American Theater Dance Workshop

- 500 Jericho Tpke #1, Mineola, NY 11501

For families on Long Island, and in particular those in the Mineola area, who are searching for a dance studio that goes beyond the typical focus on competition, the American Theater Dance Workshop (ATDW) is a true find. This studio is a unique and beloved institution that prioritizes professional training, artistic growth, and, perhaps most importantly, a positive and supportive community. Owned and operated by Broadway veterans Michelle and Jerome Vivona, ATDW offers a one-of-a-kind experience where students are taught not just by experienced instructors but by "real experts." The studio is designed to groom students like professionals, providing a challenging and high-quality education that is also incredibly nurturing. As one parent noted, the studio and its owners are "more different from the typical LI dance school," a sentiment that is echoed in the glowing reviews that celebrate the kindness and encouragement of the staff. The studio's commitment to creating an environment where students feel secure and confident is evident in the stories of personal transformation. One parent shared that their daughter's self-confidence "has exploded in ways that have extended well beyond after-school dance." This is the core of what ATDW offers: a space where dance is a tool for building not just a dancer, but a more resilient, confident, and responsible individual. The emphasis on "kindness over competition" and the value of performance and joy makes the studio a warm and welcoming home for kids and adults alike. It is a place where friendships flourish, and where older dancers serve as positive role models for the younger ones, creating a beautiful and supportive community that feels like family. For New Yorkers seeking a performing arts school that provides both artistic excellence and personal growth, ATDW is a clear choice.

American Theater Dance Workshop is conveniently located at 500 Jericho Tpke #1, Mineola, NY 11501, USA. Its prime location on a major roadway makes it easily accessible for families from across Long Island, including Mineola, Garden City, Williston Park, and beyond. The studio's commitment to inclusivity is evident in its physical design, featuring both a wheelchair-accessible car park and a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that all members of the community can access the joy of dance and the performing arts. Additionally, the studio is equipped with gender-neutral toilets, further solidifying its reputation as a welcoming and safe space for everyone, including those in the LGBTQ+ and transgender communities. The facilities themselves are designed for professional training, with large, modern, and fully mirrored studios that feature sprung floors specifically built for dance. This professional-grade environment not only enhances the learning experience but also helps with injury prevention, providing a safe space for dancers to train at every level. The convenience of the location, paired with the state-of-the-art facilities, means that students and their families can focus entirely on the dance training and artistic development without having to worry about logistical or accessibility challenges. For residents of New York, this kind of thoughtful design makes ATDW a highly practical and desirable option for their performing arts education.

As a comprehensive performing arts school, American Theater Dance Workshop offers a vast and diverse array of services that cater to students of all ages and abilities, from toddlers to adults. Their curriculum is designed to provide a well-rounded and professional training experience in multiple disciplines.

• Dance Classes: The studio provides a wide range of dance classes including Classical Ballet, Broadway Theater Dance, Jazz Dance, Modern Dance, Lyrical, Tap Dance, Hip-Hop Training, and Zumba. This variety allows students to become versatile and well-rounded dancers.
• Acting and Vocal Training: Beyond dance, ATDW offers Acting Classes, Vocal Classes, and Private Lessons with vocal coaches to help students become a "triple threat." The acting programs focus on stage and film work, and preparing students for auditions.
• Specialty Classes and Intensives: The studio offers challenging and professional intensive programs and summer dance camps, including a Summer Dance Intensive, which are perfect for students who want to accelerate their training. They also have specialized classes like a Princess Camp for younger children.
• Youth and Adult Programs: ATDW provides training for a wide age range, from children as young as three to adults. There are specific programs for children, pre-teens, and youth, as well as dedicated Adult Ballet Classes and Adult Tap Class.
• On-site Services: All classes and workshops are held in person, providing the invaluable experience of hands-on instruction from professional faculty. The studio also offers online classes for added flexibility.
• Studio Rentals: The professional studios are available for rent, providing a space for other dancers, choreographers, or groups to train and rehearse.
• Performance Opportunities: The studio provides opportunities for students to perform in a Theater Production, showcasing their skills and providing valuable on-stage experience. Their most advanced students, part of the Theater Dance Company, perform at prestigious venues throughout Long Island and New York City.

American Theater Dance Workshop is highlighted by a number of key features that set it apart as a premier performing arts school in the New York region.

• Professional and Caring Staff: The instructors, including Broadway veterans Michelle and Jerome Vivona, are consistently praised for being "real experts." Parents rave about their kindness, encouragement, and passion for teaching, which creates an environment where students feel supported and confident.
• Focus on Personal Growth over Competition: Unlike many other dance schools on Long Island, ATDW’s primary focus is on the artistic and personal growth of each student, not just on winning competitions. This philosophy helps to create a positive, low-pressure, and highly supportive environment.
• Community-Oriented Atmosphere: The studio fosters a true sense of community, with students and parents sharing the same values of kindness, respect, and responsibility. Reviews mention older dancers being positive role models for younger students and the genuine friendships that form among both kids and their parents.
• Comprehensive Performing Arts Training: The studio's curriculum goes far beyond dance, offering instruction in acting, and voice, which prepares students to be well-rounded artists. This makes ATDW a one-stop-shop for aspiring performers.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: The large, modern studios are fully mirrored and feature sprung floors designed for dance, which is a professional feature that protects dancers and enhances their training. Live musical accompaniment is also available for many classes.
• Inclusivity and Safety: As a women-owned business that identifies as an LGBTQ+ friendly and transgender safe space, ATDW is committed to creating a welcoming environment for everyone, which is a significant highlight for many families.
• Trial Class and Camps: The availability of a Trial Class and special camps like "Princess Camp" and Summer Dance Camp makes it easy for new families to explore the studio and for existing students to stay engaged during breaks.

For parents and aspiring performers in New York, getting in touch with the American Theater Dance Workshop is a straightforward process. The studio is located at 500 Jericho Tpke #1, Mineola, NY 11501, USA. You can contact them by phone at (516) 248-6420. This local Long Island area code makes it convenient for residents to connect directly with the studio’s administrative staff. When you call, you can ask about class schedules, registration details, tuition, and which programs would be the best fit for your child or for yourself. The studio also has a website where you can find more information about their extensive offerings and read additional testimonials. The owners, Michelle and Jerome Vivona, are known for their hands-on approach and dedication to their students, ensuring that even the initial inquiry is handled with care and professionalism. This easy access to information and personal contact is a key part of what makes ATDW feel like a supportive community from the very beginning. For families looking for a dance or theater program on Long Island, a simple phone call can be the first step toward a transformative experience.

What makes American Theater Dance Workshop an unparalleled choice for dance and performing arts education on Long Island is its unique combination of professional, Broadway-level training and a deeply nurturing, community-oriented environment. Unlike many studios that prioritize competition, ATDW focuses on the holistic development of the student, building confidence, discipline, and a genuine love for the art form. The reviews are a powerful testament to this, with parents celebrating the "transformational" impact the studio has had on their children's lives, from improving grades to fostering a more positive body image. The expert faculty, who are not just teachers but "real experts" with professional experience, provide a level of instruction that is unmatched. This ensures that whether a student is a recreational dancer or has professional aspirations, they are receiving the highest quality training possible. Furthermore, the studio’s commitment to inclusivity, as an LGBTQ+ friendly and transgender safe space with accessible facilities, makes it a rare and valuable asset in the community. The fact that the studio is a women-owned business, run by Broadway veterans, adds another layer of trust and expertise. For New Yorkers, finding a place that provides both professional-grade facilities and a culture of kindness is a huge win. The studio is more than a building with classes; it is a supportive ecosystem where friendships are forged and where young artists are inspired to grow, both on and off the stage. This commitment to artistic excellence and human kindness is what truly sets American Theater Dance Workshop apart and makes it an invaluable resource for families in the New York region.

American Theater Dance Workshop

500 Jericho Tpke #1, Mineola, NY 11501, USA