Joan Harris Centre

We have some great news we would like to share with everyone, however, we apologize in advance to the length of this post. In order to get everyone on the same page, we would like to share how this all developed. As you know Covid 19 and all the restrictions that came with it has made everyone’s life more challenging. The studio has been blessed with not only unbelievably talented dancers, but also incredibly supportive families. We have been able to adjust and keep for t...he most part the structure the studio has followed for nearly 40 years. We staged performances in August, September, October and January. Now we are working on our annual Spring Ballet and year end recitals. For the ballet, Swan Lake, we truly wanted to stage it on a legitimate stage and in a legitimate theater. A few weeks ago this all looked promising and we were able to secure some dates in May. Unfortunately less than 48 hours after beginning to announce this to our dancers, a scheduling problem was discovered and we lost the dates. Once again we had to adjust and come up with an alternative for our students. During that time one of our incredible alums, Miss Amanda Urbanski, reached out to us with an offer. Amanda, a wonderful dancer and former teacher at the studio, now works at a studio near Allentown. She too has had problems finding venues and so she directed virtual recitals that were then streamed on line for the families. She said that due to the support the JHC has given to her during her career, she would like to help facilitate a virtual ballet for us. Amanda asked that we gather approximately ten dancers and she would come up and film a teaser for the event. The most judicious way for us to chose the dancers was decided to use our graduating seniors along with the three leads of the ballet. Last Sunday, Amanda spent several hours at the studio filming our students. Now, here is where yet again, there is a twist. As of Friday of this week we were able to arrange for a different theater with the same dates in May that will allow us to stage three live shows. We are set for May 22nd and 23rd and will be announcing showtimes shortly! Today, Sunday the 18th, Amanda sent us the finished trailer and as you will see it looks amazing. Here is our plan now, we will stage the ballet as promised and that will be our main focus right now. We would also continue to pursue the online steaming option that will feature all of the ballet student of the school. Each class will be given a separate time for the filming and then the finished product will be slick edited video of Swan Lake. This is what we ask for right now. Please let us prepare for the live shows first. We will need sometime to work out the logistics of the streaming video, meaning we will decimate that information as it develops. As for now, enjoy the trailer and use it a teaser for the live show next month. This is going to be GREAT!! And thank you Miss Amanda, you are AMAZING! See more

Saint Patrick's Day is not over yet!! The Connemara Irish Dancers will be performing at our building tomorrow at 2:00 PM. Check out this awesome group that rehearses here weekly and show them our support. Tickets are only $5 and it should be a fun and lively event. Don't miss it! See You There!!! https://www.facebook.com///g.94720921397/10215346269637507

Just a quick reminder we are pulling the tickets for the dance bag at 7:15 tonight. Good Luck Everyone!

There are four Albums on the Joan Harris Centre page of the Auditions for Swan Lake 2021. Over 1,600 Images provided to us by Karen Simmers and Michele Davis. Please check them out, they are beautiful. Judging from what we saw, this is going to be an amazing production!

We are running a Saint Patrick's Day Raffle right now at the studio!!! A wonderful family who asked to remain anonymous donated this much sought after dance bag by Ovation Gear. You probably have seen a few back stage at our shows. They are incredible and the dancers LOVE them. To sweeten the pot even a little more the family is donating $150 of credit to his/her account to be used on either studio purchases or lessons. The family is making this available to only current... Joan Harris Centre Dancers. Words can never truly express how bless we feel at this gift. This left Mr. Jim speechless and we all know how hard that is to do! Check out the great features the bag has. You can see it for yourself in the lobby! Drawing will be held live Facebook on Saint Patrick's Day at 7:00 PM. Get your tickets today! Features: Ability to hold up to 10 costumes Light colored interior cavity to make seeing what you have packed inside a breeze Collapsible design allows for easy storage during the off season, while the included stability poles keeps the bag stable when in use Trolley bag design with a sturdy handle and rugged wheels for easy travel Spacious interior with several storage pockets to fit all of your necessities in one place Interior hanger hooks help keep clothing upright and organized while in transit Steady and secure rack system sets up quickly, easily holding all your costumes for quick access Insulated pocket for that in between snack Black Velcro patch that can be personalized Smooth rolling wheels makes traveling with your bag effortless See more

I am sure Kayden and Jameson are going to hate me for this, but I just ran across these photos and I think they are priceless. Let me know what you think. Also please check out page #1 in the purple costume. I have said he will be chasing her the rest of his life. Also page one, the look of disgust (more to follow.) Page two: Jameson and Kayden at The Grill in Luzerne, Page Three, Kayden and Jameson at the Kirby ( my favorite) and Kayden and Jameson at the Charles Street Park..... (notice the clenched fist. ) What couple does this remind you of????

THE BENEFITS OF DANCE #1 PHYSICAL BENEFITS a. Builds Fitness b. Improves Balance c. Increases Flexibility... d. Improves Core Strength e. Develops Spacial Awareness f. Promotes Neurological Development g. Teaches Proper Posture and Alignment See more

Give your child some normalcy in their lives and get them out from in front of that computer! The Joan Harris Centre is now enrolling for the 2021 season and we want you to join our family! This is a chance for your child to move outside of the house once a week, get some much needed exercise, socialize with their peers in a clean and safe environment and learn something new. Planned for the coming months is our annual ballet, this year Swan Lake and our year end recitals. We can't wait to meet you! Call us at 570-287-7977!

Here is a fun Hop Hop Dance. It represents two roomates deciding to hold a holiday party. We do not own the rights to this music.

Here is something fun we just ran across. Kind of weird don't you think?

Just having some fun with a dancing optical illusion. It is kind of weird.