Afterschool Dance & Drama

Between running Philly Dance Fitness and running after 3 children, Deborah has her hands more than full. But somehow she can’t resist new challenges — thus the birth of this multi-faceted after school program. As a “nerdy” kid growing up, Deborah found herself liberated from stereotypes when she took to the stage in school plays, and even more free on the dance floor. Though she went on to study journalism at Northwestern University, she kept her passion for dance alive by taking non-credit courses every term and completing a minor in the Integrated Arts Program. She founded Philly Dance Fitness in 2010 while also working as a newspaper reporter. After a decade in journalism, she turned her full attention to developing the company, which now offers more than 45 weekly classes at multiple locations in the city. She’s completed numerous fitness certifications, teaching everything from aquacize to Pilates, and of course, all kinds of dance. She also teaches partner dancing through sister company Ballroom Bliss. During the summer, she organizes the annual nonprofit Philadelphia Dance Day festival and also travels to a variety of city rec centers to lead dance programming for 5-12 year-old campers, who make sure to call her out if she’s not clued into the latest Tik Tok dance trends. She credits the encouragement of many excellent teachers over the years for helping her become her best self, and hopes to do the same for your children.

A former molecular geneticist, Beverly found her second calling teaching dance and hasn’t looked back. Her training began at age 3, studying classical ballet, jazz and tap. She continued dancing while working as a research scientist in the biopharmaceutical industry, rehearsing with the Philadelphia Civic Ballet Company at night and on weekends. She also served as the choreographer and lead model for a major modeling production company in the tri-state area, participating in hundreds of fashion shows over a 20 year period. Between coaching teen models and teaching children’s ballet and creative movement classes for Philly Dance Fitness, she’s developed a passion for nurturing young dancers. In class, she delivers her technical expertise in a structured but relaxed and supportive environment. Kids will still learn discipline, focus and technique, but with a more laid-back approach than what you might find at a traditional ballet school. In addition to instructing, Beverly serves as the studio manager and can answer questions about registration, scheduling or anything else.

Billy has always had a passion for educating children through the power of entertainment, even participating in a voluntary touring children’s theater program, CAPA Caravan, while attending Creative and Performing Arts High School. In 2018, he graduated from The University of the Arts with a BFA in Acting and a minor in Musical Theater. Since then, he’s honed his craft in numerous professional settings, leading classes and birthday parties as well as performing in plays and musicals. In 2021, he launched Sandcastle Fun Co., a mobile children’s educational entertainment company that offers weekly outdoor classes for 1-5 year-olds. He can’t wait to help your kids open up “onstage” during drama classes at Philly Dance Fitness!

Nicketta has more than 15 years of experience working with children as a teacher, director, writer and choreographer. In addition to a degree in Early Childhood Education from West Chester University, she’s taken several acting and film courses. She’s currently studying theater at Temple University. She’s directed numerous youth productions at the Marian Anderson Recreation Center in the Graduate Hospital neighborhood, including “The Lion King,” “The Wiz,” “Sing” and “Annie.” During the pandemic, she moved rehearsals outdoors to keep her “Lights, Camera, Believe: Youth Performing Arts” group going, giving the kids a much-needed slice of normalcy and connection. Through her work in the arts, Nicketta also aims to teach children self-esteem, social-emotional skills and conflict resolution.

Dance is life! I’ve been dancing since I could walk and don’t know life without it. It’s the best way to feel better physically, mentally, emotionally, and just let it all out. If music is playing, I’m dancing.

I come from a long line of dance lovers. I dance for fun, I dance for joy, I dance when I need to relieve stress or tune out, and I dance when I eat a good meal.

I’ve been dancing since age 2 and can’t imagine my life without it. Move in a way that you feel most comfortable with. Own it — make it your own!