Every memory of child hood is filled with friends who were there to share them. These friends are not always easy to find especially in our busy world. Encouraging friendships can be hard for parents, because kids need to have a bond with one another. Friends are created because the children have something in common, spend lots of time together and enjoy events for the entire family. Dance is a great way to help your child find their DFF! (Dance Friend forever)

I am one of those lucky people. Dance not only helped me find lifelong friends, but it kept me out of trouble, I was never bored and it also helped me come out of my shell. Without dance, I would not be the confident person I am today…. Without dance I wouldn’t have the life I have today. I am the director of Theater Dance Center in Flanders. I am proud to say that I am still in touch with most of my friends from dance. We were in each other’s weddings and still get together regularly. Now in business for 25years, It is wonderful to share our successes as dancers and friends.

Giving your child the gift of dance has so many benefits. It gives them confidence, a great sense of self, teaches teamwork, coordination, compassion as you work with others. One learns how to live a healthy lifestyle, taking care of your body.. Sharing memories of your first recital together, trips to competitions or performances at the carnival or for senior citizens. Spending weekly classes together, sharing the challenges in class or the successes in each other’s efforts.

We at Theater Dance Center witness the bonding of friends all the time. We cultivate relationships with our students that last much longer than just the years they train. We are now training dancers whose parents were our students. Watching our students grow into young adults who are successful and confident is what makes us love what we do. Dance training is only a small portion of the real impact we have on our student’s lives.

Theater Dance Center is celebrating its 25 th year. I, Millene Michel, along with my best friend Mary Ellen Volz have directed and taught our students and shared memories that we will never forget. Our faculty is special, they are trained, experienced and most of all loving and care about their students. We offer Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Contemporary,

Acrobatics. We offer classes for all the lovers of dance, whether you wish to dance for fun or want to pursue a career in dance.

Some New programs we are offering this year: Tumbling Tigers for ages 3-9, Musical Theater dance for Theatrical kids, Teen Yoga and Yogi-Barre for adults. We invite you to come see what makes us family. Open House Registration is now in progress… but you can come to our celebration on August 27 th from 10-1… we will be offering FREE sample classes, FREE gifts and mention this article and get a discount on your registration fee. www.theaterdancecenter.com.  (973) 584-5020 230 US Highway 206 in Flanders.

Written by Millene Michel – Artistic Director at TDC