The Dance Connection
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About Us

The Dance Connection opened it’s doors for the first time in September of 1982, in Hillcrest, NY. Miss Ann had a dream: sharing the love and gift of dance with all ages, in an environment that encouraged discipline, passion, and commitment to the art of dance, creating strong dancers/performers. Equally as important as educating the dancer was the nurturing of the spirit of all who entered the doors of the studio. The Dance Connection, celebrating our 40th season, continues to be so much more than just a dance studio. The life lessons that are learned by all at the studio remain with our dancers, families and instructors always. Some lessons joyful, insightful, life changing, and painful…forming the tapestry of life. Our dedicated and knowledgeable staff brings a wealth of talent to the classes, technical skill level and innovative, as well as classical, choreography. Our staff remains committed to excellence and integrity, both on and off of the dance floor.

The Dance Connection offers classes for ages 3 – adult, in Ballet, Modern, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyical, Musical Theater, Hip Hop, Acro, Pre-school, and both competitive and recreational levels. Our students have opportunities to perform locally through various charity events in the community, one being The Big Gifted Give, a fundraiser created by the studio, and now hosted by Chenango Valley High School. It is one of our strongest messages to our students, using our gifts to serve, to give back to the community.

While our 3 – 18 yr student classes form the basis of our classes, The Dance Connection also offers adult classes in Jazz and Tap. It is Miss Ann’s mission statement that OUR BEST DAYS ARE TODAY AND WHAT LIES AHEAD!! None of us are DONE DEALS, regardless of age. Our adult classes ARE VIBRANT, ENERGIZING and keep growing!! These classes are proof that dance brings with it a recharging and invigorating energy to the dancer!! All are welcomed!

Throughout the past 15 years, we have had many students pursue college education and careers in dance/performing arts. Former students of The Dance Connection can be found performing on college dance teams, graduating with dance degrees, working on cruise ships, at Disney, teaching at dance studios, performing with national broadway touring companies, working in the business of dance, and of life!!

While the majority of our students may not pursue a career in dance, they all will take with them the sense of accomplishment, pride, self confidence and joy that dance imprints within the soul. The relationships formed at the studio often become the building blocks of life. We take our role of instructor at The Dance Connection very seriously, and we are committed to bringing out the brightest light within our dancers, and our selves. We are blessed, grateful and honored to be able to teach what we love to students that we respect and value.

Thank you for being a part of the tapestry of The Dance Connection, and for allowing us the opportunity of working with your child, and yourself. The world continues to change, and while we are committed to embracing the change , The Dance Connection remains changeless in it’s approach to dance, classes and life….our students growth, both on and off of the dance floor, remains the top priority.


-Ann Szymaniak
Owner/Director


Our Classes

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CLASSES OFFERED:

Preschool Classes –
For our 3 & 4 year old students; a 45 minute class, featuring weekly instruction in pre-ballet, jazz and tap.
Combination Classes –
For our 5-7 year old students; a 60 minute class, featuring weekly instruction in pre-ballet, jazz and tap.

As Well As Recreational, Technical and Performance Classes:
(Ages 8 and Older)
Ballet
The foundation for all other styles of dance, and recommended for all students ages 8 & up. We offer 60-90 minute weekly technical classes at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.
Lyrical
A fluid combination of modified ballet and jazz techniques - we offer 60 minute weekly performance classes at beginner thru advanced levels, which focus on technique and choreography.
Tap
This fun, classic dance style is a favorite with many. We offer 30, 45 and 60 minute weekly recreational and performance classes at all levels.
Jazz
The best know style of dance in the U.S. - we offer 60 minute weekly recreational and performance classes in contemporary and Broadway style jazz at all levels.
Hip Hop
A favorite with dancers - we offer 45 and 60 min. classes weekly recreational classes that concentrate on the crisp athletic aspects of this popular dance style.
Musical Theater :
Focusing on our actors/actresses who are looking to develop dance skills, Broadway flare!!
Adult Classes
These classes provide camaraderie as well as the opportunity to stay active. We offer 60 minute weekly recreational and performance classes. From beginner thru advanced levels.

Weekend Workshops
Vocal, Theater, dance workshops will be offered on a monthly basis, payable at time of workshop. Dates and times of workshops vary , and will be posted at time of registration. Offered to students ages 8 and older.




Policy Information for our Dance Season

Registration/Enrollment:
All students are required to register prior to enrolling in any classes at the studio.
Registration for our full season begins mid-August each year.
Registration fee of $30.00 will be required. It is separate from tuition and is not refundable.


Tuition Payment:
Tuition payments are due the first week classes each month, beginning in September and ending with your last payment in June. Students do have the option of dropping any class at any time. Registering for classes does not constitute a contract to complete the full season. However, no portion of tuition that has been paid will be refunded. It is your responsibility to notify The Dance Connection as soon as possible, if you/your child will no longer be participating in a class.

Our Dance Season:
A full season includes a minimum of 30 classes, beginning in September and ending in June. Additional rehearsals scheduled prior to performances are also considered to be classes, even if they are scheduled at times other than the regularly scheduled class time. These are included in the tuition and attendance is expected.

Holidays and Class cancellations:
All Holiday Studio Closings will be posted on our website and social media pages.
Students will also be notified via email of all closings due to weather or unexpected circumstances.
No make-up class time will be required for classes that must be cancelled due to inclement weather, or for any other reason beyond our control.

DC. Fundraising
There are several fundraisers to get involved with during the dance season. All monies earned will be applied directly into your dance account and can be used towards tuition, costumes, competition fees and/or performance tickets. Get involved and earn money. All information can be found on our website, www.TheDanceConnection.net, or in the studio lobby.

Dancewear:
There are many different styles of dancewear, and at The Dance Connection we ask all students to be dressed neatly and appropriately. Leotard and tights are suitable for ages 3 – 7 yrs. Leotard, tights, dance pants, dance shorts, cami tops are all appropriate for dancers ages 8 – older.

*All Competition dancers are to be in black dancewear for all classes. Black leotard, cami, black dance shorts, dance pants,> tan tights.

Required Dress for Ballet:
Female ballet students; a solid black leotard with tan, white or pink tights. Skirts and dance shorts are allowed.
.Male ballet students; solid black fitted dance shorts or pants and a fitted black or white t-shirt or tank style shirt.

Footwear :
Absolutely NO STREET SHOES are allowed on the dance floors.

Preschool, Primary & Elementary Classes: Children dancing in preschool, primary or elementary combination classes will need both ballet shoes and tap shoes for class.
Check with instructor for preferred style.
Hip Hop: Sneakers required for class.
Ballet: Female – black, pink, or white (leather or canvas), split-sole ballet shoes.
Male – black (leather or canvas), split-sole ballet shoes.
Jazz & Lyrical: Please wait to purchase any footwear until the teacher states preference.



End of the Season Performances:

We present our performances in June. We take great pride in presenting an entertaining production for all of our students. We will be sending information regarding our June performances throughout the year via email and through the web site. It is always an exciting weekend, with great fun had by all.

There are tickets for all performances in June, $10.00 per adult, $5.00 for students under age 10. Dancers never need to purchase a ticket.

Costumes for June performance:
Recreational Students: $65 per costume [ non competitive classes ]
Each class will have one costume for our show.
If a dancer is registered for 2 classes, there will be 2 separate costumes purchased.

Competition Students: $80 per costume

WE DO OUR BEST TO MAKE COSTUMES AFFORDABLE FOR ALL STUDENTS NEEDING TO PURCHASE MORE THAN ONE COSTUME! WE WILL INFORM PARENTS AS WE GET CLOSER TO ORDERING.
Costumes are ordered Dec. 1, and payment in full is due by Nov. 31.


And A Note For Parents:
We keep you informed through email. PLEASE READ THE EMAILS!!!! Thank you !!



Tuition:

Tuition discounts are offered to families with more than one student dancing, and/or students taking multiple classes.

1 hr class, 1 class per week: $50.00 per month
Each additional class taken per week: $40.00 per month [ this is for an individual student, or siblings ]
Private instruction: $75.00 per month 30 mins. weekly
Duo/Trio Instruction: $50.00 per month 30 mins. weekly
Small group instruction: $40.00 per month 30 mins. weekly

Family cap: $400 [ solo/dou/trio classes are not included in family cap ]



Class Schedule:
Please contact the studio for class schedules. Each year they vary, and openings in classes cannot be guaranteed.


Class attendance is crucial to your dancer’s success, both on and off the dance floor. Please keep your dance class a priority, and be present at your class!!


Thank you for choosing The Dance Connection!! We are currently celebrating 40 years of bringing dance, love and life to our community. We consider it a blessing to be able to work with our students, and an honor to have you with us this dance season.

Always feel free to contact us with any concerns or questions!!

Thank you,
Ann Szymaniak
Owner/director

GENERAL INFORMATION

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We follow the school schedule with classes beginning in September and ending with our recital in June. 
We offer many workshops throughout the year as well as camps during the summer!
Multiple fundraising events are available throughout the year.

CONTACT US:

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Contact Us

  • Home
  • About Us & Contact Info
    • Facility & Staff >
      • Testimonials
  • Calendar
  • New Information
    • Parties
  • 2022-2023 Dance Season
    • Competition Team
    • Recital 2023
    • Fundraising
  • Gallery
  • Summer Camps