- History of UMDGC
- Studios 1 & 2
- Class and Cheer Gym (Upstairs)
- Team and Tumbling Gym (Downstairs)
- Waiting and Observation Areas
“Mr. Dave” Evasew began coaching with the Upper Merion Park & Recreation (“UMPR”) gymnastics program in the summer of 1991. In Fall 1993, he was promoted to the director of the program which consisted of a staff of 6 and 43 enrolled students. Gymnastics increased in size each year, ultimately becoming the department's second largest program with over 275 registrants per session and many more on the waitlists. Similarly, "Ms. Michelle" Elbin became director of the UMPR dance program in the Winter of 2001. Starting with only 25 students, Michelle nurtured the program to over 144 students. As the dance and gymnastics programs continued to grow and the talent level of the students increased, Michelle and Dave began planning a private dance and gymnastics center in King of Prussia. With the assistance of numerous staff and parents from the UMPR gymnastics program, UMDGC opened on June 14, 2004, with 7,500 sq ft of gym space and 1 studio. In January of 2007, UMDGC expanded to it’s current size of 15,000 sq ft, with 2 studios and 10,000 sq ft of gymnastics space, in order to better accommodate the needs of our participants.
Today, UMDGC serves over 1,000 participants per week, offering unique programs 51-weeks per year. Both the dance and gymnastics program provide numerous unique experiences. The dance program has performed at a Sixers game and numerous local events including community fairs, festivals, and charity events such as Dancers for Dimes and the Upper Merion Police Association Fundraiser. The gymnastics program provides instruction to several community groups and local schools, and its athletes have won distinction at sectional, state, regional, and national competitions. As UMDGC continues to expand, the staff hopes to continue spreading the love of motion, personal growth, and respect for the family that has set it apart from other dance and gymnastics centers.
Studio 1
UMDGC's Studio 1 is 1,000 square feet. with full-length mirrors, wall-mounted and movable ballet barres, state of the art dance floor with support and padding, and a stereo system. Studio 1 will be used primarily for ballet and preschool classes. There is a retractable wall between the two studios, which permits the studios to be merged into one larger space for special performances, meetings, and large-class instruction.
Studio 2
UMDGC's Studio 2 is 1,000 square feet with full-length mirrors, wall-mounted and movable ballet barres, state of the art dance floor with support and padding, and a stereo system. Studio 2 will be used primarily for tap because of the better sound-quality. There is a retractable wall between the two studios, which permits the studios to be merged into one larger space for special performances, meetings, and large-class instruction.
The 15,000 sq ft. gymnastics area is split into four areas over two levels. The upper level contains the cheerleading floor and gymnastics class areas; the lower level is team/preteam gymnastics and tumbling areas. Each area features state-of-the-art equipment. These areas have multiple cameras DVRs to allow the gymnasts to observe their last turn or allow the coaches to visually point out errors.
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| VIEW OF POMMELS, BEAMS, TRAMPOLINES AND TUMBLTRAK from the sign-in desk |
VIEW OF BARS, P-BARS & RINGS from the cheer floor |
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| CLASS BARS | CLASS RINGS AND P-BARS |
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| CLASS POMMELS AND BEAMS | CLASS TRAMPOLINES AND TUMBLTRAK |
The 15,000 sq ft. gymnastics area is split into four areas over two levels. The upper level contains the cheerleading floor and gymnastics class areas; the lower level is team/preteam gymnastics and tumbling areas. Each area features state-of-the-art equipment. These areas have multiple cameras DVRs to allow the gymnasts to observe their last turn or allow the coaches to visually point out errors.
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| VIEW OF ENTIRE DOWNSTAIRS GYM from the observation area |
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VIEW OF THE TEAM GYM |
VIEW OF TEAM GYM |
VIEW OF TUMBLING GYM |
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| IN-GROUND PIT & TUMBLTRAK | WELLER FLOOR, ROD FLOOR, AND TRAMPOLINES | BOYS TEAM POMMELS AND P-BARS |
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| TEAM BARS | BOYS TEAM RING FRAMES | TEAM VAULTS |
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| GIRLS TEAM BEAMS | ||
Non-participants have the opportunity to observe the dancers and gymnasts at any time. In addition, those waiting may watch television, work on homework, or relax with the children's books and current magazines.
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VIEW OF WAITING AREA from gym entrance |
VIEW OF WAITING AREA from cubbies |
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| UPSTAIRS OBSERVATION AREA overlooking the upstairs and downstairs gyms |
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