ENROLLMENT HAS EXCEEDED OVER 200 STUDENTS FOR THE FIRST-TIME EVER. BEGINNING IN OCTOBER AND RUNNING THROUGH MARCH, IT CULMINATED IN A MUCH-ANTICIPATED RECITAL IN FRONT OF 800 PEOPLE.
The DSN Dance Academy has become a beloved community institution, known for healthy activity, inclusivity and most importantly, fun. The program is open to girls at any level, providing a healthy space for skill-building and confidence-boosting. Led by Dance Director Danielle Hanan, the program has grown significantly, with over 200 students enrolled. Danielle explained why she loves her work. “This program does so much for the girls of our community. It provides instruction and confidence-building. The recital provides a stage for the girls to showcase and spotlight all of the hard work they put in during the year. I cannot be more pleased and proud of this year’s major success!”
Assistant Dance Director Sari Abraham worked with Danielle to oversee the program’s development. Sari is passionate about the program. “DSN Dance Academy is the most fulfilling and special program that I’ve ever been a part of. I am so lucky I get to ‘work’ every day doing something I love so much, surrounded by people who have become like family. Dancing takes you to another world. It elevates expression, creativity, and joy. This year’s recital was magic. It will be hard to top it, but challenge accepted!”
The program offers a range of dance styles, including hip hop, tap, ballet, contemporary, and jazz funk, providing the opportunity for children to develop their skills in a variety of areas.
The program showcased a competitive dance team as well. It consisted of nine girls who won numerous awards at two competitions this season. They were also invited to nationals and received scholarships to compete. Paulette Ashkenazi and Danielle Hanan worked tirelessly to ensure the team’s success, and it was evident in their performances.
DSN’s Youth Director Frieda Shamah supported Danielle and Sari every step of the way, especially the day of the recital. “The dance recital is my favorite day of the year! I love the energy and I love seeing our girls grow. I am so proud of each one of them,” she said with a smile.
The recital itself was a professional affair held at Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank, with beautiful costumes, elaborate backdrops on the stage, and perfectly curated music. This year’s theme was “Broadway and Beyond,” with twenty-five dance numbers inspired by the music of Broadway with a twist, adding in some of today’s favorite songs. The show featured a charming slideshow of the dancers enjoying the program throughout the year. DSN held dress rehearsals to ensure that everything was perfect for the big night. Additionally, there were countless counselors available to support the children and ensure that everything ran smoothly.
Dance mom Grace Chehebar said, “This was our first season attending the DSN dance recital — what a show! This year’s theme was so perfect since we felt as though we arrived at Times Square from the minute we walked in! Count Basie was so beautiful and the costumes and performances took everything to the next level. Kudos to everyone at DSN for pulling it off! Can’t wait for next season!”
