Business & Tech
Business of the Week: Movement Theater
Nazareth now has a new dance studio that also offers voice, piano and acting lessons – oh, and Zumba too.
The Movement Theater has moved to Main Street in Nazareth.
Launched in December, Movement Theater has taken off with five different dance classes, voice and drama lessons, preschool classes, summer classes, evening classes, Zumba and a teen musical performance group based off the TV series Glee.
But don't expect to be invited to a recital any time soon, according to Colleen Samsel, the artistic director and owner of Movement Theater.
Find out what's happening in Nazarethfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“The goal of Movement Theater is to provide a place where youth and adults can come to experience professional training in the performing arts," Samsel said. "Our concentration is developing the craft, not showcasing the product.”
Catherine Little, an instructor at Movement Theater and member of the Town Square Players, Inc., said that at some studios, “the production becomes the focus. We want the students to learn and grow as actors and dancers.”
Find out what's happening in Nazarethfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Samsel has a long resume in the dance world. After graduating from Temple University with a degree in dance, she went on to work as a professional dancer in Philadelphia, where she also opened a dance studio.
After moving to the Nazareth area, Samsel taught ballet for the Lehigh Valley Ballet Guild. Most recently, she started a dance program at Kula Heart Yoga Center on Main Street in Nazareth.
“[Kula’s] was an opportunity for me,” Samsel said. “While I was there, I developed a following.”
With the success of her dance program and summer classes at Kula, and three of her four children in school, Samsel decided it was time to open another dance studio.
Most offerings at Movement Theater run as six-week semesters – fall, winter and spring. Samsel decided to offer semesters so children who play sports can make time for all of their activities.
Semester tuition costs start at $112 for 45 minute classes and go up to $266 for two hour classes. Classes are limited to 12 students each.
For current and upcoming offerings at Movement Theater, which include "Mom & Tot Playtime" and "Zumba," visit www.movementtheater.net.