Dance Program
Summer Dance Camp - Ages 8 to 12
Monday - Thursday
August 17-20, 2026
3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Showcase 5:30 p.m. Thursday!
$206
Turns, Tricks, Leaps Clinic: Villa Dancers
Tuesdays
Summer 2026 Dates: 6/9, 6/16, 6/23, 7/7, 7/14, 7/21, 7/28
4:00 to 5:15 p.m.
$100
Dance Program Coordinator and Teacher
Ms. Christie Lawler
Christie grew up in Delaware County, PA, where she studied all styles of dance at multiple dance studios and conventions, but calls Carmela's Dance Studio "home".
Christie graduated with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Dance Performance from West Chester University, where she also obtained her Master's Degree in Counseling. She performed for two seasons for Between Movement Contemporary Dance Company 2006-2007), directed by the late Jeff Choice. During graduate school she performed for a non-profit children's theater company, Stages of Imagination (2008-2009), traveling to different elementary schools in Philadelphia performing SEL based original children's musicals.
She has been teaching all styles of dance for the past 20 years at Carmela’s Dance Studio and Desiree Catania Dance Center, in the Philadelphia suburbs, both for which she started Acro programs.
Christie also remains active in West Chester University's Alumni Dance Chapter where she enjoys performing and choreographing. Christie feels blessed to be at her high school alma mater, Villa Maria Academy High School, as their Dance Program Coordinator, sharing her heart's passions of dance and education.
Dance Company
The Dance Company is an auditioned ensemble of dedicated dancers who will benefit from multiple performance and competition opportunities both on and off campus. The company performs regionally in dance festivals and competitions, as well as in-house at Villa Maria Academy High School events. See application link in sidebar.
Dance Classes
Students may take dance classes for credit to count towards Physical Education or Fine Arts requirements or electives.
Courses
Dance Appreciation
This quarter-long course is an introduction to dance. It focuses on understanding one’s body and how it works, and includes basic concepts in multiple styles of dance like ballet, modern, and Jazz. No previous dance training required.
Dance for Conditioning
This quarter-long course focuses on enhancing athletic performance through basic dance training and conditioning to improve flexibility, endurance, agility and balance in the physically active student. Focus on proper alignment and increasing core strength will aid in injury prevention and balancing muscle groups.
Dance Company
The Dance Company is an auditioned group of freshman, sophomores, junior and senior students. This full-block course consists of classes and rehearsals that prepare dancers for performances throughout the year.
PERFORMance Company
The Second Company is an audition-based group that gives the opportunity for up to 10 dancers who have demonstrated the potential for technical and artistic growth. Each individual has displayed the technical ability to progress at a quick pace and therefore will be encouraged to audition for the Elite Performance Company (next, below), if she so chooses.
elite Company
This select group of students focuses on performance-based dance. The course offers the opportunity for up to 15 students who are serious about the art of dance. The group learns choreography, works within an ensemble, and prepares for numerous performance opportunities. The course offers knowledge in production, costuming, lighting design, and directing of a concert.
Dance Company Application
The Dance Company is an auditioned ensemble of dancers who perform on and off campus.
APPLY
Freshman Dance Scholarship
One incoming freshman student will be the recipient of the $600 Dance Scholarship, which covers course fees and costumes. To apply for the Dance Scholarship, students must complete the application, as well as plan to attend the in-person auditions on November 14, 2025.
