Business Details
13 Years
experience
Premier Dance School in Poughkeepsie, NY
Since 2013, Dutchess School of Performing Arts has provided professional dance instruction in Poughkeepsie, NY. Founded by Denyse Looney, a former New York City Ballet dancer, our studio emphasizes artistic excellence through Classical Ballet, Contemporary, Irish Step, and Rhythm Tap disciplines. Our faculty includes performers from prestigious companies like the Boston Ballet, Riverdance, and Erick Hawkins Dance Company. We prioritize quality over competition, offering a conservatory-based curriculum that fosters confidence, discipline, and artistic growth for students of all ages and skill levels.With decades of combined teaching experience, our instructors are dedicated to nurturing talent while maintaining a supportive, non-competitive environment. Our brand new 46 Noxon Road facility features two state-of-the-art studios serving LaGrange, Wappingers, and the greater Hudson Valley community. We maintain professional industry standards through master classes with visiting artists and specialized training programs for pre-professional students preparing for dance careers.
Services
Classical Ballet
Contemporary Dance
Irish Step Dance
Rhythm Tap
Conservatory Training
Details
- Year established: 2013
Highlights and features
- We offer professional dance instruction from former company performers with decades of industry experience
- Our faculty includes Riverdance veterans and members of New York City Ballet and Boston Ballet
- We provide conservatory-based training with personalized instruction for all skill levels
- Our new facility features two state-of-the-art studios for optimal learning environment
- We maintain partnerships with prestigious dance institutions through master class programs
Services
Classical Ballet
Professional ballet instruction from introductory to pre-professional levels. Our faculty includes former New York City Ballet and Boston Ballet dancers with decades of industry experience. Classes emphasize proper technique, artistry, and classical repertoire while preparing students for potential dance careers or college programs.
Contemporary Dance
Contemporary dance training blending multiple styles with a focus on creative expression. Led by Co-Artistic Director Leighann Kowalsky, our program includes choreography workshops and performance opportunities. Classes develop versatility, improvisation skills, and artistic interpretation for dancers aged 8 to adult.
Irish Step Dance
Traditional Irish Step instruction with competitive and recreational options. Our program follows the Royal Academy of Irish Dance guidelines while maintaining cultural authenticity. Students learn both soft shoe and hard shoe techniques with opportunities to participate in regional competitions and performance events.
Rhythm Tap
Award-winning rhythm tap instruction from Broadway and Riverdance veterans. Students explore syncopation, improvisation, and musicality through structured technique classes. Our program includes master classes with guest artists and prepares dancers for professional performance opportunities in musical theater and concert settings.
Conservatory Program
Intensive conservatory-based training for serious dancers pursuing professional careers. This program combines daily technique classes with rehearsals for guest artist collaborations and annual productions. Students receive individualized coaching from faculty with major company experience and gain access to college audition preparation resources.
People
Denyse Looney
Artistic Director
Former New York City Ballet dancer with George Balanchine's company. School of American Ballet graduate. Teaches classical ballet technique with 30+ years of Hudson Valley teaching experience. Recipient of numerous teaching awards.
Leighann Kowalsky
Co-Artistic Director
MFA in Choreography from Jacksonville University. Former Steps on Broadway Performance Lab recipient. Directs contemporary and Irish dance programs. Professional performer with Erick Hawkins Dance Company and Festival Theater Hudson.
Walter 'Sundance' Freeman
Rhythm Tap Instructor
Broadway veteran from 'Riverdance' and 'Black and Blue'. American Tap Foundation's 'Tap Teacher of the Year' 2007. Performed for four U.S. Presidents and international dignitaries. Featured in multiple dance films.
Carolyn Freeman
Dance Educator
35 years teaching experience with special needs students. Owner of American Stardom Dance Academy 2001-2016. Extensive competition judging experience. Focus on early childhood dance education and performance production.
Christine Lovett
Musical Theatre Instructor
Butler University dance graduate. Broadway and regional theatre performer. Adjunct professor at Marist College. Specializes in musical theatre technique, jazz, and stagecraft for young performers.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We provide Classical Ballet, Contemporary Dance, Traditional Irish Step, and Rhythm Tap instruction for all skill levels from introductory to pre-professional.
Do you have classes for adult dancers?
Yes, we offer adult tap classes on Wednesdays and open-level ballet classes for adult learners throughout our weekly schedule.
What qualifications do your instructors have?
Our faculty includes former New York City Ballet dancers, Riverdance veterans, Broadway performers, and award-winning educators with degrees from institutions like Jacksonville University and Butler University.
How do I register for classes?
Contact us through our website or call (845) 849-2966 for registration information. We accept new students year-round and offer trial classes for prospective dancers.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes, we offer annual productions and special performance events throughout the year. Students participate in multiple showcases and receive guest artist collaboration experiences.
Is there parking available at your facility?
Our 46 Noxon Road location in Poughkeepsie offers ample parking for students and families. The studio features two spacious dance studios and changing areas.
Reviews (4)
Tom Frankel
Jan 31, 2019
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We have taken our daughter to NYAB & Kerry's, but the instruction at Dutchess School of Performing Arts is far and away the best. Our daughter prefers classical ballet and this is the place for that in town.
Annemarie Maher
Jan 01, 2019
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We're very happy with the DSPA studio, the instructors are talented, knowledgeable and professional and a pleasure to deal with.
Bill
Sep 17, 2018
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Great emphasis on learning fundamentals in a welcoming, friendly environment. We've been enrolled for 3 yrs. and have started off on the right foot for technique with manageable class sizes.
Nadia Pinheiro
Jul 01, 2018
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My daughter has been dancing at DSPA since it opened. The school is great and the programs offered are amazing. DSPA offers diverse dance classes that are taught by professional dancers. My daughter has taken Irish, African, Modern, and Ballet. She has loved all of them. Our entire experience has been wonderful. The owner, Ms. Denyse, is always available for any concerns, questions, or just to talk to about dance. It is obvious that she loves what she does and loves all of her students. If you are looking for a place to call home, then this is the place for you. Your child will learn the proper
