In 1945, Americans were cuttin’ the rug to tunes like “On the Atchinson, Topeka and the Santa Fe” by Johnny Mercer and The Pied Pipers, and “Rum and Coca-Cola” by The Andrews Sisters. The big band music of World War II was booming.

Students at the new Miss Jeanne’s School of Dance Arts were kickin’ up their heels too.

The MJ Dance Center – formerly known as Miss Jeanne’s – celebrated the school’s legacy and its future Oct. 16 with a dual location event from 12-4 p.m.: an open house at the 1512 West Broad St. location and the new location of MJ Dance Center at 310 Stoke Park Road, where tours were offered of the new studio space.

All alumni, current dance families and prospective students and families were welcome to mingle, connect and share memories. Attendees were invited to dance in flash mobs every half hour, during which instructors taught them a quick combination and then videotaped anyone who wanted to learn and join.

“Today is about the past, present and future together, and present students and alumni,” said Ashley Mooney, co-owner of MJ Dance Center with Chad Piotrowski, son of the late Barbara Piotrowski, Miss Jeanne’s daughter. Mooney is also co-director with Sarah Hirsch.

“I grew up dancing here and worked for Barbara here after college,” Mooney said.

MJ Dance Center celebrated 75 years in business in 2020, but due to the pandemic was unable to honor the occasion or hold the planned Legacy Showcase. Since the studio considers its year September to June, it is now celebrating its 77th season.

“We tried to celebrate at Symphony Hall in Allentown, where the very first show was held in 1945,” Mooney said. “We are creating a documentary about the studio where everyone can share memories and testimonials.”

“I’m happy to be back today,” said Chad Piotrowski, who now calls Miami home. “Before the doors shut forever it gives the alumni a chance to see it one last time and reminisce, then go see the new studio space – it’s a new chapter.”

In the fall of 1943, Jeanne Meixell, affectionately known by many as Miss Jeanne, rented the old Leh Cleaners building on East Hamilton St. in Allentown in the days of 50-cent dance classes. She went on to become a prominent and respected instructor who established Miss Jeanne’s School of Dance Arts. She eventually found her permanent home at 1512 West Broad St.

Miss Jeanne brought her students to perform regularly at the Steel Pier in Atlantic City in two shows per day on Tony Grant’s “Stars of Tomorrow.” Her dancers also performed locally in the community at holiday shows, local summer festivals and city parades.

The school operated under Miss Jeanne’s direction along with her daughter Barbara for 67 years. Upon their passing, Mooney was named artistic director of the studio in 2010. The late Miss Gwendel, Barbara’s daughter, also taught at the studio for several years. The studio refers to Miss Jeanne, Miss Barbara and Miss Gwendel as “the three incredible forces of nature who have all taught us, guided us, inspired us and whose energy and commitment to the art of dance we honor daily.”

The day held a special place in the hearts of a family with three generations of dancers: Patty Coxe, her daughter Jenna Zsilavecz and granddaughter Lia Zsilavecz.

Coxe, who was on the planning committee for the event, danced at Miss Jeanne’s 1961-1968. “When I started, the studio was located at 314 East Broad St. Some highlights while dancing with the studio were dancing at the Steel Pier in Atlantic City, at the New York World’s Fair, and on the Chief Halftown show. Miss Jeanne and her daughter, Miss Barbara, were my teachers. I took tap, ballet and jazz.”

Jenna started dancing when she was three years old until she graduated high school, spanning the years 1987-2002. Miss Jeanne, Miss Barbara and Miss Barbara’s daughter, Miss Gwendel, were her teachers. Throughout her 15 years at the studio, she competed in many dance competitions, as well as danced at festivals like Musikfest and the Muhlenberg Fair. She says her years at the studio helped build confidence, poise, discipline and friendships.

Lia, age 6, is now dancing in her fourth year at the studio and was just invited to be a part of the mini competition team. She will get to compete in her first local competition this year. She currently takes ballet, jazz, and tap and is enjoying it very much.

Many former students have pursued careers as professional dancers on Broadway and stages around the world. One such alum is Broadway performer Tony Yazbeck, who attended the open house.

Mooney wanted to continue to honor the studio founder and roots while modernizing and bringing her own visions to the program. MJ Dance center will be the first of its kind in Hanover Township, offering ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, lyrical, hip-hop, acro and more for both recreational and competitive students of all skill levels ages, three to 18.