With the excitement of recital just ending, it’s important to remember the other exciting highlights from our 2017-2018 dance season….

1. We hosted an Improv workshop with Cathi Murphy!

In October, Guest Artist Cathi Murphy taught an improv workshop for our dancers.

2. We danced again at the Make-A-Wish Holiday Party!

Each winter, our dancers perform at the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s annual holiday party for all of the wish kids helped by Make-A-Wish and their families.  Each year this event is a very special performance and this year was no exception.

3. We had a float in the Islip Holiday Parade!

In December, Dance Connection had a beautiful float in the Islip Holiday Parade down Main Street and the competition team performed as the finale to the parade.

4. We were invited to be the featured dancers for the Holiday Spectacular at CM Performing Arts Center!

This holiday season, the Holiday Spectacular at the Noel S. Ruiz Theatre at CM Performing Arts Center featured our dancers as the “Noelettes”.

5. We helped many families in the Islip area through our Giving Tree!

In December, through the generosity of our dancers, parents, and staff members, we were able to help many families from our local community.

6. We partnered with artists from across Long Island to produce another “Making Wishes Grow” concert!

In January, we produced our second Making Wishes Grow concert featuring over 100 dancers, musicians and other artists all coming together to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

7. All five of our season soloists won title awards at competition!

Our five season soloists – Allison Bradley, Emily Civitella, Thomas Henderson, Nyomi Jurado, Ginger Mastrosimone, and  Kiara Zeledon – all won solo title awards at competition this year.  100% ain’t a bad average….

8. We shot our first TV Commercial!

In March, we did a video shoot for Dance Connection to grab footage for the first ever Dance Connection TV Commercial currently airing.

9. We inducted six more dancers into the National Honor Society for Dance Arts!

This May, we inducted four new members into the National Junior Honor Society for Dance Arts and two new members into the National Honor Society for Dance Arts through an induction ceremony held at the studio.  Karen Kobel, a Dance Connection alumni, professional dancer, and business owner, was the guest speaker over teleconference from Vancouver.

10. We performed at the Islip Street Fair!

This June, our dancers performed live on Main Street at the Islip Street Fair, while Dance Connection had a super fun booth nearby.