OUTREACH

DANCE FOR JOY

 

When students enter Berest Dance Center, dance is the only thing that matters. Differences disappear, anxieties are left at the door, and all ages and nationalities become one in their passion for dance. The comradery is obvious at first glance into a class.  

 
 

 

Berest Dance Outreach Program

DANCE FOR JOY (DFJ)

 

 

Berest Dance Center is committed to nuturing young aspiring dancers regardless of their financial circumstances.Our focus is on supporting and guiding students to reach their highest potential. In addition to comprehensive ballet training, BDC offers opportunities to study various genres of dance, including modern, contemporary, lyrical, jazz, musical theatre, broadway dance tap and hiphop. We aim to help our students  find their voice by exploring the many styles of dance we offer.

In 2021 the Berest Dance Center introduced the "Dance for Joy" program inspired by a young dancer and former student, Michelle Wasserman. She wanted to make a difference in the lives of children who could not afford dance classes by offering them a 10 week free Introduction to Dance workshop. She goal was to provide a class that nurtured self-esteem,  confidence and a  passion for dance. She wanted to share the joy that dance brought to her and called the program "Dance for Joy"(DFJ)
 

You are invited to contribute to helping fund the dance education for continued classes for our students in Dance for Joy.  Your donation makes a difference. Every gift of any size means so much to our students.  Your donation the the Berest Dance Center will help us foster the dreams of our dedicated young dancers and will sustain our vision of giving young dancers a bright future in the arts. 

We are proud to have "UNIQUE PROJECTS"  as our Fiscal Sponsor offering a tax deductible receipt for your gift. 

 

 

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 2024-25 sponsors. We celebrate your impact on our Dance for Joy Program!

Your Gift Makes a Difference

  • The Gersh Family Founation- Damon Gersh.founder of HEARTS (Helping Enrich the Arts), a nonprofit organization in Port Washington, NY,  has a history of community involvement and philanthropy

  • Dave and Carrie Kerpen Entrepreneurs and authors, co-founded Likeable Media, a social media marketing agency. They are also known for their work in digital marketing and their commitment to family and community.

  • Sadie Steinberg . As part of her Bat Mitzvah project 2025, Sadie organized a fundraiser called "Give the Gift of Dance" to support the "Dance for Joy" program, which provides dance opportunities for children who might not otherwise afford them

  • Hanna Edelson  Bat Mitzvah project.Selected "Dance for Joy" as her Bat Mitzvah project for 2024, continuing the tradition of supporting this outreach program that nurtures young dancers regardless of financial circumstances

  • Smusht (Port Washington ice cream parlor) Is a family-owned ice cream parlor in Port Washington, known for its artisanal ice cream sandwiches and community involvement. They offer a variety of flavors and toppings, making them a local favorite

  • Linda Nutter photography  A professional photographer based in Long Island and NYC, specializes in personal and commercial photography, including dance and special occasion portraiture

  • Hearts PW - A grassroots nonprofit organization in Port Washington that supports and enriches the arts in the community and public schools. They provide grants and organize events to promote arts education

  • Dejana (Port Washington) A company based in Port Washington, involved in community services such as landscaping, snow removal, and waste management. They have a history of supporting local initiatives

  • Diana's Hair Salon  Located at 191 Main Street, Port Washington, NY, Diane's Hairplace is a cozy and welcoming beauty salon. Known for its friendly atmosphere, it offers a range of services, including haircuts, coloring, styling, and more. The salon is deeply rooted in the community, often described as a place where clients feel at home. Diane Basile, the owner, is praised for her accommodating nature and excellent hairstyling skills. The salon also participates in community events and supports local initiatives.

  • Excel Physical Therapy Situated at 1482 Northern Boulevard, Manhasset, NY, Excel is a state-of-the-art facility specializing in physical therapy and sports rehabilitation. Owned and managed by licensed physical therapists, it offers a comprehensive range of services, including orthopedic care, personal training, and sports performance training. The facility is equipped with advanced fitness equipment and provides tailored rehabilitation programs to help clients recover and enhance their fitness levels. Excel also offers remote online sessions for convenience.

  • Anthonys World of Floors The business and the Garofalo family believe in giving back to the community that supports it.  This close-knit family and company have built a reputation they are proud of.

FOR SERIOUS DANCERS TAKING DANCE TRAINGING ONE STEP FURTHER!
DANCE SCHOLAR  Enrollment in the Dancer Scholar proram is awarded to qualifying students who want to pursue dance beyond  the Berest Dance Center.It includes comprehensive support from high school counselors, college admission specialists and dance professions who coach senior dance solos for college auditions . This opportunity is offered to  students in their sophomore year of high school.  

It includes:

  • Transition from High School to College: Life Skills from Dance Training
    Alison Berest, Certified Mental Health Counselor
  • College Applications
    Dr. Francine Fabricant, Certified Career Counselor
  • Dance Audition Preparation
    Orion Duckstein, Associate Professor and Chair of Adelphi Dance Department
  • Audition Piece Couching
    Heather Berest, Berest Dance Center Dance Professional
  • Dance Reel 
    Jessica Wontropski, Dance and Media Professional at Berest Dance Center
  • College Headshot
    Linda Nutter, Photographer

Offering scholarships and services enables Dance Scholars to stay on the course to graduation-creating a pivotal opportunity to transform their lives and launch successful careers post-graduation.

 

 

Fall of 2025, Ashley will be going into her 5th year as a scholarship student

 

 

A Heartwarming Story Since its inception, we have been thrilled to witness students like Ashley.  Now 13 years old, Ashley has progressed from a 9 year olds' Introductory Workshop in 2021, to an Intermediated level of training, She is currently studying ballet twice a week, musical theatre and tap with the tuition awarded to her.   Ashley also performs in the Berest Dance Centers' annual Holiday Show as well as community events with her Berest Dance peers. As she continues to advance, she will have the opportunity to explore all the genres that BDC  has to offer. Her enthusiasm and determination to excel in dance are unparalleled. Dance has become the cornerstone of her life. Moveover, her familys expression of gratitude for the joy it brings to their daugther is beyond measure. 

 

Ashley dreams of graduating from the Berest Dance Center with a future in dance.Inspired by the commitment of Ashley and the passion of our recipients, Berest Dance Center has initiated a program to meet the needs of these serious dance students.

 

 

Click the image below to read about our program

2021 Dance for Joy recepients with Michelle Wasserman and Susanne Keisermann