Peridance is that rare place where knowledge and heart meet; a place where the students always come first. It has become a haven for my daughter, where she has discovered her excitement, joy and love of dance. The teachers have been contagiously enthusiastic and we always look forward to spending time there. I wish there were more places like this in NYC and I highly recommend coming and experiencing it firsthand.
-CJ Sullivan, mother of Joya Hall Sullivan.

"Peridance offers top-notch professional training for our children, without sacrificing kindness and nurturing. Every child is significant and special here. Peridance has managed to blend these important elements perfectly and provides a loving, supportive and professional community for young dancers."
-Caity Caro, mother of Keaven and Cherie Caro

What changes did you notice in Joya since she was attending dance classes?
Oh my goodness! a change in perception of self, especially in the past couple of years. Recently she developed asthma and her body is reacting to the medication causing her body image to change. But since being in dance classes her body has become more tone and her coordination has really improved, especially with any activities that stimulate crossover between the left and right sides of the brain. I noticed that dancing is affecting everything outside of dance for the better.

Before the start of this term, she was begging me to allow her to take 5 classes a week. I thought it might be too much for her, but she told me the endorphins would help her get through it. So I waited to see if her grades in school would be negatively affected, but it was the opposite, they shot way up!.

My twelve-year old daughter has been coming to Peridance since she was a preschooler and taking classes in Creative Movement, Ballet, Jazz, Modern, and Tap. All of her teachers have been extremely talented, caring dancers who help the students strive for excellence in healthy ways. There is always a sense of fun, excitement and wonder at Peridance. Close friendships are made between the young dancers, and when class is over, the children never want to leave!.
-Iona Aibel, mother of Mia Aibel-Stastny, twelve years old.

What are your favorite things about Peridance?
The homey atmosphere, big relaxed lounge, the incredible closeness and sense of camaraderie. The way teachers notice what's going on in the children's lives outside of dance. I love how if the teacher permits, the little kids can watch the older kids taking classes. This way they can be inspired by a more professional caliber. Even after my daughter is finished taking classes on a Saturday, she is still at the door watching someone else's class. She can't get enough. One of the best features I think is that in Giada's core program they create one ballet all together collaborating between the different levels. It's something you won't likely find elsewhere.

The performance opportunities are great because the studio treats it in a professional manner with the rehearsals and the show. From having students be responsible for their own costumes to making sure the makeup isn't too over the top or inappropriate to teaching the students the importance of practice practice practice.

How has Peridance been a positive influence in the lives of your children?
We are homeschoolers, so it is significant for Keaven to come here for social resources. He's made the best friend of his life here. He looks forward to coming and it gives him consistency and foundation as a child. It also gives him a sense of community.

Before coming here, Keaven did the typical "boy things" like karate and baseball, but he made the choice to give those up and take dance. With dance he felt more nurtured and validated. The sports atmospheres were very competitive and even though he was good at them, they didn't build his ego in the same way.

My daughter, Cherie, also attended Peridance. Before coming here, she often felt lost in a sea and overlooked. Not here- children get individual attention. When she attended here, she was in Peridance Ensemble and trained well enough to be accepted to the Marymount Dance Program. She is now focusing on body science as well as dance with hopes of a career in Physical Therapy working with dancers. Before coming here she was very emotionally damaged from the scrutiny of harsher programs. If it hadn't been for Peridance, she wouldn't of seized the confidence to pursue dance at the University Level Because of the teachers love and nourishment and acceptance of who she was, it helped her maintain her love of dance and take it to the next level.

How has Peridance been a positive influence in the lives of your children?
We are homeschoolers, so it is significant for Keaven to come here for social resources. He's made the best friend of his life here. He looks forward to coming and it gives him consistency and foundation as a child. It also gives him a sense of community.