Celebrity dancers to attend studio opening

By Ginny Privitar
CHESTER — Celebrity dancers will attend the New York Dance Studio's grand opening at its new location at 33 Brookside Ave. in Chester this Satuday, from noon to 3 p.m.

Celebrity guests Courtney Ortiz, a judge from the TV show “Dance Moms” and a touring member of “So you think you can dance,” and Jaime Frola, a former Radio City Rockette. They will share their dance experience with current and potential students.

The event will feature complimentary classes, dance performances, and demonstrations by students and team members of the New York Dance Center. All are welcome to stop by for food, fun, tours — and of course, dancing.

Hometown ownerOwner and director Gina Solimando says she is thrilled to be relocating to Chester, her hometown. She was locally trained, starting ballet at age four. When she was 15, one of her teachers said she should get into jazz and other forms of dance, and encouraged her to go the New York City for furhter training. There she trained at the Broadway Dance Center.

“I fell in love with all forms of dance and knew that was it and just wanted to dance every day," she said of her experience at the school.

She also realized the importance of being a well-rounded dancer and discovered her love of training others.

She excelled and performed throughout New York and New Jersey and made her name teaching workshops and master classes.

Back in Goshen, at the Marya Kennett Dance Center, where she and her sister Dana trained, gave her the chance to start her teaching career.

After 18 years of teaching at Kennett, Solimando decided to open her own school to provide every kind of dance instruction. She credits Marya Kennett for giving her a great foundation. But, Solimando says, “I knew it was time to set up my own business and incorporate my own ideas.”

The New York Dance Center, originally located on Route 17M in Goshen, opened five years ago. The school presently boasts 170 students and an award-winning competition team.

Another teacher who had a huge impact on Solimando is Carolyn Ockert-Haythe, who joined her when she first opened her school. Ockert-Haythe performed on Broadway and toured with Dana. Her experience and connections brought professionals to work with students at the New York Dance Center.

Solimando wanted to provide more opportunities for her students.

“I’m the only dance studio in Orange County that has musical theater dance, ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary/lyrical, Latin, ballroom and singing classes, and the only one in Orange County that brings in professional dancers and teachers from New York City for choreography and master classes," she said.

Stop in to see some great dance on Saturday.

For more information visit newyorkdancecenter.org.