Dancewave is awesome! I have been involved in this organization for more than 3 years and have learned to have a greater appreciation for the art of dance. The staff and teachers are working professionals and work hard to bring out the best in all the dancers. The dancers have many opportunities to showcase their talents through dance performances at the Kid's Cafe Festival, Afterschool performances, Jacob's Pillow,Spring Celebration and many more.
This company is terrible to work for. They take advantage of their small staff and demand a lot of personal time and personal accounts (zip car, cell phones, etc.) to be used for the company without compensating. The benefits that they offer are dismal, and while the Executive Director will spin a very pretty picture of the work and what the expectations are though out the interview process, once an employee begins, a different expectation is placed on them. If anyone is considering volunteering or working for this company it is highly recommended to get anything that is agreed upon during the offer process in writing because it will most likely get reneged after the employee starts. While the teaching artists are talented and offer great classes, this company is poorly run administratively. Their Department of Education invoices are phony and they don't keep accurate records of the teaching artists working in the schools. They then charge the funder for the hours they claim but aren't actually accurate. Teaching Artists are "strongly encouraged" to not file for unemployment benefits if their class isn't continued as it will "red flag" the company. This company should be investigated and then given some serious management assistance if they are not shut down.
my daughter got involved with dancewave 2 years ago and it was the most amazing experience that happened to her life she fell in love with dance and she is more and more excited about dancing dancewave is a place where kids feel totally accepted for what they are the teachers are passionate and exciting and make dance something really inspiring for the kids diane, the director, is an amazing woman, who glows with energy and belief in all the kids and who runs the whole company with passion it is a big pleasure to see dancewave giving oportunities to all these amazing kids who are doing a beautiful job the whole staff is extremely supportive and wonderful i hope dancewave can grow bigger and stronger so that so many more kids can have the chance to participate in their programs
On my way to another Dance Studio referred by an acquaintance, I spontaneously entered Dancewave as I passed by. Greeted by Diane with her positive energy, I signed up for Tango classes right away and have been a member and volunteer for the pass few years. Being a part of this organization has been a very enriching experience for me, mentally and physically. I’m truly honored to have the opportunity to work with these talented people and to grow with them.
As the parent of 2 daughters who have had the remarkable experience of taking Dancewave classes and dancing in the Dancewave Companies, I have seen first hand the excellence of this organization. Dancewave reaches kids from all backgrounds and exposes them to creativity and skill building in dance. The teachers, coaches and staff at Dancewave are professionals who through rigorous and exhilarating teaching are bringing the Dancewave students and company members to a level of excellence in dance and self discipline that will benefit them throughout their lives. Dancewave is one of Brooklyn's national treasures and we have Diane Jacobowitz to thank for this! Keep up the great work, Dancewave!
Dancewave is a phenomenal organization that exposes thousands of young people per year to the creative process and a wide range of dance forms, while instilling in them self-discipline and teamwork. The staff and teaching faculty are passionate about providing opportunities for ALL children and teens to learn and express themselves through dance at the highest level.
I love Dancewave and its philosophy. My daughter is very fortunate to have this incredible learning experience. This is Alyssa's 3rd semester with Ms. Chelsea and I couldn't be more happier. I always recommend Dancewave whenever the opportunity arises.
Dancewave is a wonderful organization serving young dancers from all backgrounds and commitment level. Dancewave continually raises the bar for their students by exposing them to professional teachers and choreographers working at extremely high levels in their field. The staff is attentive and extremely hard-working, and programs are constantly changing and expanding in order to best serve the students.
I have served on the board of Dancewave as board secretary since October 2007. I also chair the facilities committee. I was excited to join the board of this organization because I see its value in bringing modern dance into schools as well as the community. Furthermore, I value Dancewave's commitment to a preprofessional training program for teens (who often age out of dance programs and stop dancing as a result), complete with scholarships so that deserving students can attend. I am impressed with how well Dancewave has handled it's rapid growth in the scope of its classes and programs. It is clear that Dancewave serves as an important training ground and launching pad for talented modern dancers, and I am proud to be a part of it!
I ma the dance specialist at PS 315 and I hired Dancewave last year for the first time to bring a jazz dance residency to the school.It was a pleasure to work with their teaching artist and with the director so my principal and I decided to bring them back this year. We just finished the jazz residency for the second graders with great success, the after school jazz and tap program began in January (the teaching artists are very knowledgeable and professional-the students love these classes)and now we are getting ready to begin a tap dance residency with the kindergarten and an African dance residency with the first graders. It is very exciting to see all our students enjoying their classes so much.
I have been involved with Dancewave for over 6 years as a parent of a dancer and student who is a member of the Dancewave Company. The founder, Diane Jacobowitz is inspiring and committed to exposing members of the company to an amazing variety of modern dance styles. One of the more unique things Dancewave does is to have members of the company whose works they perform come to teach the kids. This exposes these young dancers to professional level experience and knowledge, which will well serve them as they pursue their dance careers. I have been involved as a volunteer, a fundraiser and supporter of Dancewave, and have found this to be a fulfilling experience. Of course as a parent, I've been able to see performances at Jacob's Pillow, the Tribeca Performing Arts Center, The Joyce Theater SoHo, PS 122 and many other important venues.
My 11 yr old daughter started with Dancewave this past fall. She loves it! She has been dancing at various places since she was 4, but had "aged" out of her most recent program and was looking for a new place to call home. Dancewave has been great. The teachers are engaging and really challenge them with choreography in an age-appropriate way. We saw the Dancewave show this past Jan. and I was blown away by the quality of the dancing, for young ages to older teens. We hope to be a part of it for many years.
AWESOME. DANCEWAVE IS THE GREATEST. FANTASTIC TEACHERS. FANTASTIC COMMUNITY OUTREACH. GREAT FACILITIES. Dancewave Pilates teachers really know how to help you through a great workout with no pain.
Often with the arts, children shine at an early age. My daughter wanted to take up dance in her teens and Dancewaves was a very encouraging and positive place to learn. Her confidence and openness to the challenge has a lot to do with Dancewave's support coaches.
Dancewave is a model for community serve. They are a local treasure in Brooklyn, brining together kids, families and professionals into a community of dance. I am amazed at what they accomplish on tight budgets. I can't rave enough! Everybody dance now!!!!!
My daughter has been dancing with Dancewave for five years now--summers (in the intensive workshop) since she was 11 and ballet just added during the school year. What a fabulous way to take full possession of her talent and growing abilities! The dance instructors, all professional dancers and choreographers in their own right, bring their love of dance and movement to classes that inspire young dancers to give it everything they have--and then dig down and find something new! Opportunities to work with world renowned choreographers and dance companies, events catering to young dancers' dreams of studying and becoming professionals, frequent opportunities to perform--these and more are offered by this amazing group of dedicated dance people. Thanks Diane, Jeso, and all the wonderful folks at DANCEWAVE!