Dance Teacher Continues Family Tradition

There is something to be said for a business that still respects the idea of family. The warm feeling of being welcomed, even if you are a complete stranger, is a feeling that is always refreshing.

Located on Darby Road in the heart of Havertown, is a three-generation family business, founded by Carole Orlandi Barr in 1975. Originally based in Philadelphia, the studio made the move to Havertown in 1997. 

Barr, who has formally trained with some of the best choreographers, including Charles Kelly, takes pride in the fact that all of Orlandi’s dance instructors have also had formal training and education in the art of dance. 

Having honed their skills at various establishments such as the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and Broadway Dance Center in New York City, the instructors seem to share the same enthusiasm for teaching dance techniques as much as the students enjoy absorbing them. 

“Working with the minds and bodies of the future generation is what I enjoy most. Working with the arts is the best career,” says Barr.

Barr's granddaughter, Jenna Rose Pepe, was given the role of director of the studio in August. Sharing the same viewpoint as her grandmother, Pepe finds the same satisfaction in being an instructor. 

“The best part of coming to work is inspiring students to love dance as much as I do. I love the connection I have with students because they share the same passion as me,” she says.

Ranging from jazz, ballet, hip hop, modern, tap and even dance basics, Orlandi offers students a wide range of techniques to study, with a warm and encouraging environment to study within, Pepe says.  Students of any level or age are welcome to take part in any class the school has to offer. Just ask the oldest student at the school, Audrey Ashhurst. 

“I get to get up and move rather than be at home sitting,” says the 86-year-old, who still has plenty of energy and tenacity to practice her moves at class each week.  “It’s a lot of fun and they have all sorts of classes here.”

Staying in the family, many current students have had other members from their own household study at Orlandi. 

“I think because Orlandi is family-owned, students feel like they are part of our family when they take class with us,” says Pepe.  “They trust us with their dance education and they have since 1975.  We have students whose moms used to dance at the studio years and years ago and they only want their kids to dance for Orlandi.”

With more households having to be mindful of their expenses, though, most small businesses, like Orlandi, have felt the impact of tighter wallets. 

“Over the last few years, many students do not have the money to take multiple classes like they did before,” says Pepe. 

Despite a rocky economy, she has successfully doubled enrollment at the school through social networking. 

“Jenna has brought new energy to the studio,” says Pepe’s mom, Connie Barr, also an instructor at the studio.  When asked about the future for the business, Connie Barr was optimistic.  “I see this thriving and better than ever. Jenna is young and is full of life and new ideas.”