CLEARFIELD – Since the fall of 1998, the Dance Company has been a staple of the Clearfield community.
Whether it’s seeing Miss Dana’s students perform in the annual fair parade, going to cast their always sold-out performances of The Nutcracker. or attending their annual Dance Recital, many community members have experienced a Dance Company performance over the past 25 years.
With humble beginnings, Dana Lamertina-Timko started with a small studio in the former Leonard Grade School building back in 1998.
As students and class sizes increased, Dana and her husband, Ben Timko, embarked on their expansion by building a new state-of-the-art Dance Studio in downtown Clearfield back in 2005.
The building not only houses The Dance Company, but it’s also home to Taffy Salon and Spa, Miss Dana’s other business, located at 202 N. Second St., Clearfield.
Over the years, Miss Dana has mentored thousands of students. Some have moved into a professional career in dance and theater; others have gone to major universities pursuing degrees in performing arts.
Many of Dana’s past students credit her for their drive, work ethic and desire to succeed. Even the students who decide to pursue sports or academics will tell you how much of an impact Miss Dana’s teachings apply to their success.
Graduating from Bellwood-Antis in 1993, Miss Dana grew up in the Altoona, Pa., dance scene taking classes from the renowned Siegel’s Dance Center.
After high school, Miss Dana continued her pursuit of dance at Point Park College.
After college and a few professional endeavors, Miss Dana moved to the local area to join her soon-to-be husband and Clearfield native, Ben Timko.
Since opening the doors in 1998, over 4,000 different students have attended classes at The Dance Company.
Miss Dana now has many of her former students’ children in her classes.
Professional classes are offered at The Dance Company focusing on the studies of: ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, choreography, acro tumbling, jumps, leaps and turns.
The Dance Company’s competition teams compete in some of the countries toughest competitions such as: Jump, Hollywood Vibe, Encore, Revel and many others.
Their teams constantly place high among their big-city school competitors, collecting special judges awards, category wins and overall placements.
The Dance Company used to compete against the famous Abby Lee’s Dance, having a small cameo on an episode of Lifetime TV show, Dance Moms.
The Dance Company has performed on The Disney Springs Stage in Orlando, Fla., The Green Valley Ranch Casino Stage in Las Vegas, Nev., and is looking forward to its next performance for the local community.