I have had the pleasure of interviewing Fallon White, the owner and director of Danceworks Dance Center in Dyker Heights Brooklyn, New York. When asked about what makes her studio unique she said her initial feeling is to reply that it is her staff which separates her studio from other local studios. The instructors are highly trained and qualified. All are professional dancers working in different aspects of the industry. More than their training, it is their passion and dedication to their students, which really sets them apart. Students of Danceworks Dance Center receive what she would say to be “the best of both worlds.” The students are receiving quality dance training in a safe and encouraging environment where all are given the opportunity to explore dance in all forms. The studio is interested in developing young artists while building self-esteem, self-awareness, and self-discipline. They have a high success rate of young dancers being accepted into the specialized Junior High Schools and High Schools of their choice with a concentration in dance, such as Mark Twain Junior High School and LaGuardia High School of the Performing Arts.
Some of the companies at the studio include: Small Fry Company (ages 6-8), Junior Company (ages 9-12), and the Danceworks Company (ages 13+). The Small Fry Company is only in their second year of competing. Last season, they were awarded a Gold Trophy for their debut performance. Their Junior Company last season received 1stoverall highest scoring small group in their division in back to back 2013 regional competitions. Their Danceworks Company last season received 1stoverall highest scoring small group in their divisions. At nationals this past July, their hip hop routine “Outta My Mind” and their contemporary routine “Woman’s Work” were invited to compete in Starbounds’ elite showcase. They’ve also received numerous choreography & entertainment awards. Fallon was also named director of the year at Access Broadways’ 2010 New York regional. She enjoys going to a few different competitions but they have attended Starbounds’ nationals 2 years in a row and will be returning this summer.
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| Marissa Pugliese |
Some of the stand out dancers at Danceworks Dance Center are: Heather Pecorella, Jessica Fusco and Marissa Pugliese. Heather Pecorella is now 18 years old and has trained at Danceworks from the time she was 12. She won the title of “Miss Legacy” at Legacy Dance Championships 2013 regional in New York. Heather was also named Capezios’ “Dancer Of The Year” at Starbounds’ 2013 grand nationals. After 6 seasons as a dedicated company member, Heather has graciously accepted a position as an assistant teacher and choreographer for the studio. Jessica Fusco, who is 16 years old, has trained at Danceworks since she was 3 years old, so for 13 years! She won the title of “Teen Miss Legacy” at Legacy Dance Championships 2013 regional in New York. She has also won “Junior Miss On Stage America” at On Stage Americas’ 2012 regional in New York as well as “International Princess Of Dance” at The United States Tournament of Dance in their 2009 New York regional. Jessica was also the second overall highest scoring soloist (in a heartbreaking loss to a boy!) of the entire competition for her age division at Starbound’s 2013 Grand Nationals. Last but certainly not least, Marissa Pugliese who is 13 years old and has trained at Danceworks since she was 4 years old, for 9 years. She is starting her freshman year at LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts. Marissa is Danceworks Dance Centers’ current scholarship winner. She has consistently had a high score in her solo categories, was 2nd runner up in the “Teen Miss Legacy” title and 2nd runner up in the “Teen Miss Starbound” title at Starbounds’ 2013 Grand Nationals. Marissa also received a scholarship from the Legacy Dance Championships to study at the prestigious Broadway Dance Center in New York City.
To keep dancers motivated, she tells them to, “Never give up, never stop working and to be honest with yourself about your work and expectations.” She encourages her dancers constantly to make short and long-term goals and she has even started a “Young Artist of the Month” award (student of the month inspiration) within her company to inspire her students.
Fallon believes good dancewear has to include pieces which fit well, (especially in this day and age where females like the shorts short and tops cropped) as well as pieces which allow free movement while being able to see proper alignment. Her dance bag essentials are: at least one classic dance leotard, convertible tights, the studio’s team track suit, fitted shorts, crop tops, and a boy-shorts unitard.
Her advice to dancers just starting out, “Don’t be afraid to try each and every genre until you find what speaks to you. Continue to study multiple styles even after you find the style your most passionate about. (everyone loves a well rounded dancer) Practice until you cannot get it wrong. Always dance from your heart with a purpose. Just do YOUR best!”
If you have experience with Danceworks Dance Center or Fallon White please leave a comment below about your experience!
By Cyndi Marziani
