Business Details
18 Years
experience
Premier Dance School in New York, NY
Founded in 2008 by professional dancer and choreographer Tina Casula, our dance school has become a cornerstone of the Washington Heights/Inwood community. We specialize in introducing children to classical ballet, tap, jazz, and hip-hop, with a curriculum designed to foster technical excellence and artistic expression. Our instructors bring diverse backgrounds from Broadway, tour groups, and international productions, ensuring students receive world-class training. Recognizing the underserved nature of our community's performing arts needs, we prioritize accessibility and quality, culminating in an annual recital featuring professional-grade costumes.With classes taught at The Cornerstone Center since 2008, we maintain a commitment to discipline, safety, and creative growth. Our dress code and structured programs instill dedication while ensuring proper physical development. Over 15 years of operation, we've built a reputation as the premier dance destination for neighborhood families seeking excellence in arts education.
Services
Ballet
Tap
Jazz
Hip-Hop
Gymnastics
Summer Programs
Dance Recitals
Costume Training
Youth Classes
Performance Coaching
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- Instructors with Broadway and international performance experience
- Specialized curriculum for ages 18 months to 18 years
- Annual recitals with professional-grade costumes
- Structured dress code ensuring safety and proper technique
- Community-focused programs since 2008
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program introduces students to classical techniques with structured training from certified instructors. Classes emphasize proper posture, footwork, and artistic expression through age-appropriate curriculum. Students progress through skill levels while preparing for annual recital performances.
Hip-Hop Instruction
Contemporary hip-hop classes teach modern dance techniques with a focus on rhythm, coordination, and creative expression. Instructors bring professional experience from Broadway and touring productions to develop students' unique styles.
Summer Programs
Intensive summer sessions provide focused dance training across multiple styles. Programs include technique refinement, choreography workshops, and performance preparation for students of all skill levels during school breaks.
Gymnastics Classes
Certified gymnastics instruction develops strength, flexibility, and coordination. Classes incorporate safety-focused techniques with equipment training to complement dance performance abilities for young athletes.
Recital Preparation
Annual recital training includes costume rehearsals, stagecraft instruction, and choreography practice. Students learn professional performance techniques for our June showcase at the Hayes Auditorium in the Bronx.
People
Tina Casula
Studio Owner / Instructor
Professional dancer and choreographer with 30+ years teaching experience. Former assistant choreographer for Holland America Cruise Lines and award-winning high school theater director.
Brandon Barker
Hip-Hop Instructor
BFA graduate from University of Massachusetts Amherst with public policy expertise. Combines dance instruction with arts administration experience at NYC Department of Cultural Affairs.
Gwynedd Vetter-Drusch
Ballet Instructor
Professional dancer and teaching artist with international performance experience. Specializes in ballet technique and pointe work while emphasizing student artistry development.
Jac Barba
Gymnastics Instructor
Former competitive gymnast with 40+ years coaching experience. Certified instructor who has trained students at multiple New York City facilities since the 1970s.
Annabelle Duncan
Assistant Instructor
12-year BPAC student turned teacher with performance experience in The Nutcracker and Aladdin. Currently pursuing early childhood education while teaching dance classes.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer classical ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, and gymnastics for children aged 18 months to 18 years.
How do I register for classes?
Registration is available through our online portal for the 2025-26 school year with limited spots available.
What is your dress code policy?
All students must wear BPAC-approved Revolution Dance Wear to ensure proper technique and safety during classes.
Do you have annual performances?
Yes, we host an annual recital at The University of Mount Saint Vincent with professional costumes and staging.
Are there performance opportunities?
Students participate in annual recitals and have been featured in productions like The Nutcracker and Aladdin.
What qualifications do instructors have?
Our instructors include Broadway veterans, international performers, and graduates of top dance programs with decades of combined experience.
Reviews (3)
Katherine Brandt Patterson
Jun 17, 2019
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Granddaughter attending for 7 years! Excellent instructors and safe atmosphere for young ones.. 5 ⭐️
Liseli P.
Sep 18, 2018
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They actually offer a lot of classes here. There are quite a few age and time slot options which is great to work around kids school schedules. Ms. Tina is bubbly and exciting and connects with the kids immediately, as do the staff she hired for the various classes. The class sizes are very manageable and quite small compared to some others - this is fantastic for my child as she benefits from a better experience. The location is great and easily accessible. Look at their website to get a list of the classes and times etc.... well worth it.
Maria Hernandez
May 13, 2018
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We’ve had a partnership with Ms. Tina and BPAC for years. Having her instructors teach in our day care centers has been a pleasure. We love them and our parents love them! We always recommend their services to all our parents!
