Business Details
36 Years
experience
Premier Dance Instruction for All Ages in Derby, CT
Since 1990, Dance Fantasies has been nurturing young talent and fostering a lifelong passion for dance in a supportive, family-oriented environment. Our studio, founded by renowned instructor Michele Malerba-Palumbo, offers comprehensive training in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, and Hip Hop, with specialized programs for ages 3 to teens. We prioritize personalized class placement based on skill, effort, and confidence rather than age alone, ensuring each student receives tailored instruction. With decades of combined teaching experience, our team has trained award-winning dancers and prepared students for prestigious programs like the Radio City Music Hall Rockette Intensive.Our curriculum integrates technical mastery with creative expression, helping students build physical strength, artistic confidence, and emotional resilience. We maintain strong industry connections through memberships in Dance Masters of America and participation in master classes with internationally recognized choreographers. Our commitment to excellence has made us a trusted institution in Derby, Connecticut, where we continue to inspire generations of dancers through both competitive and recreational programs.
Services
Ballet
Tap
Jazz
Tumbling
Lyrical
Hip Hop
Pointe
Master Classes
Performance Groups
Competition Training
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- 35+ years of dance instruction experience with certified professionals
- Personalized class placement based on skill and confidence levels
- Offers diverse dance styles including Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Hip Hop
- Proven track record preparing students for professional dance programs
- Family-oriented environment with intergenerational student success stories
What people say
Supportive family environment
Experienced certified instructors
Personalized class placement
Student growth and confidence
Intergenerational success stories
Services
Ballet Instruction
Our Ballet program develops poise, grace, and technical precision through structured barre work and center exercises. Students learn traditional terminology while building foundational skills that support all dance styles. Classes emphasize proper alignment, strength development, and artistic expression through both classical and contemporary repertoire.
Tap Technique
Tap classes teach rhythmic patterns and foot coordination using percussive sounds. Students progress from basic steps to complex combinations while developing musicality and timing. Both traditional and modern styles are covered in a curriculum that builds from beginner to advanced levels.
Jazz Dance
Our Jazz program combines technical training with energetic performance styles. Students learn stylized movements influenced by American dance traditions while developing flexibility, strength, and stage presence through choreographed routines set to contemporary music.
Lyrical Contemporary
This advanced program integrates Ballet and Modern techniques to create emotionally expressive performances. Students learn to convey narratives through fluid movements and controlled transitions, requiring strong technical foundations developed in earlier training levels.
Hip Hop
Our Hip Hop classes teach street-style dance techniques rooted in 1980s Funk and R&B traditions. Students develop rhythm, coordination, and personal style through dynamic choreography while learning both classic and contemporary urban dance vocabulary.
People
Michele Malerba-Palumbo
Director/Choreographer
Certified dance instructor with 35+ years teaching experience. Graduate of Dance Masters of America Teachers' Training School. Recipient of Top Teacher Awards and competition special judges' honors. Continues professional development through NYC master classes.
Anthony Palumbo
Studio Manager
Supports studio operations for over 25 years. Coordinates logistics and technical aspects of performances. Provides administrative support to ensure smooth daily operations and event execution.
Bill Malerba
Facility Director
Responsible for studio renovations and maintenance. Ensures optimal training environment with proper flooring and safety standards. Handles technical requirements for performances and special events.
Angela Maria Malerba
Performance Coordinator
Manages annual performance logistics and event coordination. Serves as emcee for major productions. Organizes special workshops and guest artist collaborations for student enrichment.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop, and Pointe instruction with specialized programs for ages 3 through teens.
How are students placed in classes?
Class placement considers training history, technical ability, effort level, and confidence rather than age alone for optimal skill development.
Do you offer competitive dance programs?
Yes, we have competition teams with specialized training in Performance Groups and Dance Masters of America programs.
What is your registration process?
Contact us by phone for registration forms. The non-refundable $35 family fee covers annual enrollment for all dance programs.
Are there performance opportunities?
Students participate in annual June performances, holiday shows, and community outreach events including nursing home performances.
Do you offer adult dance classes?
Our current programs focus on youth instruction from preschool through teens, with family-friendly community performance opportunities available.
