In 2003, owner, Anna Kate Melani, graduated from Eastern University with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Dance. After graduating, Anna Kate had a renewed passion to teach wholesome, age-appropriate dance education as well as to train dancers to use dance as worship to the Lord. With this passion, Anna Kate founded Bella School of Dance in 2004 at St. Stephen’s Church.

Our school is twofold. We offer weekly classes and summer camps to equip our students with high-quality dance education. When a student turns 12 years old, they can choose to participate in our Lyrical Dance ministry. Being a part of our dance ministry, students learn about dance in Scripture and have the opportunity to present a contemporary lyrical dance at local churches.

Testimonies

“Our daughter has been with Bella School of Dance 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. We are so very grateful to Anna Kate for her passion and devotion to her dancers. Our daughter will carry the lessons she’s learn at Bella with her through out her life.” – Wayneen

“We started at Bella School of Dance when my first daughter was just 3 years old. She is now 12 and she is taking level 3 and 4 dances classes. My younger daughter has danced with Bella for 5 years now. Bella has been an important part of my daughters’ childhood. I have been thankful for the influence of the teachers on my daughters lives. Each of their teachers have been Excellent role models for my girls to look up to. I appreciate that Bella teaches my daughters modesty in both dance and dress. The peer relationships that they have developed have been wonderful as well. My daughters’ dance nights are the highlight of their week. The friendships that grow during this time are close and long lasting. I feel like it is a great place for my pre teen to have some freedom in a safe environment with a really nice group if girls and with excellent leadership. They work really hard and have learned to push themselves to be their best. Seeing the beauty of my girls dancing brings me joy. I am thankful that Bella is part of our community. It has been such a blessing to our family.” – Shelly

“Bella School of Dance is so much more than a place to learn the technique to become a skilled dancer.  Bella School of Dance has played a significant role in shaping the confidence and character of my daughters.  I have watched my children thrive in the Bella studio where teachers care deeply about dance technique, but care even more about cultivating a love for the art of dance in each student.  After 6 years of dancing, my daughter still gets excited to go to class and has passed that excitement on to many friends and neighbors who have joined Bella and her little sister too.  As a parent, Bella provides everything I am looking for in a dance school:  excellent dance education from skilled, caring instructors in an environment where they thrive as individuals and as a group working toward a common goal.  It is my great honor to be a Bella School of Dance parent.  Words alone cannot paint a picture of the gem that is Bella School of Dance.  Check it out.  You won’t be disappointed.” – Rachelle

Instructors