Where every dancer
discovers her grace
Bella School of Dance has been building confidence, character, and beautiful technique in young dancers since 2004. A warm, faith-centered studio where every child is seen and celebrated.
Our Story
Rooted in passion,
built on love for the art
In 2003, founder Anna Kate Melani graduated from Eastern University with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Dance. With a renewed passion for wholesome, age-appropriate dance education, she founded Bella School of Dance in 2004 at St. Stephen's Church in Sewickley, PA.
Our school is twofold. We offer weekly classes and summer camps to equip students with high-quality dance education. Students who turn 12 may also join our Lyrical Dance Ministry, where they explore dance as an expression of worship and have the opportunity to perform at local churches.
At Bella, we care deeply about each dancer as an individual. Our instructors bring out the personal best in every student through warmth, encouragement, and excellence in technique.
"We build loving relationships with our students, equipping them with a knowledge of dance in an age-appropriate and wholesome manner."
Our daughter has been with Bella for over 10 years. Through Anna Kate and the Bella teachers, she has found not only technically sound training and a deep love of dance, but also wonderful role models. They bring out the personal best in each student through their warmth and encouragement.
Bella School of Dance is so much more than a place to learn technique. It has played a significant role in shaping the confidence and character of my daughters. After 6 years of dancing, my daughter still gets excited to go to class every week.
We started at Bella when my first daughter was just 3 years old. She is now 12. Their dance nights are the highlight of their week, and the friendships formed are close and long-lasting. It is a great place for my pre-teen, with excellent leadership.
The Team
Meet our instructors
Our teachers are trained, caring professionals who invest deeply in each student's growth, on the dance floor and beyond.
Anna Kate Melani
Founder & Lead Instructor
Anna Kate began her dance training at age 3 in Pittsburgh and earned her BA in Psychology with a minor in Dance from Eastern University, where she trained under Dr. Joselli Deans of the Dance Theater of Harlem. With a heart for wholesome, faith-centered dance education, she founded Bella School of Dance in 2004.
Abbey Hughes
Instructor
Abbey began dancing at age 4 at PineTree Performing Arts Center, studying ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, and irish. At 12 she joined Bella as a student and trained through graduation, including ballet, pointe, and dance ministry. She is thrilled to return as an instructor, sharing her love of dance with every student.
Maria Finazzo
Instructor
Maria began dancing at the age of 5 at Spotlight Dance Studio in Erie, PA, training in ballet, pointe, lyrical, tap, jazz, musical theater, and more. She choreographed for her college dance club, held the dance captain title in high school musicals, and recently graduated from Grove City College with a BS in Elementary Education. She has trained under highly successful dancers and choreographers through intensives, master classes, and individual lessons. Maria is excited to share her passion for teaching and dance with the students at Bella.
Bella also welcomes a talented roster of guest instructors who bring fresh perspectives each season.
What We Offer
Classes for every age and level
From your little one's very first pliés to advanced lyrical technique, we offer a nurturing environment where dancers of all levels can grow and love dance.
Select any class to view available days and times.
Ballet
The foundation of all dance training. Students learn classical technique, musicality, and body awareness in a structured, joyful environment.
Tap
Rhythm, coordination, and pure fun. Students develop musicality and timing through the percussive art of tap dance.
Jazz
Upbeat, energetic, and expressive. Jazz classes build strength, flexibility, and performance quality with age-appropriate choreography.
Lyrical
A blend of ballet and jazz that emphasizes storytelling through movement. Students learn to connect emotion and technique in every performance.
Hip Hop
High-energy, age-appropriate routines that build confidence and rhythm. Students love the music, movement, and team spirit of hip hop.
Lyrical Dance Ministry
An opportunity to explore dance in Scripture and present contemporary lyrical performances at local churches. Open to students 12 and older who seek to use dance as worship.
Prefer a paper form? Download the registration form
Sewickley Dance Studio
405 Frederick Ave, Sewickley, PA 15143
Where To Find Us
A welcoming home
for your dancer
Our Sewickley studio is a warm, nurturing space where students feel at home from their very first class. Conveniently located with easy parking at St. Stephen's Church.
Mailing Address
Bella School of Dance
P.O. Box 333
Sewickley, PA 15143
Stay in the Loop
Upcoming events
From summer camps to recitals, there's always something to celebrate at Bella. Reach out to stay informed about upcoming dates.
Get In Touch
We'd love to hear from you
Questions about classes, schedules, or enrollment? Reach out and we'll respond within 24 hours.
Phone
412-480-4897Mailing Address
P.O. Box 333, Sewickley, PA 15143
Send us a message