Business Details
30 Years
experience
Welcome to Dance Sensation - 30 Years of Excellence
Founded in September 1996 by Susan Nachtrab, Dance Sensation has been a cornerstone of artistic development on Long Island for three decades. Our academy offers comprehensive training in ballet, tap, jazz, pointe, contemporary, and hip hop for students aged 3 through adult. With a faculty of experienced professionals, including Artistic Director Susan Nachtrab who brings over 50 years of teaching expertise, we have cultivated award-winning dancers who have competed nationally and gained acceptance to prestigious institutions like ABT and Joffrey Ballet School.Our annual Dance Gala showcases student achievements, while our Elite Corps de Ballet of Long Island provides additional performance opportunities. We maintain rigorous technical standards while fostering creativity, with dress code guidelines ensuring proper training environments and a focus on skill development over appearance.
Services
Ballet
Tap
Jazz
Pointe
Contemporary
Hip Hop
Acrobatics
Combo Classes
Theatre Jazz
Adult Classes
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We have 30+ years of proven success developing award-winning dancers
- Our faculty includes nationally recognized instructors with 50+ years of combined experience
- Students gain access to prestigious summer intensives and college programs
- We offer comprehensive training in 10+ dance disciplines for all skill levels
- Our alumni have earned professional positions in major dance companies
Services
Ballet
Our ballet program develops technical mastery through structured training in classical technique and pointe work. Students progress from foundational positions to advanced repertoire, with performance opportunities in annual productions. The curriculum emphasizes proper alignment, musicality, and artistic expression for dancers aged 3 through professional levels.
Tap
Tap classes focus on developing clear rhythm patterns and improvisation skills across multiple styles. Students learn both Broadway and traditional tap techniques, with special attention to sound clarity and footwork precision. Performance opportunities include competition teams and recital productions.
Jazz
Jazz instruction combines technical training with performance preparation in styles ranging from Broadway to contemporary. Classes emphasize sharp isolations, dynamic contrasts, and stage presence. Advanced students participate in choreography workshops and competition routines that develop performance confidence and versatility.
Acrobatics
Acrobatic training develops flexibility, strength, and tumbling skills specifically for dance application. Classes safely progress from basic cartwheels to advanced aerials and partner balances. The curriculum integrates dance elements to ensure technical proficiency while maintaining safety standards for young performers.
Combo Classes
Combo classes integrate multiple dance styles in single sessions for comprehensive skill development. Younger students combine tap and jazz fundamentals, while advanced groups explore ballet-jazz fusion and hip hop combinations. This approach builds versatility and musical adaptability across different movement vocabularies.
People
Susan Nachtrab
Artistic Director
With over 50 years teaching experience, Susan Nachtrab founded Dance Sensation in 1996. She has trained dancers who received scholarships to ABT, Joffrey, and Nutmeg Conservatory, and established Long Island's Elite Corps de Ballet. Her students have earned top awards in national competitions.
Brendan J. Nachtrab
Instructor
Brendan teaches hip hop, jazz, and acrobatics with 20+ years of experience. A graduate of Ithaca College, he brings expertise from directing youth movement programs and serving as St. Patrick's Head Coach. His teaching emphasizes fun, discipline, and technical growth.
Christopher B. Nachtrab
Guest Choreographer
A principal artist with San Francisco Opera, Christopher offers master classes from his 10-year Sacramento Ballet tenure. As an award-winning choreographer, he brings professional insights from performing with Metropolitan Opera and teaching nationally recognized summer intensives.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, tap, jazz, pointe, contemporary, hip hop, acrobatics, combo classes, theatre jazz, and adult classes.
What age groups do you teach?
Our programs serve students from age 3 through adult, with class levels from beginner to professional training.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes! We host annual Dance Galas at Oakdale's Noel S Ruiz Theater and participate in regional/national competitions.
What are your dress code requirements?
Specific shoes and attire are required for proper technique development. Hair must be secured, and loose clothing is prohibited.
Do you offer competitive dance teams?
Yes, we have competition teams in multiple genres that have earned gold, platinum, and diamond awards regionally and nationally.
