About Us:

Following a career with Joffrey II, Pennsylvania Ballet, and Sybil Modern Dance Company, Director Delphine Del Bello Spencer founded the Pennsylvania Dance Institute in 1983. To date, Ms. Del Bello Spencer continues to share her expertise and love of dance with students throughout the Delaware Valley. She and Associate Director Stephanie Mumbauer have worked extensively through the years to develop a strong classical program that provides quality instruction in a nurturing environment.

The PDI Children’s Dance Program enables our very youngest students to explore the joy of movement while developing strength, coordination and musicality. This provides a strong foundation for entry into our pre-professional program, where students begin working in a more structured environment. Formal training in classical ballet also builds a solid base for participation in other disciplines of dance. For this reason, classes in contemporary dance and jazz, are recommended and offered as part of the curriculum. Although not mandatory, performing opportunities with Dance Del Bello, a not-for-profit performing arts company in residence at PDI, are also offered. Students work alongside professional dancers and choreographers gaining insight into the inner workings of a performing arts company.

PDI students have continued their studies at prestigious dance programs including The Juilliard School, School of American Ballet, Alvin Ailey Dance Center, American Ballet Theatre, North Carolina School of the Arts, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Princeton Ballet, Walnut Hill Conservatory.  Many have gone on to pursue professional careers in dance with Chicago City Ballet, Hubbard Street Modern Dance Company, Atlanta and Georgia Ballet Companies, Louisiana Ballet Company. Other have attended degree programs in dance at New York University, Goucher University, Barnard, University of the Arts, Butler University, and Point Park University to name a few.

Whether studying once a week or on a daily basis, the individual progress of every one of our young dancers is our concern. We value each and every student for their unique qualities and abilities.