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

By Karli Petrovic October 13, 2011

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.

Right now, the school offers mostly ballet classes with ballroom and creative movement instruction, but Surrence has other classes in mind for the future. Most importantly, she wants to instill a love of dancing in her students, no matter their ability level. "One of the things I like best is the challenge of teaching someone who is not naturally talented," says Surrence. "I hope to bring laughter to our dance classes because if you can't laugh in this world, you're in trouble."

Katya's School of Dance - To the Pointe is located at 40 Middleneck Road, Great Neck. For more information on classes and registration, call 917-771-0687.