Long's School of Dance has been teaching dance in the Erie region and making dreams come true for dancers since 1946. Owned and operated by the Long family, the school presently offers the most sought-after and extensive training in the tri-state area. “Spanning over 69 years, we have trained thousands of students, gaining us recognition as the number one Performing Arts School in Erie,” states Jay Long.

Through the generations, the Long family has carried the traditions set forth by Jim and Marge Long. Jim Long, a world-renowned pianist, played his first professional concert at age 12. He then traveled the globe with many leading orchestras and even started his own record label known as Jamie Records. For seventeen years, he was the Musical Director for the Erie Civic Theater, and has composed and directed music for dance training and performances.

Marge Long performed with notable personalities such as Lucille Ball, Gene Kelly, and Martha Raye. She began her career at the age of 7 and was the youngest member of the “Actors Guild of Variety Artists.” Marge also served as Principle for the Dance Educators of America's Training School for 27 years. She and her husband, Jim, eventually left their professional careers to establish Long's School of Dance in Erie. This leap of faith would develop into a family legacy.

Jay Long has pioneered the second generation of Longs School of Dance. Jay is considered one of the leading Acrobatic Adagio choreographers in the world — studying under notables such as Aubrey Hitchens and Michael Folkine. Jay is an icon in the realm of dance, from Combative Arts to Aerial Arts performance rigging and gained national recognition from many such as Allen Kee (talent coordinator at Disney) for his Acrobatic Adagio Choreography.

Lee Ann Long was recruited from Western Kentucky University by Marge Long to fill the role of Assistant Dance Director. Having developed the Summer Dance Intensive and the Creative Kids Summer Camp, Lee Ann traveled the world with the Nashville Contemporary Ballet Company and has most recently been to Ireland to bring back the best of Irish Dance to the school.

Extending into the third generation is Jeremy Long, the company's orchestra leader and pianist. He has taken over the role of his grandfather, Jim. Jeremy had the privilege of being Jim's only student. Jamie Long, serves as the Director of the external martial arts division of Long's Combative Arts School.

“At Long's, we pride ourselves on the principles set forth by my parents, educating students on proper technique through the experience of outstanding instructors,” states Jay Long. “Our faculty is certified by Dance Educators of America. We employ university-educated instructors as well as those experienced in working with special needs students.” Long's is currently home to 16 faculty members having affiliations with organizations such as Chicago National Association of Dance Masters, Tennessee Association of Dance Masters, Dance Educators of America and The World Irish Dance Association.

Long's School of Dance provides the opportunity to learn from talented dance instructors at modest rates. “We offer lessons for any age and style,” states Lee Ann Long, “including Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Modern/Contemporary, Hip Hop, Aerial Arts, Acrobatics and Irish Dance. With over 200 years of combined experience, our extremely knowledgeable instructors are here to propel our students to their fullest potential. We have won many competitions over the years and are home to the Long's Performing Arts Team, which won the gold at the 2000 Hawaiian International Dance Competition.

Long's presents a professional, 2-night Annual Dance Concert at the Warner Theatre with a live orchestra each year in June. “We are one of the first dance studios in North America to offer a Aerial Arts/Flight school specifically designed for the dancer,”

Long's Combative Arts includes the Fu Hok Tong Long Kwoon School of Kung Fu, Qi Gong and Salle D'Arms Fencing. “The study of combative arts can serve as a vessel toward a healthy body, keen mind and positive attitude towards the challenges of life,” states Jay Long. “The curriculum we offer provides a well-rounded martial arts training regimen much different from other educators. While others concentrate on competition or sport, our applications focus on the art and its self-defense benefits."

Master Sifu Jay Long is certified by the Chinese Martial Arts Association and has personally trained all the instructors of the Long's Combative Arts Program. His experience stems from the Fu Hok Tong Long system of traditional Chinese martial arts that originated in the early 20th century.

“Here at Longs, fencing is not just a sport, but a tradition,” states Jay Long. “We are home to Salle D'Arms Fencing. Brought to the company in 1946 by Maestro, Jim Long, it has continued to grow with the generations — keeping my father's spirit and style alive.” Long's offers junior and adult classes for anyone to enjoy or practice fencing to its fullest. “The wonderful thing about fencing is that is can be enjoyed by all; young, old, male and female. We welcome everyone to come down and observe any of our classes.”

Long's has won first place in the Times News Erie's Choice Award for the Best Performing Arts School in Erie 13 years in a row. And the Long family looks forward to a strong future — keeping their path true to the vision and distinction of Marge and Jim Long.