classes- will resume the week of SEPTEMBER 14th. This is a restart from where we left off in March. We still have a season to finish and we hope your as anxious to get restarted as we are. To better help us plan, we ask that all parents email the studio if they are planning to return. We will return your email in the next 7-10 days with your class and schedule information as well as t...he policies and protocols we have set in place regarding COVID. While most schedules and classes will continue as usual, some will need changes in accordance with the Governor’s cap on crowds and gatherings. The studio email is [email protected] We hope everyone is well - and I hope that a return to the dance studio can help bring about the normalcy that is so important to children during these trying times.

We haven’t forgotten about you...... We are anxious to get you all started again, just not anxious to do it wrong. Or too soon. These are still uncertain times. It’s important that we bring you all back and do it right- and we want to do it better than anyone else. Children have been our priority for over 30 years now. We are reopening in 3 steps;... Currently we are closed to the public and are operating by appointment only for private and semi private classes. Next month competition group classes will resume, some in a scaled back time frame. Will will resume all recital classes in mid September. This will give students a chance to get back to school and adapt to those changes before getting back to dance. We don’t want to overwhelm. This will not be a new season- yet a restart from where we were back in March. I have been in talks with the Kirby Center about performance options for later in the year. Things can improve and for now we will hold on to that. With that in mind- we will be optimistic- yet realistic as we go forward. I will confirm a date in the next few weeks. Much will depend on our county and crowd limits as imposed by the state. So for now, let’s just hold on to a little hope. In the event that a recital performance proves impossible- we will consider the option of a very small - class by class- in house performance for each class so students can dance in their costumes and receive their year end trophy and certificate. Please just know- that we are determined to do something for these kids that have missed out on the usual end of the season dance activities. COSTUMES: We will be having an outdoor costume pick up at the studio next weekend. Day will depend on how the weather agrees. I will post something more definite by mid week- day, pick up times. More to follow. To avoid making this post into a long thread- please feel free to forward any questions or concerns to us through email, Facebook message or by phone. We are always happy to answer a question or address a concern. Perhaps like this post to help us keep track of those who have seen it. Parents, please consider sending us an email to [email protected] - this way we can respond and reach out in the next few weeks regarding restarting classes, protocols and safety measures we have taken when it is time to resume classes. We hope you are all well and healthy. I talk with our teachers and staff often and they always express how they have missed seeing the kids. We look forward to hearing from you soon and seeing those that will be picking up costumes next weekend.

It would have been, the most perfect day......for a dance recital. 6/28/20

Final practice tonight with my original competition students from 25 years ago, performing in this year's recital at the Kirby Center tomorrow night. These were... my very first "winners", my "kids" before I had my own, my original "dream team". Good luck tomorrow night, and show em' how it's done.... See more

It’s posts like this that are getting us through this week. Kris and I are terribly missing the events that this week would normally bring. Few things have made us feel so sentimental over the years as to not have our June recital at the Kirby Center. Updates from us will be coming soon. Hope you are all well- & please know that you are all missed.

Tonight would have marked the last preschool classes of the season before recital. Nothing gets more planning and attention than our littles. Preschool classes set the tone for much to come down the road for those that continue in dance. I can’t tell you how many 3 and 4 year olds have found themselves on the recital stage many years later being celebrated as our High School Seniors. I think all would agree- and it goes without saying- that infamous shoelace incident from 2017 will always be regarded as the most memorable recital moment ever.

Happy Father’s Day to all those dance dads out there who build and haul props, applaud and support their sons and daughters every time they hit the stage, every performance, everyday.

Yesterday would have been picture day here at the studio. A crazy day of posing and smiles, glitter and costumes. It’s the day that begins the excitement of the week to come as we approach dress rehearsal and recital. Ms. Kris always says it’s her favorite day of the season. June is a special and exciting month for dance schools- pictures, costumes, last practices, performances and recitals. We are missing all the events that come with the end of the season and remain hopeful and determined to reschedule these events for the kids. Updates are coming soon. Info regarding a costume pick up day to follow. Have a great weekend.

Every year at our June recital we take time to honor and appreciate our Seniors, our graduates- many of which have been with us for a decade or more. With recital on hold this year, we didn’t want this important time to go by without recognizing these accomplished young people. Mackenzie, Kaci, Gabrielle, Mia, Hannah, Madison & Madison, we salute you, congratulate you and we love you all. Much luck and success from your dance family as you embark on future endeavors.

15 years ago today, June 2nd, 2005, construction began on our current and forever home. Little known fact; the workers seen in these photos were an Amish crew from Lancaster. A small business built by another small business.

A little something for our preschool ballerinas from Ms. Beth & her little sidekick on this (chilly?) Sunday morning https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjfw46XL11g

For 20+ years we spent our Memorial Day weekends at dance competition in King Of Prussia just up until a year or two ago. Here's one from about 5 years ago- Ms. Alyssa and her partner (I'm sure most of you know this guy ) More than a few times they were the weekends top scoring duo, including this one......great memories.

Check out our guy Mason (handsome guy at the end of the video ) on this weeks Fan Friday with the Kirby Center. The Kirby has been our recital venue for over 15 years now. #supportlocal #kirbycenter

15 years ago today, they started to pour.....and so it began.

Something for our little preschool tappers from Ms. Beth and her little sidekick on this beautiful Saturday morning Time to turn off the cartoons and dance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQEQu1kzG1I

We get mail. Can’t argue with the honesty of children. They call is as they see it. We miss you all. Have a good weekend.

Just wanted to thank the two little gems that left this for us at the studio this morning for #teacherappreciationday We miss you both

#shutdown Week #7 - Simply put, kids make things better and this past week was a reminder of that. Every so often we find little surprises, notes, cards & messages left at the studio and here on Facebook. These genuine gestures of kindness from children give us faith that we will get through this.

It’s #internationaldanceday We hope to be dancing with you all again soon

No better way to pass the time on a dreary rainy Monday than a barre class with Ms. Beth https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVWIO_jq6HM

I’m not sure I have the right words , but I’ll try.... It was an overwhelmingly wonderful experience today to see the parade of cars come down the highway and around our parking lot this afternoon at the dance studio- the sound of the honking horns, the kids, the waves, the posters, the signs, the gifts- the Prince music coming from the cars at full volume - to celebrate this day, marking our 30th year in business. We haven’t seen the kids in 5 weeks since the shutdown. How... wonderful to see all those faces today, even if from a distance. Unfortunately, the video is too long to post, but the photos are priceless. Touched doesn’t even begin to describe how Kris and I feel today. We hope to dance with you all again soon.

Today, we are 30. It was April 17, 1990 that we opened the doors to the Back Mountain Dance Studio in Dallas, the first dance school ever located in the Back Mountain. Pictured is our first location in the spring of 1990 which is now CK’s Mexican Restaurant in Dallas. In March 92’ we would expand and move to a different section of the same building which is now Salon Nouveau and formerly the Jean Shop in the 80’s for those that remember. ... In June 2005 we began construction on our own facility, our current and forever home. It all started 30 years ago with 3 students. My father laid our very first tile floor. My grandmother bought my first set of mirrors and paid my first months rent. My mother was my guide and Kris my forever partner. Today we continue to be one of the largest dance schools in Northeast Pennsylvania.

We had a nice afternoon dropping off jacket orders on front porches- we got waves (from a distance), notes, letters and even refreshments. The pictures speak for themselves.

Jackets are all bagged up and we are ready to head out. If you still want your jacket dropped off, now is the time to reach out. My cell is 570-690-0445

Morning stretch with Ms. Alyssa on this chilly Saturday (and her little helper too) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Dc71Ooblg0&feature=youtu.be

One week from today will mark 30 years since we opened the doors to the Back Mountain Dance Studio in Dallas in April 1990. On the left are some pics from our very first studio, taken just prior to our opening which is now CK’s Mexican Restaurant.

Stretch with Ms. Beth on this rainy Thursday morning https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDFHRKxI774

On Saturday 4/11, we are planning to deliver jackets to those who ordered them. All orders will be packaged in clean bags, wiped down, done with gloves, etc and dropped at your front porch so there are no worries. I know some ordered them as gifts for Easter and we would like to see the kids still get them. You can message us here on Facebook or email or text with your address and a cell phone number so we can find you and let you know when your jacket is dropped off. If you would prefer us NOT to deliver, please let us know and we will hold it for you until we see you again. Studio email is [email protected] or my cell is 570-690-0445 for those that do not already have it.

Just wanted to say thank you - for the messages, the texts, emails, the cards - and those that stopped by the studio to leave a message in the parking lot today- (you know who you are) - we appreciate & miss you all and look forward to dancing with you again soon.

How quickly the living room becomes the dance room. Everyday we get messages and texts with pictures of the kids practicing and stretching at home. Drop a photo here of your dancer doing their thing

A mother sent me this to me today - I found this in her room, she misses dance. We miss her too. A father reached out last week -my son misses you all. Yep, we miss him too. We miss all the kids, we miss the music. Based on tonight’s news, looks like it will be another 30 days, and we get it. Safety first, there’s nothing more important. When the time is right, things will reopen - and we will be here, and we will be ready. Recitals will go on, dances will get practiced, costumes will be here, competitions will be planned and we will dance. Hope you are all well, and hope to see you soon.

I’m sure this is a given, but we wanted to update and let you all know that our MOVE FOR AUTISM event will be postponed until next year. Those businesses and individuals who were kind enough to donate basket raffles, gift cards and other donations, we will be in touch in the next few weeks to seek permission to either hold or to return these items that were so graciously donated. Positive thoughts to all during this difficult time. Please feel free to share to help us get the world out.

Take a moment from the news, tap play, crank the volume and enjoy this little gem. This sure seems like a lot more than just a few weeks ago. We miss the kids, the music, the smiles. Hope all is well and hope to see you all soon.

Dance friends, After much thought & consideration, we will suspend all recital groups classes for a two week period. My hope is that we can return to a normal schedule the week of March 30th. I will keep you all updated as we know more. We will inform everyone of a make up schedule as soon as things begin to return to normal and kids begin to resume regular activities. We have every intention to have each student prepared for a successful June recital regardless of this brie...f interruption in our usual schedule. Dance is our life- it’s what we do everyday for almost 30 years. It’s so very hard to make these decisions. But your child’s safety and good health is so very important to us all. Please like or comment so we know who has seen this post. We have a very large enrollment and not everyone is connected on Facebook. I want to be sure to begin contacting those who are not aware as soon as possible. COMPETITION PEOPLE; Please refer to our large group message for plans on going forward these next few weeks. Positive thoughts to all during these trying times. We will see you soon.

COMPETITION PEOPLE; Just a reminder that competition forms are due by weeks end

This little gem spent her Friday night practicing her 4 solos for the upcoming April competition. Just a reminder that competition registration forms are due by the end of next week. Have a great weekend.