In Step With DC
Dance Connection joins Wingman League
Written by Joe Naftal on August 23, 2018

Dance Connection is proud to be the first Long Island member of the Wingman for Dance program.  Wingman is a powerful youth leadership program that inspires empathy, compassion and courage in all children. The Wingman program has been successfully used in schools and sports clubs throughout Connecticut and it has now been adapted for use in dance studios nation-wide.

The mission of Wingman for Dance is to inspire dancers, regardless of age, level or skill to become helpful heroes that go above and beyond for each other. Wingman boosts children’s confidence and recognizes their unique strengths. Wingman will improve the overall vibe of your studio by creating an atmosphere of connection and belonging.

Wingman is a project of Dylan’s Wings of Change, a foundation dedicated to the memory of Dylan Hockley, one of the first grade victims of the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012. Dylan’s Wings of Change is a part of the Sandy Hook Promise Foundation, a 501c3 registered public charity.

Joe Naftal

Joe Naftal is the Marketing Director for Dance Connection. When not working at Dance Connection, Joe has a career as a theatrical lighting designer, assistant designer, and production manager. His experience spans the worlds of classical and contemporary theatre, musicals, ballet, modern dance, and opera. In addition to his work at Dance Connection, Joe collaborates with Dance Studio Owners across the country, is a member of the DanceStudioOwner.com Panel of Experts, has been featured in the business section of Dance Teacher Magazine, and was on the seminar faculty for the 2016 Dance Teacher Summit in New York City. Joe holds a BFA from UNC School of the Arts and is a proud member of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).

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