American Theater Dance Workshop
About
Michelle and I became the Artistic Directors of the American Theater Dance Workshop in 2013. Prior to that, we spent our careers working in Ballet Companies, on Broadway, TV and Film and Michelle spent 7 seasons as a Radio City Music Hall Rockette. Ballet to Broadway - we build dancers one step at a time.
As we inherited the knowledge from those greats before us, we feel obligated and passionate about sharing it with the next generation. We offer a supportive, dancer centric environment to learn and grow to your top level.
Specialties
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Goals and interests
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
When new students come to ATDW we first assess their level of experience and determine the best possible classes for their further development.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Michelle and Jerome Vivona each worked professionally for over 25 years, with some of the greatest names in the industry, Jerome started his career as a Ballet Dancer in a number of Professional Companies before transitioning to Broadway where he met Michelle who had been successfully working on Broadway already and later spent 7 seasons as a Radio City Musica Hall Rockette. Our staff is comprised of similar professionals with credits from Boradway, Opera Houses, Professional Ballet and Jazz/Tap companies. NO STUDENTS Teach here.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Our classes are based upon an annual price structure that is pro-rated for when a student joins us. We have ongoing registration in all classes and we have a robust adult Ballet and Tap program that allows for drop in classes.
How did you get started teaching?
Michelle and Jerome began teaching master classes while still performing and both have taught in the University, Arts High Schools, and the formal class environment and both taught at ATDW before taking the studio over in 2013. They both have an extensive resume of teaching and michelle's parents ran a studio(s) for over 45 years. Our staff are all professionals with extensive teaching credits and formal degrees/certificates in teaching.
What types of students have you worked with?
we work with all levels of student from beginner to professional.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
ATDW Produced a World Premiere Ballet called Cracked - a sequel to the Nutcracker and it was a complete artistic success. We have a student performing company (Theater Dance Company) that routinely performs at venues across NYC, and Long Island. We operate the ATDW Studio Theater and produce fully staged Musicals, events, plays and master classes as well.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Do your research and you'll find that a school with a staff such as ours is very difficult to find outside of NYC. We offer professiona training geared to a career in the arts and for personal development and enjoyment. We look for students who wish to learn and work hard while making life long friends in the process.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Ask them what their dance background is, where did they dance? Whom did they learn from and work with? If their main answer is that they took classes at their studio or from teachers in NYC with limited or no professional experience - move on.