Wayne Patch Readers Choice Winner for Best Dance Studio

A WORD FROM THE DIRECTORS

This year marks the th anniversary of Le Danse! What started as a personal goal for us years ago has become a successful reality. Our studio was born out of the belief that a dancer be able to study in a positive environment. As teachers, our goals were to develop physically strong and graceful dancers with sound technique and style. As dancers ourselves, we wanted to instill a sense of joy and love for our shared art form.

We are truly fortunate to have had many professional and personal goals fulfilled. As we look back we are filled with many fond memories and tremendous pride.

As we begin our th year in the Wayne community, we remember the many wonderful people we’ve met and the great friendships made along the way. We remember to continue to strive for excellence, creativity and knowledge. We remember the children that started at Le Danse years ago. We have watched them grow into mature and successful adults. And now as each generation of young dancers enter the studio, we feel the same joy & excitement that we felt the very first day. We continue to share our expertise with every student & parent that enters our doors.

Experience is knowledge…….Come experience Le Danse!

Sincerely,
Diane Raimo & Patty De Dio

 

Directors

Diane has studied dance under some of the finest teachers in the country. In New York City, she has studied with Luigi, Frank Hatchett & Joe Lanteri. On the convention circuit her teachers have included Chicago’s Gus Giordano & LA’s Joe Tremaine to name a few. Diane has trained in London, England studying jazz at Pineapple Dance Center, Covet Garden as well as teaching on the competition circuit for Dance Educators of America & Dance Masters of America at conventions & competitions in both New York City & Houston, Texas and also served as an associate director and director in two New Jersey studios. Diane has worked as a choreographer & performer in and around New York City for many productions. She has choreographed for & performed in The Clifton Actors Workshop’s production of Oliver, nightclub productions at “Club27” in NYC and Boomers nightclub, as well as numerous showcases and fashion shows in NYC and dinner theatre productions in the metro area. Her jazz & lyrical choreography has won first, second, high silver, platinum, gold & high gold awards as well as special judges and high score awards in numerous regional and national dance competitions throughout the metro area since 1978. Diane has also privately coached many dancers & dance teams in NJ, Westchester & Florida. Diane loves teaching and choreographing and continues to strive for a healthy balance of technique, style and creativity in her dancers. Diane is a perfectionist in her field and she brings high standards of teaching to the students of Le Danse. In 1999, Diane became a mom to Gianna, her beautiful daughter, who is the light of her life and also shares her mom’s love for dance. Along with Patty, in 2020, Diane celebrated the th anniversary of their studio, Le Danse.

Patty has studied dance with many Manhattan based dance masters such as Robert Audy, Frank Hatchett, Judy Ann Bassing and Bettye Morrow. She has been an active member of Dance Educators of America since 1985. Teaching dance since 1978, Patty has developed an original tap technique, graduating from beginning through advanced levels, incorporating various jazz styles. This technique has become her trademark and has been very successful throughout the years. Her choreography has won first and second places in both East Coast & National Competitions sponsored by Dance Educators of America, Dance Olympus, Showstoppers Talent Competition, Headliners Performing Arts Competition, American Dance Spectrum and International Dance Challenge, both in New York and New Jersey. She was awarded an outstanding choreography award sponsored by Headliners Performing Arts Competition. Patty was co-choreographer of “Oliver,” a children’s’ production presented by the Clifton Actors Workshop. She also co-choreographed a weekly nightclub dance act for a local New Jersey dance club. Patty was on staff for the Rutherford Adult Education program teaching low-impact aerobics classes. She was also a staff member of the Goddard School in Ramsey, NJ where she introduced a new preschool dance program to their pre-K students. Patty continues to share both her talent and creativity with her staff and students of Le Danse. Her love of characterization & musical theatre is apparent in her choreography. Her goal is to expand her students’ education to their utmost capabilities while also revealing the students’ individual personality through their dance.

"Both of my girls go to Le Danse. This year will be our third year. They have so much fun. The teachers and staff are very good with the kids, mine are 3 and 5. They always come out of class happy! The community at Le danse is great for the dancers and the parents, we’ve all made friends! I definitely recommend."

Alexa Varano, Parent

"My daughter has had such a great time and experience at Le Danse. The school is professional and all the students are given an opportunity to express their talents. My daughter has attended Le Danse for 4 years and we have seen such growth in her dance skills and confidence. The directors and teachers are all very supportive, encouraging and put their heart into making sure all the students have fun and do their best. I highly recommend this dance school and their end of the year recital is also very entertaining!"

Katherine Paratore, Parent

"We love Le Danse!! My daughters have been dancing there since preschool. Le Danse provides a warm, encouraging, family like environment. All the staff and students are all so supportive and encouraging to each other. Each year I'm amazed of their improved technical skills and confidence. Proud to be part of the Le Danse family."

Alexandra Tubman, Parent

"I attended le danse when I was younger and now I get to share this incredible dance school with my daughter. She is now going into her 3rd year of dance with them and she absolutely loves it! It’s a great way for little ones to build friendships, self confidence, and structure/determination. And truly to have fun! Highly recommend!"

Lauren Royce, Parent

"My daughter loves Le Danse. Her technical skills are progressing nicely, she gets a great workout, and she has done well in competitions. She has made new friends with other dancers who aren't in her school, strengthened bonds with dancers she already knew from school, and really enjoys the camaraderie. Patty, Diane, and the entire staff are great. They are caring, supportive, and individually nurture every dancer. I wholeheartedly recommend Le Danse."

Jimmy Niosi, Parent

"My daughter has been going here for the past 2 years and loves it! Ms. Stephanie is great with the girls and she is truly dedicated to them. She has been doing competition also and it has been the best thing for her! Not only is she learning how to dance but building confidence, self esteem and making new friends! We are very happy with Le Danse."

Justin & Lisa O’Connor, Parents

“The studio has been a part of our lives for 14 years. Ms. Patty, Ms. Diane & their incredible staff created an amazing dancer out of a tiny little preschooler up to graduation. We are so thankful for all the memories that were created throughout the years.”

Janine Scott, Parent

“My daughter has been attending Le Danse for the last two years. We love the dedicated instructors and have seen real progress in both her technical skills and confidence. The staff and other students are supportive and encouraging. It’s a great environment for students of all levels.”

Meghan Williams, Parent

“My children have been taking lessons at Le Danse for years. They have great instructors and convenient lesson days/times. Great for a beginner or an advanced student. Love the recital at the end of the school year and the competition team is a great group of students and instructors. Best place to enroll , whether you're looking for a relaxed, fun atmosphere or for a more serious study. Studio also offers a mother/daughter and father/daughter dance class!”

Brittany Arthur, Le Danse Parent

“My daughter has been attending Le Danse for the past 8 to 9 years and loves it there! She is still excited every time she has dance class, and especially for the annual dance recitals. The instructors are very friendly, encouraging and supportive. Le Danse has been a great environment for her to not only learn dance, but also about discipline and how hard work and practice pay off. She’s also made some great friends along the way. She recently joined the Le Danse competition team and is having a blast with that as well. I would definitely recommend Le Danse!”

Christine Park, Le Danse Parent

“Le Danse is where I found my love for dance. It made me choose dance over everything else. Le Danse is my second home.”

Grace O’Melia, Student

“I like being able to make friendships, while having a fun time dancing. Le Danse has very creative choreography. I love learning new things and getting more advanced.”

Gaby Becker, Student

“Dance class is fun and enjoyable, but you still learn new things. The style of Le Danse is cool and superior.”

Anna Shtern, Student

"My daughter started at Le Danse two years ago when we realized it was time for a change from the big studio we were in. I researched most of the local studios but the only one that felt right was Le Danse. After speaking with Ms. Patty and Ms. Diane, I knew we had found a new dance family. My daughter joined the competition team and through their guidance and encouragement they have brought out her inner dancer. All of the staff look at each child individually and push when they need to push and nurture when they need to nurture. Unlike her former studio, she is not just a number. Not just another award. She is viewed for her individual talents and I am amazed at the progress she has made. We absolutely LOVE Le Danse."

Tracy Williams-Healy, Le Danse Parent

"We made the switch from another dance studio in town at the beginning of the 2014 dance season. We've been overly impressed with the balance Ms Patty and Ms Diane help us achieve between competitive dancing and the other important things in our family's life. Our girls have made noticeable improvements in their form and technique due to the individual attention they get from the instructors. More importantly, however, their self-confidence has increased and they've developed a real sense for what it means to be on a team and to set and work towards goals. We couldn't be happier with our decision."

Andrea Cahn, Le Danse Parent

"We absolutely love Le Danse and have been going here for 8+ years. They provide such a fun dance environment. There is structure where and when needed, but without the added negative pressure that comes with other schools in the area. Both of our daughters have been dancing at Le Danse since they were 2, they are 10 and 6 now. Le Danse has helped both of them find their love for dance and over the years they have been challenged at the right pace. My oldest joined the competition team 2 years ago which has given her a whole new set of skills. We really love that the Directors, Miss Diane and Miss Patty, teach many of the classes and are very involved in all of classes they do not teach and oversee all of the choreography. The Directors know every student by name and make time to learn the parent’s names too. I have recently gotten back into dance myself and take the adult tap and jazz classes. It has also been a great experience. I highly recommend this dance studio, and can truly say the girls who attend Le Danse have become one big dance family. "

Sue Frech, Le Danse Parent

"Nothing compares to the Le Danse recitals or dance routines. Le Danse not only taught you routines, but also taught you technique. The hard work and numerous hours of practice taught everyone that there was more to dancing than just learning the steps in a routine. There is nothing like Le Danse! Thank you for having been there!"

Rose Agrusti, Former Parent

"I just want to say how impressed I am with the dance routine the girls learned. My older daughter danced for years and Ava attended another dance school a few years ago and nothing comes close to the level of dance you provide. It was amazing and I was truly impressed. Great Job!!!"

Dyana Thompson, Parent

"The father daughter dance at Le Danse has given me memories with my daughter I could not get anywhere else!!!!!!"

Tim Barbera, Dancing Father


"I love dancing because I really get to express myself and really try my best. I made a lot of friends here and it's almost like I live here. Because my friends aren't friends, they are family."

Mollie Gutt, Student

 

Hi Diane,

Geralyn and I wanted to thank you so much for inviting us to the show. You should be very proud of Gianna, the show and the work you do with the girls. Hopefully the parents and the girls can see how much good comes from your efforts. This year was extra special, we were able to see the advancement with the dancers we remembered from last year. If we had a daughter she would be enrolled with you.
Enjoy your summer.

Love,
Geralyn and Larry

 

The Studio

580 Valley Road, Wayne N.J 07470. Tel.(973)305-8401

Email:ledanse@optimum.net