Wendy Wood Barletta is the Founder, Executive & Artistic Director, Instructor and Choreographer for Dance Works since 1999. Since March of 2020, her mobile studio offers Livestream classes via zoom while continueing to partner with municipalities, schools, gyms and corporations to bring dance, fitness and movement available to people at any age.   Dance Works is recognized for its broad repertory, development of the whole dancer and for a vision that keeps dance, fitness and creativity alive affordably in our community. 

Wendy began her dance-teaching career at the University of Massachusetts in 1982.  She received her BFA degree in Dance from the UMASS 5-college Dance Department in Amherst, Massachusetts.  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, Canada and in Europe. She studied with Alvin Ailey, Bella Lewitsky, Luigi, Gemze de Lappe and many other well renown dance pioneers and their disciples. Wendy 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 has a unique approach, emphasizing fun in her classes, while teaching safe and proper technique,  alignment and overall body strengthening and flexibility. She provides a creative, happy and rewarding learning environment for all levels to help each dancer develop her/his own style.  

Under Wendy’s direction, dancers this season will perform pieces from her portfolio of 150 works choreographed since 1982 (including some new interpretations). Her diverse repertory offers powerful entertainment for all audiences. Wendy encourages her company members to create and perform their own choreography, giving rise to young talent in the performing and creative elements of the craft. Choreography workshop is an integral part of her program.  

In addition to her BFA degree in Dance, Wendy is an authentic AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor, Licensed Zumba®, Zumba Gold and Chair Zumba/Fitness Instructor and is CPR/AED Certified. 

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 have supported: The American Cancer Society’s Making Strides for Breast 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. 

Thus far Dance Works has raised over $81,000 in an effort to help save and improve lives. Fundraiser ticket sales and targeted workshop proceeds go to charity.