From left, Harvard teens Helen Lunsmann, Emily Arnold, and Nicole Into do a ballet-style warmup for their lyrical dance class.  (Photos by Lisa Aciukewicz)

On Aug. 13 Harvard welcomed its newest member to the business community—Harvard Academy of Dance (HAOD). Located at 285 Ayer Road, the dance studio is operated by founder and director Kimberly Corbett. Kimberly has a wealth of dance knowledge and an impressive background.

“I have been a dancer for 23 years now,” she says. “Dance has always been my life. At the age of 16 I started to study at the Gold School in Brockton, under the direction of Rennie Gold. The Gold School is the top comprehensive dance school in Massachusetts and one of the top schools in the country.”

Corbett says that while at the Gold School, she had the opportunity to study with some great performers, including the director Rennie Gold and his brother Rhee Gold, publisher of Dance Studio Life magazine; Boston Ballet’s Kathy Kozul, and others.

She has danced all over the country as a member of the Boston Bandettes and Boston Lady Panthers, dancing for two of the area’s top semi-pro football teams, and was a member of, and choreographer for, Jennie & Co., a modern and jazz-based repertory company out of Fitchburg. She is currently a member of, and choreographer for, “Tribe: the Dance Company” of Boston.

Corbett also has an extensive teaching background. She has taught at dance schools throughout the region and her students were recently recognized at the Dance Ovations National Championship in Sturbridge. Corbett believes that HAOD has more to offer than the average dance school.

Instructor Monique Dorian (center) teaches a hip-hop class to dancers (from left) Simran Batra, Meghna Batra, Asia Miller, Katie McElroy, and Abby Kilcommins.

“The Harvard Academy of Dance is unique from other dance studios because not only do we offer a comprehensive dance program for the serious dance student, but we also offer amazing classes for the recreational student,” she says, adding that the studio also offers adult classes.

Corbett thinks that many studios become stuck in their ways and don’t keep up with the changes in the dance world but says, “At HAOD we are committed to following the growth and evolution of dance and dance education. Dance is an ever-changing art form and we want to be a part of that!”

The studio plans to expand its offerings to boys as well. Currently it has a few enrolled, and Corbett plans to offer an all-male hip-hop class in the near future.

HAOD specializes in ballet, tap, jazz, pointe, hip-hop, modern, contemporary, lyrical, and musical theater and creative movement classes geared towards preschoolers. Salsa, yoga and Zumba classes will be taught by Corbett’s fellow instructor, Monique Dorian.

Classes are offered for beginners as well as advanced dancers, ages 2½ years through adults. Classes started this week and will run through June, culminating with an end-of-year recital performed by the children’s classes. Open enrollment is until January for the children’s classes and is year-round for adult classes. Private lessons in all styles of dance and birthday packages are also available.

HAOD will have a booth at the Harvard Fall Festival on Sept. 18 and 19. They will be taking registrations and will have free face painting and special events for kids.

Questions and registrations can be directed to Kimberly at 978-868-0990 or by e-mail at harvardaod@hotmail.com. For more information visit www.harvardaod.com.