A Year of Rhythm, Growth, and Joy
The DSN Dance Academy wrapped up an unforgettable season, celebrating a year filled with energy, dedication, and creativity. With an impressive schedule of approximately 36 classes each week, the program offered a wide range of styles including tap, jazz funk, ballet, hip hop, and contemporary, giving every dancer the chance to explore and grow.
The season began in September, as students from nursery through high school stepped into the studio with excitement and commitment. Over the months, dancers worked diligently, building technique, confidence, and friendships, all leading up to the highly anticipated end-of-program recital in March.
The culmination of the season took place on March 9 at the Count Basie Center for the Arts, where the DSN Dance Recital lit up the stage from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. Featuring over 300 dancers, the performance embraced this year’s vibrant theme: Girls Just Want To Have Fun, showcasing routines inspired entirely by female artists. It was a night to remember. From the youngest performers taking their first steps on stage to seasoned high school dancers delivering polished routines, the evening was a powerful celebration of talent and joy.
In addition to the recital, excellence went beyond the recital stage. DSN’s junior and senior dance teams had an outstanding competitive season. Both teams earned first place in two competitions, securing their spots at Nationals, an exciting milestone that reflects their hard work and dedication.
The success of DSN Dance Academy is rooted in its exceptional staff, a passionate team behind the scenes. This year’s instructors included Rose Ashkenazi, Nicole Fera, Giana Forgione, Cynthia Pearsall, Katrina Portagallo, Nicole Trigani, Claire Whitmore, and Ava Yanucil. Guiding the program were Dance Director Danielle Hanan and Assistant Dance Director Sari Abraham, whose leadership helped shape a truly special season.
Dance Director Danielle Hanan was thrilled. “The recital is a beautiful reflection of the dedication and effort our dancers invest throughout the year. Watching their growth, creativity, and confidence on stage is what makes the experience so meaningful for everyone involved. Year after year, I’m filled with an overwhelming sense of pride as the production comes to life. It’s moments like these that truly make the program so special.”
Youth Director Frieda Shamah captured the spirit of the event saying, “Our DSN Dance recital is the highlight of the year. There’s nothing like seeing all of our dancers of all ages up on stage, having fun, building confidence, and just loving every second of it.”
Assistant Dance Director Sari Abraham reflected on the deeper impact of the program, “What makes this program so special to me is the experience of it all, the energy in the rooms, the consistency, the connection. When recital time comes, it is such an amazing display of everyone’s hard work coming together in the most beautiful way. This year was simply magical. I already miss everyone so much and can’t wait to see them all again in September.”
As the curtain closes on this season, the excitement is already building for what’s next. DSN Dance Academy continues to be more than just a dance program, it’s a community where passion thrives, friendships grow, and confidence shines. September can’t come soon enough!
