108 Rockaway Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530
Phone - (516) 465-4075
Youth Dance Programs
Recreation Dance Conservatory
Our Recreation Dance Conservatory is a NON-RECITAL based dance program offered by the Recreation Department for village residents, ages 3 ½ through adults. Classes are overseen by Director Felicia Lovaglio, who is also an adjunct faculty member at Adelphi University in the departments of both Dance and Theatre. Our class schedule runs from late September until late March. Each class is 55 minutes in length. Classes are formed by grade, with many different time offerings during the week to fit everyone’s schedule.
Class Descriptions
Creative Combo - Ages: 3 1/2 - 5 attending preschool
Description: An introduction to ALL types of dance. The dancers are encouraged to use their creativity, while learning different rhythms, moving freely to music while gaining an understanding of the basic fundamentals of Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop and Contemporary Dance.
Ballet -
Description: This is the foundation of all dance. Starting with barre work the class learns all the basic French terminology, leading to center work as well as progressions across the floor. It promotes good posture and grace while appreciating classical music.
Contemporary Dance -
Description: Fee flowing movements based on various modern dance techniques. The class is usually conducted in bare feet , or contemporary slippers to modern music.
Tap -
Description: Starting at the barre, warm up consists of foot work learning the varied steps, sounds and rhythms which then leads to center work and progressions across the floor using upbeat music.
Hip-Hop or Jazz-
Description: Starting with a center warm up that emphasizes body isolations and stretches, this class leads to work in the center, as well as progressions across the floor using contemporary music.
Combo Classes - Creative Combo, Ballet/Tap, Ballet/Hip Hop, Ballet/Jazz -
Description: This class is a shortened version of each concentration of dance to hold the attention of the younger students.
Adult Dance Combo- A 10 week class for adults which will include various techniques including Ballet, Contemporary, and Jazz. Each class will concentrate on one or two techniques, alternating each week.
What you need...
Attire for ALL dance classes: Any type of dance clothing. Leotards and tights are encouraged, but jazz or yoga pants are also acceptable. They must be tight fitting so the teacher can assess whether the student is exhibiting proper body alignment and be able to make corrections.
Footwear for each class varies, and is as follows:
-Creative Combo, Ballet slippers and tap shoes
-For K-1 Combos: ballet slippers and tap shoes for tap, and if they take a combo with Hip Hop or Jazz, they can keep their ballet slippers on or change to jazz shoes.
-Ballet slippers for Ballet, Tap Shoes for Tap, Jazz shoes for Jazz, Ballet slippers, foot undies, Jazz shoes, or modern dance slippers for Contemporary, and either Jazz shoes or sneakers for Hip Hop
-We also have a large dance shoe donation bin, so please check before you purchase
Recreation Dance Company
Please note - in order to participate in the Dance Company, you must first register for classes in the Dance Conservatory. Only registered members in 2nd grade or older of the Dance Conservatory will be allowed to register for the Company.
Performance experience is available for those who qualify for the Recreation Dance Company. Under the direction of Ms. Felicia Lovaglio, the members (2nd grade and up) are offered the opportunity to perform on a professional level using Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Modern which make for a well rounded program. An extra registration fee is involved and participants are expected to attend additional weekly rehearsals in addition to their already scheduled classes. This program begins in November and culminates in June with our performance at Adelphi University's beautifully renovated Olmsted Theatre in their Performing Arts Center.
For further information concerning the Dance Program please call our Recreation and Parks Administrative Office at (516) 465-4076.
Adult Dance Programs
Adult Dance Performance Group
This popular rehearsal is also part of the Dance Company (for adults), which begins after the 10 week session of the Adult Dance Combo class. Don't miss this fun program, and the chance to perform on stage!
When: Thursdays 8:00 after the Dance Combo ends
Where: St. Paul's Cluett Hall
Adult Zumba Classes
Looking to stretch those muscles and tone your body? Our class offers simple dance movements, stretching and other exercises to music designed to add flexibility to your body while having a fun time! Felicia Lovaglio, the instructor for this class, is Director of our Dance Conservatory and adjunct professor at Adelphi University. Each class is 45 minutes.
This class is on hold, due to an instructor injury.
When: Classes are run seasonally with classes beginning Fall, Winter and Summer
Where: St. Paul’s Cluett Hall or Senior Center
Zumba Gold
Dance director Felicia Lovaglio will again conduct Zumba Gold classes, sessions geared for Active Seniors or beginners over the age of 50. The newest way to exercise gives you a great workout while moving to fun music!
The 45 minute class schedule, led by Felicia Lovaglio, start up twice a year. For further information or to register, please visit Recreation Office at 108 Rockaway Ave. or call 465-4075.