Business Profile: City Center Dance, White Plains
When you walk into the bright and airy City Center Dance studio at 98 Lake Street in White Plains, one of the first things you see is a quote painted in large script on the wall: “Dancing is like dreaming with your feet.” That message immediately lets you know this is a place where dreams do come true.
Artistic Director, Dina Giordano, moved the studio to its current location about one year ago and is extremely pleased with her decision. There is ample parking in a private lot and large windows let in light from every angle. “Drop off and pick-up is also easy at this location,” Giordano said.
The three studios, feature specialized sprung dance floors, floor to ceiling mirrors and double viewing windows so parents can always watch their children taking class. The tap studio has oak wood flooring for the best sound quality and the other studios have marly flooring (the preferred floor of choice for most professional companies) and wall mounted double ballet barres.
Having been a dancer since she was six years old, Giordano started City Center Dance 12 years ago. Today it has become one of the top dance facilities in Westchester County with eight dedicated staff members, serving over 300 students from age three to 18 years.
Giordano insists that dance is a discipline and her students learn the technique, terminology, placement, line and grace of movement that accompanies the different styles of dance.
Featured classes include ballet, pre-pointe, pointe, jazz, hip-hop and tap. Giordano said she will be hiring a special teacher for Acro classes for children aged 10 and up who want to enhance their dancing with gymnastics.
The pre-pointe classes are for children age 12 and older. There are also special pre-school classes, which provide a creative outlet for energy.
For parents wondering if dance is the right fit for their child, Giordano says, once you try it, you will know fairly soon if it is a fit or not and she emphasizes that students can begin at any age.
Students sign up for a full year of classes. The first semester is dedicated to learning technique and terminology. In February the students begin preparing for the end-of-year recital. “After all, the ultimate goal is to present on stage,” Giordano said.
Whether a student comes to class to prepare for a career in dance or for the simple joy of movement, Giordano has created different levels of instruction.
There is a Mini Ensemble that performs throughout the year at community and charitable events and a Senior Company that performs at large venues such as Madison Square Garden and in major parades.
Many of Giordano’s Senior Company dancers have auditioned for college dance teams and have been admitted on scholarships.
Students are exposed to many dance themes from classical ballet to modern rock. Giordano says she particularly enjoys lyrical choreography where the dance tells a story. “As the students mature into their own particular style, they often begin to act through dance,” she explains.
All classes are after school or on Saturday and range from 45 minutes to one hour and 15 minutes, depending on the age group and instruction level. Class sizes range from 12 to 18 students and there is a dress code, which is strictly enforced. A boutique on the premises sells dance gear.
Giordano will accept new students up to early December, so there is still time to register. Prices and a class schedule can be found at www.citycenterdance.com.
Giordano suggests a call to 914-328-1881 will help to determine the right class and fit for any budding dancer.
