DSN DANCE ACADEMY CLOSED OUT THE YEAR WITH A BANG! DANCE DIRECTOR DANIELLE HANAN MARKED HER 6TH YEAR AT THE ACADEMY, PRODUCING AN AMAZING PERFORMANCE THAT LEFT EVERYONE WITH HUGE SMILES ON THEIR FACES, BEGGING FOR MORE. “EACH YEAR IS BETTER THAN THE LAST,” DANIELLE EXPLAINED EXCITEDLY. “HAVING OUR DANCE RECITAL AT THE COUNT BASIE THEATER TOOK THE ENTIRE PROGRAM UP ANOTHER NOTCH, AND ALLOWED US TO BREAK OUR PREVIOUS ATTENDANCE RECORD. IT’S AN AMAZING VENUE. I AM SO PROUD OF OUR DANCERS AND TEACHERS AND CAN’T WAIT UNTIL NEXT YEAR!”
All 200 dancers, aged 3 to 14, rocked it, as they danced in various genres, such as ballet, tap, jazz funk and hip hop. The program leading up to the recital had the girls attending after-school dance classes in DSN for six months, from October through March. It took that amount of time and effort for each dancer to be ready for the big stage. In the end, the girls brought the talent that made the program a success.
DSN mother Arianna Kaplan was thrilled. “DSN’s Dance Academy is so much more than a place where my children learn to dance. The instructors instill confidence, self-expression, focus and discipline. My two girls looked forward to going each week and cannot wait to return next year!”
This year, DSN welcomed to its team Sari Abraham, as the assistant dance director as well as a dance instructor. Danielle and Sari were able to secure an amazing team of professionally trained instructors to teach and inspire the girls each week.
For Sari, it was a life changing experience. “My first year working at the DSN Dance Academy has been one of the most fulfilling things I’ve ever done. Being a part of this amazing program is something tor which I’m forever grateful. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for next year!”
The year of anticipation and hard work was well worth it. DSN welcomed 700 spectators through the doors of the Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank, New Jersey on March 23rd for an evening of dance, inspiration and fun! There were 26 show-stopping performances in all, which led to an amazing finalé, with all of the dancers on stage celebrating the end of a year to remember. The show’s theme was “Dancing Through the Decades,” celebrating 100 years of music and dance from the 1920s to the 2020s. The music and costumes were carefully selected to showcase upbeat and creative music and dancing.
“The recital was my favorite night of the year,” said Gloria Dweck, a mother of two dance students. “The music, choreography and energy were all unbelievable. This program is unbeatable! DSN tops themselves every year!” Fellow dance mom, Stephanie Pfeffer, agreed. She said, “My girls came home so happy after every class! They loved their costumes, the Count Basie Theater and, of course, practicing their routines. They look forward to DSN Dance Academy every year. It is a confidence builder and happiness maker. The hard work that goes into this program does not go unnoticed.”
DSN Dance Academy was also the home of an award-winning dance team. The girls, in grades 5 through 7, brought the energy and talent to the competitive stage. All their hard work and dedication paid off by being awarded high scores and first place, and earning a spot in a national competition. Danielle Hanan was ecstatic, “To say we are proud of these girls would be an understatement. Go DSN Dance Team!”
After the amazing performance, the students were able to complete the year with a fun, happy and dance-filled celebration day at DSN. They enjoyed cupcakes, said goodbye to their teachers, took pictures and reminisced about their amazing season!
Freida Shamah, DSN’s Youth Program Director, provides support and guidance for the program. “The recital is my favorite night of the year. The energy the girls bring to the stage is incredible! Having the recital at Count Basie, was a game changer. I am so proud of our Dance Academy Directors Danielle and Sari who put together a top-notch dance program for our girls. I can’t wait for next year!”
Danielle exclaimed, “With this incredible year coming to a close, we want to send a huge congratulations to all of our dancers and staff. We couldn’t have done this without you. DSN Dance Academy 2022-2023—Here We Come!”
Lee Zekaria, DSN’s President, summarized the excitement for the present and future. “It is incredible to see the confidence that this program instills in our youth. The recital was a special night for our community and with Hashem’s help the entire program will continue to grow and inspire for many years to come!”
