Local dancers had the opportunity to spend a few hours with master choreographers from New York City and Philadelphia last week at the Lehigh Valley Dance Alliance's Summer Dancefest 2011 in South Whitehall. 

Choreographers Cassie Russo, Dana Boriello, and Braham Logan Crane kept the participants smiling, thinking -- and dancing.

On Wednesday at Accent School of Dance, the bass of the music was pumping and dozens of feet were moving in Accent's three-room dance studio. In one room, young girls strutted their stuff in a Contemporary Jazz routine full of attitude. In another, teenagers worked up a sweat trying to emulate Lady GaGa in a Music Video Performance routine to "Judas."

The choreographers and dancers were brought together for the two-day intensive program, thanks to The Lehigh Valley Dance Alliance. The organization began in 2007 when Jenn Langensiepen, a dance teacher at Miss Tanya's Expression of Dance in Nazareth, had the idea.

"I’ve been a dance teacher for many years," Langensiepen said. "I moved to the Lehigh Valley back in 2002, and I noticed that we’re conveniently wedged between New York and Philadelphia, so I thought it would be a great opportunity for the dancers of this area to get master instruction from teachers in those big cities."

Langensiepen decided to form the organization to unite area dance studios. The Lehigh Valley Dance Alliance now hosts workshops every summer and fall as well as a competition in February.

“By bringing in these master instructions it’s giving [student dancers] more experience, broadening their horizons and abilities, and making them think outside of the box, outside of the studio," Langensiepen said.  "So if they’re interested in starting a career in dance or pursuing dance in any way, it helps them in that quest.”

Dancers from Miss Tanya's Expression of Dance and Accent School of Dance made up the majority of last Wednesday's participants.

"It’s rare to see so many dancers come in from all different studios, so it was really interesting," said choreographer Dana Boriello, a professional dancer from New York City. Boriello has appeared in a number of music videos and owns Twisted City Dance Convention.

Not only did the participants meet other local dancers, but they also got to experience a variety of styles. Classes consisted of Hip Hop, Contemporary Jazz, and Music Video Performance.

"I really liked contemporary because he really pushed us," said Allyson Fels, 12, a student at Accent School of Dance. "I did a lot of stuff I’ve never done before."

The "he" Fels spoke of is Braham Logan Crane, a choreographer from Philadelphia who owns Artists Simply Human Dance Convention.

"The kids were definitely hard workers," Crane said. "It’s always great to bring in different master teachers and get different styles to supplement their training with their regular teachers."

Owner of CaRu Entertainment in New York City, Cassie Russo, taught the Music Video Performance classes.

"That means high energy, high performance, lots of dynamics and the girls did wonderful," she said. "Their individuality and their personalities came out completely."

"It was really fun and entertaining," said Nicole Homanick, 13, a student at Miss Tanya's Expression of Dance. "I’d probably come back again."

Other classes scheduled were Musical Theater, Ballet Technique, and Contemporary Modern. These were to be taught by Tara Robbins, Rachel White, and Lauren Gaul.