Dance Company Forte

The Dance Company Forte is a group of dancers ranging in age from five to eighteen. The company was established in 1993 to give local dancers an outlet for performing and competing in addition to a chance to develop poise, grace, coordination, and self-confidence. Many former company members have continued their dance education in college, receiving scholarships based on their talent, community service, and academics. Several former members are dancing professionally, while many are currently on faculty at P.A.D. sharing their love of dance with our students.

Members of The Dance Company Forte are guided and nurtured by our very talented and caring faculty members. The experience of being a member inspires young dancers to be committed to an activity that promotes self confidence, dedication, and team work. The dancers develop lifelong friendships while being involved in an activity that promotes the arts.

We are dedicated to helping each of our member’s reach their potential by providing superior dance training, many performance opportunities and ongoing dance education in a positive and loving environment.

Pam Simpson serves as the artistic director of The Dance Company Forte. Pam has extensive training both in dance education and business. Pam has a bachelor’s degree in dance. She has received numerous awards for her innovative choreography over the years and enjoys sharing her love of dance with her students. Joining Pam is a very talented group of teachers that are dedicated to helping each member reach their full potential.

*Emily Weber  has been with Pam’s Academy of Dance since 1993. Emily has studied with Pam since she was three years old. She was a member of The Dance Company Forte from 1993-1999 when she graduated from high school. Emily received her bachelor’s degree in Dance from Point Park University. Upon graduation, she joined the faculty at P.A.D. and began choreographing for The Dance Company Forte. Emily has the unique ability to choreograph for all ages in all disciplines. Her choreography has received many awards.

*Janell Larson has been with Pam’s Academy of Dance since 2008. Janell studied with Young Dance Academy in Wisconsin. Since joining the team Janell has choreographed many wonderful routines that have received numerous Overall Awards and Choreography Awards. She has  an energetic approach to teaching that is infectious to her students.

*Erin Strle has been with Pam’s Academy of Dance for the past five years. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Dance from Columbia College in Chicago. She has extensive training in all forms of dance and always produces award winning choreography

*Megan Wollgast is a former student of Pam’s Academy of Dance and a former member of The Dance Co. Forte. Megan received her Bachelor’s Degree in Dance from Point Park University in Pittsburgh with a focus in Modern and Jazz. She was a member of Revolve  Dance Theatre in Pittsburgh for the last few years. Megan came home in 2010 to join the faculty at Pam’s Academy of Dance. She has been producing award winning choreography for several years for The Dance Co. Forte. Her innovative choreography is truly remarkable and always leaves the audience wanting more.

*Brittney Smith has been with Pam’s Academy of Dance since 1993. She studied with Pam since she was 2 years old. She was a member of The Dance Co. Forte from age 4-18. She is currently a senior at Illinois State University where she is studying costume design and dance. Brittney is currently a guest choreographer and teacher with the company. She has choreographed some great numbers that have received Overall High Point as well as Tap Excellence Awards. Brittney plans to join the faculty in 2011.

Being a part of The Dance Company Forte is like being part of a family. We promote teamwork and good sportsmanship at all times cultivating memories that will last a lifetime.

How to become a member?

Each spring the academy holds a placement class which serves as an audition for the company. At the class students are taught combinations in ballet, tap, and jazz. If you would like more information, please contact the academy.