New York City is synonymous with theater and the performing arts. Dance, in all of its forms, has long been a mainstay of the city’s culture. With all of the dance studios from which to choose, the task of finding a reliable instructor in a particular price range can be as difficult as learning ballet. This list is from a regular CBS News-New York series, “The Best Of” and features what they have named The Best Dance Studios in New York City. We were thrilled that answers4dancers.com was named on the list!
Peridance Capezio Center
126 E 13th St
New York, NY 10003
(212) 505-0886
www.peridance.com
Conveniently located just off of Union Square in the East Village, the Peridance Capezio Center is a strong favorite among Foursquare users for its world-class dance instructors. Stop by to learn everything from salsa and tap to ballet and contemporary dance. Dancers of all levels are welcome. To find more, check out this list of the best dance studios in New York.
Broadway Dance Center
322 W 45th St., 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10036
(212) 582-9304
www.broadwaydancecenter.com
The Broadway Dance Theater offers a wide variety of experienced teachers, including well-known choreographers. In fact, The Center is highly recommended by professional dancers. According to dancer Taylor Fields, “You get your money’s worth because teachers are experienced, and they really know how to teach technique.” The Center is also a great place to make connections and be seen by talent scouts, who announce their arrivals via Twitter. The Center has classes for children aged 3 and up, as well as adults.
Dance New Amsterdam
280 Broadway, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10007
(212) 625-8369
www.dnadance.org
Dance New Amsterdam’s primary focus is giving dancers highly individualized instruction by professional choreographers who provide dancers with a toolbox of techniques to develop their own unique styles. Well-known for contemporary and modern dance, they also focus on injury prevention based on a dancer’s unique body and style. Since the center has a full-time, professional theater on the premises, students have a chance to see professionals at work and often end up working for them. Classes are for students aged 16 and up.
Mark Morris Dance Group
3 Lafayette Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11217
(718) 624-8400
www.markmorrisdancegroup.org
The Mark Morris Dance Studio was built by dancers, for dancers. The center’s facilities include pianos, audio and visual equipment, and anything else needed for live music. They have a philosophy of cleanliness and quality, always working to meet dancers’ needs. Showers, lockers, the right temperature and a place to relax between lessons are paramount in this location. The Mark Morris Group is very connected to the community, allowing other dance groups to use their facilities, including the theater. With so many classes for “young, old, pro and novice dancers,” as dancer Jessy Smith boasts, “you can’t beat it! The facility is clean and green.” The best part for Brooklyn residents is its location. You don’t always have to travel into Manhattan to study dance.
Steps on Broadway
2121 Broadway
New York, NY 10023
(212) 874-2410
www.stepsnyc.com
Steps on Broadway uses professional dance instructors who are successful in the field. They teach all styles at all levels and to all ages. The studio’s tagline, “1 vision, 3 divisions,” refers to the three areas in which Steps addresses the dancing profession. The School At Steps teaches young students, ages 3-18. In all, this studio works to give its dancers access to people in the industry.
Answers4Dancers
www.answers4dancers.com
This website, while not a dance studio, is perhaps the greatest resource for dancers, both aspiring and professional. Started by Grover Dale in 1998, the site caters to dancers’ needs on all levels. It offers New York job opportunities, agent listings, advice on auditions and training, ways to manage money and tips on how to stay focused on professional goals. The site comes highly recommended by Athena Reich, singer/songwriter, actress, TV personality and nationally renowned Lady Gaga impersonator.