Katya's School of Dance Opens to Dance Lovers in Great Neck

Katya's School of Dance - To the Pointe is a new dance studio in Great Neck offering a welcoming atmosphere for those who love to dance, no matter their skill level.

After teaching in the Great Neck area for seven years, Katya Surrence decided at the end of June that it was time for her to open her own place. With the state of the economy discouraging new businesses, Surrence asked her uncle for help with the funding. "The last place I worked was corporate and cold. I wanted a place where people enjoy being there," says Surrence. Katya's School of Dance - To the Pointe opened September 12 with 25 students ranging in age from 2 to 80.

Starting at age 3, Surrence begged her parents every day for dance classes. When her nursery school teacher let the class do anything across the stage at their graduation, Surrence danced. Unable to hold out any longer, her parents surprised her with ballet lessons for her 5th birthday. Hooked since then, Surrence began teaching at 16 and continued performing until 2003.