We believe that the art of dance will bring joy, happiness and physical well-being to all who participate. We strive to provide quality dance training in a nurturing atmosphere while our students find their Joy in Dance. Welcome to Joy Dance Academy! We are ecstatic that you will be joining us for our 2017-2018 Season. Below you will find information regarding our sessions, closings, promotions, dress code and much more. Please feel free to reach out if you have questions that are not addressed in our Information Packet. Contact Information Address: (SYS Inc.) 1370A Majors Path, Southampton, NY 11968 Email: SYS Phone Number: (631) 287-1511 JDA Phone Number: (631) 594-5007
Ms. Tori Ms. Michelle Joy Dance Academy Our Staff Tori Pisaneschi began dancing at the age of 3 while concurrently training as a competitive gymnast. She is trained in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Pointe, Modern and Hip-Hop. Tori graduated from Montclair State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and a Minor in Business. While at MSU, she had the privilege of working with Bill T. Jones, Larry Keigwin, Andrea Miller, Carla Maxwell, Christian von Howard, and interned with Doug Varone. Tori received multiple National Talent Scholarships and served as an audition coordinator, fundraiser for ACDA conferences, and performed at the Joyce Theater during the Martha Graham 2015 company season. After graduation, Tori became an official Brooklyn Bolts Cheerleader for the FXFL Brooklyn Bolts Football Team. Tori has been teaching a wide range of classes since 2010 and is ecstatic to be partnering with Michelle Rosante in the opening of their new dance school, Joy Dance Academy. Michelle Rosante began her dance career at the age of 6, where she studied Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Pointe, Modern and Hip-Hop. Michelle s enthusiasm and energy have transcended from her years of dancing and performing into her career of teaching. Michelle taught throughout college while obtaining her BFA in Dance from Adelphi University. While receiving her BFA, Michelle also performed and studied under professionals such as Frank Augustyn, Ali Pourfarrokh, Leda Meredith, Trebien Pollard, Tracy Kofford, Jennifer Kreichman, Nick Ross, Sharon Wong, Darrah Carr, and Marnie Thomas. Michelle has been teaching a wide range of classes for the past 12 years and looks forward to teaching the students of Joy Dance Academy! Ms. Stephanie Luke Stephanie Pitocco has been trained in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Pointe, and Hip-Hop since the age of 2. In 2008, Stephanie had the opportunity to train and perform with the national Hip-Hop company, Hip Hop Connxion Chicago, focusing on empowering youth through dance and movement. Stephanie s work with Hip Hop Connxion Chicago allowed her to perform with some of the top Hip-Hop artists in the Midwest and has been featured on major television stations. Currently, Ms. Stephanie choreographs hip hop routines for many high schools, companies and dance studios on Long Island. Stephanie also teaches youth Hip-Hop workshops across Long Island in public schools with her newly founded organization, focusing on self-confidence and empowerment through dance and movement for The Arts-In-Education Program through Eastern Suffolk Boces. Stephanie has attained an M.A. in Social Welfare from Stony Brook University and a B.A. in Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences from Hofstra University. Luke Mercurio trained in Hip-Hop and Breakdancing for many years during his Middle School and High School career. In the past, Luke has taught boys breakdancing classes and coed Hip-Hop classes. Luke loves to perform and is a very energetic dancer as well as teacher. In addition to teaching and performing, Luke is an Air National Guardsman and a carpenters helper in his daily life. He looks forward to teaching and having fun with the students at Joy Dance Academy.
Session Dates Session 1 (16 weeks): First Day of Session: September 11th Last Day of Session: January 15th Session 2 (16 weeks): First Day of Session: January 29th Last Day of Session: June 4th Class Demonstrations On the last week of classes we will be having a class demonstration for parents, guardians and friends to observe class and see all of the fun and progress we ve had throughout our session. The demonstration will include our class warmup, stretching, going across the floor and class choreography that the students have learned during their session. Session 1 Demonstration Week: Tuesday, January 9th - Monday January 15th Session 2 Demonstration Week: Tuesday, May 29th - Monday, June 4th School Closings Please make sure you have received our 2017-2018 color-coded Calendar. This calendar will show payment due dates, special events and school closings. If you have not received a calendar please download it off of our website. If you did not provide us your email address and cell phone number at the time of registration please contact us. All class notifications and cancellations will be sent via email. There will be no classes on the following dates. SYS Family Fun Day: November 4th Thanksgiving Recess: November 23-25 Winter Recess: December 25-1 Mid-Winter Recess: January 19-24 Spring Recess: April 2-7 Memorial Day : May 28th Bring a Friend to Class We welcome new students! Please bring your friends to class to show them why you love Joy Dance Academy! Whether your friend is currently in dance, was a former dancer, or has never danced before, please welcome them to take a FREE class with you! Spread the word and let your friends and family know that they may try out any class, one time, free of charge. The only prerequisite is appropriate shoes for the class. We look forward to seeing some new faces!
Dress Code Class Attire and Shoes Hair Hip-Hop Sweatpants or jazz pants with a t-shirt or tank top. NO JEANS! Black dance sneakers (Hip-Hop shoes) or NEW sneakers used for dance class ONLY No street shoes permitted on the dance floor Jazz Leotard (any color) with tights (tan or black). Leggings or Jazz shoes required (tan preferred) Ballet Leotard (any color) with tights (pink) Pink ballet shoes required NO T-SHIRTS OR BAGGY CLOTHING Hair pulled back in a Modern Leotard (any color) with tights (tan or black). Leggings or Foot Undees, Paws, or bare feet. Tap Leotard (any color) with tights (tan or black). Leggings or Tap shoes- see instructor for specific type/style. Ballet/Tap Combo Leotard (any color) with tights (pink) Pink ballet shoes and Black tap shoes. Hair pulled back in a Jump for Joy Leotard (any color) with tights (pink) Pink Ballet shoes required. Dance clothing and shoes can be purchased online at www.discountdance.com.
Withdrawal Policy Tuition is non-refundable. Enrollment in each session is for a full 16 weeks. Tuition is non-transferable and non-refundable unless withdrawal is due to prolonged illness or injury verified by a doctor s certificate. No tuition deduction or allowance shall be made by reason of the absence, withdrawal or dismissal of the student. Studio Etiquette 1. In order to ensure safety and prevent accidents, running is prohibited in the studio. 2. If a student is going to be absent for an extended period of time, please call, text or email the directors. 3. NO GUM, FOOD, or DRINK (other than water) are allowed in the studio during class. 4. No street shoes allowed on studio floors. Hip-Hop shoes are NOT to be worn outside. 5. Please remember to use the restroom BEFORE class. 6. Parents of children 5 and under please be available for bathroom emergencies! Teachers cannot watch the class and take your child to the bathroom at the same time! 7. All trash must be placed in the trashcan. We must all work hard to keep our facility nice and clean. 8. When waiting in the lobby, please keep the noise to a minimum, as it is a distraction to the dancers trying to learn. 9. Students are not allowed to use or have cell phones on during class. 10. All students must be respectful of their fellow classmates, their space and belongings. 11. Student are expected to treat teachers with respect. This includes listening and following directions. 12. Please secure all personal belongings. Joy Dance Academy and SYS are not responsible for lost or stolen items.