The city of Pottsville is slowly rebuilding itself as stores, restaurants and now dance studios open up all over the city. The Crimson Academy is bringing an emphasis on the arts in Schuylkill County.

“Our inspiration for creating the Crimson Academy was most definitely our students. We wanted to develop a place where our students will not only receive an excellent education, but also a place where learning is fun and positive, a place we can all call our second home. Bringing life back to the chapel and having a creative outlet is very important to us,” Mrs. Leandra Maley, Crimson Academy dance instructor, said.

The Crimson Academy holds classes in a former chapel that has been turned into a three-floor dance studio. People can start dancing at the Crimson Academy at the age of three. Classes range from ballet to zumba to musical theater.

“My favorite thing about Crimson Academy is the people I get to experience it with. The students and staff are like one big family. I enjoy coming to practice to not only further my dance education, but to spend time with some of the best people. Right now, we are preparing for our upcoming competition season in the spring, something all of us are very excited for,” junior Rachael Lenker said

Dancers participate in many classes throughout the year such as recitals, community events, parties, competitions and conventions. The studio performed in multiple Halloween parades and danced for causes such as for the Historical Society fundraiser held in Minersville November 5. During the past year, the first “The Elf Who Fell From the Shelf” was held December 1. It was the studio’s first big, official recital.

“I had a couple roles in the show, but my favorite one was the reindeer. My favorite part of it was getting to dance with some of my best friends,” junior Emma Bertsch said.