From tiny tots in tutus to young adults clicking and clacking in tap shoes, Robert Mann Dance Centre continues to leave its mark in the dancing community of Queens since it first opened in 1965.
“When I first moved to Bayside, there were eight dancing schools,” said Mann, owner, instructor, and director. “But none of them gave the training I was used to, so I opened my own.”
Located at 214-10 41st Avenue in Bayside, the 46-year-old Centre offers classes in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical contemporary, musical theatre, acrobatics, and hip-hop. The Centre teaches graded classes based on age, which range from age three to adult, and ability. Mann said separating age groups and technique levels is crucial because each level and age learn at different rates. All instructors are also professional dancers and many are certified to teach by The Dance Masters of America, Inc., one of the largest dance teacher organizations in the country.
When asked why prospective dancers should choose Robert Mann Dance over other similar studios, Mann said his business focuses on “the essence of dance training.” Mann, who was a professional dancer himself, is currently executive director of the National Dance Masters of America Organization and the local New York City chapter.
According to Mann, the Centre is recognized as having had the largest number of students accepted into the La Guardia High School of Performing Arts and also has the largest number of students accepted into college dance programs on scholarships. He said this is largely due to the Centre’s stress on the foundations and principles of dance training that is offered.
In February, the Centre will be offering new classes specializing in early childhood/preschool. For more information on Robert Mann Dance Centre, visit robertmanndance.com or call 718-225-3696. – Alexa Mae Asperin
