Pat McKeown - Artistic Director
Pat has been teaching dance and theatre arts in the Pittsburgh area for over 30 years. She earned a B. A. in Economics from the University of Pittsburgh, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Pat danced professionally with the Pittsburgh Dance Alloy and moved on to dance for and direct her own successful modern dance company, Pat McKeown and Dancers, and, multimedia company, McKeown Interarts. For over ten years Pat’s two companies produced innovative and ground-breaking dance and professional children’s theatre. Pat has won prestigious fellowship awards in Choreography and Interdisciplinary Arts from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. She has written, directed, and produced award-winning children’s theatre and videos. Sponsored by the Vira Heinz Arts on Tour Program, Pat’s productions were enjoyed by thousands of children in New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.With over 60 productions and numerous awards, Pat continues to teach and create original programming in dance and theatre for her students, which include “The Nutcracker”, “Cinderella”, “Peter and the Wolf”, “Rodeo”, “Marguerite & The Firebird”, “Characters & Critters”, and “Big Cat”. Her latest one-act play, “The Importance of Being Popular!”, was written for her musical theatre students.
The Facility
The school's facility is warm and welcoming. The former supermarket building retains the high ceilings and wide open areas, providing appropriate classrooms for dancing. It includes two large studios, a parent's observation deck, dressing rooms, a student area, scenery, costume, and prop areas. The children's studio provides a colorful and comfortable environment that appeals to children. Parking is in the front and on the sides of the building. View photos of our studio in our photo gallery.
Registration
The school term runs from September through May with summer intensive sessions in June and July. Tuition is paid on a monthly basis. Tuition discounts are available for additional family members registering for classes. A yearly registration fee is required of all students. Parents are encouraged to bring their children to the school for an interview and tour of the facilities.
Former Students
Since 1981, the success of the school's students have been varied across many disciplines. Students have gone on to careers at The Julliard School, Joffrey Ballet, Louisville Ballet, American Academy of Dramatic Arts (NYC), Chautauqua Institute, National Ballet of Washington, Walnut Hill Performing Arts School, Pittsburgh Ballet School, Point Park College, and Walt Disney World.
Many other students are teaching or running their own local or national dance studios. Check out some of our former students in our photo gallery.