What To Expect When You Arrive At The Studio

Welcome back to Positions! 

We are thrilled to kick off another amazing year of dance. We have LOTS of new faces at the studio.  We thought this would be the perfect time to give our newer families a run-down of what to expect when you arrive at the studio. 

We are sharing three tips for new families. We want you and your dancer to feel confident when you arrive at the studio! Check out our tips below to make your first few weeks at Positions as stress-free as possible. 

Tip #1 - Prep the Dance Bag

Make sure to gather your child’s dance items into a bag and put their name on EVERYTHING! If your child leaves a shoe behind or clothing item, we will make sure it gets back to them. This can save you the trouble of needing to purchase another pair of shoes or dance attire.

Packing a few extras can also set your child up for success. Depending on your child’s age and classes, they might want an extra pair of tights, hair ties, a brush, a small towel,  bandaids, or a thereband. 

Once your child is ready for class,  they should place their dance bag on a hook or in a cubby. Dancers in combo classes should bring their dance bags into the studio. 

Tip #2 - Wait for your Teacher Outside the Studio 

Once dancers are ready for class, they should wait outside their studio. Your child’s teacher will greet their students and open the studio door when it’s time for class. Students will enter the studio together.

Practicing preparedness allows our classes to stay on schedule and make things less stressful for you and your child! 

Tip #3 - Think Through the Logistics

Our lobby can get a little tight during busy periods.  Ideally, one adult will bring their child to dance class and return to pick them up.

Please remember to build in a little extra time for parking. Don’t forget your quarter! 

We are so excited to be dancing our way into the fall with our dance families. Thank you in advance for your cooperation in making this an amazing year!  

Please let us know if you have any questions. Never hesitate to reach out, we are more than happy to help.

If your dancer is looking to join us or add a class, it’s not too late. We are still accepting enrollment in classes with availability. See the current schedule and register for classes on our website

We’d love to have your dancer join in on the fun!

Dive Into Dance at our Summer Ballet Intensive

There’s something magical about the warm summer months. For most of us, summer gives us the urge to have some fun in the sun and take a dive in the pool. But for us dancers, we can’t help but want to dive into dance too! 

Dancers across the world use the summertime to dive deeper into their craft by attending intensives with professional companies, universities, or performing arts camps. Intensives give kids the chance to hone in on their dance skills and make huge strides without added school year pressures.

Here at Positions, we’re super excited to provide a Ballet Intensive experience as part of our Summer Dance Schedule! While it’s not quite as immersive as a traditional intensive, it will give students their summer dance fix without having to travel or stay away from home all summer. And the best part?! Your dancer can stay in their comfort zone right at their home studio, here at Positions! 

Learn more about our Ballet Intensive this Summer!

When is it?

Included in our 6-Week Summer Session, the Ballet Intensive will meet weekly from July 11th - August 19th. Taught by Miss Carly, it will run similarly to a regular class, but with a more focused and serious atmosphere! Class days and times vary depending on age group, so read below to find your child’s designated slot.

Ages 6-8: Mondays 4:15-5:30pm
Ages 9-11: Mondays 5:45-7:00pm
Ages 12+: Thursdays 5:00-6:15pm

What will the dancers learn?

Intensive students will learn ballet foundations and technique through barre, center, and across the floor exercises. In addition, the Intensive will have a fun new focus on Variations. Variations are small portions of iconic choreography from famous ballets, dating years back in history! This summer, we’ll be diving into Variations from Sleeping Beauty, Don Quixote, La Esmeralda, and Swan Lake. Dancers will focus on applying technique and ballet terminology to these historic performance pieces!

Why is Ballet beneficial for dancers?

Ballet is a foundational dance form for several other dance styles! It helps with body placement in acrobatics, jazz, and lyrical. In addition, it fine tunes a dancer’s strength and articulation, which can be applied in most activities, whether it be another dance style, sport, or art form! 

Who is the Ballet Intensive perfect for? 

If your child loves ballet and feeling graceful, they’ll be right at home in the Ballet Intensive this summer! It’s perfect for dancers who are looking to work on both technical skills AND performance skills. And if your child is obsessed with the magical storylines of classical ballets, register now because they’re sure to be totally starstruck by our Variations!

We are SO ready to have a blast this summer and dive into dance with you all! Our Ballet Intensive is sure to bring your child a fun way to stay active, while also working on their growing skill sets! 
Are YOU ready to dive into our Ballet Intensive? Space is limited, so click here to register and save your child’s spot today! We’ll see you on the dance floor this summer!

Turn Your Winter Blues into Fitness Woo-Hoos!

Oh the weather outside is frightful… and winter blues are NOT delightful! Let’s face it, most of us are feeling a lull in motivation around this time of year. So why not come together and help each other get up moving?! That’s how we see it at Positions, and our Adult Fitness in Babylon has got you covered. 

From “Happy Hour” Zumba to Monday Barre Fitness, we’ve got everything you need to stay in shape this winter. Check out our class schedule here! But we ALSO have special news about our Fitness Program that we can’t wait to share! Drumroll please… introducing our NEW Fitness Instructor, Caitlin Alfano! 

Caitlin is a former dancer and now fitness instructor/personal trainer with a passion for exercise and overall wellness. She’s joined the Positions fitness faculty to teach a few HIIT classes as well as offer Personal Training! We’ve been thrilled to welcome her!

Recently, we interviewed Caitlin to give our Positions fitness family a chance to get to know her a little better. We also asked her about some of her best fitness tips to help us all stay motivated this winter! Check out her answers below! 

A little bit about Caitlin… 

Q: How did you begin your journey with Fitness? 
A: I have always loved being active! I grew up as a dancer and loved moving my body. It wasn’t until I went to college for exercise science that I fell in love with working out. Since then I’ve continued to love fitness which is why I became a certified personal trainer!

Q: What inspired you to start teaching fitness classes and personal training?
A: I believe that your health should always be number one. I love helping others improve their health and achieve their goals. One of the most satisfying things is being able to help people get stronger and feel better overall!

Q: Why do you love working out?
A: It’s my stress relief. I carve out a certain amount of time each day to workout and focus on myself. Once I start working out I forget all the worries and stress of the day and I’m able to be in the moment.

Just a few of Caitlin’s best fitness tips…

Q: What is the best way to ease into a fitness routine?
A: Listen to your body because your body knows best! Always take it slow to start and then begin to incorporate movement into your everyday life. Also starting a new fitness routine with a friend or family member is always a great way to stay motivated on your new journey! 

Q: What is your favorite workout?
A: I love weight training! It’s my favorite because you can see your progression when your able to pick up a heavier weight. 

Q: What is your favorite workout to do if you have limited time? 
A: HIIT (high-intensity interval training). It uses timed intervals to combine strength training and cardio, making it the perfect way to get a quick burn in. 

Q: What is your best advice for people who are starting their fitness journey?
Find something that you love to do. The more fun you have the easier it makes working out! Try new and different workouts until you find the right fit for you!

Are you ready to work those winter blues away with Caitlin?! She teaches HIIT on Tuesdays at 7pm and HIIT Express on Sundays at 10:30am. And don’t forget to contact the studio if you’re interested in booking a personal training session with her! 

When it comes to Fitness in Babylon, we are proud to offer a wide range of workouts every single week, with passionate and dedicated instructors. Our drop-in class rate is $15, and we also offer class cards with discounted pricing. Click here to get started today!

We can’t wait to sweat with YOU this winter!  

Meet our New Fitness Instructor, Caitlin Alfano!

Meet The Staff at Positions Dance Studio!

Meet the Positions Staff!.png

When it comes to dance in Babylon and the surrounding areas, we know our dance families have options. From location to class options, there are tons of factors to consider when choosing a studio. Among the many reasons why you should choose Positions is our amazing, wonderful, showstopping staff!

Did you know… ALL of our instructors have Positions history or roots here in Babylon?! We feel pretty lucky to have a group of teachers who are connected to our community. Aside from being excellent role models for our students, they bring warmth, passion, and dedication to the studio year-round.

So today on the blog, it’s time to meet the staff! 

Miss Kelly - Owner & Director

How long have you been at Positions?
30 years! I started dancing here when I was 3 and I am now the proud owner and director of Positions!
What is your favorite Positions memory?
As a student growing up, my favorite memories were any of our recitals and performances. We would get to hang out with our dance friends, do each other's hair, and eat Twizzlers all day :) As a teacher and studio owner, I love getting to travel with my students and make fantastic memories!
What is your favorite spot or small business in Babylon?
I am also President of the Chamber of Commerce, so I try really hard to spread the love and support all of our businesses. Some of my favorite places to shop are Roomors and Ooh La La, and one of my favorite restaurants is The Brixton.
What do you love most about the Positions dance family?
Our current staff has known each other for so long, so we are all friends and truly feel like a dance family. I believe that comes across to our students and their families -they see that Positions is a fun, friendly place to be, and we hope that they feel immediately welcomed into the family.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
I am a huge history buff, and I used to teach high school social studies before I decided to run the studio full time.

Miss Jillian - Artistic Director

How long have you been at Positions?
I’ve been teaching at Positions for 12 years. 
What is your favorite Positions memory?
I loved going to the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans! I had always wanted to visit that city and it was a wonderful balance of rehearsal/performance time and adventure time. I especially liked the swamp tour I went on with Miss Kelly’s husband, Kevin! We saw some cool stuff!
What is your favorite spot or small business in Babylon?
Molto Vino OR Horace and Silvia’s (but Cold Stone holds a special place in my heart).
What do you love most about the Positions dance family?
Everyone is extremely nice and encouraging with one another. I appreciate that it is not a competitive atmosphere amongst students. It’s very welcoming!
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
I love splits!

Miss Samantha - Instructor

How long have you been at Positions?
I started dancing at positions as a kid because my cousins danced here in 2004, so that would be 17 years so far! Now I’m an instructor here!
What is your favorite Positions memory?
My favorite memory at Positions was getting to perform in Disney World with all of my best friends. We got to perform in Disney Springs, take a class with a real Disney World performer and even got to see a little bit of "backstage Disney". To top it all off, I got to spend the whole week in Disney with my closest friends. 
What is your favorite spot or small business in Babylon?
Swell Taco, other than Positions of course! 
What do you love most about the Positions dance family?
I love how accepting and non-judgmental the environment at Positions is. I have been a part of the Positions dance family for a pretty long time, as have many other teachers here and I love the connection that we all have because of it. We all always have each other's backs, and want each other to do great things. As teachers we make it a priority to make our students feel comfortable and able to express themselves through dance and I think that that's really important. 
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
A fun fact about me is that I love to bake! I started baking with my mom when I was little and in my free time I like to try new recipes and share them with my friends. I enjoy baking cookies a lot of the time, but I have also made some pretty cool birthday cakes for family and friends. 

Miss Carly - Instructor

How long have you been at Positions?
I started dancing at Positions when I was 16, and now I am 20 and back at the studio teaching for my second year here! 
What is your favorite Positions memory?
My favorite memory was when Positions went to Memphis to dance in the Liberty Bowl. I got to travel with my dance best friends and have a great time in Memphis dancing!
What is your favorite spot or small business in Babylon?
I love coming to Babylon to get dinner at Swell Taco or Del Fuego and then walk around to see all of the amazing small businesses. 
What do you love most about the Positions dance family?
I love how supportive our dance studio is. At Positions you find friends for life that constantly support and encourage you, whether they are your teachers or fellow dancers. 
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
After Positions I continued dancing through college and now have a BFA in Dance! 

Miss Dominique - Instructor

How long have you been at Positions?
I danced at Positions until I graduated high school and I’ve taught here for 9 years now! 
What is your favorite Positions memory?
A few years ago, a large group of seniors graduated. They were the first group I had for several years. It was such a pleasure to witness them grow as dancers, friends, and all around beautiful humans. Seeing them grow together and graduate together was incredibly special!
What is your favorite spot or small business in Babylon?
The Brixton, and Positions dance studio, of course! ;)
What do you love most about the Positions dance family?
The genuine support and love for one another!
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
I competed in hurdles at nationals for my high school track team.

Miss Emily - Instructor

How long have you been at Positions?
I started dancing at Positions when I was 3 years old! 
What is your favorite Positions memory?
My favorite memory is my senior year dance recital. Recitals are always so exciting! I was a dancer and a teacher during that recital and I loved every second. 
What is your favorite spot or small business in Babylon?
So many choices, but I do love Del Fuego! 
What do you love most about the Positions dance family?
Positions fosters a love for dance. I love watching some of my past dance students develop into beautiful dancers as they get older.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
I taught in Ghana, West Africa for a few weeks when I was in college! 

Karen - Office Staff

How long have you been at Positions?
I have been at Positions for 17 years. Both of my daughters danced here for many years and I have worked here for several years as well.
What is your favorite Positions memory?
My favorite memories are always the recitals.
What is your favorite spot or small business in Babylon?
Roomers!
What do you love most about the Positions dance family?
We all get along and help each other out.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
I love Disco music!

Linda - Office Staff

How long have you been at Positions?
About 20 years!
What is your favorite Positions memory?
Going to New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl.
What is your favorite spot or small business in Babylon?
Roomors!
What do you love most about the Positions dance family?
Everyone is so kind.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
My favorite sport to watch is ice hockey.

Well there you have it, our staff here at Positions is pretty amazing! When it comes to dance in Babylon, you can’t beat our team of amazing instructors and office staff. 

All of our staff is beyond pumped to kick off our 2021/2022 Dance Classes in just a few short weeks! If you haven’t registered yet, be sure to save your child’s spot today! Our staff can’t wait to welcome you! 

5 Perks of Making Your Fitness Comeback at Positions!

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Let’s face it, the pandemic didn’t just halt our lives, it set the whole world back. Goals, timelines, and events were postponed and reprioritized. Thinking in the here and now, it’s probably safe to say that after one giant setback, we are ALL ready for an even greater comeback!

If fitness and personal health was on your list of priorities that fell to the wayside during the pandemic, we hear you! Our days became more hectic, our kids’ needs came first, and group fitness became impossible for a long time. It’s a great time to finally look forward and circle back to YOU, your goals, and your happiness!

Are you ready to make a comeback with us?! Our Adult Dance and Fitness Program is JUST what you need to get back into the fitness grind. And there has never been a better time to join us! 

Check out 4 Perks of Making Your Fitness Comeback at Positions:

1. We’ll Meet You Wherever You Are

It may be your first class back since March 2020, and it may be your 100th class since March 2020. You may be wanting to start slow and ease in or you may be ready to dive headfirst into a high-intensity workout. You may be lifting 5 pounds or 35 pounds. Whatever the case, we have a class for you and we’ll meet you right where your body wants to be. 

2. You’ll Be Welcomed in a Supportive Environment

There’s no judgment in our classes! Many of our Group Fitness regulars are Positions parents. We welcome newcomers with open arms. Come join us and feel the positivity we bring to one another each week!

3. Group Classes Provide the BEST Motivation.

While many of us are intrinsically motivated to start, it’s extrinsic motivation that drives us to keep pushing when working out gets hard. With other people’s energy in the room, you are more likely to be your absolute best. Positions’ Adult Dance and Fitness classes give you that extra little push! 

4. Flexible Payment Options 

Looking to ease in and not sure you’ll make it to class very often? No problem, just drop in to any of our classes for $15. Ready to dive in and pre-register for multiple classes each week? Contact the studio to purchase a class card with discounted pricing! You’ve got options. 

5. A Wide Variety of Classes to Suit ALL Your Needs

Don’t take our word for it, check out our weekly class schedule here! Find everything you’ll need, from a low-intensity Gentle Flow Yoga to a high-intensity Cardio Strength. We also offer Adult Ballet, Tap, Zumba if you love to get lost in dance moves during your workout. One of our MOST popular classes is Barre on the Beach, where we enjoy the beautiful outdoors every Wednesday and Friday morning! 

So... are you in?! Make YOUR Fitness comeback today! At Positions, we’re here to help you reach your goals and become the best version of you. Click here to view our weekly Adult Dance and Fitness Schedule! Join us today!

Summer Dance is Your CHANCE!

Summer Dance is Your Chance!.png

Summer is wonderful for SO many reasons. For us adults, it means some much-needed Vitamin D. For kids, it's a well-earned, long-awaited break from long days at school. Most of us can probably remember that school’s-out feeling. The freetime that awaited was FILLED with possibilities! 

So what is your child hoping to get the chance to do this summer? Maybe they are dusting off those roller blades. Are they beaming up for family vacation? How about finally getting the chance to try out a new hobby or focus on their favorites? We’d love to hear what summer has in store for your family!

Right now is the perfect time to take advantage of our Summer Dance Classes! This summer, we’re offering a 6-week session of classes for all ages. Our fun-filled classes are a golden opportunity for an unforgettable summer. Check out these 4 reasons why Summer Dance is Your CHANCE! 

1. A Low-Commitment Way To Try Something New

Whether it be trying out your child’s very first dance class or simply testing out a new dance style, summer is the perfect time to branch out. With just 6-weeks of classes, you won’t be tied down if you don’t absolutely love it! Summer classes offer an opportunity to test out activities that your child might be interested in for the upcoming school year.

2. Packed With Technique

With only 6-weeks to move and groove, our summer classes are packed with technique. Our students rely on these technical foundations all year round!

3. Built-In Fun with Friends!

During the summer our kids are constantly looking forward to fun outings and special events with friends. When you sign them up for dance class, it’s a weekly guarantee that they can dance it out with their best buddies. 

4. Heightened Focus

We say it every year, and it always rings true! Our Summer Dance students always come to class with more energy, heightened focus, and an eagerness to learn. Without the added stress and fatigue from school, it’s a golden opportunity to improve on those skills!

Don’t miss your CHANCE! Sign up for Summer Dance today! Positions Dance Studio is proud to offer a full summer line-up of enriching programs for your children. Check out our list of classes here! 

It’s going to be a GREAT summer at the studio! We can’t wait to welcome you! 

5 Ways We Make Recital Memorable for our Dance Families!

Dance Recital in Babylon

This year is a special year for Positions Dance Studio, and we must say, we are in our feels! Recital 2021: Celebrate Good Times is just a month away! Check out one of our past blog posts to learn about what we’re celebrating this year. Most notably, Positions Dance Studio turns 50, a milestone anniversary that makes us want to hit the dance floor! 

One thing we’ve learned after 50 Years is that Recital Season is the sweetest, most rewarding time of the year for both our staff AND our students. It’s the moment where all of our hard work pays off and comes to life. More importantly, it’s the time where our students break out of their shells and create memories that will last a lifetime. 

We know how exciting Recital Day is for our students, so we absolutely LOVE doing everything we can to make it special. After 50 years of recital memories (and many more to come!), we know it’s the little things that you’ll look back on and cherish forever. Memories are priceless, and we’re honored by the opportunity to create a memorable family experience! 

Check out the 5 Ways We Make Recital Memorable for our Dance Families:

1. Dad’s Dance

Recital is a family affair! A crowd favorite in our annual recitals, our Dad’s Dance is a golden opportunity to dust off your dance shoes and show us what you’ve got! Our adorable dancers LOVE watching their dads have their big moment too! It’s a precious dance each year that is ALWAYS a showstopper! 

2. Recital T-Shirts

Have you checked out our T-Shirt design this year? Recital T-Shirts are a great keepsake that your dancer will wear proudly even after recital is over! Be sure to pre-order yours today to be sure your child gets the perfect size. All pre-orders will be available for pick up at the Dress Rehearsal on July 2.

3. Professional Dance Photos

We know you’ll cherish your child’s dance years forever. That’s why we partner with Lasting Impressions Photography to provide adorable photos of your child in their costumes. Photos will take place on June 6th and June 13th and sessions are by reservation only. The reservation window has closed, but please contact us if you missed out and we may be able to accommodate. 

4. Flower Bouquets

If you’re looking for a special gesture to honor your dancer’s hard work, flowers are a classic post-show tradition for performers. We partner with The Commencement Group to offer bouquets for preorder that are available for pick-up on recital day. It’s the most convenient option for our busy dance parents. Pre-order your flowers here! 

5. A Live Stream Option (New This Year!)

Because of the challenges we’ve all faced this year, we are ready to adapt to make sure everyone gets to take part in the wonderful memories. Ticket sales will begin closer to the day of the performance to ensure that we are working with the most up-to-date capacity guidelines. Those who are unable to attend for whatever reason will have the option to purchase a live stream of the performance. 

From costumes, hair, and everything in between, we know a lot goes into getting your child ready for recital. But at the end of the day, the thing that matters most is the priceless joy on your child’s face when they step on stage. We know that feeling will stick with them and we love providing small opportunities to make it memorable. 

Don’t forget to check the Recital 2021 Page of our website frequently for all the most important information. We update it whenever new details take shape. We can’t wait for an AMAZING performance! 

We LOVE Babylon Businesses! 5 Local Gift Options for Valentine's Day!

Gift Ideas for Valentine's Day in Babylon

Here at Positions Dance Studio, we LOVE our Babylon community! Every year, Babylon brings us fun activities, amazing opportunities, and of course our treasured dance families. Our studio wouldn’t be the same without the support of our dancers, dance parents, and other local businesses.

This February, we want to spread some love back to the community that supports us year after year. So we’ve rounded up some local businesses that are offering GREAT gift options for Valentine’s Day, and we can’t wait to share! We’ve even got a fun surprise at the end of this list! 

6 Local Gift Options for Valentine’s Day:

1. Roomors

Looking for the perfect jewelry piece or gift item for your loved one? Roomors has some beautiful options and is offering a Valentine’s promotion right now! Get a $10 gift card with your jewelry purchase of $75 or more through February 14th. They’ve even partnered up with another local business to offer Cookie Pies from Baked with Grace, the perfect sweet treat to throw into your gift! Stop by their store today! 

2. Elevation Fitness 

Treat yourself or a loved one to a relaxing massage or personal training session at Elevation Fitness, located right here in Babylon. A great gift option for someone who is focused on health or working through a stressful time, massages from their licensed therapists will be sure to put self-care at the forefront this Valentine’s Day! 

3. Girasole Salon

Super sweet promo alert! Between February 7-14, purchase a $100 gift card from Girasole Salon and receive a FREE bottle of wine! This upscale local salon will leave your loved one feeling fresh, and wine makes the perfect gift even better! Contact the salon to purchase today! 

4. Bubble East

Have you checked out Bubble East’s gift shop and clothing?! Click here for tons of gift assortment options, and be sure to check out their Instagram stories for clothing, sweet treats, and other great gift ideas! 

5. Ooh La La Boutique

One of our favorite local boutiques is running a 25% off Valentine’s Sale! Check out Ooh La La HERE! Our favorite item is this super cute pullover that would be the perfect gift to unwrap on the special day! 

6. Self Love Workshop at Positions Dance Studio 

Drum roll please! We couldn’t leave OURSELVES off this list! :) While February is a great time to cuddle up with your loved ones, it’s also the perfect time to focus on loving YOURSELF. We’re excited to host a virtual workshop on February 18th dedicated self care! 

We’ve lined up a panel of experts to discuss body positivity, anxiety, gratitude, acupuncture, self-massage techniques and more! You don’t want to miss this! For just $40 per person, gift yourSELF with valuable techniques to help you live your best life. Click HERE to register! 

We’ve got some pretty awesome local business here in Babylon! After checking out this list, don’t you agree?! The many talented small businesses owners in our community are just one of the things we are feeling the LOVE for this February! 

From all of us here at Positions Dance Studio, Happy Valentine’s Day!

Perfect Price, Perfect Pair: November Dance Class Special!

November Dance Class Special 2

Dance classes are like slices of pie on Thanksgiving, two is ALWAYS better than one! Yes, we know, we are a little biased! However, we aren’t the only ones who feel this way. Check out this AWESOME article that explains why knowing multiple dance forms makes you a better dancer overall! 

This November, we are running an extra special promotion here at Positions Dance Studio! Add a class before the end of the month and receive 50% off your first month’s tuition of the additional class! This is a great opportunity for your child to try something new or finally enroll in that class they’ve been waiting for!

So today on the blog, we are outlining which dance styles go GREAT together and why! The following class combos will help your child excel in their favorite style and compliment their training PERFECTLY!

4 Perfect Dance Class Pairings:

1. Ballet + Acro

While ballet and acro may SEEM like opposites at first glance, they rely on many of the same technical elements. Posture, body placement, control, and strength are at the forefront of both of these styles. These dance genres both require tight core muscles to keep your upper body held during difficult motions. Enrolling in one of these classes will undoubtedly improve the other! 

2. Hip Hop + Tap

Because Hip Hop and Tap are both American art forms that emerged within African American communities, they have similar qualities. Both rely heavily on rhythm and groundedness. Bent knees and a relaxed upper body are key to success in both dance forms. Most importantly, they both include a heavy emphasis on social connection. Taking both is a great way to become grounded and musically in-tune! 

3. Jazz + Leaps & Turns

Jazz and Leaps & Turns are directly related and a PERFECT combination for our jazz lovers! For many of our dancers, leaps and turns are their favorite part of jazz class, which is why we have a class that is totally dedicated to perfecting them! Ready to have the BEST leaps in your jazz routine at recital? Take Leaps & Turns and we will help you accomplish ALL your goals!

4. Hip Hop & Acro

Hip Hop and Acro is a common combination because many Hip Hop dancers mix style and flavor with the coolest stunts and tricks. Breakdancing, a form of Hip Hop, requires the same strength and agility that we practice in our Acro classes! Both forms are high energy and GREAT for the dancer who loves showing off their coolest moves. 

While taking one dance class is a GREAT way to start, we LOVE encouraging all of our dancers to branch out. Being versatile is so important for a dancer’s technique, but also for kids looking to get the FULL dance experience! Sometimes it takes two (classes) to tango around here… pun intended. 

Ready to take advantage of this super-sweet November Special?! Create the perfect class pair for your little ones by viewing our class schedule today! Be sure to hurry, this deal is only good until the end of the month! 

Happy Thanksgiving and remember, two slices of pie is ALWAYS better than one! 

Recital 2021: 3 Things We're Celebrating On The Dance Floor!

dance studio in babylon

We’ve got BIG NEWS over here at Positions!!! We’re announcing our 2021 Recital Theme: Celebrate Good Times! 2020 didn’t give the world much to celebrate, which is why we are setting out to make 2021 the greatest dance party that you’ve ever seen! 

So what exactly are we celebrating? We can’t wait to share the news with our Positions families! 

3 Things We’re Celebrating on The Dance Floor This Year!

1. Positions Dance Studio Turns 50!!!

Can you believe it?! 2021 will be our 50th year in business here at Positions. What better way to celebrate this huge milestone than to hit the dance floor and spread the love?! 

Join us as we celebrate 50 years of stellar dancing, 50 years of building our Babylon community, and MANY more years to come! We are SO thankful for the support we’ve received through the years as it truly means the world. We can’t wait to continue the Positions legacy of being the best dance studio in Babylon, NY! 

2. An Amazing Return to the Studio

The year of 2020 has sure been whirlwind. We know the end of last season didn’t go as planned but things are ALREADY looking up here at the studio. We’ve returned to our facility for a safety-conscious kick off of our Fall 2020 Dance Classes! Our updated COVID-19 Protocols and our dedicated staff have made this year feel like a victory!

While we were dedicated to making the return happen, it’s our parents and students who made this comeback truly something to celebrate! Our students have entered the studio ready to learn and eager to dance. Dance parents have shown great amounts of cooperation and understanding as we work through this transition together. The smiles have been contagious. We invite YOU to join us for a victory dance at Recital 2021!

3. The Joy of Performing! 

While 2021 will be a year of GREAT celebration for us, we have to be honest… our end-of-year dance recitals are ALWAYS pretty festive. There is something about performing that makes a child feel special, and a dancer feel like they’ve accomplished something BIG! Getting the opportunity to perform means the world to our dancers and we can’t wait to share all the details as our plans for Recital 2021 take shape! It’s going to be an amazing show! 

Who will be celebrating on the dance floor with us?! It’s not too late to join the best dance studio in Babylon and save your spot for Recital 2021! Check out our Fall Dance Schedule and register today! Our 50th Anniversary show is going to be a celebration that you WON’T forget.

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Fall Fitness: Self-Care Season

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Happy Fall! We’ve survived our first (and hopefully our last) summer in a pandemic! On top of that, we survived a stay-at-home quarantine, and NOW the start of a socially-distant, masked school year. We’ve been through a lot!

This month on our blog, we are talking about self-care! Now that your kids are off to school and their Fall schedules are taking shape, it’s time to focus on YOU. This may be the first time you’ve experienced a kid-free house since March. So together, let’s make this Fall the Season of Self-Care! 

Ask any expert, and they will tell you that one of the best ways to care for yourself is to stay active and get those endorphins flowing. That’s why we are BACK and better than ever with the best Adult Fitness Classes in Babylon this Fall! Our classes are in-person with safety precautions in place such as limited class sizes and a pre-registration requirement. 

Who’s ready for some Fall Fitness?! Check out our class offerings and join us as we start a NEW Season of Self-Care! 

Yoga
We’re putting this one at the TOP of our list this Fall because it pairs your workout with breathing and meditation… the IDEAL self-care combo! Get a full body workout through a series of poses that work on flexibility, strength, and stamina. Class finishes with a guided meditation! 

Mindful Movement
Another class that is not only a great workout, but also PACKED with self-care goodies! This class improves core strength and flexibility and always concludes with breathing/mindfulness exercises to help you conquer your day! 

Power Vinyasa
If you’re ready to take your gentle yoga flow up a few notches, join us in this class as we move through our poses and rock out to a new, upbeat playlist each week! 

Barre Fitness
A ballet-inspired workout that will help you tone your legs, lift your glutes, and strengthen your upper body and core. We even offer Barre Express options that will pack your workout into 30 mins for those of us who struggle to fit self-care time into our schedules!

Cardio Strength
This class is a well-rounded, full-bodied workout that incorporates strength training, stretching, AND cardio.

Adult Dance Classes
Dance is our FAVORITE workout here at the studio, mostly because you forget that you are working out! It’s easy to get lost in the music and the fun dance moves while you focus on new skills and technique. We’re offering adult ballet, tap, and modern this Fall which is the perfect way to pencil in some me-time!

Pilates 
Pilates is a series of exercises designed to strengthen and lengthen the core muscles, a great way to care for your spinal health and posture!

Ready to join us during our Self-Care Season?! Here’s how to get started while helping us stay safe this Fall:

  1. View the class schedule online! 

  2. Find the class and time that work best for you! 

  3. Click on your desired class and Pre-Register 

  4. Pay for your class at our drop-in rate OR purchase a class card!

  5. Head to the studio and get to sweatin’! Be sure to bring your own gear to class (mask, yoga mat, towel, and any props needed for class) due to our new COVID-19 protocols. 

  6. Smile and pat yourself on the back as you conquer a self-care win! 

We can’t wait to see YOU at our Adult Fitness Classes in Babylon this Fall! 

How We Are Safely Returning to the Studio

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Positions Families, the time has finally come! The moment we’ve ALL been waiting for: a return to in-studio classes at Positions! For months, our staff has been saying that we CAN’T wait to be back in the studio with our dancers. Now that we are preparing to do so, the excitement is building, but this big step is certainly not one we take lightly. 

During all the chaos these past couple of months, one thing has always stayed the same. Your safety is our number one priority. Our staff is busy transforming our facility and re-thinking our procedures to ensure that our students are safe when they walk in our doors. We are dedicated to you and our responsibility to the community. 

As we accept enrollment for our fall and summer classes, we have put together a new set of policies that we’d like all of our families to take note of. The studio experience may look a little different than years past, but we are confident that it will be a great one.  

How We are Safely Returning to the Studio: 

1. Limiting Class Sizes

To ensure that there is room in our studios for proper social distancing, our class’ capacity numbers will be smaller than usual. If classes fill and there are dancers interested in joining, we will open new classes to ensure that our families get the classes they need. 

With limited class sizes in mind, be sure to view our schedule and register before your preferred class time fills up! 

2. Now Requiring Pre-Registration for All Adult Classes

Adult classes are being offered in-person (outdoors) and on Zoom. Due to limited class sizes to allow for social distancing, we are utilizing a new software to ensure that our drop-in adult dance/fitness classes do not exceed capacity limits. We’ve made it easy for you! Just visit our website and click the registration link next to the class you’d like to attend. 

Those who previously purchase class cards will be able to reactivate them. Please contact the studio to unfreeze your account! Our Summer 2020 Adult Classes run from July 20th - August 28th. View the schedule today! 

3. Drop-Off Only Policy

For all students over the age of 5 years old, parents will not be allowed in the studio to watch class or relax in the lobby. You will have the option to remotely view class via the Zoom Links posted in the parent portal. Parents of preschool children may accompany them inside and occasionally check on class, but we ask that you rotate your time in the lobby. This change was made in order to reduce the amount of people in our space at any given time. 

4. Hand sanitizer and temperature checks at the door!

When arriving at our facility, your student will be greeted by a Positions staff member who will use a touchless thermometer to check the temperature of each dancer before. We’ve also added hand sanitizing stations at the entrance, which will be mandatory for all dancers to use. 

5. Now Requiring Masks to Enter

Students must wear a mask while entering or exiting the building. However, the mask is not required while dancing. Need a mask? We’ve designed special Positions Dance Studio masks for our dancers who are ready to enter in style! Stop by our dance store to get yours today!  

6. Now Requiring Props for Ages 5+

In order to keep our surfaces free from cross-contamination, all dancers ages 5+ are required to bring a yoga mat and hand towel to class. View our graphic below to double-check that your child has everything they need!

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Positions Dance Studio is now offering special, branded back to dance packages! Take 20% off when you purchase all 3 items!

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7. Socially Distant Dancing! 

We’ve prepped our studio from top to bottom - literally! Our dance floors are now equipped with floor stickers for our dancer’s feet, surrounded by individual, taped boxes. 6 feet apart, but dancing together! 

8. A Revamped Cleaning Schedule

Our staff will be sanitizing high traffic areas such as barres, doorknobs, and bathrooms between each class. Heavy-duty cleaning will be done at the end of the night to prepare for the next day of classes. 

As you can see, we’ve put great thought and detail into our back-to-studio planning. We’re committed to a safe return to the studio. The safety of our dancers, families, and staff is always number one on our list. Be well, and we can’t wait to see you at the studio!

It's Time to Celebrate our Spectacular Students

It's Time to Celebrate our Spectacular Students

Wow, our 2019-2020 Dance Season has sure been one we will NEVER forget. A few months ago, we never imagined that we would be running a virtual dance studio, but here we are! As we close out the season, it’s time to celebrate our spectacular students the best way we know how: a performance!

When COVID-19 closures began, we said from the start that we were committed to making a performance opportunity happen. That commitment has remained rock solid, and we are SO excited to get our recital plans rolling! We know it’s going to be fantastic. 

As I’m sure you could imagine, going back to the drawing board and reimagining our end-of-year festivities was not an easy task. We share the disappointment with our families around not making it to the theater, but we are excited to make the best out of a tough situation! 

We are SO thrilled to share how we are celebrating our students this year:

In-Class Virtual Recital (June 20th-26th)

Our first Recital Opportunity is happening NEXT week, in-class on Zoom, at NO extra cost to you! We’ve loved getting the chance to continue teaching our amazing students virtually and can’t wait to see the screen sparkle with their costumes! We ask that students arrive to class in costume with proper shoes and tights. Hair and makeup is recommended to add a little glitz and glam! 

If you are looking for ways to make this day EXTRA special, we’ve got your covered with a few ideas! 

  • Creating a DIY backdrop at home can make your child feel like ALL eyes are on them! We found this great youtube tutorial for a paper backdrop, but there are TONS of other youtube tutorials to check out!

  • Recording the performance and hosting a family watch party to view the recital video

  • A pre-performance photoshoot

  • Surprising your child with flowers after their performance

  • Sharing a celebratory meal with your child

Red Carpet Experience (June 26th, 27th, & 30th)

This year, we are offering our first-ever Red Carpet experience! Complete with professional recital photos, a private in-studio performance with 4 guests, a t-shirt, and awards, we know this option is going to make our students BURST with excitement. We can’t wait! 

After all the changes and chaos of this year, we are feeling extra elated about creating a celebratory experience for our students. Tough times make sweet victories even sweeter! We’d like to extend our deepest gratitude to our Positions parents for your continued support and flexibility. Recital 2020 is going to be SPECTACULAR!

Seeing the Silver Lining: Top 4 Takeaways of Online Dance Classes

Seeing the Silver Lining: Top 4 Takeaways of Online Dance Classes

Month number 2 of quarantine is almost complete and let’s be real… staying positive is not an easy task. If you let your mind start to wander too far, heading into worry-land happens pretty quickly. We get it and we’re here to offer support wherever we can. 

There is one positive thing that we all agree on at Positions: seeing your kids on zoom every week makes all of the madness disappear for a few hours. Not only do we love seeing their faces, but we’ve also been having tons of magical moments in class. While our online classes could never take the place of being in the studio, they are SO valuable during this time. 

Between our free and paid facebook groups, our LIVE classes on Zoom, and other fun initiatives on our public facebook page, we’ve completely dedicated ourselves to moving our programs online. As we witness our students learning in new ways and smiles flying left and right, we’ve been seeing the silver lining more and more. 

Check out the Top 4 Take-Aways of Online Dance Classes:

1. A Slice of Normalcy

Any sense of stability that your child was used to has probably shifted during this time. Schedules, schooling, social interaction, end of the year festivities… you name it, it’s probably been changed or non-existent. Which is why we LOVE providing our weekly classes. 

Your child sees their regular teacher just like normal. Your child can depend on the same class every week just like normal. Your child practices their recital dance just like normal. Your child reviews the same skills they were learning before quarantine just like normal. We hope this has lowered the levels of crazy at your house, even if it’s just for an hour each week! 

2. Staying Connected

One of the best feelings is when we unmute a child on zoom and they start exploding with stories and questions! We love watching as they finally let it all out. When we are all dancing together on the screen, everyone is reminded of the community we built at the studio earlier in the year. The kids feel like they belong again. We know they miss their friends and teachers, so we love giving them a chance to connect each week. 

3. Individual Attention

Besides dance class, when was the last time your child heard someone outside of their family say their name? It’s probably been a while. When we give our students corrections via zoom, we watch as their faces light up and they stand a little taller each time. It’s seriously magical!!

We recently read this article by the Institute for Family Studies that outlines 4 things that children need right now. Number one on their list is to feel heard. While our kids are muted, it may be difficult to accomplish this on Zoom. BUT, we do make them feel SEEN, which we would argue is EVEN better. It’s a good feeling to know that others are noticing you, seeing you, and investing in your success. 

4. A Creative Outlet

Even though your little ones might not understand the full capacity of the current situation, I think we all know they are feeling effects. When a child’s world gets turned upside down, it’s important to have a creative outlet. Just like our in-person classes, our virtual classes allow dancers to let go, forget about all the confusion, and dance it out! That has never been more important than right now! 

We hope this list gave you a glimpse into the warm and fuzzies that we feel during every Zoom class we teach. Their smiles are what remind us to stay positive during this time. 

While we know you might not get a “thank you” from your child after each Zoom class, trust us when we say that they are grateful. And from the bottom of OUR hearts, thank you. Thank you for your continued support during COVID-19. Thank you for supporting your child’s passions. Thank you for your flexibility and positivity. Our dance families are simply the best. 

COVID-19 Resources for Dance Families

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Oof! Whatever you are stressed about right now…. just know, you are NOT alone. Between finances, health, and childcare, it’s just a lot. These are REAL issues, REAL concerns, and we are with you. We want to help. From our stuck-at-home family to yours, we are here to offer some positivity during this trying time. 

Even though it may seem harder than ever before, now is the MOST important time to make sure our students KEEP dancing. Why? Endorphins, of course! We can probably all agree that we need a few extra of those right now! 

Our Positions Staff has been hard at work this past month taking our dance classes TOTALLY virtual! If you haven’t yet hopped on zoom with us or joined our Facebook groups, don’t worry! We are still wrapping our heads around all this too! It’s not too late to join us. 

On top of what WE’VE put together for our current Positions families, we have been totally thrilled by the number of people and companies who have banded together to help. From live online classes to at-home workouts, we’ve compiled a list of amazing resources for our dance families! We also threw in some general resources for our parents who are suddenly expected to be teachers AND parents!

Check out these awesome resources for dancers and parents during COVID-19:

Exclusively for Positions Families:

  • FREE Facebook Group for Current Positions Families - Contests, recital videos, and fun activities are posted weekly! Stay moving and connected in our Positions-only group!

  • LIVE Classes on Zoom - Access your child’s Zoom Link via the Parent Portal. If you are new to zoom, this tutorial will help you get oriented. View the zoom class schedule on our website and we will see you on the virtual dance floor!

  • Paid Adult Fitness Subscription Group - For $25, you can gain access to all of our at-home workout videos. At Positions, we don’t let quarantine stop us from reaching our health and fitness goals! Join us today! 

  • Kids Yoga on Facebook Live - Are things a little crazy at home? We’ve got you! Join Miss Kelly for some relaxing Kid’s Yoga. Follow Positions Dance Studio on Facebook so you don’t miss a class! 

Dance Training:

Bored at home? Can’t get enough dance? On TOP of your Virtual Classes at Positions, we’ve found some extra classes that will help you stay moving! These classes won’t be taught by your Positions Faculty, and they won’t help you learn your recital dance, but they are great class supplements to take advantage of!

  • Ballet Class with the Pros - A list of professional Ballet dancers that are offering virtual classes via Instagram/Facebook Live.

  • CLI Studios - The industry’s leading online class outlet is graciously offering FREE classes during this time with your favorite choreographers. Visit the website for a complete schedule and get moving!

  • DANCIO - Take class with the stars of dance from the comfort of your own home. They are offering a free 2-week trial.

  • GAGA classes - Donation based Gaga classes through Zoom multiple times a day!

  • STEEZY - Explore different urban dance styles like house, breaking, and popping. Free 7-day trial!

  • Sugarfoot Therapy - Injury prevention workouts for dancers designed by a physical therapist.

Staying Active:

  • BOKS - Free online fitness program for kids.

  • CorePower Yoga On Demand - Parents this is for you! CorePower has released their online classes for free.

  • Cosmic Kids Yoga - Yoga, mindfulness and relaxation designed specially for kids aged 3+

  • GoNoodle - Keep your tiny dancer moving with these fun, free dance videos for the whole family!

  • LES MILLS On Demand - Another great resource for parents to experience over 800+ workouts from home. They’re offering free trials!

Exploring Art:

  • BroadwayHD - You can experience the magic of Broadway from home! They offer a 7-day free trial!

  • Google Arts & Culture - Google has partnered with over 500 museums and galleries around the world!

  • Met Opera - Every evening enjoy a FREE night at the opera from your couch! 

Virtual Learning:

Stay informed:

Whether you’re homeschooling kids, trying to work from home, or doing your best to keep your dancer active, we hope that you find these links helpful!

From all of us here at Positions Dance Studio, we are sending you warm and healthy thoughts. Together we will make it through this time, and we can’t wait to see you all back at the studio. Happy living room dancing to all of our students!

Positions Happenings: Take a Look at our March Newsletter

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Now that our Positions dancers have finished LEAPING for Leap Day, it’s officially time to MARCH into March! Loving our cheesy puns? Don’t worry, we’ve got plenty more headed your way in the months to come! :) 

As we head into Spring, we’ve got TONS of fun coming up. Between Spring Musical, Recital 2020, and Summer Dance, Positions Dance Studio will be keeping you and your little ones busy for the next few months! 

Don’t miss a beat! We are sharing our March Newsletter to keep all the important and exciting details right at your fingertips

1. It’s Kindness Month at Positions.

During the whole month of March, we are celebrating kindness. Look for some special initiatives around the studio and activities in classes. It is our hope that our students know the value of kindness and continue to spread it within their community! 

2. Register for Summer Dance Today! 

Have you had a chance to check out our summer schedule? We have a FUN mix of classes, workshops, intensives, and camps on the schedule. Between our Positions Poppin’ Positions Summer Camp, our 6-Week Class Session, and our Rockettes Workshop, there is something for every child this summer!

Promo Alert: Use the code EARLYBIRD20 Get 10% off Summer Tuition when you register before April 30th! Don’t miss out on a summer of FUN! Get registered here today!

3. Spring Musical Tickets are On Sale Now!

Positions students will be presenting Frozen Kids at the Argyle Theatre. We are excited to see Elsa and Anna’s adventures come to life in this production! Our students have been working hard to put it all together and would love to see you in the audience.

Join us on April 26th at 2pm! Purchase tickets online today! 

4. Don’t miss our most recent Recital 2020 updates.

Have you added Recital 2020 to your calendar yet? We can’t wait to see our dancers take the stage on June 28th! Tickets go on sale March 15-18

We know our dance parents have a lot to remember! So we’ve created a Recital Info Page that keeps all the important info in one place. Below are some of the latest updates we’ve added to our website:

Show Order Details
Photo Day Schedules
Dress Rehearsal Schedule

5. Reserve your spot for Spring Meditation and Mimosas on March 22nd.

Join us for a special workshop on March 22nd at 12:30pm. During this relaxing class, guests will enjoy meditation, healthy snacks, and mimosas. 

Spring Mediation & Mimosas
Sunday 3/22 12:30-1:30pm
$30/ person (non-refundable)
Call 631-669-8612 to reserve your spot today!

6. Reserve your spot for our Foam Roll, Stretch, and Myofascial Massage Workshop.

Got aches and pains? Join us for this special workshop on March 27. Class will feature guided foam roll massages, stretches, and techniques that release stiff muscles. 

Foam Roll, Stretch, and Myofascial Release Workshop
Friday 3/27 8:15-9:00pm
$40/ person (non-refundable)
Foam rollers will be provided!
Call 631-669-8612 to reserve your spot today!

7. Spring Break is April 11-17.

The studio will be closed April 11-17. Enjoy your break! Be sure to make some time to rest and recharge before we head into recital season! 

8. Don’t miss Babylon Village’s 9th Annual Chinese Auction.

On Wednesday, March 11th at 6pm, join the community for a fun night of raffle, coffee, tea, and desserts! Learn more and purchase tickets here. 

9. Hurry in! The Everything Long Sleeved Sale ends on March 15th!

Be sure to stop by our dancewear store to take advantage of this awesome sale. All long-sleeved items are 35% off through 3/15. This is a great time to stock up on dance wear!

10. You’re Invited to a Hydrafacial Party on March 25th!

Deep Blue Med Spa has created an exclusive event for Positions parents and we could not be more excited! Add a little pampering to your life. At this event, guests will enjoy mini HydraFacial treatments, raffle baskets, demos, and exclusive offers. 

See you at Deep Blue Med Spa on March 25th at 7pm! Be sure to RSVP here. 

What an exciting list! We absolutely love offering such a wide variety of events, promotions, and opportunities for our dancers. Happy March, everyone. Don’t forget to spread kindness around the studio this month! 

Positions Happenings: Take a Look at our February Newsletter

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Wait…. Where did January go?! Winter is flying by this year and we can’t complain. The season of LOVE is upon us as we head into Valentine’s Day! This month on the blog we are featuring our February Newsletter. We’ve got tons of exciting events and important studio updates for our dance families!

Read on to stay in the know about all our exciting dance events in Babylon:

1. Don’t forget to purchase your Paper Hearts! 

The hearts are flying over here at the studio! This month we are selling paper hearts! Proceeds benefit the Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition. Stop by the front desk to learn more and purchase.

Thank you in advance for your help in supporting this great organization!

2. Winter Break is February 17th-23rd

There are no classes this week! We are wishing all of our dance families a relaxing break. Take some time to restart and refresh as we head into recital season! 

Classes are canceled but we WILL be offering a Winter Break Camp for kids ages 3-10. See below for details! 

3. Join us for Mini Winter Camp on February 18th and 19th! 

Ms. Assante, from St. Joseph’s Nursery School, and Miss Kelly are teaming up again for another fun Winter Camp! On Tuesday, we are throwing a pancake and pajama party that you won’t want to miss. Wednesday will be a Mad Scientist adventure! 

Join us for one day or two! Camp pricing starts at $40 for one day and $70 for both days. Ages 3-5 will camp from 9am-11pm and ages 6-10 will camp from 11:30-1:30! Contact the studio at 631-669-8612 to register!

4. New Year, New You: Our Adult Fitness Contest ends on February 16th

We are in the final stretch before we announce the winner of our adult fitness! Don’t forget to get those classes in before the 16th! Whoever attends the MOST classes by this date wins a $50 Positions gift card. We believe in you, let’s tackle those fitness goals together at the studio! 

Review the adult fitness schedule here! We’d love to see you in class. 

5. Save your spot for Pinot Noir at the Barre! 

Sorry kids, this one is adults only! On February 17th, we are so excited to host a Special Event for just $30/person. This class will feature a barre workout to get you up and moving. After that, guests will enjoy a wine, cheese, and chocolate pairing class to make your workout even sweeter!

Call 631-669-8612 to reserve your spot! See you on February 17th from 7pm-8:15! 

6. Spend Your Summer With Positions Dance Studio!

Summer is the perfect time to work on technique in a stress-free and fun environment! Look for the summer dance schedule later this month. Take 10% off your tuition if you register before April 30th! 

7. Frozen Kids: Save the date for our Spring Musical! 

Positions students will be presenting Frozen Kids on April 26th at 2pm at the Argyle Theatre. Don't miss this family-friendly performance! 

Tickets go on sale February 28th. We can't wait to see our students shine!

8. Positions Dance Studio Evening at the Argyle Theater

Tickets are on sale now for Disney’s The Little Mermaid at the Argyle Theater and it’s a special night for Positions Dance Studio families on February 21st at 7:30pm. Be sure to grab your discounted ticket for $59 (normally $74)! Tickets for kids 12 and under are $35. Contact the studio to purchase tickets!

9. Mark your calendars for Recital 2020! SO exciting!

We know it’s early, but over here we are ALREADY busy planning for our fabulous June recital. Important dates for you to know include Dress Rehearsal on June 27th at 11am and Recital on June 28th at 11am and 4pm. 

Mark your calendars now so those dates don’t sneak up on you, and check back to the recital page of our website to stay in the know. It’s going to be a great show!

We are SO excited to be offering so many new events and workshops for our Positions families! Have an idea that you’d like us to add to the list? We’d love to hear from you! Contact the studio today! 

Behind the Scenes at the Nutcracker

Behind the Scenes at the Nutcracker

‘Tis the season! Candy canes, hot cocoa, and the Nutcracker of course! Here at the studio, we are busy preparing for this year’s production of the holiday classic and we seriously can NOT wait! 

The production includes dancers of all ages from Positions Dance Studio along with members of the Babylon community. Presented at the Argyle Theater, the show will take place on November December 8th and December 15th. That’s right, just a few more weeks until our wonderful dancers hit the stage! 

Today on the blog we are taking our readers behind the scenes and into the world of Nutcracker preparation! The buzz we feel at the studio is exciting and we couldn’t help but share! 

Here’s a step by step, behind the scenes guide to preparing for our special holiday performance:

Step 1: Learning Choreography

Our dancers have been learning dances and rehearsing for this show since September. The amount of material that these kids hold in their brains is super impressive. It takes time, and above all, TONS of practice, but once they have the dances memorized, we are always SO proud. Enjoy these pictures of our dancers learning material!

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Step 2: Clean, Polish, and Perfect

After the dancers each have the choreography memorized individually, it’s time to make them look like one cohesive production, doing the exact same thing, perfectly in sync. Take a look at this picture below of our dancers hitting a pose. Can you spot the difference in foot positions? How about hand facings? These are the meticulous things we spot when cleaning our dances.

 

Step 3: Dress Rehearsal at the Argyle Theater on December 3rd starting at 7pm

This is when the backstage buzz begins! Our dancers get ALL of their pre-show jitters out during dress rehearsal. We make sure they are comfortable with spacing, as the stage is a lot bigger than the studio. They rehearse in costume to get used to the feeling. And most importantly, they become comfortable with the idea of an entire theater of people watching their every move! It’s quite magical to see their confidence grow. 

Check out this short clip of our dancers rehearsing The Mouse Battle scene. One of the mice is practicing in costume to test out the length of the cape. Costumes can really throw off a dancer on stage if they haven’t spent time rehearsing in them, so these things require practice and preparation!

 

Step 4: Hitting the Stage

There is NOTHING quite like seeing such a huge production finally come together. The kids’ faces light up as soon as they step on stage. We can not wait to hear the grand applause and congratulate our dancers on a job well done. Here’s a sneak peak of our Waltz of the Flowers dance. Get your tickets today to see the rest of this amazing production!

 

Do you have your tickets yet? We are SO proud of our dancers and the work they have put into this show. We can't think of a better way to kick off the holiday season than attending this special performance! 

Tickets are on sale now, so hurry over to and reserve your seats. Supporting these amazing kids as they perform this holiday classic will surely create lasting memories for you and your family! See you at the theater! 

4 Reasons Why Dress Code Matters

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What is cuter than a tiny dancer in a pink tutu? Nothing! We know that dance outfits are just ADORABLE, but they also serve a purpose. Proper dance apparel not only creates an effective learning environment, but it also teaches young dancers important life lessons. All cuteness aside, dress code is important! 

As we kick off another year of dance classes at Positions Dance Studio, we thought this would be a great time to dive in a little deeper and explain why dress code is so important. We know that it isn’t always easy to get your child to class in the correct outfit with the correct shoes. We greatly appreciate ALL our families do to support their dancers!  

Check our top 4 reasons why dress code matters: 

1. Help US Help YOU

First and foremost, our dress code is made to help our teachers do their job! We are here to give our students ALL the best information about dance technique and body placement. But if we can’t see our students’ bodies, we can’t help them achieve their goals. Even the slightest adjustment in arm positions or shoulder placement can transform a single pirouette to a double. If you show up to class looking like a dancer, we are able to make you the BEST dancer you can be. 

2. Discipline

Ask any dance teacher and they will probably agree that there is usually a HUGE difference between students who take dress code seriously and those who don’t. We notice! Getting in the habit of putting on dance clothes, ditching the jewelry, and securing hair in a neat bun teaches dancers to come to class ready to work hard. It is more than just an outfit. Dress code enforcement creates improved work ethic, focus, overall attitude, which is why we love it so much! 

3. Safety

Shoelaces, jewelry, and baggy clothes might not seem like a big deal for a kid. But when you are dancing your heart out, one dangly necklace can create a huge safety hazard. Safety is always our first priority at Positions Dance Studio, and that starts with dress code! 

4. Prepping For The Big Stage

It’s no surprise that getting used to wearing tights and a leotard is a little bit of an adjustment. In class, we are ALWAYS working towards the big stage! We want our dancers to feel comfortable, confident, and empowered come recital time. Coming to class each week looking and feeling like a dancer makes getting up on stage in a fancy costume SO much easier! 

Parents, with all the tights, leotards, and ballet slippers to choose from, figuring out what to wear to dance class can sometimes be a tedious task. BUT, at Positions Dance Studio, we make it SUPER easy for parents because we think that dress code should never be overlooked. Visit our website for a class by class dress code guide and find EVERYTHING you need right here in our dancewear store

Happy dancing Position families! We can’t wait to see all of our dancers looking beautiful from head to (pointed) toe! 

Class Feature Time: Dance Abilities

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At Positions Dance Studio, we believe that dance is for ALL. We hold this value close when planning our schedule for the year and deciding what we want to pass on to our kids. Striving to make dance accessible for everyone, we create classes that welcome students from all backgrounds. 

Our Dance Abilities class is one of the classes we are proud to offer at the studio. This weekly class is specifically tailored for students ages 7-adult with Down Syndrome, Autism, and other developmental disabilities. In class, dance allows students to gain balance between the two halves of the body, express emotion, and gain muscle control, all while having a ball and making some new friends. We absolutely LOVE watching our Dance Abilities students grow throughout the year. 

So today we wanted to take some time to feature this amazing class on the blog. We truly believe that this class does wonderful things for our participants. Read on to hear about the Top 3 Benefits of Dance Abilities!

1. Confidence Building

We see it all the time, dance brings people OUT of their shells. The nonverbal nature of dance offers a great opportunity for special needs populations to explore their senses. This often leads to a burst of self-confidence, as our students learn to express themselves and trust their body’s abilities! 

More importantly, dance can feel vulnerable sometimes! We often see our Dance Abilities students start out the year with small, shy movements. But by the end, they jump right in with huge, full-bodied dancing. That right there is the beauty of trusting oneself! It’s so rewarding to watch as our students learn self-confidence through dance. 

2. Improved Coordination and Motor Skills

Right & left, up & down, open & close… our Dance Abilities students learn it all! Dance requires focus and muscle control to execute skills. We meet students where they are by breaking down skills and modifying our requirements based on their skill levels. They learn to use both sides of their body, move their legs and arms together, and even move in opposition. The improvements we see are truly amazing! 

3. A Sense of Belonging

This one is by far our favorite! Everyone deserves to feel like they belong somewhere and fit in with their peers. And we sadly know that’s not always the case for special needs populations. That is exactly why we are proud to offer Dance Abilities.

In class each week, our students dance alongside their peers, learning how to share space with others and use their bodies to communicate. We watch as they make special connections with other dancers and build friendships that matter even beyond our studio doors. Bring your dancer to our class to give them a consistent group of dance friends that they look forward to dancing with each week. Dance brings people together!

We can’t wait to kick off our Dance Abilities class this month! It is not too late to register! Head over to our website and sign up online! 

This class is SO important to us and we hold it near and dear to our hearts! Come see for yourself what Dance Abilities can do for your family!