Business Details
10 Years
experience
Your Premier Destination for Inclusive Dance Education
Rivertown Dance Academy was founded on the principle that high-quality dance education should be accessible to all, regardless of financial means. Our central location in Tarrytown, NY, combined with bilingual literature and need-based financial aid, ensures inclusivity for diverse communities. With over 8 years of dedicated service, our faculty brings academic expertise, professional experience, and pedagogical excellence to develop each student's artistic and personal growth. We offer comprehensive dance programs for all ages through year-round classes, workshops, and performing ensembles. Our commitment to accessibility extends to physical spaces, with studio access from the parking lot behind Snap Fitness.As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, we maintain transparent operations and ethical standards while fostering community through events like our annual Sail Fest and Halloween Happenings. Our track record shows measurable impact: $262,862 awarded in financial aid since 2016, with 6% of students benefiting annually. We prioritize client satisfaction through flexible payment options, clear policies, and personalized support for families with multiple dancers. Our facility's accessibility, combined with bilingual resources, demonstrates our ongoing commitment to serving Westchester County's diverse population.
Services
Dance classes
Workshops
Performing ensembles
Financial aid programs
Bilingual education
Birthday parties
Summer camps
Open house events
Community festivals
Adult dance programs
Details
- Year established: 2016
Highlights and features
- We offer need-based financial aid with $262,862 awarded since 2016
- Our faculty combines academic expertise with professional dance experience
- Bilingual English/Spanish programs serve diverse community needs
- Central location with accessible parking and facility access
- Proven track record as Best of Westchester 2020 winner for Adult Dance Classes
Associations and certifications
- 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization
Services
Dance classes
We provide comprehensive dance education for ages 18 months through adult. Our curriculum includes multiple styles taught by qualified instructors with academic and professional expertise. Classes operate year-round with fall and spring terms, offering flexible enrollment options for families with multiple dancers.
Financial aid
Our financial aid program ensures dance education accessibility regardless of income. Since 2016, we've awarded $262,862 in need-based assistance with no eligibility caps. The program benefits 6% of students, with 67% of recipients from Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow communities.
Performing ensembles
We offer performance opportunities through our year-round ensembles. These programs develop artistic growth while fostering community engagement. Alumni have pursued professional dance careers and founded university performance groups like Dynamic Dance at Stony Brook University.
Bilingual programs
Our Spanish/English bilingual programs address community needs with translated literature and communications. This accessibility initiative ensures equal participation opportunities for non-English speaking families in all aspects of our dance education programs.
Community events
We host annual events including Sail Fest, Halloween Happenings, and November Giveaways. These programs combine fundraising with community engagement, featuring workshops, vendor markets, and performance showcases that highlight our students' achievements.
Questions
How do I apply for financial aid?
Applications are available on our website. No income limits apply and awards are based on demonstrated need.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept Zelle QuickPay, checks, and credit cards (with 3.5% processing fee).
Are classes available for adults?
Yes, we offer adult dance programs and were recognized as Best of Westchester 2020 for Adult Dance Classes.
Do you offer trial classes?
Yes, free trial classes are available for dancers aged 18 months through adult.
What are your facility access options?
The studio is accessible from the parking lot behind Snap Fitness with designated drop-off spaces.
How do you handle class cancellations?
Cancelled classes due to weather receive tuition credits, but no refunds are issued for withdrawals.
Reviews (6)
Catherine McGovern
Feb 07, 2021
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RDA offers classes to students of all ages & raises funds for scholarships so that no student is turned away due to finances. I am a 62 year old "wannabe" a ballerina who has taken classes, tap, jazz & ballet with Rachel & Jessica for the last 5 years. In spite of my two left feet, the teachers are patient & never make me feel silly. Last year, they won the "Best of Westchester for Adult Dance Classes". When Covid hit, they showed their creativity with ZOOM classes & outdoor classes in the summer. I am so happy I found RDA!
Christie Doherty Crawford
Mar 30, 2020
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This is my daughter’s second year at RDA, taking multiple styles of dance, and the teachers are wonderful. They teach dance for Dance’s sake, and it shows. I love getting a glimpse at the older students there, seeing their camaraderie and their joy. The Festival is an absolutely lovely, professional production, which gives the dancers a chance to… perform 3 times, not just once.
And twice a hear, there is a donation-based Open House, so everyone has the opportunity to show off where they are. The founders of RDA are so community-minded, and they truly live their motto of making
And twice a hear, there is a donation-based Open House, so everyone has the opportunity to show off where they are. The founders of RDA are so community-minded, and they truly live their motto of making
Karina Arreola
Dec 21, 2019
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My son has taken jazz and hip hop since the Academy started. He has always had a great time there and performed couple of times. He got confidence through the dance and the encouragement from the teachers.
Melissa Lauprete
Aug 02, 2019
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A great dance school! The instructors are lovely, talented, incredibly professional, and as an adult student, classes are fun and challenging, yet flexible and catered to all levels, with a conscious and thorough approach to stretching and body conditioning. Highly recommend!
Todd Brown
Mar 18, 2019
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My 11-year old daughter has been taking classes here for years and absolutely loves it - i cannot believe the quality of the dance education that she’s getting at such a young age, it’s like an NYC studio in the burbs (without all the big city attitude) in fact, i like it so much, i started taking classes myself - it’s great for us old timers too
Lisa Bloomfield Feinman
Nov 25, 2018
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I had a terrific experience returning to tap dance as an adult. Rachel and Alex are phenomenal teachers and choreographers. They have a terrific sense of their students' abilities, challenging us appropriately, taking time to teach, and always keeping it fun. Rachel's patience with each student in our small class allowed me to master steps I hadn't expected to. Thank you Rachel, Alex, and RDA!
