En Pointe Danse Studio in Chagrin Falls, now celebrating its 19th year, provides a nurturing environment for dancers of all ages to explore the joys of dance.

Owner Gail Friedberg, who has been teaching and dancing professionally for over 35 years, fell in love with dance at an early age.  "My mom had a dance school when I was growing up,” Friedberg comments.  "Also, both of my parents were in the circus, so dancing and performing have been part of my life for as long as I can remember."

Friedberg, along with fellow instructor Jean Brady, teaches a variety of classes in creative movement, ballet, pointe, tap, and modern dance. Children can start as young as age 3; however there is no age limit when it comes to dance.  En Pointe also offers adult classes in tap and ballet.

Every spring, students age 6 and up have the opportunity to dance in one of Friedberg's original ballets. Each ballet is based on children's stories, fairy tales, and fantasies. Meanwhile the younger children, ages 3 to 5, participate in a separate informal showing.  In that way all gain the experience of performing on stage.

Aside from being fun and a good form of exercise, dance offers many lifelong benefits and skills including coordination, self-control and discipline.  “We love dance, and relish the opportunity it gives students to broaden their horizons.  We want them to experience the joy of dancing while developing a good foundation, excellent technique, and a sense of discipline that stays with them for the rest of their lives, says Friedberg.”

For more information call En Pointe Danse at 440-247-5747 or visit www.enpointedanse.com.