Just For Kicks School of Dance

For families in New York, particularly those on Long Island in Island Park and surrounding communities, Just For Kicks School of Dance stands as a vibrant and dedicated institution for dance education. Established in 1988 by Patty Fleming, this school has a clear and heartfelt mission: to create a studio atmosphere founded on fun, laughter, and a strong community where acceptance, creativity, and mentorship flourish. At Just For Kicks, the goal is not just to teach dance steps, but to inspire students creatively and technically while building their self-esteem, ensuring that dance is an enjoyable and rewarding journey for everyone.

Just For Kicks prides itself on a philosophy where "TECHNICAL TRAINING and FUN combine!" They firmly believe that anyone can enjoy the learning process, regardless of their aspirations. This approach resonates deeply with their students and families. One highly positive review highlights this, stating, "Amazing. My daughter loved it here when she went a few years ago. The teachers were incredible." This speaks to the positive impact the instructors have on their students, fostering a love for dance that lasts.

While the studio strives for a positive and inclusive environment, it's worth noting that, like any large organization serving many individuals, there can be varying experiences. One review mentioned a specific instance of a negative interaction with an instructor regarding a young child's difficulty with separation. However, the studio's overall mission emphasizes a "no bullying atmosphere" and encourages students to "uplift and support one another." They aim to create a space where technical training is delivered with confidence and success, fostering creativity and mentorship. Just For Kicks Dance Studio focuses on instilling a love of dance in every child, ensuring a positive and encouraging environment where every student feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. They are committed to providing high-quality classes for all dancers, whether they are dancing recreationally or aspiring to a professional career, making it a comprehensive and community-focused dance center for the Island Park area and beyond.

Just For Kicks School of Dance is located at 4597 Austin Blvd, Island Park, NY 11558, USA. This address places the studio in the heart of Island Park, a unique and charming community on the south shore of Long Island. Its location makes it particularly convenient for residents of Island Park, Oceanside, Long Beach, Lido Beach, and surrounding towns in Nassau County.

Austin Boulevard is a main road through Island Park, ensuring the studio is easy to find and access. For those traveling by car, there is typically parking available at or near the facility, which is a significant convenience for parents during drop-off and pick-up times. The local road network in Island Park and connectivity to broader Long Island roads, such as the Long Beach Road and Sunrise Highway via connecting routes, allows for a relatively straightforward commute for families coming from nearby communities.

While Island Park is primarily a residential area, it does have a Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) station, making it accessible via public transportation for those coming from other parts of Long Island or even New York City, though a short local ride or walk from the station might be necessary. The combination of easy vehicular access and the availability of public transport options enhances the studio's reach, ensuring that quality dance education is accessible to a wider audience within the New York region.

Just For Kicks School of Dance offers a wide array of programs designed to cater to dancers of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to advanced students, and those pursuing dance recreationally or competitively. Their comprehensive curriculum aims to inspire creativity and technical proficiency while building self-esteem. Services typically include:

• Recreational Program: Dancers can take one to multiple classes per week, performing in winter and year-end productions. This program allows dancers to grow at their own pace in a less competitive atmosphere.
• Competition/Company Program: Different levels of competitive classes designed for various student commitments and skill levels. Company dancers are typically required to audition.
• Passion Company: For dancers wanting to compete but also pursuing other activities. Required classes usually include jazz, jazz technique, and ballet. Optional classes may include acro, lyrical, and hip-hop. Competes in 3-4 competitions per year.
• Empower Company: Designed for dancers who want to take dance more seriously. Mandatory classes in jazz, lyrical, jazz technique, ballet, and contemporary. Optional classes such as tap, hip-hop, and acro. Competes in 4-5 competitions per year.
• Inspire Company: The highest level of competitive dance, for dancers aiming to dance 4-5 days a week and potentially pursue a professional career. Required to take classes in all genres and participate in community activities. Competes in 5-6 competitions per year.
• Dance Styles Offered: Classes across a variety of genres including Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip-Hop, Tap, Modern, Acro, and Contemporary. Ballet and conditioning/technique classes are often mandatory for competitive programs.
• Parent/Tot Classes: Introductory classes involving parent participation to make toddlers feel safe and introduce basic listening, following directions, and dance skills through props and games.
• Creative Movement (3 & 4-year-olds): Promotes primary motor skill development through fun activities, songs, and games, fostering cooperation, patience, and self-esteem.
• Youth Classes: Age-appropriate classes for Kindergarten/1st grade (e.g., Jazz, Tap, Ballet combo), Grade School, Middle School, and High School levels.
• Summer Camps and Workshops: Seasonal programs offering intensive dance experiences, skill refinement, and exploration of new styles.
• Winter and Year-End Productions/Recitals: Opportunities for all students to showcase their learned skills and perform on stage.

Just For Kicks School of Dance offers several distinctive features and highlights that make it a notable choice for dance education in the Island Park area:

• Long-Standing History: Established in 1988, the school has a rich history and deep roots in the community, reflecting years of consistent quality and dedication.
• Holistic Approach: The mission focuses on combining "TECHNICAL TRAINING and FUN," emphasizing that anyone can enjoy learning while building self-esteem, creativity, and discipline.
• Experienced and Caring Teachers: Instructors are described as "incredible," dedicated to inspiring students and providing mentorship. They are committed to fostering a love of dance.
• Diverse Programs for All Levels: Offers a clear pathway for dancers from recreational learners to highly committed competitive students (Passion, Empower, Inspire Companies), ensuring appropriate placement and growth for every individual.
• Wide Range of Dance Styles: Provides a comprehensive curriculum across popular genres including Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip-Hop, Tap, Modern, Acro, and Contemporary, catering to varied interests.
• Focus on Community and Support: Strives to build a studio atmosphere where "acceptance, creativity and mentorship abound" and there is a "no bullying atmosphere," encouraging students to uplift one another.
• Structured Curriculum: Programs are designed based on technique, age, and teacher discretion, with discussions to ensure each student benefits from their placement.
• Performance Opportunities: Regular opportunities for students to perform in winter and year-end productions, allowing them to gain stage experience and confidence.

To connect with Just For Kicks School of Dance and learn more about their programs, class schedules, and registration details, you can use the following contact information:

Address: 4597 Austin Blvd, Island Park, NY 11558, USA

Phone: (516) 431-7553

For the most current and detailed information, including specific class descriptions, tuition fees, and online registration portals, it is highly recommended to visit their official website or social media channels. You can also leave a voicemail or send an email, as the office may not always be staffed during teaching hours, and staff will return calls or emails. Maintaining good communication with families is a priority for the studio, ensuring parents are well-informed through emails and website updates.

Just For Kicks School of Dance is an exceptionally suitable place for locals in the New York region, particularly for families in Island Park and the surrounding communities on Long Island. Its convenient location on Austin Boulevard makes it easily accessible for regular classes, integrating seamlessly into busy family schedules. The school's long-standing history and clear mission to combine technical training with fun and self-esteem building provide a trustworthy and nurturing environment for aspiring dancers of all ages, starting from toddlers.

For parents seeking a dance studio that offers a wide range of styles and programs—from recreational classes that foster a love for movement to highly structured competitive tracks for serious dancers—Just For Kicks provides comprehensive options. The emphasis on a supportive, no-bullying atmosphere and the dedication of "incredible" teachers who inspire and mentor students ensure a positive and enriching experience. For any New Yorker looking for a dance home where their child can grow artistically, physically, and personally, Just For Kicks School of Dance is a highly recommended and valuable local resource.

Just For Kicks School of Dance

4597 Austin Blvd, Island Park, NY 11558, USA