Finding a place where your kid actually wants to show up every week is harder than it looks. Most parents just Google "dance classes near me" and pick the one with the shiniest website or the shortest drive. But honestly? That’s how you end up with a kid who quits after three months because the vibe was too stiff or, worse, they weren't actually learning anything.
Angela Bates Dance Academy (ABDA) has been a fixture in Newtown Square, PA, since it opened its doors in August 2016. It’s not just another strip-mall studio. Angela Bates Majewski, the founder, basically built this place on a philosophy that "dance lessons are life lessons." It sounds a bit like a Pinterest quote, but when you see the way the studio operates, it actually holds water.
You’ve got studios that are "trophy factories"—places where it's all about the win—and then you have "recital mills" where kids just wander around in circles for a year. ABDA occupies this weirdly perfect middle ground. It’s professional enough to win "Best of Delco" seven years running, yet it feels like a second home.
The Angela Bates Philosophy: More Than Just Pointing Toes
If you’ve spent any time in the Delaware Valley dance scene, you know the name. Angela started at Anna Marie Dance Studio in Wilmington and eventually toured with The Young Americans. She's performed at Radio City Music Hall. She’s got a degree in Elementary Education from West Chester University.
That last bit is key.
Most dance teachers are just former dancers. Angela is a former dancer who is also a trained educator. There’s a massive difference. She understands how kids actually process information, which is probably why the studio has grown so fast. In 2020, she even took over Kicks Academy of Dance in Glen Mills. She’s running a bit of a local dance empire, but she still talks about her students like they're her own kids.
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The studio's "Code of Ethics" is something you should actually read. It’s not just legal fluff. They focus on five things:
- Integrity: Basically, don't be a jerk to your teammates or competitors.
- Leadership: Leading by example, even when the teacher isn't looking.
- Responsibility: Showing up, knowing your steps, and owning your mistakes.
- Character: Avoiding the gossip that usually kills the vibe in competitive sports.
- Professionalism: Treating the art form with respect.
What’s Actually Happening Inside the Studio?
Walking into the facility at 5129 West Chester Pike, you'll notice the energy is pretty high. They offer the standard stuff—Ballet, Tap, Jazz—but they also go deep into Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop, and Street Jazz.
Then there’s the Grounded Aerial program.
This isn't your standard floor-work. We're talking silks, aerial yoga, bungee, and trapeze. It’s run by Wren Fuhrman, and it’s one of the few places in the area where you can actually learn to "fly" safely. It’s a huge draw for kids who want something more athletic or circus-adjacent than traditional ballet.
The Competition Scene: ABDA Dance Company
For the kids who want to live at the studio, there's the ABDA Dance Company. Being a "competition kid" is a lifestyle choice. It involves weekends in hotel ballrooms and a lot of hairspray.
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But ABDA handles it differently. They offer "Special Numbers"—solos, duos, and trios—where the dancer has to actually put in the work on their own. They have different coaching tiers. Option #1 is "Minimal Time," which basically gives you four hours with a choreographer and then says, "Okay, now go practice by yourself." It’s a great way to build work ethic because if the kid doesn't practice, it shows immediately on stage.
It’s not cheap, though. Between entry fees (usually $145–$215 for a solo) and choreography fees, you’re looking at a real investment. But for the kids who want a career in this, the exposure is real. Their performances, like "Say My Name," have even been in the running for Industry Dance Awards.
Real Talk: The Commitment and the Cost
Let's talk money because that’s what everyone wants to know but feels weird asking. ABDA runs on a quarterly tuition system.
If your kid is doing a 45-minute class once a week, you’re looking at around $129 per quarter. If they’re a "studio rat" doing 10+ hours a week, it caps out around $909 a quarter. They do give discounts for siblings (10% to 30% off) and a 10% break if you pay for the whole year upfront.
They are strict about the "full year" thing. It’s not a drop-in gym. They expect you there for the Holiday Show and the End of the Year Recital. It’s a commitment. If you drop a class without written notice, you're still on the hook for the bill. It’s business, but it’s also about keeping the classes consistent for the other students.
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Why This Studio Stands Out in Newtown Square
The "Main Line" area is crowded with dance studios. Honestly, most are fine. But ABDA has a specific "vibe" that’s hard to replicate. It’s a mix of Angela’s musical theater background—she’s choreographed everything from West Side Story to Urinetown—and a very modern, "positivity wins" culture.
The staff isn't just a bunch of teenagers. You’ve got people like Diana Bates Knight, who has a background in nutrition and barre, and Ava, who was a D1 National Champion in Pom. They bring a level of technical expertise that you usually only find in big city studios, but they keep it accessible.
They also do "Bring a Friend Week" and birthday parties ($200 for 1.5 hours), which keeps the community feel alive. It’s not an elitist environment.
What You Should Do Next
If you’re thinking about signing up, don’t just take my word for it. Here is how you should actually vet the place:
- Check the Schedule: Registration usually opens in June for the fall season. If you're looking mid-year, call them (610-325-2003) to see if there's space.
- Visit During an Open House: They usually hold these in July and August. You need to see the floors and meet the instructors in person.
- Evaluate the "Fit": Ask yourself if your child wants "fun" or "future." ABDA does both, but you need to know which path you're putting them on so they end up in the right level.
- Review the Dress Code: They are specific. You'll need to head to places like Danceline in Paoli or Motions in Drexel Hill to get the right gear. ABDA dancers often get a 10% discount at Motions, so keep that in mind.
At the end of the day, Angela Bates Dance Academy works because it’s run by someone who understands that most of these kids won't become professional dancers—but all of them will become adults who need to know how to work hard, be kind, and show up on time. That’s the real "win" here.