There weren't any pointe shoes present or pirouettes being done at the Wilson School of Gymnastics and Dance, Chambersburg, on Saturday.

That's because the school's co-owners and instructors opted for more practical attire to transform the warehouse-type site into an approximately 1,800-sq. ft. dance studio complete with mirrors and ballet barres on the walls, Marley floors and more.

Dolores "Lefty" White, co-owner of the school, admitted in this economy expanding the school was a bit of a leap of faith.

"The economy has definitely hit us, but we had this opportunity to expand the dance studio which we saw the need to do two years ago and felt we needed to do it now and grow into it," said White. "People have come here as children and now they bring their children. So, that continuity and the quality of our program means a lot to people who are cost conscious but still want to expose their children to things like dance, gymnastics and cheerleading."

Located in the Chambersburg Trade and Technology Center, off U.S. 11, the new facility is directly across from the school's 5,000-sq. ft. building that focuses on gymnastics and cheerleading.

While the school bears the name of Wilson College, Chambersburg, White said that's where the connection ends.

"We are a privately-owned company and not affiliated with Wilson College," said White. "However, Wilson College's Professor Emeritus Joyce Donatelli started the school of gymnastics and dance almost 30

years ago and rented the space from Wilson College. It was a hobby job for her."

Donatelli started the school in 1984 and after she retired, White and co-owner Rodney Burdge, who has been with the school for more than 25 years, took over. Three years ago, White said they moved to Brim Boulevard to accommodate their almost 400 students.

While there are a handful of other dance organizations in the area, White said they are unique in their approach.

"We find that when you marry fun and instruction, students learn. While subtle, this relaxed approach works well for all ages," White said.

Co-Director of the Dance Program/Instructor Molly Folsom, Chambersburg, developed a new curriculum for the dance program which includes ballet, tap, jazz, creative movement and hip-hop.

"I just established an entirely new curriculum for the dance program. My goal is to cultivate an atmosphere where students will strive toward successfully achieving the dance skills they need to advance to the next level," she said.

Folsom, a dance major at Wilson College, began gymnastics at age 3 and dance at age 7. After her WSGD dance instructor moved from the area, Folsom couldn't find the right local school for her and made the trek to Hagerstown, Md., several times a week for the past six years.

It's that experience which drove her to bring her love of quality dance to the Chambersburg area.

"I think dance helps in so many other aspects of life. It helps in sports with agility, stamina and balance - it builds long, lean muscle. It also builds the focus and discipline necessary in academics and everyday life," Folsom said.

She said that while a handful of local schools focus solely on dance, WSGD offers a multi-dimensional approach with dance, gymnastics and cheerleading for ages 3 and up as well as a venue for birthday parties.

Jennifer Monn, co-director of the dance program/instructor, worked on the new dance studio Saturday and is excited about the expansion.

"We have additional space for more students and this provides an open feeling for our students," said Monn.

Open house

Friday, Aug. 20, 5 to 8 p.m.

The public is invited

Free demonstrations and light refreshments

Register for a drawing for a free month of class

For more information, log onto www.wsgd.net or call the school at 264-1706