Hello! My name is Graciela Kozak, and for over 25 years I have taught ballet classes at Peridance Center. Peridance is a second home to me and to many other dancers and teachers from New York, all over the U.Sand around the world.

It's a place where the doors are always open and you are always welcome. I like to say, "Peridance is an island within the island of Manhattan."

Teaching at this school has been a personal source of joy for me. Looking back, I remember when Peridance started on 18th Street, way before the neighborhood became the now trendy Union Square area. I also recall when we moved across the park to 13th Street, and mingled with the "village people" (that continued for over 10 years!), and when we survived a fire and our devoted students danced among the ashes!

During all these years I have taught hundreds of students and made wonderful friends within the walls of Peridance. Together we have shared both good and bad times. Many, many times I have witnessed the start of careers from within our student body and have seen dancers, teachers and choreographers alike emerge. It is thanks to our studios and unique environment that these artists were able to enjoy the freedom to develop their talents.

I am happy to participate in the vision of Igal Perry, the Artistic Director of Peridance, who has created a learning center that harbors and nurtures past, present and future talents. The staff and faculty help to create an intimate setting for learning. Together we have experienced the many historical events that transpire over a quarter of a century, while sharing our love of dance. I encourage you to come and dance with us. Let us guide and develop your talent in a safe and nurturing environment. Let us support you and help you to achieve your dream.

As the building of our new home nears completion, I invite you to come and share your love of dance with us!!

Love and Peace,
Graciela Kozak

Interview with Graciela Kozak

When did you start teaching? I began at the age of 15 in Argentina. I later moved to Israel, where I performed and taught for twelve years. I always knew that's what I wanted to do. I find   the process of learning and teaching fascinating. It is wonderful to see how dance has evolved in the 21st century, physically and artistically. Dancers have physically raised the bar to new standards, and there are new forms of dance emerging.

How long have you been at Peridance? Almost 25 years. I have taught ballet classes, pointe workshops, and choreography workshops. I have also been teaching ballet classes at Alvin Ailey for the past seven years.

Can you expand on your dance background a little more? I have worked with some of the best choreographers of the 20th century, including our very own Igal Perry. Back in Israel I danced in Igal's first ballet, "Episode", which I thought was a masterpiece. I also worked with Alvin Ailey, Jiri Kylian, and Mark Morris, to name a few.

What types of students come to Peridance? The student body consists of dancers of all backgrounds. Dancers are both professionals, and aspiring professionals. Others, such as actors, journalists, lawyers and singers to name a few take dance class to complement their professional careers.

Anything else you would like people to know about Peridance? I have taught for the The School at Peridance and choreographed for the Peridance Youth Ensemble. I am proud that Peridance has grown to the proportions it is today and proud of the great teachers we have here. Some of our "babies" are now getting accepted to college dance programs and companies, a fact that serves as its own testament to the quality of our program.

"Peridance is a great place to take class. I have always found the teachers to be supportive and knowledgeable, and the environment comfortable and friendly."   
Marina Z., longtime student

What was the process like for you to join the International Student Program at Peridance?
Easy! I initially joined the Limon program at Peridance and received an F-1 Visa. Once graduating the Limón program I continued my studies with Peridance Center as part of their International Program. It was very simple and straightforward to process my paperwork and to transition from one program to the other. Finding a student dorm in New York City was not a problem either.

What made you decide to continue your study at Peridance?
I felt the need to continue my dance training for a bit longer, after finishing the Limón Program. Peridance was an easy choice, due to the flexibility they have in choosing the classes you want to take. Moreover, I got the opportunity to work part-time as a dance teacher, as part of my curricular practical training. I used to work a lot as a dance teacher back home in the Netherlands, and I started to miss the interaction with students. So this was the perfect combination; continuing my dance studies while being able to teach!

What do you like about the classes at Peridance?
It's nice that I can adjust Peridance's classes to my daily schedule. It allows me to explore different teachers and find the ones I understand and my body works well with... I now have 4 or 5 favorite teachers. I return to their classes regularly because they all have improved my understanding of dance substantially.    Christina Renckens, 22 of Hulsberg, The Nederlands International Student Program Participant

Free Arts NYC and volunteers from HBO organized an event at Peridance Capezio Center for a group of low-income kids to receive much-needed care, attention and friendship!!

"Days like this will help the children to develop the resiliency needed to endure the tough times in their lives..."    Sarah Sabourin, Free Arts NYC

"The group's experience was marvelous!!!
The classes were taught at the perfect level for the students.
The instructors... fabulous.
We hope we will be able to take more classes next year.
Congratulations on the new building!!!

Thanks a Million,

Alicia Abreu
Conservatorio de Danzas Alina Abreu, Santo Dommingo , Dominican Republic.

...I must say the vibe in Peridance is quite beautiful. Everyone seems to be in good spirits and engaged in their work, passionate even.

In an industry that tends to vibrate on superficial levels, I appreciate what is happening in Peridance studios and I am happy to be giving a workshop there...

"I took the first week of your workshop at Peridance! Again, it was great--the improvs, choreography, and overall sharing, teaching, and experimentation were really exciting."

"I was at the first four days of your workshop and I wanted to tell you how much I loved it. It was a refreshing way to learn material and work hard, I felt like the creative, individual aspect of dance was really put first. Your workshop really made me think about how I can get a strong training in dance where my individual way of moving, the artistic aspect of dance is emphisized and the physicality and form follows.  Your way of teaching and movement is really motivating and I really felt like I learned a lot in those few days of your workshop. Thanks again, and I look forward to taking more of your workshops!"

"I love the open, learning environment that I experienced during the short time that I spent at your workshop..."

Almost exactly four years ago, I was taking my second trip to New York for a dance science internship. It would last all summer, which meant I'd planned to be doing a lot of dancing! My previous visit had only been for one day with no time for even a single class. Thus, I needed insider information on where to go for the best New York dance experience. It appeared that most of the large dance institutions had been in existence for several decades, so I asked one of my former dance teachers, who was a professional dancer here in the early- and mid-eighties, what her recommendations were from her time in the City. Other than a few prolific instructors who have been teaching dance since the eighties and are legendary for it now, her one recommendation was Peridance. Peridance was always her favorite. She cited the excellent faculty and selection of classes, and she was particularly pleased with how non-competitive and nurturing the atmosphere was in spite of the high caliber of dancers. So, I tried it out, and she was right. In fact, it's amazing that now, almost thirty years later, Peridance still exhibits these same qualities, and more, to make it an exceptional place to be. I continued to come to Peridance to satisfy my dancerly whims each summer through grad school, and, when I moved out to New York last fall, I quickly made Peridance my home as well.

I've been extremely fortunate to serve as a work-study and, now, as an administrative intern at Peridance. I've also been asked to work with a faculty member's company after being seen in classes and workshops. Amazing things happen every day here both on and off the dance floor, and I am so excited that I am a part of it.    Leigh Schanfein, M.S.