Body Language Dance & Theatre Arts Studio

For New York families, particularly those in Nassau County and the broader Long Island area, seeking a dance studio that truly embraces every child, Body Language Dance & Theatre Arts Studio in Westbury, NY, emerges as an exceptional and heartwarming choice. Formerly known as Westbury Academy of Dance, this studio is far more than just a place to learn steps; it’s a vibrant, inclusive community where every student, regardless of their background, shape, size, or prior experience, is welcomed into a supportive "dance family." Under the guidance of the beloved Director, Ms. Darla, the studio cultivates not only dance skills but also confidence, joy, and a strong sense of belonging.

The studio’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is a standout feature, immediately apparent and deeply appreciated by its patrons. As one parent beautifully articulated, "Some of the other dance studios I looked into unfortunately seemed to have only one type of look for a dancer...young, thin, caucasion, dancing from birth, etc. I knew my daughter, being of mixed descent, with no previous dancing experience, would not have felt comfortable in those dance classes... So you can imagine my sheer delight when the pictures in the window of Westbury Dance Company revealed beautiful young ladies of EVERY shape, size, ethnicity, creed, religion, background, etc etc. I've never seen a dance company so diverse!!! I was instantly hooked!!" This powerful testimony highlights the studio's foundational philosophy: dance is for everyone, and every dancer is celebrated for their unique identity. This inclusivity is a vital aspect of their appeal to the diverse population of New York, where communities are rich with various backgrounds.

The warmth and professionalism extended by Ms. Darla and her team are consistently praised. "The director, Ms Darla, is the most loveliest, sweetest woman ever! Her staff, which includes Ms Laurie, Mr Tom and Pinky, etc, all help to run the company efficiently and smoothly. The classes are wonderfully trained, and every single student is treated like a family member! The warmth, and comfort shown by Mrs Darla and her staff to the students is second to none!" This creates an environment where students feel encouraged and valued, leading to remarkable progress and genuine enthusiasm, as seen when one parent describes "the look of pride on my daughters face every time I picked her up after class melted my heart."

Beyond the daily classes, the studio's annual recitals are a highlight, known for their exceptional quality and seamless execution. Parents who expected "horrors" from typical dance rehearsals were "blown away" by the smooth flow and the professionalism of the final performance. The recitals showcase the talent of "EVERYONE, from the adorable little 3's to the teenagers," with dances that are "modern, executed perfectly, and in step and in tune." Ms. Darla's deep care for her students is evident in her emotional responses to their performances, her acknowledgment of their hard work, and her personal goodbyes to graduating students, all of which solidify the feeling of being part of a true dance family. With "well over 100" students, maintaining such a personal touch is a testament to the studio's exceptional dedication.

Body Language Dance & Theatre Arts Studio is located at 829A Carman Ave, Westbury, NY 11590, USA. This address places the studio conveniently in Westbury, Long Island, making it highly accessible for families across Nassau County and surrounding areas in New York. Carman Avenue is a well-known thoroughfare, ensuring straightforward navigation whether you're driving from nearby communities like East Meadow, Hicksville, Levittown, or Garden City. The studio's presence "nestled in among the stores on the block" suggests a community-integrated location, likely offering convenient parking for parents during drop-off and pick-up. For those relying on public transportation, local bus routes may serve the Carman Avenue area, providing connections to broader transit networks on Long Island. Its accessible location helps local New Yorkers easily incorporate dance education into their busy schedules.

• Dance instruction for a wide range of ages, from young children (including "adorable little 3's") up to teenagers and older students.
• Diverse dance styles including, but not limited to, ballet, jazz, hip hop, modern, tap, and lyrical.
• Classes designed for all experience levels, welcoming beginners with no prior dancing experience.
• Comprehensive training focusing on technique, execution, rhythm, and artistic expression.
• Annual dance recitals, known for their professional quality, smooth rehearsals, and engaging performances at reputable venues.
• Opportunities for students to perform in a supportive and inclusive environment, celebrating all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds.
• Personalized attention and encouragement from a dedicated staff, including Ms. Darla, Ms. Laurie, Mr. Tom, and Pinky.
• Cultivation of confidence, pride, and a love for dance in every student.
• Creation of a warm, family-like atmosphere where every student is treated as a valued member.
• Provision of positive reinforcement through "Great Job" stickers and little gifts at the end of classes.

• Exceptional Diversity & Inclusion: A key highlight is the studio's commitment to welcoming dancers of "EVERY shape, size, ethnicity, creed, religion, background," celebrating all differences and ensuring every child feels comfortable and included. This is a significant differentiator among dance studios.
• Nurturing "Dance Family" Environment: Students and parents consistently describe the studio as a second home and a family, characterized by warmth, comfort, and strong bonds.
• Dedicated & Caring Leadership (Ms. Darla): Ms. Darla is praised as "the most loveliest, sweetest woman ever," who cares deeply for her "well over 100" students, actively acknowledging their hard work and fostering their eagerness to learn.
• Professional and Supportive Staff: The entire team, including Ms. Laurie, Mr. Tom, and Pinky, runs the company "efficiently and smoothly," providing patient support and treating every student like family.
• High-Quality & Engaging Recitals: Annual performances are lauded for their amazing quality, smooth rehearsals, modern choreography, and perfect execution, blowing away parent expectations.
• Focus on Confidence Building: The studio excels at boosting students' pride and eagerness to learn through positive reinforcement and genuine appreciation.
• Comprehensive Training: Classes are wonderfully trained, ensuring students learn great skills and develop strong technique across various dance styles.
• Positive Reinforcement: Regular use of "Great Job" stickers and small gifts keeps young dancers motivated and feeling wonderful.

Address: 829A Carman Ave, Westbury, NY 11590, USA

Phone: (516) 333-3480

For New York families, particularly on Long Island, Body Language Dance & Theatre Arts Studio (formerly Westbury Academy of Dance) is an ideal choice for dance education due to its profound commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and a truly nurturing environment. In a region as multicultural as New York, finding a studio that embraces "EVERY shape, size, ethnicity, creed, religion, background" is invaluable, ensuring every child feels seen, valued, and comfortable as they explore the world of dance.

The studio's "dance family" atmosphere, fostered by the deeply caring Ms. Darla and her professional staff, creates a supportive space where children thrive, build confidence, and forge lasting friendships. The high-quality recitals provide an amazing opportunity for students to showcase their talents, transforming potential anxiety into pride and joy. For local New Yorkers seeking a dance studio that offers not only excellent technical training but also instills values of acceptance, self-worth, and community, Body Language Dance & Theatre Arts Studio in Westbury is a hidden "family jewel" that will undoubtedly enrich your child's life and become a cherished part of your family's journey.

Body Language Dance & Theatre Arts Studio

829A Carman Ave, Westbury, NY 11590, USA