Business Details
46 Years
experience
Premier Dance Education in Garden City, NY
Garden City Dance Studio has been a cornerstone of dance education since 1980, founded by director/owner Cathy Fonte. Our 8,000 sq ft facility features six professional sprung dance floors, closed-circuit TV for parental observation, and a fully equipped dance boutique. We prioritize safety with surveillance systems, fire sprinklers, and a clean air HVAC system. Our teaching staff combines decades of experience with specialized training in dance techniques, choreography, and child psychology. We emphasize personalized attention to foster confidence and technical mastery in students.With programs ranging from toddler classes to competitive teams, we cater to all skill levels. Our commitment to excellence has made us a regional leader in dance education for over four decades. We offer flexible scheduling with makeup classes and maintain open communication for attendance coordination. Our students benefit from annual recitals at the Tilles Center, integrating performance experience into their training. This combination of professional facilities, expert instruction, and family-focused service defines our enduring success.
Services
Ballet
Tap
Jazz
Contemporary
Lyrical
Hip-Hop
Acrobatics
Musical Theater
Voice Lessons
Zumba
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- We offer 45+ years of proven excellence in dance education
- Our 8,000 sq ft facility includes professional sprung dance floors
- Closed-circuit TV allows parental observation of classes
- Full-service dance boutique with immediate access to essentials
- Security systems and safety features protect all students
What people say
Highest quality teaching staff
Immediate schedule accommodations
Performance opportunities
Costume convenience
Nurturing atmosphere
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops technical precision and artistic expression through structured training. Students learn classical techniques from experienced instructors with professional backgrounds. Classes emphasize proper alignment, musicality, and performance quality for all skill levels.
Competitive Teams
Dance teams receive advanced training in multiple genres with award-winning choreographers. Participants develop teamwork, discipline, and stage presence through competition preparation. Our teams have earned regional and national recognition for artistic excellence.
Summer Programs
Seasonal intensives provide focused skill development with master instructors. Students receive technical corrections and artistic guidance in a supportive environment. Programs include specialized workshops for different dance styles and age groups.
Private Lessons
One-on-one sessions target specific goals with personalized instruction. Dancers receive focused attention to improve technique, prepare for auditions, or refine performance pieces. Lessons available for all ages and skill levels.
Recreational Classes
Casual programs introduce dance fundamentals in a fun, non-competitive setting. Classes emphasize creativity and self-expression while developing coordination and confidence. Perfect for children starting their dance journey.
People
Cathy Fonte
Owner/Director
Founder with 45+ years experience, trained by David Howard and Broadway professionals. Expanded studio to seven locations while maintaining personalized instruction. Available daily for student and parent consultations.
Tiffany Fonte
Instructor/Choreographer
Teaches multiple styles with seven years experience. Former competitive dancer turned award-winning choreographer. Manages competition teams while maintaining active teaching schedule in jazz, hip-hop, and ballet.
Jill
Instructor
Holds MA in Educational Theatre and ABT-certified instructor. Combines academic expertise with performance experience from TV, film, and stage. Specializes in theater arts integration with dance training.
Samantha
Instructor
Two-decade studio veteran teaching since age 12. Balances Hofstra University pre-med studies with teaching responsibilities. Brings personal experience from competition team to classroom instruction.
Hannah
Instructor
Cornish College graduate teaching tap through acro. Incorporates creative movement principles into structured technique training. Works with students from toddlers to adults in multiple dance styles.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We teach ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, hip-hop, acrobatics, musical theater, voice, acting, and zumba for all ages and skill levels.
Are recitals mandatory for students?
All students except Mommy & Me participants perform in our Tilles Center recital. This includes costume requirements and scheduled photo sessions.
How does costume payment work?
A $60 refundable deposit is due in October, with final payments processed in January. Late orders incur a $20 single-order fee.
What qualifications do instructors have?
Our staff includes MA holders in theater arts, ABT-certified instructors, and professional performers with Broadway and cruise line experience.
Can we switch classes if schedules change?
We accommodate schedule changes with advance notice. Our flexible policy allows makeup classes after April and adjustments for family needs.
