Spring Session Registration now open!
About Us
Our Mission
Our Mission at Dance Works is to deliver the highest quality dance education in a fun, nurturing, yet disciplined and challenging atmosphere more affordably. Our studio's goals are to welcome and inspire dancers at every level of interest, from recreational to the professional track, to reach their fullest potential. We support dancers development technically, artistically, athletically, and emotionally while promoting dedication, hard work, fostering friendships and encouraging creativity. We offer a safe, inclusive and non-competitive environment with experiences that build confidence and benefits that last a lifetime.
We are proud members of NDEO & IADMS
Dance Works is a proud member of the National Dance Education Organization and the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science. We are a Chapter of the National Honors Society of Dance Arts whereby students are recognized for their outstanding artistic and academic achievement in grades 6-12 with educational, leadership, community outreach and enrichment opportunities. We will recognize and induct students while helping to advance the field of dance education. There are opportunities to receive the gold Honor Pin and to proudly wear the blue and white Honor Cord and Medallion at graduation.
Why Dance Works?
- We provide personal attention a holistic approach to instruction with a positive attitude.
- Our younger classes include assistants to lower student/instructor ratio.
- We are more affordable than most dance studios without compromising quality dance education.
- The safety for our dancers is our #1 priority.
- Dance Works has a variety of classes for training at all ages and levels that can fit into your family schedule. If you don’t see a class you are interested in, please speak with us and we can likely make arrangements!
- We are proud to offer multiple options for you and your dancer to explore. From one class per week as a recreational dancer to intensive programs for a more serious dancer, we have something for everyone!
- Dance Works provides age-appropriate dance education and costuming.
- There are several performance opportunities throughout the season including a Nutcracker Excerpts & Winter Showcase, a Student Choreography Showcase, Spring Fundraiser Showcase, and our end of season Production. We also offer in studio informal presentations for our youngest "adorables" and for our mini-camps, workshops and observation days. A portion of proceeds from all of our stage productions benefits a not-for-profit such as the Blythedale Children's Hospital, the Foundation for Women's Cancer, The Joe Torre Safe At Home Foundation, the March of Dimes and many others.
- Dance Works is a chapter of the NHSDA (National Honors Society for Dance Arts), recognizing and inducting students who express interest while helping to advance the fields of dance. There is opportunity for dancers to receive the gold Honor Pin and wear the blue and white Honor Cord and/or Medallion at graduation.
- We offer Dance Mini Camps for Working families when school is on break or has a Superintendent's Conference Day and in during summer break.
- We provide custom private pods for all ages and levels.
- Dancers are encouraged to create their own choreography, giving rise to young expressive and artistic talent.
- Our community culture is inclusive, respectful, friendly, family-oriented and dedicated to the high-quality! We love to dance and especially love to share our passion for dance and fitness with our students!
- Location, location, location! We currently have 3 main studio locations at 210 Halstead Avenue in Harrison, 327 Westchester Ave in Port Chester and 257 Westchester Ave. in Pound Ridge, all with easy access to parking! We also have satellite locations in Rye, Briafcliff Manor and Tarrytown. We hold pod and outdoor classes wherever you are in Westchester County, New York. Our studio locations are close to multiple coffee spots, restaurants, shops. There's so much you can do and enjoy before and after class or while waiting for your dancer.
Dance Works Leadership & INSTRUCTORS WENDY WOOD BARLETTA
Wendy Wood Barletta is the Founder, Executive & Artistic Director, Instructor and Choreographer for Dance Works since 1999. She has evolved Dance Works, now recognized for its broad repertory, development of the whole dancer and for a vision that keeps dance, fitness and creativity alive more affordably in our community. Wendy began her dance-teaching career at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 1982, where she received her BFA degree in Dance from the 5-College Dance Department. She Guest Artists the Dance Department and advises, helping Dance Majors set & achieve their career goals. Wendy has a performance degree, though her concentrations were aligned with Dance Education, Choreography and post-graduate work in fitness. Wendy has performed, taught and choreographed for all ages and levels in New York, California, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Canada and in Europe. She studied with Alvin Ailey, Bella Lewitsky, Luigi, Gemze de Lappe and many other well renowned dance pioneers and their disciples. She brings well-rounded experience to her classes. Many of her students have gone on to perform professionally in movies, TV and on stage. Others have entered into dance teaching, dance therapy and other dance and fitness related fields. Wendy emphasizes fun in her classes, while teaching proper technique and alignment and overall body strengthening and flexibility. She provides a creative and rewarding learning environment to help each dancer develop her own style. In addition to her degree in Dance, Wendy is formerly an AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor, Licensed Zumba® Instructor and Certified CPR/AED.
Emma Morris
Emma Morris started dancing at a young age in Auckland, New Zealand. She trained in Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop and Musical Theatre. After winning a number of national titles and working in the Auckland commercial industry, she made the move to Los Angeles to further her dance training at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in 2018 where she now her Associate Degree in Dance Theater. In 2020 she moved to Texas where she danced professionally for Zion Dance Project and toured with Dance Revolution as a member of RevCrew. Emma has been fortunate to have trained in all areas of the performing arts from Acting, Singing, and Dancing to Directing, Writing and Choreographing. With her passion for everything Performing Arts, Emma now continues to train and work in the Dance Industry. Emma is on her third season teaching with Dance Works!
Todd Hall - Classical Ballet & Partnering
Todd Hall has trained at the School of American Ballet in New York City, Joffrey Ballet School, the School of the Boston Ballet and at the Teatro Alla Scala in Milan, Italy. He performed professionally with Washington Ballet and and as a guest artist with a numerous American ballet companies. Todd currently guest teaches and choreographs throughout the United States and in Europe. Todd's classes are energetic and mentally and physically challenge students to reach their full potential.
CHRISTINA MORRISON - INSTRUCTOR (SUB)
Christina Morrison is a dancer, teacher, and choreographer based in New York City. Her early training at Walker's Dance in Lowell, Massachusetts afforded her unique opportunities on top of being part of their award-winning dance troupe, like performing at the Joyce Theater in NYC, SummerStages in Central Park and the ACE Capezio Awards under the guidance of Jaclyn Walsh. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Contemporary Dance Performance from Boston Conservatory at Berklee. After graduating Christina moved to Chicago where she performed in and/or presented works at The Edge Theater, The Greenhouse Theater, Going Dutch Festival, Links Hall, Stage 773, as a guest artist for DanceWorks New Dances 2020, for Peckish Rhodes Performing Arts Society, and for uneARTH Arts Festival. As a choreographer, Christina has been commissioned to make work for the ELCA Youth Gathering at NRG Stadium (Houston, TX), the ICA Boston Summer Series (Boston, MA) and for Simantikos Dance (Chicago, IL). In 2021, Christina founded Moving Artist Initiative based in Chicago and continues to operate the program remotely from her new home in NYC. This is Christina's third season teaching at Dance Works.
Lydia Crozier - Instructor (Sub)
Lydia Crozier studied dance, theater, and voice through high school and college before receiving her BA in Dance and MA in Dance Education from Hunter College in December 2023. This fall she was on the national tour of The Thorn as their HMU/Wardrobe Assistant. While in New York, Lydia teaches dance at Manhattan Youth Ballet, Kinderdance, and Amanda Selwyn Dance Theatre/Notes in Motion. She is a vocalist at Central Presbyterian Church and Stanwich Congregational Church, and continues to train in the arts and audition for performing roles. Past musical theater credits include Legally Blonde (Elle Woods) and Me and My Girl (Lady Jacquie), and she has danced in various contemporary works by Pedro Ruiz while at Hunter. In 2023, she performed Haydn’s Creation and Handel’s Messiah. She will go on tour again with The Thorn for their spring 2025 national tour. She is grateful for this opportunity to continue sharing joy through the arts!
CESAR ORTIZ
Cesar Ortiz has been dancing ballet since the tender age of 7 years old. His professional training has taken him across the world from South America to Russia, Europe and the USA. Cesar began his career as a dancer for Ballet de Cali Company dancing the role of Don Quixote, The Nutcracker and other great works such as Barrio Ballet, Coppelia and much more. He has danced with notable companies such as the OhioDance Theater, Black Door ensemble, Ganesville Ballet Theater, Sacramento Ballet, Saratoga Springs Ballet, Westchester Ballet Company & the Joffrey Ballet NYC prior to joining Guys and Dolls Dance Studio. He has been teaching as a substitute for Dance Works and is now on staff for the 2024-2025 season.
Guest InstructorS
Throughout the years Dance Works invites talented artists, dancers and fitness professionals to teach classes & to perform. For many years we've have the pleasure of experiencing fantastic guest artists including (LtoR) Nicole Barletta , Etrita Abdullahu, Pilin Anise, Jordyn Schettiino, Devyn Ciccio, Frederick Davis, David Fernandez, Megan Daly, Paul Herman, Tracy Fiore Lingeza, Allison Podolsky, Ashley Smith, Toni-Michelle Rubio, Torre Randel, Caeser Ortiz, Sarah Burns, Georgia Teperikidou, John Layseca, Todd Hall, Marlon Santana, Jacob Taylor and many others.
DANCE WORKS PHILANTHROPY
Dance Works produces an annual showcase that bridges the gap between local student performing companies and Manhattan professionals who gather in a non-competitive way to celebrate dance while raising funds to help change the lives of the community around them. Here are just some of the charitable causes we support: The American Cancer Society’s Making Strides for Breast Cancer, The Foundation for Women's Cancer, The Joe Torre Safe At Home Foundation, The March of Dimes, The Children’s Cancer Fund, Avon Foundation’s Breast Cancer Crusade, Avon Foundation’s Speak Out Against Domestic Violence Campaign, The American Red Cross, Make-A-Wish, the Blythedale Children’s Hospital and The Little Angels Child Care Center. Dance Works students have performed for patients and residents at the Maria Ferrari Children’s Hospital, Blythedale Children’s Hospital, Hebrew Home for the Aged, The Osborn Home and for many other community services & events. We also produce an annual Student Choreography Showcase with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Valerie Fund, for children with cancer and blood disorders. Thus far Dance Works has raised over $111,550 in an effort to help save and improve lives. A portion of fundraiser ticket sales and targeted workshop proceeds go to charity. In the past several years we have hosted incredible guest artists including PILOBOLUS and PARSONS DANCE!
Winter Showcase for Blythedale Children's Hospital
This season our annual Nutcracker Excerpts & Holiday Showcase will take place, Sunday, December 11th Time TBD. A portion of proceeds benefits the long-term care patients at the Blythedale Children's Hospital.
Summer Outdoor Mini CAMP DANCE & CRAFT Sessions - Space is limited reserve your child's spot
Come dance with us! Outdoor Dance & Craft Mini Camps, Classes & Workshops for grades K-12 + Private pod mini camps for all ages, levels and genres, outdoor and virtual. See "SUMMER" section or call us for more information.
See what students & parents say
Lauren H.'s review:
"I've been with Wendy and Dance Works since first grade and I am now a sophomore in college. Wendy has become an important part of my life, not only teaching me the art of dance, but how to live and love life. I'm so thankful for Wendy's guidance, care, kindness, trust and love throughout my life. I love participating in our annual performances and the excitement and happiness that it brings me each year. I have so much fun in classes learning new techniques and being able to focus on dance and not all the stresses that life brings. I've enjoyed these years so much. I have formed amazing friendships and I am so happy to be a part of such a loving dance family. I couldn't imagine being a part of a better dance community."
Jenny R.'s review:
"You know that feeling you get as a parent when you find a teacher that just loves your child as much as you do? The one who gets just as excited as you do when they reach a goal or master a skill? That's the feeling I got from Wendy when she was teaching my dancer. She inspires her dancers to experience the joy she feels about dancing, and from that place of joy, they learn that anything is possible."
Contact Dance Works to purchase gift cards in any denomination for dance and/or fitness classes, for an entire season, a workshop, private lessons, for costume purchases for an individual, family member or for yourself. All gift certificates are valid for 1 full year.
Book a free consultation for private & semi-private instruction or class pod, dance or fitness party, events (girl scout patch, etc) or to discuss your choreography needs (weddings, sweet 16, bar/bat mitzvah, Quinceanera, etc).
Apply to become a Dance Works Instructor, Intern or Teacher
College Internship & High School Community Service
Apply Now to become an Instructor, Intern Teacher or Teacher's Assistant for our 2024-2025 Season
Apply Now to become an Instructor, Intern Teacher or Teacher's Assistant for our 2024-2025 Season
BECOME A DANCE WORKS
INTERN INSTRUCTOR OR TEACHER’S ASSISTANT!
Dance Works is seeking young people in college and high school to join our 2022-2023 team of Instructors/Assistants. Earn internship or community service credit and build your resume or college application while learning about and supporting Dance Works from behind-the-scenes.
Intern Instructors and Teacher's Assistants (TA) will meet monthly throughout the academic year (in person and/or virtually), volunteer at performances and events, and serve as leaders within the
Dance Works community.
Application Due Date
Wednesday, September 28th
Teachers will be announced 10/1/21. Previous TA’s must apply to be considered for the 2022-2023 season.
Applications should express the applicant's point of view and are considered for content rather than grammar and spelling. It is important that applications are written by the applicants and are subject to rejection if written by others.
Apply Now to become an Instructor, Intern Teacher or Teacher's Assistant for our 2024-2025 Season
Apply Now to become an Instructor, Intern Teacher or Teacher's Assistant for our 2024-2025 Season
Apply Now to become an Instructor, Intern Teacher or Teacher's Assistant for our 2024-2025 Season
To apply, send an email to info@danceworks.us
with the following information:
- Name
- Mailing Address
- E-Mail Address
- Phone Number
- Birth Date
- Age
- Dance Teaching Resume, Bio, Headshot, Link to performance and teaching reels and References
- T-Shirt Size
- Why are you interested in becoming a Dance Works Instructor or TA?
- Why will you make a great Instructor or TA?
- What are your short term and long term goals?
- Send a 15-30 second video of yourself teaching anything dance or movement related.
- IF YOU ARE A STUDENT Applying for a teaching assistant position include:
- Parent's name
- Parent's email
- Parent's mobile #,
- University or school name
- If High School provide district name.
* Note: Student TAs must be enrolled in at least one class.
Once your application is received and reviewed you will be contacted to set up an interview.
After you have been accepted into the program, we will base our meetings day/time on the group’s availability. Monthly meetings will be held both virtually and in-person. Professional instructors will meet, separately from our assistants, before each showcase and as needed and will be paid for meeting time.
Please send a good quality photo of yourself. If selected, we may post your photo on Dance Works website!
Job Responsibilities:
• Report to Director
• Employ Teaching Philosophy BMS (Body +Mind + Soul) and uphold Standards of Excellence
• Teach in person (and/or on line if necessary) curriculum in your specific genre to children ages 3-18
• Stage showcase piece (2.5-4.5 minutes) in the specific genre for each class for annual performance(s) including Winter Showcase/Nutcracker Excerpts, March Recital and end of season NHSDA Showcase
• Attend staff meetings
• Educate staff and students on dance related topics.
• Assist with Dance Work's promotional activities
• Other duties as assigned
Preferred Requirements/Qualifications for adult instructors:
- Bachelor’s degree in Dance, Dance Education, or other related fields.
- 2+ years of relevant work experience
- Knowledge of basic to advanced dance instruction preferred with a variety of ages and levels cognitively, physically and socially within a class.
- Experience with best practices for leading team building, inclusivity, collaboration and leadership activities.
- Must have American Red Cross CPR/AED First Aid Training
- Pay commensurate with experience
- Student Recruitment Incentives
Candidates must have experience and love working with children of all ages, an outgoing and friendly personality, high energy, reliable, with the ability to commit to a set weekly schedule seasonally. Ideally seeking candidates with afternoon availability (approx 3-7pm) weekdays and Saturday mornings. Availability as needed for 2 Sunday performances (December and March).
Ongoing interviews
Professional development workshops & opportunities will be made available to all accepted into our program. Mandatory 2-hour workshop per month (non-performance months only). More information to follow during interview process.
All of our instructors are carefully selected, with background checks to instruct each of our classes.
Dance Works Teacher Training Workshops & Certification
Apply Now to become an Instructor, Intern Teacher or Teacher's Assistant for our 2024-2025 Season
Dance Works Teacher Training Workshops & Certification
Wendy Wood Barletta has developed teacher training workshops and a certification program embodying her teaching experiences that span over 30 years.
In response to COVID- 19 our teacher trainings are conducted in person and supplemented online as needed.
Dance Works Teacher Training Workshops and certification information will be published shortly. Check back frequently.
All Dance Works Teaching Staff must participate in workshops.