In Step With DC
Living Our “DanceLife” to the Fullest
Written by Erin Sforza on August 16, 2019

Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean school is out for our staff! This past weekend a group of our teachers attended the DanceLife Teacher Conference in Atlantic City, New Jersey. It is an opportunity for them to take classes and attend seminars that allow them to renew, refresh, and add to their dance knowledge, as well as give our management staff the ability to collaborate with their peers and discuss best practices, problem-solving, trouble-shooting and improving the studio experience for their students. The weekend also includes time to network and get support and inspiration that will carry them into the next exciting dance year!

We asked our teachers what their favorite aspects of the conference were, and what they took away from the weekend.

Miss Mary Naftal

Since I have been going to teacher conferences for over 20 years,  I find them to be not only educational but motivational.  Although I have been teaching for 40 years, there is always something to learn and it is also nice to reinforce what I already know and I come back rejuvenated and ready to begin the fall season.  It was great this year to share the weekend with some of the DC teachers.  I love watching them excited after taking a class and anxious to come back to the studio to teach their students some of the new ideas and methods they learned while at the conference.  We also have a great time together.  Days are long, classes begin at 9am and go until after 9 at night, but we managed to find some time to have dinner and play the slot machines at Harrah’s.  I played roulette for the first time and won $120 and yes, I walked away in order to keep my winnings, lol.  

Miss Melinda Civitella

My favorite experiences at the Dance life conference included the morning talks with Rhee Gold because he is very motivational, and I also enjoyed taking classes from many well known dancers and teachers.  I would have to say hearing a hundred-year-old dance teacher speak about her life experiences was both funny snd inspirational.

Miss Donna Iaboni

I took a lot of Ballet, Jazz and Hip Hop this time and I’m super excited to bring all my knowledge and new ideas to my students! It’s always so refreshing to go to a teacher workshop, but this one was more than just dance steps and choreography….it was for the soul! I feel rejuvenated and psyched for the new year! 

I had the opportunity to take Ballet and Pointe class with one of my favorite teachers (Roni Mahler) from childhood when I did conventions and workshops and that was incredible! She’s in her 70’s and still amazing! 

It’s also great to brainstorm when we talk with other teachers from all over the country and it feels great when we realize we ARE giving our students great training.

Miss Jenn D’Auria

Each and every year I absolutely love furthering my education as a dance teacher! This year it was a pleasure and an honor to attend the dance teacher life conference. Not only did I leave there with great new ideas but I also left inspired and rejuvenated and this conference really touched my soul and reminded me why I love to do what I do.

Miss Victoria Flick

This was my 5th year attending a dance teacher conference. Not only do I enjoy participating in the experience with fellow DC faculty members, but also learning and sharing experiences with other dance teachers from around the country. I’m bringing back fun and engaging combinations, as well as new techniques I learned to help my students grow. What I enjoyed most at this year’s conference was being inspired by a woman who so openly shared her passion with us and teaches dance even at 100 years old.

Our teachers are ready to get back into the studio and on to another wonderful year at DC! Hope to see you in the studio!

Erin Sforza

Erin is the Public Relations Coordinator for Dance Connection. She studied dance from childhood through college and continues to be an active member of the Long Island theatre community. Erin received a BA in both Musical Theatre Performance and History from the University of Tampa, and has utilized aspects of both degrees working in the hospitality industry, as an Event Coordinator for the Heckscher Museum of Art in Huntington, and as the PR/Marketing Coordinator and Group Sales Coordinator for the CM Performing Arts Center in Oakdale. In addition to being a part of the Dance Connection staff, she is a Travel Consultant affiliated with MouseEarVacations.com and CruisingCo.com.

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