Ella Marie School of Dance

For generations of families across Long Island and the broader New York region, Ella Marie School of Dance in Hicksville has been far more than just a place to learn dance steps; it’s a cherished "dance family." With an incredible legacy spanning over 60 years, this studio has built a reputation for providing a truly exceptional dance experience. Locals consistently praise the "amazing dance studio" and its dedicated staff, including Ann Marie, for being "so warm and caring." What truly sets Ella Marie School of Dance apart, and why so many New York families choose it, is the palpable joy and fun that students experience while dancing. It's a place where children "has so much fun dancing" and where the "wonderful work with all the students" truly "shows in all of their performances!" For us, as New York residents, finding a nurturing and high-quality environment where passion for the arts is cultivated is invaluable, and Ella Marie School of Dance embodies this perfectly, creating a supportive community where every dancer is encouraged to shine.

The success and longevity of Ella Marie School of Dance are rooted in its philosophy of creating a welcoming, non-judgmental, and supportive studio where children and adults alike can express themselves freely through dance. The current co-directors, who themselves grew up dancing at Ella Marie under the original owner Ella Marie Columbo, embody this legacy. They bring over 75 years of combined teaching experience, ensuring that the love of dance is passed down through generations. This deep-rooted connection to the studio's history, combined with a forward-thinking approach to dance education, makes it a truly unique and enriching environment for dancers of all levels.

Ella Marie School of Dance is conveniently located at 376 W Old Country Rd, Hicksville, NY 11801, USA. This prime location on West Old Country Road in Hicksville, a vibrant and central community in Nassau County, offers excellent accessibility for individuals and families throughout Long Island. West Old Country Road is a major thoroughfare, making the studio easy to find and reach by car. For those driving, there is typically convenient parking available, which is a significant advantage for parents during drop-off and pick-up times, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience. Hicksville's strategic position provides good connectivity to various local and major roadways, allowing dancers from neighboring towns such as Plainview, Bethpage, Syosset, and beyond to easily access the studio. While specific public transportation routes directly to the doorstep may vary, the overall road accessibility makes Ella Marie School of Dance a practical and convenient choice for New York locals seeking quality dance instruction close to home. The studio's long-standing presence in this familiar and accessible part of Long Island further cements its role as a community landmark.

The studio's hours are typically Monday-Friday from 4 PM to 9 PM, and Saturday from 9 AM to 1:30 PM, accommodating various schedules for both children and adult classes. This accessibility, both in terms of location and operating hours, enhances its suitability as a go-to dance destination for the local New York community.

Ella Marie School of Dance offers a comprehensive and diverse range of dance services designed to cater to students of all ages and skill levels, fostering a love for dance and artistic development.

• Tap Dance Classes: Students learn rhythm and musicality through this high-energy dance style, covering various approaches from Broadway to contemporary modern tap.

• Ballet Classes: Considered the "foundation of all dance styles," ballet instruction focuses on proper classical ballet technique and correct body alignment. The studio upholds ballet traditions, with advanced students being evaluated for pointe work.

• Jazz Dance Classes: Incorporating today's latest dance trends and current music, jazz classes emphasize proper technique for turns, leaps, and jumps, while being dynamic and expressive.

• Lyrical Dance Classes: Often referred to as "Soft Jazz," this style combines ballet technique with modern jazz flair, focusing on emotional storytelling through movement. Students registering for lyrical are typically required to also take ballet to ensure a strong technical foundation.

• Youth Programs (Tiny Stars & All Stars):

  • Tiny Stars (Ages 2-5): Introduction to dance for the youngest students, focusing on basic movements and fostering a love for dance in a fun, engaging way.
  • All Stars (Ages 6+): Comprehensive program for older children, building on foundational skills and progressing into more complex techniques across various styles.

• Performance Teams: Structured programs for dedicated students who wish to further their dance training and participate in performances. These teams often have specific class requirements (e.g., must take tap, jazz, and ballet for Junior Company and Company levels) and are divided by age groups (e.g., Junior Starlets 7-9, Starlets 10-12, Junior Company 13-16, Company 15+).

• Private Lessons: Available for students seeking individualized attention and customized instruction to target specific goals or areas of improvement. Inquiries can be made at the front desk.

• Annual Spring Recital: The highlight of the year, where students showcase their progress and talent in a professionally run and organized performance, which parents often compare to a "Broadway show."

This comprehensive array of class offerings ensures that Ella Marie School of Dance provides a well-rounded and deeply enriching dance education for the New York community.

Ella Marie School of Dance stands out in the New York dance scene due to several distinctive features and highlights that contribute to its long-standing success and cherished status.

• Decades of Experience and Legacy: Serving Hicksville and surrounding areas for over 60 years, the studio boasts a rich history and deep roots in the community. The fact that the current co-directors, Michele, AnnMarie Anderson, and Catherine Golub, grew up dancing at the studio and collectively have over 75 years of teaching experience, speaks volumes about the continuity and passion within the "Ella Marie family."

• Warm, Caring, and Supportive Environment: Consistently highlighted in reviews, the staff, including Ann Marie, are praised for being "amazing," "warm and caring." The studio prides itself on being a "welcoming, non-judgemental supportive studio" where students feel like it's their "second home." This nurturing atmosphere is crucial for fostering confidence and a lifelong love of dance.

• High-Quality, Professional Instruction: Despite the fun and caring atmosphere, the focus on dance education is paramount. The instructors are professionals who continuously train to bring new styles and inspiration to their students, ensuring high-quality classical ballet technique and proper body alignment, as well as mastering current dance trends.

• Emphasis on Fun and Enjoyment: A recurring theme in parent testimonials is that their children "has so much fun dancing." This dedication to making dance an enjoyable experience ensures student retention and fosters genuine passion for the art form.

• Exceptional Annual Spring Recitals: The recitals are considered the "highlight of the year," described by parents and grandparents as feeling "like they are at a Broadway show." These performances are professionally run, very organized, and offer clear communication, eliminating last-minute surprises for families.

• Community Involvement and Giving Back: Ella Marie's students perform for various community and charity events benefiting organizations like UCPN and St. Jude Children's Hospital, and the studio donates to area school fundraisers. This teaches students the importance of giving back and being involved in their community, extending education beyond dance steps to personal character.

• Multi-Generational Legacy: A unique highlight is the presence of "second and third generation dancers." Former students are so pleased with their experience that they bring their own children and grandchildren to the studio, which is the "biggest proof" of its positive and lasting impact.

• Focus on Confidence and Resilience: The co-directors actively work on building students' confidence, challenging the notion of "I can't do it" with "You can't do it YET," instilling a growth mindset crucial for both dance and life.

These highlights collectively make Ella Marie School of Dance a revered and highly recommended institution for dance education in the New York area.

To connect with Ella Marie School of Dance, inquire about their diverse dance programs, or learn more about enrollment, please use the following contact information:

Address: 376 W Old Country Rd, Hicksville, NY 11801, USA

Phone: (516) 681-1484

Mobile Phone: +1 516-681-1484

We highly recommend reaching out directly to the studio. The dedicated and caring staff, including Ann Marie, are ready to provide detailed information on class schedules, registration procedures, uniform requirements, and help you find the perfect dance program to suit your or your child's aspirations. Don't hesitate to contact them to become part of their "wonderful community of dance!"

For New York locals, Ella Marie School of Dance in Hicksville is an exceptionally suitable choice for dance education for numerous compelling reasons. Firstly, its long-standing presence of over 60 years in the community signifies a deep trust and commitment, often passed down through generations, making it a familiar and reliable choice for families seeking dance instruction close to home. Its accessible location on West Old Country Road means less travel time and more time dedicated to the joy of dancing.

Secondly, the studio's nurturing and incredibly supportive environment, as consistently highlighted by parents, ensures that students not only receive "amazing" instruction but also experience immense fun and feel part of a "wonderful community." This balance of professional training and a warm, caring atmosphere fosters a genuine love for dance that lasts a lifetime. The dedication of the experienced staff, many of whom grew up in the studio themselves, provides invaluable mentorship and consistency.

Furthermore, Ella Marie School of Dance's commitment to community involvement, through performances at charity events and donations to local school fundraisers, teaches students the importance of giving back, thereby enriching their development beyond dance skills. The high quality and professional organization of their annual recitals, often compared to Broadway shows, provide an inspiring and memorable showcase for all students.

In conclusion, Ella Marie School of Dance is much more than just a dance studio; it's a "dance family" that nurtures talent, builds confidence, and creates lasting memories. For locals in New York seeking a supportive, fun, and highly respected institution where their children can truly thrive in the world of dance, Ella Marie School of Dance is an ideal and highly recommended destination.

Ella Marie School of Dance

376 W Old Country Rd, Hicksville, NY 11801, USA