REGISTRATION DATES: AUGUST 20-22 & AUGUST 27-29 FROM 6PM-8PM
REGISTRATION DATES: AUGUST 20-22 & AUGUST 27-29 FROM 6PM-8PM
REGISTRATION DATES: AUGUST 20-22 & AUGUST 27-29 FROM 6PM-8PM
OUR STORY
Long Island Dance Force is celebrating it's 24th year in business this year!
Our mission is to instruct a high quality of dance, while providing a nurturing and encouraging environment. We believe in building friendships, memories and building self confidence!
Long Island Dance Force is a dance studio that offers dance classes from as young as 12 months through Adult! Take advantage of our beginner dance classes, Mommy and Me Class, our Tiny Tots Program, our Combo Classes, our Intermediate and Advanced Classes or Adult dance classes!
We have an award winning competition team with spots still available upon audition! Please inquire within for more information on how to audition!
When you decide to join us at Long Island Dance Force, you too will be able to take advantage of our professional staff at our fully-equipped studio. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced dancer looking to improve your technique, we guarantee you’ll find it here!
CLASSES WE OFFER
MOMMY & ME
GET UP & MOVE
If your little one loves to bop to the music, they will love our Mommy and Me. Starting at ages 12 months through 24 months, our Mommy and Me Class is a perfect opportunity for your little one to bond and socialize with other babies. The class consists of circle time songs, assisted stretching and infant massage, pretend play, music playing, gymnastics and partner dance with Mommy and Baby! This 45 minute class runs once a week from September - June!
TINY TOTS DANCE
AGES 2-4
Our Nursery Class is a 45 minute class for 2 year olds. This is a creative movement class consisting of circle time, ballet stretches and beginner ballet, pretend play and acro. (Ballet Shoes Required)
Our Pre-School and Pre-K Classes is a one hour ballet/tap/acro Combo class for toddlers ages 3-4. This class consists of circle time, tap bar and center, ballet stretches, ballet center, ballet across the floor, pretend play and acro.
Check out our new Kid Hop/Acro Combo Class! This 45 minutes class is perfect for those tiny tots who want to do Hip Hop just like the older kids! Kid Hop allows your little one to dance to songs they know that are age appropriate. After they bust a move, they can work on their tumbling skills during the acro portion of the class. Your tiny tot will LOVE this program!
COMBO CLASSES
AGES 5-7
Many of our dancers love taking these classes, as it gives them the opportunity to learn new movements and easily showcase their talent. Interested in learning more? Get in contact with a member of our team, we’re happy to answer any questions.
Kinder Combo (5 years old)
This is a one hour combo class. 30 minutes of Ballet and 30 minutes of Tap. (Ballet and Tap Shoes Required)
1st/2nd Grade Combo
(6-7 years old)
This is an hour and a half combo class. 30 minutes of Ballet, 30 minutes of Jazz, and 30 minutes of Tap. (Ballet, Tap and Jazz Shoes Required)
INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED
AGES 8 & UP
Everyone loves the opportunity to explore the new dance moves taught in these classes, while also mastering the classic moves. Our amazing instructors make sure everyone gets individual attention while keeping the class collaborative. Want to find out more? Get in touch with us today.
Ballet
Contemporary
Jazz
Lyrical
Hip Hop
Tap
Acro (Ages 5 & up)
Kid Hop (Ages 5-7)
Cheer (Ages 5 & up)
ADULT DANCE
AGES 18 & UP
Whether you’re looking to learn new dance moves or hone in on your existing talent, or get in a good workout, these classes are for you! The instructors are committed to giving quality instruction while keeping it fun and practical. We’re happy to answer any questions you have about this class or any others - simply contact us or stop by.
INSTRUCTORS
NICOLE BRUHNKE
OWNER & DIRECTOR
INSTRUCTOR/COMPETITION CHOREOGRAPHER
Nicole Bruhnke is the new Studio Owner & Director of Long Island Dance Force. Nicole teaches Mommy & Me, Toddler Classes, Combo Classes, Intermediate and Advanced Classes, Adult Classes and some of LIDF’s Competition Team Classes. Nicole has been dancing her whole life and she has been part of the LIDF family since it opened its doors in 1999.
Nicole continued her education in dance and went on to Adelphi University and received a BFA in Dance. In college, she had the opportunity to perform with a variety of artists including Frank Augustyn, Leda Meredith, Azure Barton and interned with Jennifer Muller. She even performed with Tyra Banks and appeared on So You Think You Can Dance, Season 2!
Nicole was a Dance Teacher on staff at Nassau BOCES Long Island High School for the Arts where she taught Modern and Jazz dance to High School Juniors and Seniors looking for careers in dance. She helped prepare them for college auditions and applications.
While at LIHSA, she decided to continue her education further and went on to receive her Masters Degree in Childhood Education from Adelphi University. Upon graduating, she became a New York State Certified Teacher in Early Childhood/Childhood Education (birth-6). She was hired as an Elementary Teacher at Deauville Gardens Elementary School, right here in Copiague where she taught Kindergarten, 1st grade, 3rd grade and 5th grade, but always taught at LIDF.
As a teacher at LIDF, she has taught a variety of classes and has won numerous choreography awards, special awards, top scores and teacher recognition awards at regional and national dance competitions.
Nicole is looking forward to continuing the legacy at LIDF, making the studio be the best that it can be. She can promise that LIDF will be a safe and creative environment for your children. An environment that your child will love to be a part of. Nicole will always be your child’s number one fan, and encourage them to be the best they can be!
STEPHANIE JAWOROWSKI
MODERN AND ACRO INSTRUCTOR/COMPETITION CHOREOGRAPHER
Stephanie began dancing at the age of 3, and has been with Long Island Dance Force since the very beginning. She was an active and dedicated member of the competition team all the way through high school. In her senior year of high school, Stephanie attended the Long Island High School for the Performing Arts as a Dance major. It was at that point in her life where her love for dance grew. From there, Stephanie attended SUNY The College at Brockport receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in both Dance and Health Science. At Brockport, Stephanie studied Modern Dance, Ballet, and African Dance, with a concentration in Modern Dance. She was trained by dance entrepreneur Bill Evans, and former Trisha Brown dancer, Mariah Maloney. Upon graduation, Stephanie was a freelance dancer in NYC and returned to LIDF to teach. Stephanie has been showcased in works by The Bulgisi Dance Theatre and Doug Elkins, and performed with Remote Dance Project in both NYC and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Stephanie continues to take classes at Peridance, Broadway Dance Center, and Steps on Broadway.
In addition to her love for dance, Stephanie found a new passion for Nutrition. She currently holds a Master’s in Clinical Nutrition, and is working as a Clinical Nutritionist focusing on disease prevention.
As a native of Long Island Dance Force and a true dancer at heart, Stephanie is excited to share her passion of Dance with all of the students at LIDF.
Jaewon Kim
BALLET INSTRUCTOR
BIO COMING SOON...
ALINA WHITAKER
HIP HOP COMPETITION CHOREOGRAPHER
Alina started her dance career at the young age of 2 when she quickly realized her love and passion of the art. Alina was an award-winning competitive dancer, studied dance with BOCES, appeared in a TV pilot and became a dance teacher when she graduated high school. During her time at SUNY Cortland, Alina was a member and captain of SUNY Cortland Kickline. After she transferred to Hofstra University, she continued her study of dance while staying involved in Danceworks as a member and choreographer. Alina received a BA in Early Childhood and Childhood Education. As a dance educator, Alina is well versed in many styles of dance including jazz, ballet, lyrical, contemporary and hip hop. Her award-winning dances have earned her such titles as “Choreographer of the Year”, “Teacher of the Year” and a nomination for the prestigious Industry Dance Awards in 2017. Alina continues to grow as a dancer and educator and is excited to be part of the Long Island Dance Force faculty.
STEPHANIE CASCIO
INSTRUCTOR/COMPETITION CHOREOGRAPHER
Stephanie is a Long Island resident who began her dance training at the young age of two. She has been a member of the LIDF family since the beginning in 1999. In 2001, at the age of 12 Stephanie won a dance scholarship to Orlando,Florida. While attending she worked with renowned choreographers and performed at Walt Disney World. Stephanie attended Nassau BOCES Long Island High School for the Arts where she studied Ballet, Jazz, Modern and Theatre. After graduation Stephanie became a full time dance teacher while attending St. Joseph’s College and performing on their award winning dance team. Stephanie has always loved working with children even outside of the dance studio. She worked for many years at a special needs pre-school as a one-on-one aide.
As a teacher at LIDF Stephanie has taught a variety of classes. From nursery classes through adult classes. She has also choreographed for the competition team. As a competition team teacher she has won special awards and top scores at both regional and national competitions.
Stephanie recently took some time off to begin her family and is now a mother of two young kids. Stephanie is looking forward to returning to her dance family to continue her passion of teaching.
OLIVIA SCHWALB
INSTRUCTOR/COMPETITION CHOREOGRAPHER/RECEPTIONIST
Olivia is a Long Island resident who began her dance training at the age of two. She began dancing at a local dance studio in many styles including tap, jazz, ballet, hip-hop, pointe and contemporary. She danced competitively here at Long Island Dance Force. She has assisted and trained under Miss Nicole. Olivia is currently in college studying Childhood Education. Olivia loves teaching the students at LIDF!
MCKENNA TYSON
INSTRUCTOR/ASSISTANT/COMPETITION CHOREOGRAPHER
McKenna is a Long Island resident who started her dance training at the young age of 2 at Long Island Dance Force. She became a part of the LIDF Dance Competition team at the age of 4 until the age of 18. At LIDF she has studied many styles of dance such as tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, Irish step soft and hard shoe, modern contemporary, ballet, pointe, musical theatre/glee, cheer and acro. She has received countless awards and top 5 and 1st overall placings as well as 2 crowns for her title win. She has assisted and trained under Ms. Nicole, Ms. Stephanie C and Ms. Stephanie J.
In 2010 McKenna took part in auditions for the Abby Lee Ultimate Dancers made it through the 2nd stage.
In 2017 McKenna became a member of the St. John the Baptist Diocesan Dance Company team in W. Islip. As part of the SJB dance company McKenna had the honor to perform by invitation only at the prestigious Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center at their annual Performing Arts Educators event. She along with the SJB dance company were a part of training and performing at Tillies Center for performing Arts 15th annual event.
After graduating St. John’s High School she studied for one year at Nassau County Community College under their Dance Studies major. At NCCC she studied jazz, modern contemporary, ballet and pointe. At the same time she continued to be a part of the LIDF family and continued to assist in several classes with the toddlers and young competitive teams. She also had her first Dance Competition soloist whom received several awards as well as earned top five overall placing.
McKenna is currently studying at Long Island University working towards a BFA in Dance Studies. She is studying several styles of dance such as jazz, modern contemporary, ballet and African style dance. McKenna is beyond excited to be a part of the staff at the LIDF. The studio that she found her love and foundation of dance from. She is thrilled to be doing what she loves with those she has looked up to and admired. She hopes to bring the love and passion she has for dance to all those that want to escape from the hectic part of their life and find the fun and excitement in dance.
MICHAELA WAGNER
COMBO CLASS/ INSTRUCTOR
My name is Michaela Wagner, I’m 20 years old, and I’ve been dancing since I was three at Long Island Dance Force on Long Island, New York. In 6th grade, I started assisting the 3/4-year-old tap/ ballet combo class and have been assisting since then. During my time at Long Island Dance Force, I’ve gone to numerous competitions and conventions, won multiple special awards. When I graduated high school, I had a tough time leaving the studio and the art I love most, which is dance. I originally started my college career with a major in biology, basically leaving dance behind me. While being asked to substitute some classes at my studio during my first year, I realized that my heart still loved what I grew up doing. After the first semester of my first year, I quickly realized that biology wasn’t for me. I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do with my future, so I decided to switch to what I knew I loved to do best: dance. I’m in my sophomore year at Hofstra and am working to obtain my BA in Dance with a minor in psychology. After college, I plan on getting my master's in Dance/ movement therapy and hope to become a dance/ movement therapist one day.
CONTACT
Our Address:
303 Montauk Highway
Copiague, NY 11726
Studio Hours:
Mon - Thurs: 4:00 pm - 9:00pm
Thurs - 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Sat: 9:30am - 1:30pm
Sun & Fri: Closed