There are often wonderful sounds emitting from 301 Cemetery St. in Hughesville. It might be synchronized tapping, piano music, a dance instructors’ voice, “plie 2, 3, 4,” or some hip hop beats and laughter from both students and teachers. There is a lot going on at D&K’s Studio of Dance, so it’s even better to take a look inside to catch all the action. This year marks the 30-year anniversary of D&K’s Studios.

Duane and Kellie Gordner started teaching dance in the basement of their church in 1991, moving to their studio, built by Kellie’s father, Paul, on Cemetery Street in September of 1993.

“But as our business grew, so did the need for more space. We went through a major renovation in 2012 and a second floor was added,” Duane said. “It was a much welcomed addition,” added Kellie, “as it allowed for more classes to be added to the schedule.”

In 2017, they added a second location to D&K’s Studio at 208 S. 4th Street in Lewisburg.

Classes offered include jazz, ballet, contemporary, lyrical, pointe, tap, acro, musical theater, hip hop, improv and competitive dance team. There are four Competitive dance teams, consisting of students in grades three through twelve. They travel to two competitions a season, plus a convention. The teams have been to Walt Disney World and the Grand Ol’ Opry. Piano lessons are also taught at the studio.

Duane and Kellie are owners, directors and teachers at the studio, and they “…have a wonderful staff of teachers that make D&K’s possible,” according to both. Their daughter, Bailey Gordner, graduated from Muhlenberg College in 2021 with a degree in dance education and performance. She, along with Lauren McGuinty, who holds the same degree from Muhlenberg, are full-time teachers at the studio. They teach all styles and ages and help Duane and Kellie run the competition teams. Samantha Strayer, has been teaching dance at the studio for 15 years. She also teaches all ages and styles, and according to Kellie, “radiates happiness to her students. Our talented Sydney Marino, an alumni student with us, completed a two-year program at the Millennium Dance Complex in Pittsburgh. She moved back to her hometown, and we’re so lucky to have her on staff,” said Duane. “She teaches all styles of dance, and especially loves teaching hip hop.” Jennifer Treese and Lisa Bernard complete the teaching staff.” Kellie shares that, “Both became part of our studio 10 years ago, as their daughters danced through our program. They took an active part in the studio and fell in love with dance. They teach the youngest dancers, and we are so happy to have them.”

Once you step inside the studio, music alerts the body. Watching a jazz class taught by Bailey, it’s difficult to refrain from jumping right in to try those expressive moves. In Duane’s ballet class, the classic graceful movements also gently pull an observer in, invites at least a mental dance.

It’s evident from their enthusiasm that Duane and Kellie love and believe in what they do. Their devoted partnership in life and work is also evident as they pass credit back and forth for all achievements.

The Gordners also opened a boutique, “Be Unique. Be You.,” on Main Street in Hughesville in May of this year. As the name suggests, it features unique gifts, clothing and accessories. Dance in there someday for a nice shopping experience.