Positions Dance Studio Presents The Nutcracker

We are pleased to present a full-length production of The Nutcracker to the community of Babylon! This exciting performance will feature dancers from Positions Dance Studio and members of the community.

The Nutcracker

December 4, 2022 7:00 pm
December 11, 2022 7:00 pm
Argyle Theatre Babylon, NY view map
Tickets Available HERE

After holding auditions in the fall, our talented cast has been busy rehearsing in preparation for our December performances. Throughout the rehearsal process, our dancers learn how to work alongside their peers and tackle more complicated staging and choreography. 

This additional performance also gives them valuable time on stage and an opportunity to work on their performance skills. They grow SO much through the process!

We’d love to invite your family to attend The Nutcracker! Support our dancers AND kick off the holiday season close to home. Attending the Nutcracker is a wonderful way to introduce your child to the joy of classical ballet. We can’t think of a better way to get in the holiday spirit!

Performing in the Nutcracker and having the opportunity to share this iconic holiday tradition with the Babylon community is very special. Our dancers treasure their time on stage and are looking forward to presenting The Nutcracker on December 4th and 11th at the Argyle Theatre. Tickets can be purchased for both performances online. Purchase Tickets HERE.

We hope to see your family in the audience. The countdown is on! 

What To Expect When You Arrive At The Studio

Welcome back to Positions! 

We are thrilled to kick off another amazing year of dance. We have LOTS of new faces at the studio.  We thought this would be the perfect time to give our newer families a run-down of what to expect when you arrive at the studio. 

We are sharing three tips for new families. We want you and your dancer to feel confident when you arrive at the studio! Check out our tips below to make your first few weeks at Positions as stress-free as possible. 

Tip #1 - Prep the Dance Bag

Make sure to gather your child’s dance items into a bag and put their name on EVERYTHING! If your child leaves a shoe behind or clothing item, we will make sure it gets back to them. This can save you the trouble of needing to purchase another pair of shoes or dance attire.

Packing a few extras can also set your child up for success. Depending on your child’s age and classes, they might want an extra pair of tights, hair ties, a brush, a small towel,  bandaids, or a thereband. 

Once your child is ready for class,  they should place their dance bag on a hook or in a cubby. Dancers in combo classes should bring their dance bags into the studio. 

Tip #2 - Wait for your Teacher Outside the Studio 

Once dancers are ready for class, they should wait outside their studio. Your child’s teacher will greet their students and open the studio door when it’s time for class. Students will enter the studio together.

Practicing preparedness allows our classes to stay on schedule and make things less stressful for you and your child! 

Tip #3 - Think Through the Logistics

Our lobby can get a little tight during busy periods.  Ideally, one adult will bring their child to dance class and return to pick them up.

Please remember to build in a little extra time for parking. Don’t forget your quarter! 

We are so excited to be dancing our way into the fall with our dance families. Thank you in advance for your cooperation in making this an amazing year!  

Please let us know if you have any questions. Never hesitate to reach out, we are more than happy to help.

If your dancer is looking to join us or add a class, it’s not too late. We are still accepting enrollment in classes with availability. See the current schedule and register for classes on our website. 

We’d love to have your dancer join in on the fun!

Stay in Motion this Summer!

Now, we are ALL for a fun-filled summer of dancing and we always want to encourage our dancers to stay active and healthy. But have you ever considered adding in a bit of cross-training to your child’s activities? 

Cross-training is a way to vary training by combining different types of exercise and improving overall performance. Cross-training can help prevent athletes from getting an injury due to repetitive strain or overuse. Overuse injuries can be common for dancers which is why it’s important for dancers to include other exercises or activities in their training to strengthen other muscles and prevent injury. Cross-training also opens up dancers to new experiences and maybe discover an additional sport or activity they love! 

Here at Positions, we will be offering our own kids’ fitness class this summer! Kids Yoga will be taking place on Mondays at 4:45pm! If you’d like to sign up your dancer for this class, view our summer classes HERE!  

Kids Yoga on Mondays will be offered to children ages 3+ and taught by Miss Danielle! Classes will be fun and interactive with yoga poses, breathing exercises, games, and more! 

This class would be a wonderful way for our dancers to supplement their dance training and try something NEW! By clicking HERE, you can get your child registered for our fitness classes and summer technique classes! 

We are so excited about summer! 

What To Pack In Your Recital Dance Bag

What to Pack in Your Dance Bag!

As the recital nears, we are starting to put all the pieces together. We are excited to announce, that it’s going to be a spectacular show! Our students are working hard in the studio to make sure their dances look flawless.

Parents, we know you are doing your part in making sure you know the schedules and have everything you need for your student to shine on stage! We can’t say thank you enough for all you do to support your dancer and know it’s a lot to keep track of. To make your job a little easier, we thought we would give you a list of everything you need in your child’s dance bag to have a successful show day. 

Read through the list below and pack your child’s bag before the big day. You will be able to check a few things off your list so you can enjoy the moment with your child!

1. All costumes labeled with your child’s name

It’s SO important to label your costumes. The last thing you want is to be missing an accessory or shoe when it’s time to dance on stage! Backstage there are a lot of dancers and dance bags. Your child’s things could get mixed up easily so it’s best to be safe and mark your child’s initials into all your costume items, shoes, and accessories. Please make sure to mark costumes and shoes on the inside so we don’t see them on stage. 

2. Dance shoes

This seems obvious but it’s worth saying, there is nothing worse than missing a shoe on recital day! Make sure to have your dancer try on their shoes before the big day to catch any holes or uncomfortable (and too tight) shoes. Need new shoes? Come over to our dance store in the studio lobby area where you can find everything you need! 

3. Extra tights

We all know that tights can rip easily! Throw in an extra pair of tights for your dancer along with the ones they will wear on stage. That extra pair could save the day for your dancer! 

4. Costume accessories 

Do any of your child’s costumes come with headpieces, layers, or other accessories? These items are just as important as your main costume to have in your dance bag! If you need to check our costume book for recital, you can click HERE. 

5. Hair supplies  

 Packing a small kit of hair supplies for your dancer is a great idea. Although they should have their hair ready when they arrive, hair emergencies happen! Pack a brush, bobby pins, hair ties, and some extra hair spray just in case. 

6. Clean (& nut-free) snacks

Throughout dress rehearsal and recital, dancers may get hungry and need a snack to keep themselves energized to perform! No one wants to get on stage hungry! Remember, since dancers will be in costume, we recommend packing clean and nut-free snacks. Choosing a nut-free snack is a way to keep other dancers, who may have allergies to certain foods, safe. 

7. Water

This may be one of the most important ways to stay energized and hydrated during recital! We encourage dancers to bring reusable water bottles with them.  Make sure to label your water bottles or bring a case to share with others! 

8. An activity for backstage 

If your dancer has any downtime during the show, have them pack an activity such as a coloring book, tablet, book, or game with them! This allows backstage to be a little calmer throughout the show and dancers to stay occupied while waiting for their next dance or bows! 

And there you have it! Please know that our staff will also have first aid supplies and a few more emergency supplies backstage for dancers. We are so excited for recital and want to make sure everyone feels prepared and thrilled to dance on stage! 

4 Tips To Have The Best Recital Ever

4 Tips To Have The Best Recital Ever

Recital is near and it’s time to talk about some great ways to ensure that you and your dancer have a great show! Before the lights come on and dancers are on stage, LOTS of preparation goes into creating a recital. There are even a few important steps for you to take before it’s showtime, are you ready?! 

Mark Your Calendars

While we are preparing for the big show day, make sure you know the important dates and times for any costume try-ons, rehearsals, or photos! 

Our dress rehearsal will be on June 25th and performance on June 26th at the SUNY Staller Center For The Arts. 

You can click HERE for our dress rehearsal schedule, show order, costume book, and purchase tickets! 

Label EVERYTHING

Once your dancer has come home with their costume(s) for recital, take the time to write their name or initials on tags, the insides of dance shoes, a costume bag, makeup, or accessories. 

Dancers will most likely be in the same room as many other dancers backstage and the last thing we would want happening is someone having a missing costume piece or getting things mixed up with another dancer! 

Click HERE to view our costume book with information on hair, makeup, and images of your dancer’s costume(s)! 

Take Inventory

Not only should you label your dancer’s costume(s) and other accessories, but also make sure you know everything they need! Keep track of the items your dancer needs for show, such as tights, shoes, makeup, and hair accessories. 

NOW is the time to order anything as well. Having an extra pair of tights or shoes may come in handy! You never know if something might snag, if your dancer loses a shoe… Better to be prepared! 

Have A Plan

Make sure you take the time to talk to your dancer about the logistics of dress rehearsal and recital day. It’s important for everyone to be on the same page about when to be at dress rehearsal and show day call times, who your dancer may be carpooling with, when pick-up will be…etc. 

For our dress rehearsal, we ask that dancers arrive 20 minutes prior to their scheduled rehearsal time slot. Click HERE to view when your dancer will need to be at the theater! 

For show day, our recital will begin at 11am! 

And… Remember To Have Fun! 

Once you have these things covered, relax a little and get ready to enjoy the show! We are so excited to present our performance. Your dancers will LOVE stepping on stage to show you what they have learned this year.

If you have any questions or concerns about the recital, never hesitate to reach out! We are always here to help. 

Contact us HERE. 

Costume Care for Recital

Our show is getting closer and closer and it is finally time to talk about costumes! For these past few months, we’ve had costumes arriving at the studio and are now in the phase of sending them home with your dancers. 

Costumes are a HUGE part of recital so there are a few things we need to cover as dancers begin to bring them home! We want to make sure your dancer and you have everything you need for the big show day along with some extra tips to keep in mind! Let’s dive in… 

Caring for Costumes

As costumes arrive at the studio, we will begin having dancers try them on during their class times. If your dancer’s costume fits well, we will send it home with them to keep for recital day! 

We know your dancer will be excited to show off their costumes. We encourage our dancers to do a quick fashion show when they first get home so you can celebrate the milestone. After that, it’s important to keep their costume stored in a safe spot until the big day. Make sure to designate a spot that is pet and kid-free. Once our recital is completely over, dancers can then wear their costumes freely! 

Our costumes come in a carrier bag and we recommend holding onto those for storing costumes safely. This also makes it easy for your dancer to keep all costume items in one bag on dress rehearsal and show days. 

If your dancer’s costume has any wrinkles in it, try hanging it upside down in a steamy bathroom! This allows for all wrinkles to come out gently without damaging the costume. 

Please do not iron costumes, if you aren’t sure how to get wrinkles out, ask us! We are happy to help! We want to keep costumes in great shape so then your dancer looks and feels their best on stage! 

Costume Accessories 

Most costumes will come with accessories. Make sure your dancer has all accessories needed along with TWO pairs of tights. One pair of tights will be included with your dancer’s costume and we recommend having an extra pair on hand just in case. 

If you need to check what accessories come with your dancer’s costume or need to view the full look, click our link below to our costume book! Our book includes information on class, costume, shoes, and hair! 

LINK to Costume Book: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55d62d51e4b0a862eed61f38/t/61f3b6f9669542504da2b86e/1643362049129/Costume_Book_2022-Revised.pdf 

Hair and Makeup 

Lastly, your dancer may need to have their hair styled a certain way for the recital. If your dancer needs to have a bun, here are TWO tutorials you can view. One with a bun-maker and one with only bobby pins and elastics! Make sure your dancer’s bun is centered and has no part. 

With a bun-maker: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqqdaU7rwdU&t=83s 

With pins and elastic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yG7Hcozrf8 

As for makeup, we recommend pink lipstick and pink blush for younger dancers so they do not get washed out under the stage lights. If your dancer is older, add in a few more elements such as eye makeup and foundation. We find that practicing hair and makeup before show day can be very helpful and takes some stress off your plate! Make sure you set aside some time to do this with your dancer. This will also get your dancer even more excited to perform by getting to see their full look ahead of time! 

Show Time

We are SO excited about recital and hope you and your dancers are too! Looking their best can also help our dancers FEEL their best and be excited to perform. Taking the time to clarify details on hair, makeup, and costumes can be so important for a spectacular-looking show. We have found that practicing hair and makeup before the big day can take a lot of stress off your plate the day of.

If you still have questions on costumes, hair, makeup, or accessories, please reach out to the studio! We are happy to help. Click HERE to contact us.

Goal Setting for MOVERS!

One of our values at Positions Dance Studio is teaching our students how to be proactive about their training. This means that instead of always depending on their teachers for feedback and inspiration, they learn to look inside! This applies to BOTH our children’s dance classes and our adult dance and fitness classes. 

One of our favorite strategies for encouraging this skill is goal setting. Most dancers and fitness enthusiasts are naturally driven. It takes a lot of dedication to come to class week after week! Goal setting is one of the best ways to start taking more ownership of your training AND make sure you are being intentional week after week. 

The new year is an amazing time to set goals. Here at Positions Dance Studio, we can’t help to feel a little extra wave of motivation in January.  If you find yourself feeling the same way, we want to encourage you to take advantage of the inspiration! 

There are four simple steps to getting started with goal setting. This is an ideal framework to follow If you are new to goal setting OR if you are helping your child to get started. Lets’ dive in!

Step 1: Reflect

The first step is to take some time to reflect. You can’t figure out where you’re going without knowing where you’ve been! Think about a few moments when you felt really proud. What about a few moments that felt really hard? Did you check off any milestones this past year? 

Even a younger dancer will be able to answer these questions. Grab a notebook and take 30 min. to journal or draw! 

Most of us have a natural tendency to always focus on what’s next… don’t forget to celebrate how far you’ve come! 

Step 2: Make a SMART Goal 

Now that you’ve thought about the past year, we’re ready to start looking forward! We recommend using the acronym SMART to make sure your goals are clear and realistic.

SMART goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time bound.

For our dance students, an example of a SMART goal is getting both their right and left splits by the end of the summer. 

An example for our adult fitness students is working towards 10 push-ups on your toes by June 1. 

We recommend keeping things simple. Set 1-3 SMART goals and work with a shorter time frame. Kids (and adults too!) can lose momentum if goal setting feels overwhelming. We want our goals to feel like a stretch… but also feel achievable!

Step 3: Write it Down

A study done by Dr. Gail Matthews at Dominican University in California found that people are 42% more likely to reach their goals just by writing them down every day. That’s pretty compelling! If you already have a daily journaling habit or keep a notebook for school or work, can you add 5 min. to your routine?

An alternative is to write down your goals and post them somewhere where you will see it and read it each and every day. Bathroom mirror, locker, a post-it note on your computer… it doesn’t have to be fancy! 

Step 4: Ask for help! 

You don’t have to reach your goals by yourself! The last step in goal setting is thinking about who can help you. Spoiler alert… at Positions you have a whole team of teachers ready to help! 

It can feel a little scary, but sharing your goals makes it even more likely you will reach your target. Our team is happy to share ideas, provide accountability, and support you every step of the way. 

Be brave and put your goals into the world!

Are you feeling inspired? Ready to reach for the stars in 2022? Goal setting should feel FUN. Taking a little time to think about what you want to accomplish is an amazing habit that you can apply to any area of your life. 

Whether you hope to nail your double turn, commit to a weekly class, or dream of getting your first pair of pointe shoes… you get to decide what’s important to you! 

Our team at Positions Dance Studio is here to help you every step of the way!  

Positions Happenings: Take a Look at our February Newsletter

Wait…. Where did January go?! Winter is flying by this year and we can’t complain. The season of LOVE is upon us as we head into Valentine’s Day! This month on the blog we are featuring our February Newsletter. We’ve got tons of exciting events and important studio updates for our dance families!

Read on to stay in the know about all our exciting dance events in Babylon:

1. Don’t forget to purchase your Paper Hearts! 

The hearts are flying over here at the studio! This month we are selling paper hearts! Proceeds benefit the Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition. Stop by the front desk to learn more and purchase.

Thank you in advance for your help in supporting this great organization!

2. Winter Break is February 17th-23rd

There are no classes this week! We are wishing all of our dance families a relaxing break. Take some time to restart and refresh as we head into recital season! 

Classes are canceled but we WILL be offering a Winter Break Camp for kids ages 3-10. See below for details! 

3. Join us for Mini Winter Camp on February 18th and 19th! 

Ms. Assante, from St. Joseph’s Nursery School, and Miss Kelly are teaming up again for another fun Winter Camp! On Tuesday, we are throwing a pancake and pajama party that you won’t want to miss. Wednesday will be a Mad Scientist adventure! 

Join us for one day or two! Camp pricing starts at $40 for one day and $70 for both days. Ages 3-5 will camp from 9am-11pm and ages 6-10 will camp from 11:30-1:30! Contact the studio at 631-669-8612 to register!

4. New Year, New You: Our Adult Fitness Contest ends on February 16th

We are in the final stretch before we announce the winner of our adult fitness! Don’t forget to get those classes in before the 16th! Whoever attends the MOST classes by this date wins a $50 Positions gift card. We believe in you, let’s tackle those fitness goals together at the studio! 

Review the adult fitness schedule here! We’d love to see you in class. 

5. Save your spot for Pinot Noir at the Barre! 

Sorry kids, this one is adults only! On February 17th, we are so excited to host a Special Event for just $30/person. This class will feature a barre workout to get you up and moving. After that, guests will enjoy a wine, cheese, and chocolate pairing class to make your workout even sweeter!

Call 631-669-8612 to reserve your spot! See you on February 17th from 7pm-8:15! 

6. Spend Your Summer With Positions Dance Studio!

Summer is the perfect time to work on technique in a stress-free and fun environment! Look for the summer dance schedule later this month. Take 10% off your tuition if you register before April 30th! 

7. Frozen Kids: Save the date for our Spring Musical! 

Positions students will be presenting Frozen Kids on April 26th at 2pm at the Argyle Theatre. Don't miss this family-friendly performance! 

Tickets go on sale February 28th. We can't wait to see our students shine!

8. Positions Dance Studio Evening at the Argyle Theater

Tickets are on sale now for Disney’s The Little Mermaid at the Argyle Theater and it’s a special night for Positions Dance Studio families on February 21st at 7:30pm. Be sure to grab your discounted ticket for $59 (normally $74)! Tickets for kids 12 and under are $35. Contact the studio to purchase tickets!

9. Mark your calendars for Recital 2020! SO exciting!

We know it’s early, but over here we are ALREADY busy planning for our fabulous June recital. Important dates for you to know include Dress Rehearsal on June 27th at 11am and Recital on June 28th at 11am and 4pm. 

Mark your calendars now so those dates don’t sneak up on you, and check back to the recital page of our website to stay in the know. It’s going to be a great show!

We are SO excited to be offering so many new events and workshops for our Positions families! Have an idea that you’d like us to add to the list? We’d love to hear from you! Contact the studio today! 

Getting to Know our Teachers at Positions Dance Studio

Here at Positions Dance Studio, we have an incredible team of teachers! They are so dedicated to what they do and we hope you ALL have the opportunity to get to know them a little deeper than just “5,6,7,8!” So… we asked them some questions and here are their responses! Enjoy!

Miss Kelly

Where did you go to school and what did you study?

I earned a BA in History from Siena College and a MA in Social Studies Education from Hofstra University.

Why do you love teaching at Positions Dance Studio?

I love seeing the “aha” moments happen in my students, especially for younger kids!

Which dancer or choreographer inspires you the most?

Misty Copeland and Travis Wall

What is your favorite local restaurant?

The Brixton and Molto Vino

What is your favorite dance movie or book?

An oldie but goodie - Center Stage!

Miss Jillian

Where did you go to school and what did you study?

I first earned a BFA in Theater Arts and Performance from Hofstra University, with minors in Dance and English. I later received an MA from Hofstra in Communications, as well as an MA in Educational Theater from NYU.

Why do you love teaching at Positions Dance Studio?

I love sharing my passion with children and teaching them how wonderful the arts can be.

Which dancer or choreographer inspires you the most?

Isadora Duncan (the creator of Modern dance) because she decided to rebel against the dance world, created what she thought was a truer style of performance, and changed minds and dance forever.

Do you have a secret talent?

I can make monkey sounds!

What is your favorite local restaurant?

Molto Vino

What is your favorite dance movie or book?

Center Stage

Miss Dominique

Where did you go to school and what did you study?

I went to Temple University where I studied Kinesiology and Dance.

Why do you love teaching at Positions Dance Studio?

I love modern and jazz!

Which dancer or choreographer inspires you the most?

I have so many favorite choreographers, so the people I draw my inspiration from really depends on what I am teaching!

Do you have a secret talent?

I have a green thumb!

What is your favorite local restaurant?

Barrique, Molto Vino, Del Fuego, and Fancy Lee!

What is your favorite dance movie or book?

Center Stage

Miss Annie

Where did you go to school and what did you study?

I attended Argosy University where I earned a BA in Psychology. I also hold a Special Education Transition Certificate from Seton Hall University.

Why do you love teaching at Positions Dance Studio?

I love sharing my passion for dance with others who share that same dedication to this form of art. Teaching dance lets me combine my 3 favorite things teaching, dancing, and kids!

Which dancer or choreographer inspires you the most?

Luke Hawkins. I started following his Tap dancing on Instagram and I was hooked! His creativity truly inspires me.

Do you have a secret talent?

I love to cook!

What is your favorite local restaurant?

Mannino’s Restaurant and Lounge (I happen to work there too)!

What is your favorite dance movie or book?

Center Stage

Miss Jeanine

Where did you go to school and what did you study?

SUNY Oneonta & The Fashion Institute of Technology. I studied Fashion Merchandising.

Why do you love teaching at Positions Dance Studio?

I love children!

Which dancer or choreographer inspires you the most?

Derrick Hough & Mark Ballas.

Do you have a secret talent?

Drawing & Painting!

What is your favorite local restaurant?

Swell Taco

What is your favorite dance movie or book?

Dirty Dancing

Miss Lisa

Where did you go to school and what did you study?

I earned a Liberal Arts degree from Nassau Community College. I also studied nutrition for the time I was there.

Why do you love teaching at Positions Dance Studio?

It’s fun! It’s certainly not your average desk job and I’m grateful for that. There’s so much to gain while teaching dance and there is so much to learn from the kids at Positions. You learn to be silly and you learn growing up shouldn’t be your main goal. You learn to use your imagination and on top of it, you keep yourself active. I love being able to watch all my dancers grow into the dancers I know they can be.

Which dancer or choreographer inspires you the most?

Crazy answer: I actually love Shaun T. If you don’t know him he’s the fitness coach from cize it up. I love how he makes dance into physical exercise and you don’t even know it. It’s fun, and he encourages you.. even though you’re in the living room, on the floor, falling face first trying to do some hip-hop move you thought your mom-self could accomplish... but he is still there for you, telling you that you did a great job.  If I could be as encouraging and supportive as Shaun T, I’ve done my job right.

Do you have a secret talent?

I can touch my nose with my tongue!

What is your favorite local restaurant?

Hmmm... I’m not sure because I’m not really from Babylon, but I hear Babylon Burger Bar is fantastic!! Would love to try it soon.

What is your favorite dance movie or book?

Ah so many!!!! Leap (my newest favorite) but I also used to love Barbie and The Nutcracker when I was 5. But now, with a little boy, Barbie isn’t so much in the picture haha. I still watch movies like Center stage, Save the Last Dance and Dirty Dancing, which are my top 3 favorites of all time!

Miss Meagan

Where did you go to school and what did you study?

I earned a degree in Dance Studies from Long Island University.

Why do you love teaching at Positions Dance Studio?

I love spreading my passion for this art form. Dance has changed my life in so many ways and when I was younger it was the one thing I could always depend on. My dance teachers were some of the greatest role models I had growing up and I hope to be that light for another child.

Which dancer or choreographer inspires you the most?

Misty Copeland. Her story just resonates with me and gives me hope as a professional dancer.

Do you have a secret talent?

I can juggle!! It all started one summer when I was in high school and I have been doing it ever since. I can do all sorts of tricks and turns.

What is your favorite local restaurant?

I love The Carriage House.

What is your favorite dance movie or book?

Dirty Dancing! Patrick Swayze is my all time favorite and I could watch that movie all day, everyday.

Miss Meredith

Where did you go to school and what did you study?

I went to Hamilton College where I studied Dance and English Literature.

Why do you love teaching at Positions Dance Studio?

It’s gratifying to witness a student experience an "A-HA - I get it!" moment.

Which dancer or choreographer inspires you the most?

The late George Balanchine and Twyla Tharp.

Do you have a secret talent?

I can sew (but around Positions Dance Studio that's not much of a secret!)

What is your favorite local restaurant?

Fancy Lee

What is your favorite dance movie or book?

Bolshoi Confidential by Simon Morrison

So if you haven’t done so already, you NEED to watch Center Stage with your dancer. Clearly a winner among our staff! We are so proud to have such a talented, knowledgeable and loving staff. Aside from the fun facts, one thing we all have in common is that we are passionate about dance and LOVE sharing our passion with our students.

If you want to learn more about our AMAZING teachers, pop over to our meet the staff page to learn more!

3 Tips To Get The Most Out Of Your Free Trial

We know there are so many great dance studios in the area and choosing the best one for you can be a tough decision. This is why at Positions Dance Studio, we offer free trials to new customers. Today on the blog we wanted to talk about a few tips to get the most out of your free trial and share with you what you can learn by taking advantage of them.

BONUS ALERT: Check out our demo at the bottom of this post showing exactly how to schedule your free trial today!

You can start learning about a dance studio the second you sign up for a trial. We recommend taking a moment to reflect after contacting the studio. How easy or difficult was it to sign up? If you spoke to someone on the phone or via email, how was the studio’s communication?

This very first interaction can be a glimpse into how the customer service is at a studio. At Positions, we strive to create a very positive experience from the beginning of our customer’s dance journey. Our new customers can schedule their free trial online or by calling/emailing the studio. Our website and parent portal are always up to date with the most current information so our customers are always informed.

As you arrive at the studio, take a moment to observe. How are the students and teachers interacting? Do the students look happy? How do you feel about the lobby? You will know you are at the right studio when you feel good upon walking in. One of the biggest priorities at Positions is to make everyone feel welcomed. We firmly believe that dance is for everybody! During your free trial, you should be able to feel that energy right as you enter our studio.

The most obvious advantage of doing a free trial is seeing if your child LIKES the class and enjoys their teacher. Signing up for a session of dance is a big commitment. By having your child do a trial class, you won't have to guess if they are going to have fun and learn something new. You will know!

Our teachers at Positions strive to create a positive environment in the classroom that fosters student growth both in their technique and in their self-esteem. A trial will give you the confidence to know your child is in the right place.

As you can see, a trial class is an important step in finding the right dance studio. We offer free trials to new customers all year long. If you would like to get a first-hand look at what Positions Dance Studio is all about, schedule your free trial today!

Below we have made a free trial demo so you can feel confident in booking yours.

Uploaded by Resourceful Dance, LLC on 2018-07-13.

What To Know If This Is Your First Recital

Recital is right around the corner and it is sure to be an amazing show! Whether this is your first recital or your 20th, you will be blown away by all your dancer has accomplished in one year. For those new dance parents out there, you may be wondering what this recital thing about. Although there are so many moments you will cherish throughout recital week, there is a lot of information to process beforehand. Use these simple tips to prepare so that you and your dancer can have a magical time come recital week.

• Read everything. Twice. Recital is a big production. It is a multi-day event including dress rehearsal, and of course the big show. Like we mentioned earlier, there is a lot of information to process so we recommend reading everything twice. All the recital handouts are available on our website. There is important information relevant to your dancer on every handout.  

• Highlight dates, times, and locations that are relevant to your dancer. It’s a great idea to go through the dress rehearsal, picture, and recital schedules in order to highlight the call times, dates, and locations for your dancer. There are a lot of numbers in our show. By highlighting your dancer’s classes, you will ensure there won’t be a mix-up. These schedules will be posted and emailed home at the beginning of May so keep your eyes peeled for them!

• Check the website for questions. As information becomes available to parents, we will be updating the spring recital page on our website. If a question pops up, our website is there to help and is available 24/7! Need more help? Feel free to contact the studio or stop by the front desk next time you are in.

Above all, we want all of our dance parents to enjoy the moment! Recital is the perfect time to take a step back and appreciate your dancer. They have worked so hard all year and they will be so proud to show you what they have learned. Remember that this is what recital is all about! As a dance parent, you get to sit back and enjoy seeing your dancer shine on stage, what could be better than that?!

We can’t wait to see all of our Positions dancers on stage for our recital on Sunday, June 10, 2018, at West Babylon High School.

Find More Opportunities To Be Creative

Creativity is something we highly value at Positions Dance Studio. By encouraging creativity in the classroom, your children will be better equipped to solve problems, express emotions, become more self-aware, and so much more. We think that is pretty great, don’t you? It got us thinking, what other ways can your dancers build more creative time into their lives? We have put together a great list of ideas for all ages to try.

• See A Show. There are a TON of great shows to see for all ages and budgets, especially at this time of year. Whether it is theater, dance, music, or art, seeing something new can open your dancer’s mind to new possibilities. Seeing other people's creativity come to life is a great way to get inspired!

• Take a new class. Sign your dancer up for something they have never tried before. That could be a new style of dance (check out our current schedule here to find one) OR something completely different like painting or acting. By exposing your child to something new (in a safe environment like a class) you are building the foundation that new is fun and exciting and it is OK to not be the “best” (at any age).

• Make up a dance at home. This is always a hit at sleepovers and family parties. Choreographing requires a dancer to try new things and put a story or emotions into movement. At the end of the night, your dancers can put on a show in the living room for you. We promise it will be so much fun for everyone! BONUS: Grab that camera and record it every once and awhile. You will be amazed at how your dancer’s choreography progresses year after year, all thanks to their creative mind being strengthened.

This list has us ready to go have some fun, how about you? Like we mentioned, your dancers already have a leg up in the creative department JUST by coming to dance class. These could be a few really great (and fun) ways to keep the creativity flowing outside of dance class. Does your family do any special projects or activities that foster this skill? We would love to know it the comments!

Meet The Owner Of Positions Dance Studio: Kelly Peckholdt

We know you have seen her around the studio but how much do you actually know about our fearless leader here at Positions Dance Studio? Now that our year has gotten off to an AMAZING start, we thought it was about time to sit down and get to know Kelly Peckholdt a little bit better. You will not only learn more about her but also her hopes and dreams for Positions and why she loves every moment with your dancers!

How did you come to own Positions Dance Studio?

When I graduated college, I was looking for a job teaching either middle or high school social studies. The summer I graduated, I was looking for extra work before the school year and approached the former owner of Positions to see if she needed additional teachers. Luckily, she hired me to teach a couple of ballet classes that year. A couple of years down the road, she pulled me into her office in the middle of a teacher's' dance rehearsal (two weeks before that year's recital!) to tell me she was retiring. She had not yet found someone she was comfortable with selling the studio to, and she threw out the idea to me as a former student of Positions. I always knew that down the road I wanted to own a studio, but I never thought my dream would happen at age 24!

What are your hopes and dreams for Positions Dance Studio?

I want to continue to expand our focus on proper dance technique. I am a stickler, ESPECIALLY in ballet, for proper technique and alignment work. My big focus this year is injury prevention strategies to implement in our classes. Our student body has grown since I initially took over the studio over 5 years ago, and I'd love for it to continue to grow so we can share our passion with as many children as possible. I'd love to (down the road, not now) expand our building, especially as things like our fitness program and wedding services grow. I just love sharing the gift of dance AND fitness with as many people as I can!

What makes Positions different than studios in the area?

We truly strive to create unique opportunities and experiences for our students. We are constantly coming up with cool field trips and performance opportunities, ways to give back to the community, and workshops/learning experiences. Not many recreational studios travel with their students, especially out of state.

What is your favorite age group to teach and why?

I love teaching our younger students - especially age 4 and 5. They really start to "get it" at that age but can still be really silly. I'm always intrigued by how toddlers' minds work and the funny things they say! More recently, I was subbing for a Ballet/Tap class on a Saturday morning, and even though many of the students knew me I reintroduced myself. One little girl raised her hand and said, "I know you, Miss Kelly! You're the lady who cleans my teeth!" I've been cracking up ever since.

If you could describe Positions in JUST 3 words what would they be?

Caring, respectful, professional

Describe one moment that reminded you of why you do what you do?

Whenever a parent pulls me aside or sends me an email and tells me how much their child enjoyed a class or an event...or even just tells me how much dance has impacted their child's life. Dance has had such a tremendous impact on my life, and it makes me so happy to know that other children are experiencing that.

What is the BEST part of your job?

Interacting with students in the classroom. Sometimes when I'm teaching ballet, I'll be doing plies at the barre with my students, and the thought pops into my head, "Wow, I get to plie for a living!" It's the coolest thing ever.

We could not be more fortunate to have such a passion-driven person like Kelly leading the way for Positions! If you would like to learn more about classes at Positions, check out our current schedule. Is there something else that you would like to know about Kelly? Next time you see her in the lobby, go ahead and ask, she loves getting to know students and families better!

 

What Makes Positions Dance Studio Different

We know there are so many great dance studios to choose from in the Long Island area. When deciding where your child is going to dance, there are so many different factors to consider and we totally understand that. What are the teachers like? How well maintained is the facility? What is the classroom dynamic? A dance studio often becomes like a second home for young dancers and their families. That is why it is SO important to find one that you and your dancer connect with.

We feel great about all the things that make Positions Dance Studio different from all the other studios in the area. We pride ourselves in cultivating an environment where our students come out of dance class learning not only dance steps but more importantly, life skills. We are very confident that you will feel just as great knowing that your dancer’s second home is at our studio. “For Your Island,” a local show concentrating on the arts, culture, and entertainment in Long Island,  featured our studio. In the episode, you will get to know the studio owner and director, Kelly Peckholdt, see the space, and get a glimpse into our classes. It is the perfect first step in getting to know our studio and its values.

As you can see, at Positions Dance Studio we truly care about each and every student. It is one of our top priorities to make long lasting, positive relationships with all of our students and their families. We have classes for students no matter what stage in their dance journey they are in. Our family-friendly environment helps our students gain self-confidence, self-esteem, and discipline all while maintaining age and developmentally appropriate classes. Using age appropriate music and costumes in class and for performances will always be our policy. We want your kids, to be kids!

Our experienced and qualified teachers keep our students busy learning proper terminology and technique while teaching them important life skills such as discipline, focus, and grace that they will carry well beyond their dance years. We are beyond passionate about dance along with creating an all-inclusive, positive environment for our students.

Like we said, we know there are a ton of great studios out there and we are SO honored that our students have chosen our studio as their home away from home.

If you would like to learn more about what sets Positions Dance Studio apart contact us today or stop in during one of our Open House Events (6/25 4:30-6:30, 6/26 4-6, and 6/27 6-8). We are now accepting enrollment for our Fall 2018/2019 session and would love to see you there!

Is Your Child Ready For Dance Class?

Knowing when your child is ready for dance class can be tough! Whether you have a toddler, preschooler, or a child in elementary school, making the decision to sign your child up for dance classes may be nerve wracking. Every kid is unique and of course, you know your child best! To make the choice just a tad easier, we thought we would share a few tell tale signs that your little dancer is ready to jump right in!

• They LOVE music and movement! Does your dancer demand their favorite songs in the car? Do they start wiggling when a song comes on? Have they ever put on a “show” for you in the living room? If yes, then they will love dance class!

• They are ready to take class independently. We DO offer classes for children 18-36 months accompanied with a parent ( called “Dance With Me”) but if your child is older than 3, they will have to be emotionally ready to take class without a parent in the room. Sometimes the adjustment takes a couple weeks and that is OK. We do have viewing windows in our studios so you can be sure to peek in.

• They can follow simple instructions. We realize we are talking about little ones so we DO NOT expect perfection but your child should be able to follow simple instructions most of the time. Some examples of what we ask in class are: imitating the teacher’s movement, taking turns, and making a circle with their new dance friends.

Like we mentioned, each child is different and we love that! We hope this list gives you a little more confidence knowing your child is ready to have a blast with us in class. If you are still not sure, give us a call or contact us here to schedule a free trial class! Getting a tour of the space and meeting the director before the start of a new class can make the transition so much easier for both you and your child, so what are you waiting for??

How To AMAZE Your Dancer At This Year's Recital

Recital week is almost here at Positions Dance Studio! We could not be more excited to see all the hard work come to life and I’m sure you and your dancers feel the same. They have put in countless hours at the studio and you have supported them every step of the way. It is time to celebrate right?! With all the fun and excitement comes something else not so pleasant, STRESS. Yes, recital week is stressful for everyone (for us too!). There are costumes and accessories to pack, special hair and makeup to master, a handful of different check-in times to keep track of, and much much more. It is a lot to handle for the seasoned dance parent not to mention for those first timers out there! We want to make sure we are doing all we can to make your week as easy as it can be for you and your dancer. Let’s face it, if you are stressed out, your dancer will be stressed out too. And that is not fun for anyone. So we thought we would give you a few ways you can feel less of that awful stress and more of the fun and excitement. Following these tips will ensure that you can AMAZE your dancer at this year’s recital!  

• Read EVERYTHING. Twice. Make sure you are really going through all the emails and handouts you receive from the studio. They contain information like check-in times, order deadlines, day-of instructions, etc. Take the time to really process the information and write reminders in your calendar.

• Take Inventory Now. Do you have all the right shoes? New tights in the correct color? All hair and makeup supplies? Have you double checked all costumes and their accessories? Figuring out you are missing something last minute could be the worst feeling ever! You will feel much better knowing you have a few days to run to the store rather than just a few hours.

• Make a recital day PLAN with your dancer. Everyone will feel much better after you talk through logistics and expectations. Talk with your dancer about when you will start getting ready, who will be helping with quick changes, when will they eat, and when and where you will meet them after the performance. You will rest assured knowing they know what to do and they will feel more prepared in handling the day without you.

• Be positive, have fun, and enjoy every second! Recital is only once a year and trust us, it goes FAST! Be proud of your dancer no matter what happens on stage. It takes a lot of guts to get on stage and your dancer wants no more than to do the best they can do. Don’t be shy in telling them how you feel after their performance. Performing after all the preparation should feel amazing and as their parents, you get to share that feeling with them. They deserve that shining moment and so do you. Make sure you take a moment or two to look around and feel the joy with your dancer.

We want nothing more than for you and your dancer to enjoy this moment because it is the BEST part of being a performer (and a proud parent too) and like we mentioned, it will go fast! Take the stress out of the week and you will be able to truly savor each precious moment.

Have any questions about recital week? Check out this FAQ page we have and call or email the studio with anything you don’t see mentioned.

Who Is Your Hero?

Written By Chelsea Anderson

With Memorial Day and our recital quickly approaching, and both having to do with heroes, several students and faculty were asked to name who they consider a hero. A few students recognized the ‘dance moms’ that make them who they are. Sofia Giorgio, a member on one of our Performance Teams, had this to say about her mother: “She’s nice and helpful and wants me to get good grades.”

            Nicole Jarvis and Maya Ryan, also on Positions Performance Teams, recognized their instructor, Miss Dominique, as a hero and a “good role model,” along with their mothers. Along with the many other men and women who fought and have suffered for this country, these young ladies took the time to remember their loved ones that fought in the Army. 

Annie Castellano, one of our very talented teachers got to marry her hero! Her husband Chris was a Sergeant in the United States Army and now currently works in the Reserves. He also is a member of the FDNY in Queens, New York. “Being a part of his life has allowed me to see all the courageous jobs he has taken part in.” said Annie, “My husband’s dedication to his country and others is to be admired, yet he is so humble.”

Jeanine Cullen, also a staff member here at Positions, said she would also like to remember the many heroes that serve our country well. “My three/four year olds are doing their recital dance dedicated to these heroes.”

            Now that spring has officially sprung, our dancers and staff have many things to look forward to (recital being one of them!) We asked our friends what their favorite part of the new season. Some of the responses included birthdays, barbecues, end of school, going fishing with the family, and, of course, the recital!