A Performing Arts Academy, Today the Salem-based Deane School Of Dance, still a family affair, led by Miss Helen’s granddaughter, Miss Seanna Chmura, is joining with Miss Susan Byrne, the owner/Director of Dance Exclusive of Swampscott to form A Performing Arts Academy. Together they are dedicated to bring dance into the lives of their students with the same abundance of love, patience, and hard work Miss Helen and Miss Georgia always displayed. Today’s students are taught with the same time-tested fundamental teaching methods, along with some new methods that have been researched and developed to ensure that the students are getting the best possible dance education and training.

The Deane School of Dance was founded by Miss Helen Deane Bassett in 1934. She sought to teach children and adults the art of dance and to awaken them to its history and beauty. After some years past, she became a partner with her sister, Miss Georgia Deane, and in 1974 they formed the Salem Ballet Company. The Company enables students to bridge the gap from studio to professional dance without interrupting their scholastic education. The Company still performs in the community today (along with a new division called the Tap & Jazz Corps.) More recently, the third “Deane Sister” – Miss Maryann Deane signed on as the business manager. Miss Georgia moved to Mendon Massachusetts to open the second Deane School of Dance, which she still owns and operates.

The New England Broadway Connection was established by Miss Susan and Miss Seanna in 1996. Miss Katie joined the staff as the assistant director in 1999, and Miss Amy is also an instructor for the group. The company is made up of students of the Deane School of Dance and Dance Exclusive. The group performed at Walt Disney World in Florida for its 25th Anniversary Celebration in June of 1997, 1999, 2004, and will be going back in 2007. The Company also performed the “Disney Show” during Salem’s Heritage day’s festival in 1997, and for Swampscott’s 100th anniversary. Our most recent performance was at the Bank North Garden during a Boston Celtics Basketball Game.