Position Yourself at Positions: 4 Things That Make Us Unique

As parents who want the best for your kids, we know you have a lot of options to choose from! There are tons of dance studios and extracurricular activities that all offer different programs, many of which intrigue your children and make them light up with excitement!

So how do you choose? We know it can be overwhelming. Today on the blog we are sharing the 4 reasons that Positions Dance Studio is a step above the rest! Read on to find out what makes Positions the best dance studio in Babylon!

1. Dance Abilities

This one is by far one of our most treasured parts of the studio! At Positions, we believe dance is for EVERYONE! Which is why we love offering our Dance Abilities class every fall. This class is specifically tailored for students ages 7-adult with Down Syndrome, Autism and other developmental disabilities. 

At Dance Abilities, we LOVE seeing students gain confidence through dance. We see physical, mental, and emotional growth each week as coordination improves and our students make new friends with other dancers. Head over to our website to learn more about this class that we hold near and dear to heart. Dance has the power to bring people together, and Positions Dance Studio makes that happen. 

2. Community Connection

Positions Dance Studio takes great pride in staying connected with our community. We love Babylon village and the people that make it so special… ESPECIALLY all of our dance families. From community yoga classes, Babylon Block Parties, and giving back to the Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition in February, PDS wants everyone in Babylon to feel welcome at our studio. Sharing dance with our community is something we value that sets our studio apart from the rest! 

3. Unique, Year-Round Performance Opportunities

We couldn’t leave our Spring Musical/Ballet and December Nutcracker off this list! Each Spring, our Broadway Bound students put together a fabulous musical while our Ballet Enrichment students perform in a stunning ballet. We put these two productions together to create one day of phenomenal performances. In addition, we are excited to begin working on our Nutcracker production that will be happening this December! Many of our staff members at Positions treasure these special performances and WISH we had the same opportunities while growing up as a young dancer. 

Putting on a large production requires TONS of hard-work and dedication from the dancers. It teaches kids important life lessons (check out our past blog post about the 5 benefits of performing) and creates memories that kids will cherish for a lifetime. We have big things happening each year at PDS, and we will never stop offering performance opportunities to our young dancers! 

4. Performance Team

In addition to our weekly dance classes, Positions Dance Studio is home to 4 fabulous performance teams. By audition only, dancers are separated by age and ability, rehearsing each week and learning fun, new choreography. After perfecting these dances, our kids get the opportunity to travel and perform in the community. This past year, our performance team performed at Disney as well as half-time shows for sporting events. We LOVE watching our kids hit the stage! 

Writing this blog gave us ALL the feels… we can’t hide it! We LOVE our studio and what it brings to our dance families. Bringing these unique opportunities to kids in Babylon brings us SO much joy. It is why we do what we do! 

Want to learn more about we offer? Check out our website or send us a message! We would love to meet your family and welcome you to OUR Positions family! 

Why We LOVE to Dance!

February has arrived and you know what that means! Hearts, hearts and more hearts. Every year at Positions Dance Studio we host a fundraiser for Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition.  BBCC is a local organization that provides community education and direct support to cancer patients. Each year we sell Pink Hearts during the month of February to raise money for their organization. Our dancers write why they LOVE to dance on the Pink Hearts and we display them in our studio windows. To get your thoughts flowing, here are 4 reasons to LOVE dance.

1. Dance is a tool for self-expression.

Sometimes words just aren’t enough to express how we are feeling. Dance gives us the opportunity to express ourselves in a way that nothing else can. It is SO freeing to move our bodies and portray emotions without having to say a single word.

2. We can spread joy to others through dance.

Putting a smile on an audience member’s face while performing is one of the most rewarding feelings. Dance gives us something to share with others. We can entertain an audience and we can also make them feel powerful emotions just by dancing.

3. It helps you stay physically fit… in the most FUN way possible!

Who doesn’t LOVE getting up on their feet and grooving when they hear their favorite songs. Dancing makes it SO EASY to be active. Your body is having so much fun getting lost in the music that it forgets that it is even tired. Not to mention the strength, endurance, coordination, and flexibility that dancers achieve after years of being in the studio.

4. Dance builds confidence in a way that nothing else can.

Coming to class each day and seeing all the fabulous things our bodies are capable of is truly a gift. Nailing a pirouette or landing a perfect leap reminds us that we have so much potential when we work hard. More importantly, getting up on stage and performing for an audience makes us feel HUGE in a world that can sometimes make us feel very small. When you hear a giant round of applause, and that applause is for YOU, it builds confidence.

Those are just 4 of the MANY reasons why dance is easy to love. Now it’s your turn. Tell us why YOU love to dance by purchasing a Pink Heart for Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition at the front desk for the month of February. BBCC is a great organization and we really enjoy showing support for their cause. We also LOVE seeing our dance families get involved and reading all of the heartwarming reasons why you love to dance. Keep spreading the love, Positions Dance families!

Top 5 Fitness Classes in Babylon, NY

Happy 2019! We hope you all had an amazing holiday break! It’s a new year and that means a fresh start. If fitness goals are on your list of resolutions this year, this month’s blog post is for you! Whether you are trying to get back in shape after a long fitness hiatus or you're a fitness guru trying to up your game, we’ve got you covered. We put together a list of the top 5 fitness classes in Babylon and we would love to see some of our dance families there!

Barre Fitness at Positions

Interested in achieving a dancer's physique? This class is for you! This ballet-inspired class focuses on using tiny pulsing actions to target and tone specific muscle groups, while helping you stay injury free. We will help you will push yourself and find muscles you didn’t even know existed! During our Barre fitness class, you tone your legs, lift your glutes and strengthen your core. Who doesn’t want that? Check out our schedule online and join us for a free trial class!

Street Beats at Fitness Incentive

Are you someone who wants to be active but doesn’t want to feel like they are working out? Get lost in the dance moves at Fitness Incentive Street Beats class. This class will get you moving and grooving to your favorite radio hits. Beginners are welcome, and it's not about doing the moves just right! It’s about keeping your heart rate up while you let loose and dance it out!

Crossfit Pace Performance

Crossfit Pace Performance is a gym that offers group CrossFit classes ALL day long. This workout is a high-intensity regimen that incorporates weightlifting, gymnastics, running, rowing and more. It’s all about maximizing the amount of work done in the shortest amount of time. It’s perfect for those of us that want a power-filled, intense workout that will tone and sculpt our bodies. Check out their online schedule and get your lift on!

Tai Chi at Long Island Center for Yoga

This one is perfect for those looking for an all-encompassing workout that lifts your body, mind, and spirit. Tai Chi is not just about physical movement. It focuses on relaxation, breathing, and centering yourself. Classes begin with standing meditation and warm-up exercises that loosen your joints. They also include martial arts movements and weapons for advanced students. This class will make you feel powerful and balanced both physically and emotionally. Check out the Long Island Center for Yoga for more details!

Zumba at Positions

Ditch the workout, join the party! Zumba is a Latin American dance workout that will leave you feeling energized. The high-energy classes are set to upbeat music and feature choreographed dance numbers that you might see in a nightclub. Perfect for those that are looking for a fun, cardio-filled workout. The dance moves will keep your heart rate up for the entire class. Check out our online schedule and come shake it with us!

Tried any of these classes? We would love to know what you think!

Alright, now get up, get going, and get yourself MOVING in 2019. It only takes a couple of classes to get hooked, and accomplishing your fitness goals is SO rewarding. Get your sweat on!

PS. During the month of January we have an AMAZING deal for fitness classes at Positions Dance Studio: Purchase a class card and get the second half off! *limited at 2 per customer*

PSS. If you currently have a dancer registered at Positions, you ALWAYS get ½ of your fitness cards! The best part is you can combine this offer with the January special!

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.

For The Love Of Dance

If you’re anything like us, February gives us ALL the good feels! Love is all around and we just adore it. It has us thinking here at Positions Dance Studio, what was your first true love? We would like to share ours with you today and it may not come as much of a surprise, it was DANCE! Dance has been with us through thick and thin and it never gets dull or boring. From the very first wiggle as a toddler, we were hooked. Our relationship through the years has transformed into something much deeper and significant now. Even still, dance has a way of surprising us even after years and years together. Although there are SO many more, we have listed a few reasons why it is our truest love this February.

• Dance is for everyone! Dance doesn’t have favorites and it LOVES innovation. We just love that dance is for everyone no matter what your age or ability level is. There is no wrong way to dance. As long as you are enjoying yourself, you’re doing it right!

• Dance can tell a story. We absolutely love dance as an art form. We love that we can create movement from the emotions in our hearts and we love that we can tell a story without using any words at all. Throughout the years we have learned that dance can be an emotional outlet. The best part is that beautiful things can come from any emotion in the form of dance.

• Dance is FUN! Whether you are learning new skills in dance class or celebrating at a wedding, dance is an incredible way to bring people together. It feels great to let your body move to interesting music while surrounded by friends. It also is an amazing experience to learn new things through dance. We wish we could take a photo of each child as they master a new skill in class, it is pure joy!  

Can you blame us for loving dance so much after reading this? It is a gift we are extremely thankful to share with our students at Positions. Hopefully, their love for dance will continue throughout the years just like ours has. Why do you love dance? Let us know in the comments or on our Facebook page!

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!