Layla's Dance and Drum Introduce
Introduction / Overview
For families in the New York metropolitan area, especially those in Nassau County and Long Island, finding a dance studio that is both professional and nurturing can be a challenge. Layla's Dance and Drum in Valley Stream stands out as a unique and highly-regarded institution that has earned the trust and admiration of its community. Far from being just a place to learn dance steps, this studio is a vibrant hub of artistic and personal development. It is a place where young people can explore a wide variety of dance and percussion styles, from classical ballet and tap to energetic hip-hop and traditional African dance and drumming. The studio's commitment to creating a supportive and encouraging environment is evident in the heartfelt reviews from real customers who praise the owner and staff's dedication. One review shares a remarkable story of a granddaughter who, with initial skepticism from her family, transformed from a child with "two left feet" into a confident, award-winning dancer. This is a testament to the studio's ability to not only teach choreography but to build character and self-assurance in its students.
The philosophy at Layla's Dance and Drum, as highlighted by numerous reviews, is centered on more than just technical skill. It’s about building a sense of community, discipline, and passion. Students are encouraged to support each other, calling themselves "dance sisters and brothers," which speaks to the strong bonds formed within the school. The owner, Ms. Anayo, is frequently praised for her amazing dedication, her encouraging nature, and her tireless work ethic. One review mentions her commitment to keeping tuition prices low to ensure that dance lessons are affordable for more children, a truly admirable and rare quality in the industry. Her personal involvement, from patiently helping kids one-on-one to even lending props and costumes for performances free of charge, showcases a heart for the children she teaches. This level of care and commitment sets Layla's Dance and Drum apart from other studios in the region, making it a truly special place for young artists to thrive. The studio provides a safe space for children to not only learn and grow but also to form lasting friendships and develop life skills like dedication, discipline, and responsibility.
Location and Accessibility
Layla's Dance and Drum is conveniently situated at 27 E Merrick Rd 2nd fl, Valley Stream, NY 11581, USA. This location makes the studio easily accessible for residents of Valley Stream and the surrounding communities in Nassau County. The address on East Merrick Road places it on a well-known street, simplifying navigation for new and returning visitors alike. The studio is located on the second floor, and while specific details about physical accessibility features are not explicitly provided beyond a general "Accessibility" tag, the welcoming nature of the school suggests an inclusive environment. For parents driving their children to classes, the location is a straightforward destination, reducing the stress of a commute. Its presence in the heart of Valley Stream means it is a central and familiar part of the local community, which can be a comfort for families looking for a close-to-home option for their child's extracurricular activities. The fact that the studio is "good for kids," as stated in the provided information, further emphasizes its family-friendly nature, making it a go-to spot for many in the New York area. The reviews consistently praise the supportive and friendly atmosphere, which starts with the ease of getting to and from the studio. This sense of accessibility, both in terms of physical location and a welcoming attitude, helps to create a positive and lasting impression on students and their families.
Services Offered
- A wide array of dance classes for children, catering to various ages and skill levels.
- Diverse dance genres, including Hip-hop, Ballet, Tap, African dance, and Acro-dance.
- Drumming lessons, offering a unique and enriching musical experience.
- Opportunities for competition, allowing advanced students to test their skills and gain recognition.
- Dance training focused on building confidence, discipline, and responsibility.
- Performance opportunities, including entertaining shows and recitals for students to showcase their hard work.
- A supportive and nurturing environment where children are encouraged to help each other.
- Personalized attention and one-on-one help from dedicated teachers and the owner.
Features / Highlights
- Exceptional dedication and commitment from the owner, Ms. Anayo.
- Focus on making dance education affordable, with lower tuition prices compared to other studios.
- A wide range of class offerings, allowing students to explore multiple styles.
- Emphasis on building not just dance skills, but also personal confidence and discipline.
- A strong sense of community where students support and encourage each other, calling themselves "dance sisters and brothers."
- The studio successfully trains dancers who go on to win awards and excel in competitions.
- A highly skilled and talented staff of teachers who are patient and caring.
- "Good for kids" environment, which is highly praised by parents.
Contact Information
To get in touch with Layla's Dance and Drum for class inquiries, registration, or other information, you can contact them directly. The studio's address is 27 E Merrick Rd 2nd fl, Valley Stream, NY 11581, USA. This location is easily accessible for anyone in the Long Island area. You can reach them by phone at (516) 295-1867. For those using a mobile device, the number is +1 516-295-1867. This direct contact information ensures that potential students and parents can easily connect with the studio's team. The reviews consistently highlight the owner and staff's friendly and helpful nature, so calling them is a great way to learn more about their programs and find the perfect class for your child. Their commitment to providing a top-tier experience starts with the first interaction, and they are always ready to assist with any questions you may have. The positive feedback from customers suggests that you can expect a warm and informative conversation that will help you feel confident in your decision to choose Layla's Dance and Drum.
What is worth choosing
Choosing Layla's Dance and Drum is a decision that offers immense value for families in the New York region, and it’s a choice that comes highly recommended by those who have experienced its magic firsthand. What truly makes this studio worth choosing is its unwavering dedication to the well-being and development of its students, a quality that shines through in every aspect of its operation. Unlike many dance schools that might prioritize profit or a more sterile, high-pressure environment, Layla's Dance and Drum is driven by a genuine passion for the art and a desire to make it accessible to all children. The owner, Ms. Anayo, is an extraordinary figure whose commitment is evident in her willingness to keep tuition prices low and her tireless, selfless work. This financial accessibility ensures that more kids have the opportunity to experience the joy and discipline of dance, making Layla's a true community asset.
Furthermore, the studio's comprehensive approach to training is a major draw. As one review proudly mentions, a child with "two left feet" can transform into a confident, award-winning competitor, having mastered a variety of styles from tap and ballet to African dance and drumming. This demonstrates the high quality of instruction and the effectiveness of the studio's teaching methods. The range of classes offered allows students to explore different artistic avenues and find their perfect match. Beyond the technical skills, the studio excels at fostering a positive and supportive community. The "dance sisters and brothers" dynamic is a testament to the strong bonds and mutual support cultivated among the students. For parents, this means their children are not only learning to dance but are also developing crucial social and emotional skills in an environment that is "good for kids." The studio's commitment to creating a safe, encouraging, and highly-skilled environment makes it a phenomenal choice for any family looking for a dance school that goes above and beyond. It's a place where talent is discovered, confidence is built, and a love for the arts is ignited for a lifetime.
Layla's Dance and Drum Details
Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Children
- Good for kids
Layla's Dance and Drum Photos
Layla's Dance and Drum Location
Layla's Dance and Drum
27 E Merrick Rd 2nd fl, Valley Stream, NY 11581, USA
Layla's Dance and Drum Reviews
learnstudentsperformancechoreographyshowsreviewsheartcultureafrican danceboys
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1My granddaughter attends classes here. At first I was just saying it was for fun . I was truly skeptical that my granddaughter could learn dancing. My daughter enrolled her in several classes. Tap, Hip-hop, Ballet,African, Acro -dance. She also did drumming for a while. We kind of wanted to see what would be a good match for her. After a short time we saw her actually DANCING!! She has built her confidence as well!The teachers here are the best, we sent them a kid with two left feet . A short time later she was able to follow some choreography and now She is excelling in Acro dance . She went to her first competition and won a platinum trophy!! She enjoys all the classes she is in .Ms. Anayo the owner is AMAZING. She is very encouraging to the children she teaches. She also keeps her tuition prices lower than other dance schools ,It is important to her that kids are able to afford Dance lessons. She hires great teachers,and she patiently helps kids one on one. She works long hours tirelessly, and for all her hard work she draws no salary. She is dedicated to teaching Children dance. The children in this school are very talented because they are learning from the best! They however are kind and thoughtful children that workhard and will also help each other. They call each other "dance sisters '(And brothers )as there are some boys in the school as well. If I could I'd give Layla's Dance and Drum 10 STARS!!
August 16 · Denise McKMy child has been with Layla’s Dance and Drum for two years and we have had an absolutely phenomenal experience the entire time.Layla’s Dance and Drum studio provides fun, yet challenging classes for my child. Since we have been with the school, I have observed remarkable growth in my child. Ms. Anayo’s program has build dedication, discipline and responsibility in my child over the past two years.As a youth Track & Field Champion, athlete and coach, I seek out the best quality extra curricular activities for my child. Layla’s Dance and Drum meets the mark, they are top tier.The dance performances are extremely entertaining. I beam with pride when I see my child’s capabilities come to life knowing the hard work and training that it takes to prepare for each show.In the past, I have volunteered backstage at shows where teams of parents work hard to make sure that all children are safe, and on time for each performance.Without fail, the dance school owner goes above and beyond. There have been times when I observed her lending extra props and costumes to dancers in order to add to the flare and excitement of the show (free of charge).It is quite evident that she has a heart for our children.I recommend Layla’s Dance and Drum with the utmost confidence.
August 14 · Nneka JeffersMy son has been a student in the preschool West African drum and Soca dance class. Layla's Dance and Drum studio is a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment wherein children can explore various forms of dance. The prices are reasonable in an effort to make dance education available to families from diverse economic situations. My son had a blast learning different West African drum styles and dancing Soca. The studio puts on a show twice a year and it is amazing to see these students continuously grow over time. It is amazing to see children have a space where they can be in their embodies selves joyfully and to express their creativity.
August 14 · Patrice FrancoisGreat place for kids to be a part of. The instructors are knowledgeable and passionate about not only dance but culture! Loved our experience at the open houseFollow-up: My daughter has been at Layla's Dance and Drum and she has learned a lot. The instructors have provided great instruction and Ms. Anayo is very passionate about dance and it shows with the students. I also like her emphasis on preserving culture. I would still recommend.
July 17 · Keith DavidsonI am horrified by my experience with this dance studio. During a performance, my daughter was dropped, resulting in a lost tooth and severe bleeding. Shockingly, the teacher never contacted me or addressed the incident. The studio is a disaster, charging an exorbitant $80 per outfit while failing to provide basic care. My daughter didn't even receive a first aid kit—teenagers were left to tend to her injuries with no adult supervision present. Despite this traumatic injury, the teacher has only sent generic texts promoting the next session—no call, no apology.Please check the attached picture; I would never want any parent to experience what I have. Avoid this dance studio at all costs if you care about your child's safety. This studio must be shut down immediately.
August 11 · janice Fredericks
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