Paul Klocke Studio of Dance

Grab your bow and join us for a JoJo Inspired Dance Extravaganza! On January 31, from 2-2:45 we will be hosting a dance party including activities, games, and dancing. This event is free for all current students. Please call us at (610) 494-4610 or email us at [email protected] for more info! #pjkpride #wearefamily #morethandance #dancefamily

Hemsley Winfield is considered one of the pioneers of modern dance in the United States. He was born in 1907 in Yonkers, New York. Winfield got his start choreographing for and dancing in plays including, Congo, Wade in the Water, and De Promis’ Lan’. The later two were plays of his mother’s which were performed in Carnegie Hall. In addition to his performance work, Winfield was the director of the New Negro Art Theater in New York City. Like many of the artists at the ...New Negro Art Theater, Winfield used his artistic gifts to advance racial consciousness. Winfield was also responsible for the creation of New Negro Art Dance Group which came to fruition in 1931 under the original name the Bronze Ballet Plastique. The formation of the company was so significant as it was billed as the first Black modern dance company in the United States. In 1933, Winsfield danced the role of the Congo Witch Doctor in the ballet The Emperor Jones. This made him the first Black person to be contracted by The Metropolitan Opera. Unfortunately, Winfield passed away of pneumonia at the young age of 26 in 1934. Despite his premature death, he is remembered for his significant contributions to the modern dance world.

Join us for our Winter Craft Event via Zoom. On January 31, students ages 3-8 may join us in making a snowflake craft. We will supply you with all of the craft materials, though parental help will be needed. This event is free for all current students. Please call us at (610) 494-4610 or email us at [email protected] for more info! #pjkpride #wearefamily #morethandance #dancefamily

Tuesday mood... #pjkpride #wearefamily #morethandance #dancefamily

#pjkpride #wearefamily #morethandance #dancefamily

Today is the last day to send us your Santa Letters for collection. Please email us at [email protected] with any letters so we can be sure Santa sees them in time! #pjkpride #wearefamily #morethandance #dancefamily

Syvilla Fort was born in Seattle and attended Cornish School of the Arts where she was the first Black student. Though she stared her dance training at a young age, she was taught in her home as formal dance schools would not accept a Black student. Growing up, Fort was instrumental in organizing dance classes for other children in her neighborhood. After graduating, Fort appeared as a soloist with the Dunham group (Katherine Dunham’s company), and made an appearance in the f...ilm Stormy Weather alongside her fellow company members. She was also handpicked by the Governor of Guinea to develop a dance company for the country as Fort was recognized as a specialist in her field. Fort later became the dance director for Katherine Dunham’s school, on staff at the Teachers College of Columbia University, and the owner of her own studio. She was known for providing her students with a spiritual home in addition to the dance training and guidance she gave them. Several people who worked with Fort have credited her for showing and teaching them about the joy that comes through one’s own dance expression. Alvin Ailey said that Fort was the foundation for Black dance. The style of dance she created and taught was significantly impacted and inspired by Afro-Caribbean elements that she experienced while dancing for Dunham. Just prior to her passing in 1975, she was honored with a concert by the Black Theatre Alliance for her vast contributions to the dance world.