DANCE FOR JOY
Berest Dance Outreach Program
DANCE FOR JOY (DFJ)
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
SPONSORSHIP LEVELS for 36 Weeks of Dance Training
Platinum-$10,000-unlimited hours of dance training weekly
Gold -$5,000-$9,999 -five to 8 hours of dance training weekly
Silver $2500-$4,999- two to four hours of dance training weekly
Bronz- $1000-2,499- one to two hour of dance training weekly
Supporter-$500-$999 one/half to one hour class/es weekly
Friend-$100-$499 coaching class or small group
Fall of 2025, Ashley will be going into her 5th year as a scholarship student
Click the image below to read about our program
2020 Dance for Joy recepients
