Celebrating 50 Years (1976–2026)

A Golden Jubilee Celebration

August 30th | Berest Dance Center | A 50 Year Celebration

Pre Cocktail Party, Reunion
A Golden Jubilee Gala

Honoring:

  • Olga, for her vision that has spanned five generations
  • The students who found their confidence, their artistry, and their lifelong friendships here
  • The families who supported them, cheered for them, and became part of the Berest fabric
  • The teachers whose devotion and mentorship shaped generations
  • The alumni who carry Berest’s values into their adult lives, whether onstage or in the world beyond dance
Event Schedule

Pre Cocktail Party & Reunion
3:00-5:00 PM

A Golden Jubilee Gala
6:00–8:00 PM

 

Berest Dance Center

A Studio - A Family - A Legacy: The Berest Dance Center

For five decades, Berest has been the heartbeat of dance. As we celebrate this golden anniversary, not just as a studio, but as a Legacy that gives back. Dance for Joy, Outreach  ensures that the artistry, discipline, and joy of dance continue for the next generation.

The Story:
 

A Studio:
For 50 years, our floors have carried the rhythm, discipline, and joy of thousands of dancers.

A Family:
We are more than teachers and students—we are a home. Generations return to the Berest nest, taking adult classes themselves and enrolling their children in the very school where they once grew.

A Legacy:
We open our doors to those who might not otherwise have the chance to dance.   Dance for Joy,Outreach ensures that every child who dreams of dancing has a place on our floor.

 Pre-Cocktail and Gala Celebration - August 30th, 2026

The 50th Aniversary Celebration of Berest Dance Center

A night of tribute and performance honoring our 50-year history. Olga will be celebrated for her vision, leadership, and the community she has nurtured. She will recognize the teachers who have been “the wind beneath her wings.” Alumni who have made dance their profession will be honored and many will perform .The evening will conclude with a 50th-year bow finale uniting teachers and alumni from five decades in shared gratitude and joy.

 
The Golden Jubilee Gala Tickets

Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00

Location: Jeanne Rimsky Theatre

Dress Code: Dressy chic

 
Pre-Cocktail Reunion 

Time: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Location: Tuscanini

A Celebration of Teaches and Alumni 

As we look back on 50 years of Berest Dance Center, we couldn't imagine this celebration without you. You continue the Legacy of the Berest Dance Center.


Teachers who were the heartbeat of our school in its Fledgling Years.
Karen Ferby Guy             Linda Zoffer

 

Professional Alumni Span the Decades: 
1987 Heather Berest 
1987 Patricia Kenny Reilly
1998 Floryn Glass Stock

These women have retired from their stage career to embrace the next season of their life.

Heather and Orion in "Spring Rounds"

 

Patricia Kenny Reilly with Gabriel Croom

Floryn Glass Stock as "Belle" in Beauty  and the Beast

Photo credits   Loiis Greenfield 
Courtesy of Westchester Boadway Theatre

 

These dance professionals are performing at the Anniversary Gala:

2010 Darcy McLoughlin
2013 Mikala McKee 
2014 Maggie Golder 
2017 Julie Patilis
2018 Elena Sundick
2021 Ioanna Ioannides

Featuring:

Alison Cook Beatty Dance as Guest Company
loanna loannies is a company member

2024 Christina Aiello current dance major, will be dancing and leading the finale bow as 5 decades of dancers come together in celebration.

 

Pictured left to right: Elena Sundick, Darcy McLoughlin, Maggie Golder, Mikalya McKee, Christina Aiello, Julia Patilis

(photo credits Courtesy of: RNeville, Kelied Dance Co, HBerstein,WPendleton, NNutter)

Click Here to Buy Tickets
Jubilee Theatre Gala 
Gala + Pre-Cocktail Reunion

Click Here for Sponsorship
Consider a Sponsorship to support our "Dance for Joy" Outreach Program. Sponsorship includes complementary Gala and Cocktail Party tickets. There are many tiers of sponsorship. 

 

"Lifeline"  Facundo Ferreyra and Ioanna Ioannides.  Alison Cook Beatty Dance guest company
(photo credit  Russ Haydn courtesy of ACB Dance)