Tradition. Precision. Grace.
About Next Level Dance Academy
Mission Statement
"Our mission is to provide 'Next Level' dance instruction and instill an appreciation for the art of dance in a safe studio environment. Our goal is to also help the students grow into mature and respectful humans in and out of the dance studio. "
Founder & Director
Savannah Zerff
Savannah began her dance training at the age of 3. In 2006 she attended Pennsylvania Governors School of the Arts. In 2007 she attended the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater summer dance program. Miss Savannah received her B.F.A in dance at Long Island University, Brooklyn. There she studied under Dana Hash Campbell, former principal dancer for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Sara Neece, former ballet master for the Robert Battle Dance Company, and Nathan Trice. She was chosen in her freshman year to perform a duet choreographed by Alenka Cizmesija, in her second year she received the lead role of Giselle in Donald Byrds work – Life’s Situations, staged by Stephanie Guiland Brown. In addition she performed works choreographed by Robert Battle, Ronald K. Brown, Urban Bush Women, Donald Byrd, Nathan Trice, Earl Mosley, Alenka Cizmesija and Roger Belman. She worked directly with the choreographers and former company members who set the work. She is looking forward to sharing her knowledge and passion with everyone.
Instructors
Dana Hannis
Dana Hannis started dancing at the age of 5 with the New Jersey Ballet School. She danced under the late Ms. Clark and Mr. Tomal whom were performers and choreographers with the American Ballet Theater and New Jersey State Opera among other credits. Dana performed numerous times in the Nutcracker when it was held at the Papermill Playhouse in NJ. She remembers how thrilling it was at a young age to perform and give autographs in-between shows. Dana earned her BSBA at Bloomsburg University in PA where she taught and choreographed beginning ballet to college students in the Bloomsburg Dance Ensemble. She also danced for the Bloomsburg School of Dance and performed in their version of the Nutcracker as numerous roles. After college she continued to dance with New Jersey Ballet School under Rosemary Sabovick-Bleich until she moved to PA. Dana is now certified to teach Dance through CLI Studios where she also continues her own dance improvements. At Next Level Dance Academy, she strives to help everyone be the best dancers they can be. Dana believes that Ballet not only teaches discipline, strength and rhythm but provides numerous life skills throughout adulthood. Ballet teaches coordination and flexibility helping the body become strong and limber, improving mobility and posture. Dance gives our children the opportunity to express themselves through movement, gain confidence, and improve self-esteem.