Since the end of May, Jill Thomasson has been working hard to transform a space in Elizabethtown into a nonprofit center for the arts. ExHaLTT Performing Arts Academy will celebrate its new location at 18 N. Market St., Elizabethtown, with open houses on Monday, Aug. 14, and Tuesday, Aug. 15, from 6 to 9 p.m. each evening.

"We will have light refreshments, and people will have the opportunity to meet and greet our board of directors," Thomasson said. "We'll have a testimonial video people can watch about what we do, and we'll have The Dancer's Pointe from Hummelstown, one of our dance supply stores, on-site to size kids in shoes and attire. People can also register for classes."

Visitors will also be able to tour the space, located upstairs in the ballroom. "We have completely refinished the floors, and it's just beautiful," Thomasson stated. "We've reconnected plumbing to have a usable bathroom upstairs, and we've done electrical work. The entire space is going to be painted, and we've purchased equipment and installed mirrors."

ExHaLTT will begin its season after Labor Day, with programs for children and adults. Classes will include hip-hop, tap, modern, creative movement, musical theater and adult fitness.

"We are a nonprofit, and our goal is to bring art experiences to the Elizabethtown community," Thomasson remarked. "We truly want this to be a community service for Elizabethtown and the surrounding areas, for people who want their kids involved in dance, theater and vocal instruction."

She also hopes to add ballroom dance classes in the future. "I want this to be a place for community fun and festivities," she said. She emphasized that donations are being sought to provide scholarships for students and to help fund the ballroom renovations.

ExHaLTT is currently offering a musical theater camp that began on July 24 and will culminate with a public performance of "The Little Mermaid Jr." on Thursday, Aug. 3, at 6 p.m. at Elizabethtown Area High School, 600 E. High St.

"We hope ExHaLTT becomes a venue where people are able to have art experiences that they may not have had access to before," Thomasson shared. "With being a nonprofit and with offering scholarships, we're hoping to provide opportunities for more people to experience the arts."

For more information, including a class schedule and scholarship information, visit http://www.exhalttdancecompany.org. Scholarship applications must be received by Saturday, Aug. 12, for the 2023-24 season.