Heilbrunn Music School
Bronx House proudly offers high-quality music education for children and adults of all skill levels. Whether you are an avid music lover or astute music student, we provide a wide range of programs to foster your growth and development. Instruction is provided via private, semi-private, and group lessons to best meet your scheduling needs. Stimulating and innovative lessons, led by our faculty of accomplished performers and seasoned educators, are geared towards student interests.
Private & Semi-Private Instruction
10-Week Session Begins Sept 20 – Dec 3, 2022
Private lessons consist of one-on-one instruction to play an instrument or to sing, while developing technical skills and artistic abilities. Semi-private lessons are offered for two students with one instructor. Both students must play the same instrument at the same level. Instruction is available in the following instruments:
Voice – Bass (upright & electric) – Cello – Clarinet – Drums – Flute – Guitar (acoustic & electric) – Music Theory – Piano – Saxophone – Violin
Attendance Policy
Lessons missed by a teacher will be made up. Lessons missed by a student with 24 hours notice may be made up at the discretion of the teacher, for a maximum of one missed lesson.
Recitals
Private music students’ accomplishments are showcased in our winter and spring recitals. This offers all students the opportunity to perform for family and friends in a supportive and nurturing environment.
Private Lesson Fees
Private lessons are available for 30, 45, or 60 minutes and run for 10 weeks. Payment plan available.
30-minute lesson
Members: $360
Community: $390
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45-minute lesson
Members: $465
Community: $515
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60-minute lesson
Members: $530
Community: $615
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Semi-Private Lesson Fees
Semi-Private lessons are available for 30, 45, or 60 minutes and run for 10 weeks. The school does not provide a partner for semi-private lessons.
30-minute lesson
Members: $295
Community: $335
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45-minute lesson
Members: $350
Community: $400
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60-minute lesson
Members: $380
Community: $445
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All music lessons require a $20 insurance fee for Community.
Group Music Instruction
10-Week Session Begins Sept 24 – Dec 3, 2022
Group lessons provide quality instruction in a communal setting of peers with 5-9 students under one instructor. Note, each class is not offered for every session.
Violin 1
A small-group class that teaches the basics of violin performance and music literacy. Students will learn the parts of the instrument, how to hold the instrument and bow, how to play various bowing patterns on open strings, and begin to play with fingers on the fingerboard. By the end of the semester, students will be comfortable playing simple scales and songs on the violin. Student violins are provided through the Tom Freston Instrument Library; students are expected to take their instruments home to practice between classes.
Ages 6-8
Sat,11 am-12 pm
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Violin 2
Prerequisite: Violin 1 or permission of instructor
A small-group class that continues the skills, technique introduced in Beginning Violin 1. Students will gain increased confidence and expand their repertoire. Student violins are provided through the Tom Freston Instrument Library; students are expected to take their instruments home to practice between classes. After completing Beginning Violin 2, students are encouraged to enroll in private lessons.
Ages 8-12
Sat,12-1 pm
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Creative Piano
A small-group class taught in our keyboard lab that teaches the basics of keyboard performance and music literacy. Students participate in age-appropriate games, activities, and simple songs that emphasize the fundamentals of playing piano. Students are encouraged to keep a piano or small keyboard at home for at home practice.
Ages 4 & 5
Sat 9-9:45 am & 11-11:45 am
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Piano 1
A small-group class taught in our keyboard lab that teaches the basics of keyboard performance and music literacy including rhythm, pitch, tempo, and dynamics. By the end the semester, students will be comfortable playing simple songs on the piano. Many students take Beginning Piano for two or more semesters before enrolling in private lessons. Students are encouraged to keep a piano or small keyboard at home for at-home practice.
Ages 6-8
Sat, 10-11 am & 12-1 pm
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Piano 2
Ages 8-12
Prerequisite: Piano 1 or permission of instructor
Sat, 1-2 pm
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Voice & Songwriting 1
Students will learn to use their voice as an instrument, recognize melodies and harmonies, and identify song structure. Students will perform as a group under the guidance of one instructor.
Ages 6-10
Sat 10-11 am
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Voice & Songwriting 2
Students will learn to use their voice as an instrument, perform harmonies, identify song structure. Creativity and expression is encouraged through basic songwriting and vocal performance.
Ages 11-17
Sat 1-2 pm
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Guitar 1
A small-group glass that teaches the basics of guitar performance. Topics include tuning, chords, strumming patterns, and guitar care. By the end of the semester, students will be comfortable playing songs with simple chord changes on the guitar. Student guitars are provided through the Tom Freston Instrument Library; students are expected to take their instruments home to practice between classes.
Ages 7 and up
Sat, 10-11 am
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Percussion Ensemble
Ages 7 & up
Sat, 1-2 pm
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Group Class Policies
Face masks and social distancing protocols must be adhered to by all participants.
There are no refunds or make-ups for student absences. In the event that an instructor is unable to teach a class, when possible, a substitute instructor will be supplied and the class will be held. If a substitute cannot be secured, the class will be made up on the earliest date possible.
Scholarships
The Harriet and Robert Heilbrunn and Music for Youth Scholarship Funds provide a limited amount of partial and full scholarships for music lessons for students who qualify for financial assistance. To apply for a scholarship, please call (718) 792-1800, ext. 236.
Free Instrument Loans
The Tom Freston Instrument Lending Library
We are delighted to offer instruments available for loan, free of charge, for use during lessons at Bronx House and practice at home.
Group Instruction Fees
Members: $265
Community: $290, plus $20 insurance fee
Register Online
The Dance Studio at Bronx House
10-Week Session Begins Sept 21 – Dec 3, 2022
The Dance Studio at Bronx House offers classes to children and adults in a variety of styles. Our dance classes foster technical development, creative discovery, self-expression, and discipline for students of different ages and abilities, under the guidance of professional faculty who provide individual attention in small class settings. Whether you are a first-time student interested in a recreational activity or one who is considering dance as a profession, we have a class for you!
Classes for Children and Youth
Our school-year schedule consists of three 10-week semesters. Check the office or website for our current schedule. Not all classes are offered every semester.
Our studio offers classes for youth in the following styles: Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, as well as a comprehensive
Pre-School Dance program for ages 1.5-5. All students must be the minimum age by the first lesson of the session.
Recitals
Dance students’ accomplishments are showcased in our end-of-semester recitals. These offer all students the opportunity to perform for friends and family in a supportive and nurturing environment.
Dress Code
The Dance Studio at Bronx House has a required uniform to help students learn discipline, structure, and respect for themselves and their art form, and to help keep the attention on the instruction. All classes have their own designated color to highlight students’ accomplishments as they progress from one level to another.
Centre Stage Boutique, located at 504 Fifth Avenue in Pelham (914) 738-9600 is a designated clothing and shoe provider for The Dance Studio at Bronx House, offering high quality at affordable prices. Learn more about proper attire for each class.
Creative Movement
w/ Parent or Caregiver
A joyful, fun class that encourages self-discipline, independence, and self-confidence in young children, while teaching balance, coordination, and rhythm through the use of movement games, song, and dance.
Ages 1.5-3
Sat, 9-9:45 am
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Creative Ballet
An exciting introduction to the world of ballet designed especially for the preschool child, this class helps the young student increase their body awareness, heighten their coordination, and begin to learn basic ballet steps and French terminology all while having fun. Emphasis is placed on developing a good foundation, increasing attention span, listening skills, and instilling a love for dance.
Ages 3 & 4
Sat, 9-9:45 am
Must be 3 years old by first lesson of session
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Pre Ballet w/ Tap
Students in this combination class will develop coordination, flexibility, rhythm, and body awareness through an introduction to two different sets of dance skills – beginner ballet and basic tap technique allowing children to experience both styles. The structure of a dance class will be introduced, and emphasis is placed on increasing attention span, adopting class courtesies such as taking turns, raising hands, respecting personal space, listening and instilling a love for dance.
Ages 4 & 5
Sat, 10-11 am & 12-1 pm
Must be 4 years old by first lesson of session
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Intro to Ballet
This class follows the format of a typical ballet class and includes basic barre exercises, center practice, and learning combinations while building strength, proper alignment, and agility. Students begin learning basic French terms and proper technique. Emphasis is placed on developing a good foundation, increasing attention span, and instilling a love for dance. Students begin to learn personal responsibility for their own supplies (i.e. shoes, tights, hair supplies etc.) Increases the number of steps, terms, strength, and flexibility as compared to Pre-Ballet.
Ages 5 & 6
Sat, 10-11 am
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Ballet 1
Learn the basics of classical ballet in a welcoming, encouraging environment. Students will develop technique, musicality and grace while progressing at a steady pace over the session. This class follows the format of a typical ballet class and includes basic barre exercises, center practice, and learning combinations while building strength, proper alignment, and agility. Students learn basic French terms and proper stretching technique. Emphasis is placed on developing a good foundation, increasing attention span, and instilling a love for dance. Students begin to learn personal responsibility for their own supplies (i.e. shoes, tights, hair supplies etc.) Increases the number of steps, terms, strength, and flexibility as compared to Ballet Beginnings. It is common to spend 2 years at this level, as more advanced technique and individualized corrections will be standard in the class, as well as a continuance of perfecting steps and technique.
Ages 7-11
Sat, 11 am-12 pm
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Ballet 2
Prerequisite: at least one full year of Ballet 1 and/or permission of instructor or director
New students ages 12 and up with permission of director. In this class there will be an increased focus on body placement; longer combinations, musicality, and technique will be emphasized. Dancers at this level will be encouraged to increase their number of ballet classes per week to two by age 10, to develop the strength necessary to continue on to the pre-pointe level. It is common to spend 2 years at this level, as more advanced technique and individualized corrections will be standard in the class, as well as a continuance of perfecting steps and technique.
Ages 9 & up
Sat, 12-1 pm
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Latin Fusion 1
Multi-style dances made popular in Latin America and the Caribbean are taught to the sounds of salsa, merengue, reggaeton music, and more. This vibrant class focuses on rhythmic footwork and coordinated upper and lower body movement through a mix of folkloric and social dances that celebrate multifaceted cultures.
Ages 6-11
Sat, 10-11 am
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Latin Fusion 2
Multi-style dances made popular in Latin America and the Caribbean are taught to the sounds of salsa, merengue, reggaeton, and more. Students will learn to partner and perform various social dances with intricate footwork and stylized movement technique.
Ages 12 & up;
Sat, 11 am-12 pm
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West African 1
Performed to the rhythms of the djembe drum, students will learn traditional West African dances derived from Guinea, Mali, Ghana, and Senegal. This high energy class focuses on No shoes will be worn in this class.
Ages 6-11
Sat, 1-2 pm
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West African 2
Performed to the rhythms of the djembe drum, students will learn traditional West African dances derived from Guinea, Mali, Ghana, and Senegal. This high energy class focuses on No shoes will be worn in this class.
Ages 12 & up
Sat, 2-3 pm or Thurs, 4-5 pm
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Tap 1
Students will build a fundamental knowledge of tap dance through learning a repertoire of tap dance steps and begin combining these steps to create longer rhythms. Students will learn about rhythm (syncopation), proper use of the foot, weight change, posture, physical conditioning and development of fine motor skills. Students will be challenged through an emphasis on sound clarity, rhythm patterns and performance style.
Ages 6-11
Sat, 11 am-12 pm
Must be 6 years old by first lesson of session.
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Hip Hop 1
This upbeat and energetic class explores basic techniques of street style dance and develops rhythm, coordination and self-expression in students as they perform to today’s popular music. As Hip Hop dance requires students to have the strength and stamina to successfully perform moves, classes include upper and lower body conditioning as well as a rigorous warm-up to help prepare students for more intense movements.
Ages 6-11
Sat, 12-1 pm
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Hip Hop 2
Students will learn complex movement sequences and develop freestyle skills. This class emphasizes performance quality and attention to detail while encouraging individual style and personality.
Ages 12 & up
Sat, 1-2 pm or Wed, 4-5 pm
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Contemporary 1
Modern/Contemporary classes teach the body to move as an expressive tool, using body, spatial and sensory awareness in exploring movement. Concepts such as breath, floor work, strength, flexibility, weight, and energy are used to create unique combinations and develop artistic and technical performance.
Ages 6-11
Sat, 1-2 pm
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Contemporary 2
Contemporary classes teach students to use Ballet and Modern techniques to move the body as an expressive tool. With an emphasis on explorative movement, concepts such as breath, floorwork, weight, and energy are used to create lyrical and abstract combinations and develop a student’s artistic and technical performance.
Ages 12 & up
Sat, 2-3 pm or Wed, 5-6 pm
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Intro Tricks & Acrobatics
In this class students will receive close guidance and instruction on artistic tricks and acrobatic skills commonly used within dance movement. Focus is placed on balance, flexibility, and body awareness while safely learning how to do forward-rolls, bridges, cartwheels, splits, hand-stands, heel stretches, and more!
Ages 4-6
Sat, 9-9:45 am
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The Dance Studio Fees
Preschool thru age 17
Per Semester
Members: $200
Community: $255, plus $20 insurance fee for community
Register Online
- There will be a $25 late fee for participants who register on or after the first day of classes
- Partial scholarships are available for those who qualify
- 10% Multi-Class or Sibling/Parent Discounts available
- Costume fees may apply for Spring Semester Recital
- 10% Discount available on dance apparel at Centre Stage 504 Fifth Avenue Pelham, NY
Drama
Bronx House offers acting classes to introduce students to drama and theater productions. Students have the opportunity to explore complex real and imaginary worlds by creating and navigating scripts, storylines, and playwrights with an instructor.
10 Week Session Begins Sept 20 – Nov 29, 2022
Improv 1
Students will learn and refine improvisation techniques through the use of theater games and acting exercises. This class encourages a strong sense of humor, adaptability, and increased social response time.
Ages 6-11
Tuesday, 4-5 pm
Acting I
As an introduction to acting, students will learn the terminology and basic principles of acting. Through a sense of fun and exploration, students are encouraged to refine their listening skills and collaborate with one another on scenes requiring concentration, imagination and spontaneous expression. Students will perform as an ensemble.
Ages 6-11
Saturday, 2-3 pm
Ages 12+
Tuesday, 5-6 pm
Acting II
In this class students will further develop the principles of acting and engage in more critical inquiry of characters and scenes. As an ensemble. students will work with an instructor on production and performance of a script or play.
Ages 12+
Thursday, 4-5 pm
Private Instruction is available for Ages 18+
Drama Fees
Members: $200
Community: $255, plus $20 insurance fee
Faculty
Janika Hawthorne
Director of Performing Arts
Janika Hawthorne is an experienced dance artist, educator, and arts advocate. Driven by a commitment to the arts as a practice of liberation and tool for social justice, she takes pride in student-centered/community based praxis. As Director of the School of Performing Arts, her goals are to encourage a collective sense of belonging for all and to support quality arts education at Bronx House. Janika received a Masters in Art, Education, & Community Practice from New York University and currently serves on the Committee for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion with the New York State Art Teachers Association. It has been characteristic of Janika’s career thus far to serve in traditional and non-traditional education spaces, similar to Bronx House, that have shaped her journey as an artist and professional. Born and raised in the Bronx, she feels right at home with Bronx House.
Daniel Fernandez
Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute
MM, Woodwind Performance, California State University at Fullerton; BM University of Texas at El Paso (Bachelor of Music). A seasoned performer and teacher, Danny regularly performs and teaches on saxophone, clarinet, and flute in classical, jazz, and Latin styles. Before moving to NYC, he was the founder and director of Fuego Latino, a Cuban Salsa band that performed with Son Como Son, Tito Puente Jr., and Ocho y Mas. As a classical player Danny has performed with the Orange County Wind Symphony, Claremont Winds, and more. He has served as a band director for several intermediate and high school programs; been an adjudicator for the Texas Music Educators Association and has taught students from beginner to university level.
Lauren Hendrix
Piano/Bass
A native of Seattle, Lauren began playing piano and bass in elementary school. Lauren attended Seattle’s Garfield High School, where she played bass in Marcus Tsutakawa’s orchestra and the Clarence Acox’s jazz ensemble. She studied privately with Todd Gowers and Steve Kim. During these formative years, Lauren began gigging, including Yasutake Family in the Emerald City Jazz Ensemble, and her late father’s Mexican band, then-named Banda Vagos.
Lauren continued her studies at the Berklee College of Music in Boston (John Repucci, Whit Brown, Greg Mooter, and Danny Morris) and graduate school at the University of North Texas in Denton, Lynn Seaton, Jeff Bradetich). After returning to her hometown of Seattle, Lauren established a large and reputable studio of music students, and played regularly in the greater Seattle area. Since moving to New York, Lauren has had the absolute privilege of gigging with jazz greats Fukushi Tainaka and Steve Little, as well as many others. She continues to play in theatre and classical settings as well.
Kim Johnson
Dance, Acting
Kim Johnson has been teaching performing arts for over 30 years, and specifically at Bronx House since 2011, where she teaches ballet, acting, and musical theater. Kim has a BA from Northwestern University, and extensive dance training, particularly from the Ailey School. A triple threat, she works as an actor, dancer, and singer, as well as director, and choreographer in NYC, regional and stock theaters. For 9 years, she was Artistic Director of ARTISTS IN SEARCH OF …, a NYC performing arts company for emerging artists. She has taught for Brooklyn Academy of Music, Henry Street Settlement, and the Center for Arts Education. Currently, in addition to teaching at Bronx House, Kim is a member of LEAP Artist Live!, which is a theater troupe consisting of performing teaching artists creating new historical musical plays. She also teaches in the NYC public schools for Alvin Ailey American Dance teaching creative movement, and for LEAP NYC, teaching dance, improv, integrated theater/ history, musical theater, acting and storytelling. Kim loves teaching at Bronx House on Saturdays!
Kathryn Lam
Violin
Kathryn Lam is a violinist who received her Bachelor’s in Music Education at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. She has performed in the pit of numerous musicals, operas, and ballets during her musical career, and organized a solo recital while at Jacobs. Kathryn has taught students from ages K-12 and has led ensembles from beginner to advanced level. She has always been passionate about education in music, and strives to become the best teacher she possibly can be!
Joao Pedrosa
Piano, Guitar
Joao Paulo Pedrosa is a Guitarist and Music Teacher with over fifteen years of experience performing and teaching music. Joao likes to teach music engagingly, making sure that students feel excited about the content, and adapting his lessons accordingly to the needs, interests, and goals of each student. Joao graduated from Berklee College of Music with a Bachelor’s Degree in Performance.
Stephen Schwartz
Voice, Piano, Guitar
MM Voice, Manhattan School of Music; BA cum laude Music, Cortland State University; Opera Engagements: Koblenz Opernhaus (Germany), Lobero Theater (Santa Barbara), Nederlands Reisopera (Holland), Bachzaal (Amsterdam); music teacher, choir director, International School of Amsterdam, 1995-1999.
Mariya Spector
Piano
Studied in Moscow at the Stasov School of Music and Moscow Musical College, later earning her M.A. in Music Education at CUNY Lehman College. A creative and versatile music teacher, Mariya brings a special knowledge of Music History and Musical Genres. She is skilled in the Dalcroze and Kodaly methods of musical education.
Paige Stewart
Dance
Paige “Queen TuT ” Stewart hails from Queens, New York; Working as a dance teacher at various public, dance schools & arts centers and around the Tri-state area instructing youth, autistic children and also mentally disabled adults in movement & dance. She has danced professionally for over ten years for names such as Nick Cannon, Fred Hammond, Lupe Fiasco, DMC , Ariane Grande, poetry off-Broadway, for Madison Square Garden Network and also for the Knicks Poetry Slam. Her passions include a combination of spoken word poetry and love of performing. Diagnosed with Lupus since the age of twelve she continues to overcome the oncoming challenges. She has performed in a wheelchair, crutches and also a cane to prove to audiences that anything is possible. She has founded The Kingdom Dance Company based out of Queens which provides free dance classes and opportunities for artists in NYC and helps take their artistry to the next level. She sponsors artists headshots, reels, websites, business workshops and prepares them to audition. She hopes to evoke the spirit of perseverance, community and healing through dance.
Brian Walsh
Piano/Vocal Instructor
Brian is a piano/vocal instructor with over a decade of professional experience, most notably as a music director, conductor, live performer, and private instructor. His foundation begins with over 30 years of classically-trained piano since the age of four and more than 20 years of voice. Brian has taught students across a wide range of ages and levels, including the Princeton University Collegiate Summer Theater program and The Ritz Theatre Children’s Summer program. As a former Nashville-based national touring musician, Brian performed with major US award-winning artists across many genres and for notable events hosted by individuals throughout the sports and entertainment industries.
Brian is currently attending the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College pursuing a Bachelor’s of Music degree in Music Education. As a teacher, he brings his enthusiasm and passion for music in an effort to create a stimulating and individualized learning environment.
Shantel Williams
Piano & Voice
Shantel Williams is a voice, beginner piano, and theory teacher from Queens NY. She has taught private and group voice lessons as well as piano lessons throughout NYC to various ages and skill levels. She specializes in working with youth with developmental and behavioral needs and has many years of experience working with youth along the spectrum. She enjoys teaching the fundamentals of music to the beginner, intermediate and advanced voice students and her philosophy on music is Human first. She enjoys exposing youth and others to genres of music that they may not ordinarily hear and study but feels comfortable teaching popular genres of music. Shantel specializes in building a solid foundation in music and focuses on musicianship, vocal technique, comfort on stage, character development, and gears learning to the individual needs of the student. She has experience preparing students for NYSSMA, performances, juries, and auditions. As a soloist, she has performed roles such as Fiordiligi, Cio-Cio San, and Liu. Shantel also enjoys ensemble works and has recorded works such as André Previn’s, Four Songs, and Schubert’s Shepherd on the Rock. Shantel holds a Bachelor of Music from Hunter College and an Artist Diploma and Masters of Music from the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College.
Alexandra Zallo
Dance
Alexandra Zallo is a dancer well versed in tap, ballet, contemporary, jazz, and hip-hop dance styles. Born and raised in The Bronx, she began training at age 3 and took part in the competitive dance world for 9 years. She is also currently a full-time student at St. John’s University. Alexandra teaches to share her passion for the art with the next generation, in hopes dance will have a positive impact on their lives the way it has on hers.
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