Business Details
Premier Dance Studio in Yorktown Heights, NY
At Karissa's House of Movement, we are dedicated to nurturing young dancers through a comprehensive and inclusive approach to dance education. Our studio fosters a supportive family environment where students aged 3-18 develop technical proficiency while building confidence, self-esteem, and teamwork skills. With a team of award-winning instructors boasting decades of combined experience in competitive dance and performance, we offer specialized training in ballet, hip-hop, contemporary, jazz, and lyrical styles. Our founders' extensive industry connections and performance backgrounds at prestigious venues like Walt Disney World and Barclays Center inform our innovative teaching methodology. We prioritize individual growth and artistic expression while maintaining rigorous technical standards across all skill levels.Through structured class progressions and performance opportunities, we cultivate both dance excellence and personal development. Our commitment to creating a positive, inclusive atmosphere ensures every student feels valued and challenged to reach their full potential. With multiple championship-winning choreographers on staff, we provide elite-level training accessible to dancers of all abilities. Our focus extends beyond technique to develop well-rounded individuals who embody respect, discipline, and creativity. As a community-centric studio, we strive to make dance education both transformative and accessible for all young artists.
Services
Ballet Classes
Hip-Hop Instruction
Contemporary Dance
Jazz Technique
Lyrical Training
Highlights and features
- We offer championship-winning instructors with professional performance backgrounds
- Our curriculum develops both technical skill and personal confidence
- We provide age-appropriate training for dancers aged 3-18
- Our team includes national title-winning choreographers
- We maintain a supportive, inclusive learning environment
What people say
Wonderful dance school
Positive environment
Excellent place for all ages
Instructors are award-winning
Promotes confidence and teamwork
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops foundational technique through structured training for ages 3-18. Certified instructors focus on proper alignment, grace, and musicality while preparing students for advanced pointe work. Classes emphasize both technical precision and artistic expression, with performance opportunities at local venues.
Hip-Hop Instruction
Award-winning hip-hop specialists deliver dynamic classes combining street style with technical training. Students learn current trends and choreography techniques while developing rhythm and stage presence. Our program includes competition teams and convention preparation for serious dancers.
Contemporary Dance
This program blends ballet foundations with expressive movement vocabulary. Instructors focus on emotional storytelling through dance, with emphasis on floor work, improvisation, and partnering techniques. Classes prepare students for competition and performance opportunities.
Jazz Technique
Our jazz classes combine traditional Broadway style with contemporary influences. Students develop quick directional changes, isolations, and performance quality through energetic combinations. The curriculum includes audition preparation for theater productions and competitions.
Lyrical Training
This program merges ballet technique with emotional storytelling through movement. Instructors guide students in interpreting music through expressive choreography, focusing on fluid transitions and artistic interpretation for competition and recital performances.
People
Karissa Spinola
Founder
Award-winning choreographer with 20+ years experience, former elite performer at Walt Disney World and Barclays Center. Specializes in competitive dance training and youth mentorship, holding multiple national competition titles.
Alexis Racanello
Director
University at Buffalo dance graduate with 15 years competitive experience. Trained under renowned instructors and performed with Zodiaque Dance Ensemble. Focuses on technical excellence and performance preparation for advanced students.
Carlie Irwin
Instructor
National hip-hop champion with 19 years dance experience. Specializes in competition choreography and convention training, holding multiple first-place awards in solo and group categories at national events.
Juliana Mormile
Instructor
Broadway Dance Center-trained instructor with 15 years competitive experience. Focuses on versatility across styles including ballet, jazz, and hip-hop, with extensive performance credits at major industry events.
Vako Gvelesiani
Instructor
NYU Tisch graduate with international touring experience in West Side Story. Currently Brooklyn Nets assistant coach, specializing in contemporary and jazz technique for advanced students seeking professional careers.
Questions
What age groups do you accept?
We offer classes for children aged 3-18 with progressive levels accommodating all skill ranges from beginner to advanced.
Do you offer competitive dance programs?
Yes, we have award-winning competition teams with championship-winning choreographers preparing students for regional and national events.
What dance styles are available?
Our studio specializes in ballet, hip-hop, contemporary, jazz, and lyrical styles with expert instructors in each discipline.
Are instructors qualified?
All instructors are professional dancers with extensive performance experience and proven teaching credentials in their specialty areas.
How do I register for classes?
Visit our website to view the current schedule and complete registration online for the upcoming session.
