Long Island's Best Ballroom Dance Lessons!

Giny Rae's

 

  

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 “A studio dancers can call ‘home’.”

Ballroom / Latin / Swing / Hustle

Learn to dance LIKE A STAR !

NEW CLASSES! NOW FORMING! Register Now!  Click for info: Lesson Options

 

Dance Magic Ballroom

and Dance Studio

655 Middle Country Road Saint James, NY  11780 (631) 584-7100

with U.S. Champion, Giny Rae and her

husband / partner  Peter Sciurca

 

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Our Ballroom is available for your private party!

Click for info:   Dances and Events

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We NEVER sell long term contracts or packages!

Click for info:   Lesson Options

 

 

Our Mission

Our commitment to producing highly styled dancers and our confidence in our knowledge, ability, and ongoing personal training, leave us confident that when you get what you pay for, you will happily return for another dance lesson. To this end, it is our policy that we do not sell packages, nor do we require an "up front" long term commitment by requiring you to buy a "contract". We are dedicated to teaching our students, both social and competitive minded dancers, all that we can so that they can grow to become better dancers, whatever their goals may be. We would rather be great educators than salespeople.

- Giny Rae and Peter Sciurca

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Lesson Options / Dances and Events / Wedding Couples / N Y Times Article / Contact / Links

Biographical Info – Directors and Staff

Giny Rae - Owner and Artistic Director

A member of the Dance Educators of America (DEA), the National Dance Council of America (NDCA), and the Professional Dancers Federation (PDF), Giny Rae has over 20 years of experience as a social and competitive dance instructor in American, International, and Cabaret styles of Danceport. She has competed and performed nationally, internationally, and on television. Her students have earned junior, amateur, and pro-am championships, and Dance Magic has won several studio awards. Her leading corporate client is the Ballroom Dance Club at the Brookhaven National Laboratory. Giny has been Adjunct Professor of Danceport at the State University of New York - Stony Brook, and is also the Head Coach of the SUNY - Stony Brook Ballroom Dance Team and Club.

Giny Rae also has over 20 years experience as a competitive professional dancer in the Latin, Ballroom, and Cabaret divisions. She also holds the degree of "Member with Honors" from the North American Dance Teachers Association, qualifying her as a Championship Level Competition Judge. Her competitive accomplishments are as follows:

1993 - Empire State Ballroom Classic Champion

1992 - PBS-TV "Evening of Championship Ballroom Dancing" - Featured Performer

1991 - U.S. Ballroom Champion - Rising Star Cabaret Division

1991 - U.S. Ballroom Finalist - Open Cabaret Division

1987-1991 - American Star Ball Champion

Baltimore/Washington Open Champion

Imperial Star Ball Champion

North Star Ball - Rising Star Champion

North Star Ball - Open Division Champion

New England Imperial Champion

 

Peter Sciurca - Owner and Business Director

After studying at the Alvin Ailey Dance Center, Peter returned to ballroom dance, and, in 1992, he and Giny Rae formed their professional parnership, and in 1997 they married. A member of the Dance Educators of America, National Dance Council Association, North American Dance Teachers Association, and the Professional Dancers Federation, Peter holds several teaching certificates in the arts including, Communication and Theatre, Dance, and Musical Theatre Arts. As a volunteer instructor at SUNY Stony Brook, Peter has taught ballroom dance to the university students and is also the Assistant Coach of the Stony Brook University Ballroom Dance Team. As partners, Giny Rae and Peter are Empire State Ballroom Classic Champions. Peter has also appeared on television in the pilot and promos for Dennis Leary's "Rescue Me", and is a professional firefighter with the New York City Fire Department. 

 

Alexis Andrea - Instructor

Alexis Andrea is a graduate of the Performing Arts High School in Syosset, New York and holds a B.A. in Theatre Arts from the State University of New York at Stony Brook.  She has been President of the Stony Brook University Ballroom Dance Club and Competition Team and has won many awards during her competitive career. 

An accomplished dancer and the daughter of Giny Rae, Alexis performed in the spring of 2007 with the London based production of “Simply Ballroom”, at the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.  She is pictured here with her partner from that production, Andrew. 

In January 2008, Alexis will be on a tour of the U. S. with the London cast of “Simply Ballroom”, featuring celebrity host Debbie Reynolds, and American Idol finalists Anthony Federov and Vonzell Solomon.

Starting in April 2008, Alexis and her new partner will be the Featured Ballroom Dance Couple on the Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines ship, Navigator of the Seas, and will cruise the Mediterranean through November 2008 then the Caribbean through January 2009.

When she is not traveling and performing, Alexis teaches many private and group dance lessons at the studio.

 

 

 

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 Community Relations

  

 

 

 

 

Ongoing Charitable and Community Performances for festivals and senior citizens

 

 

 

 

 

 

Over $12,000 raised in 2001 and fully donated to the Widow's and Children's Fund of the New York City Fire Department

 

  

  

 

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 Corporate & Group Clients

Brookhaven Lab Ballroom Dance Club - Instructors since 1992

Western Suffolk BOCES Adult Education - Instructors since 2003

Adjunct Professor of Ballroom Dance

State University of New York at Stony Brook - since 1999

Stony Brook Ballroom Dance Team and Club - Team and Club Coaches

State University of New York at Stony Brook - since 1999

Brookhaven National Lab Social and Cultural Club

   

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Dance Lessons 

Dance Magic Ballroom Dance Lesson Schedule

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

12 pm - 4 pm

Private Dance Lessons by appointment

11am - 2 pm

Private Dance Lessons by appointment

11am - 2 pm

 

Private Dance Lessons by appointment

11am - 2 pm

 

Private Dance Lessons by appointment

11am - 2 pm

 

Private Dance Lessons by appointment

11am - 2 pm

Private Dance Lessons by appointment

CLOSED

BALLROOM RENTAL AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE PARTIES

5 pm

Private Dance Lessons by appointment

5 pm

 

Private Dance Lessons by appointment

5 pm

 

 

CLOSED

5 pm

 

Private Dance Lessons by appointment

5 pm

Private Dance Lessons by appointment

HALL RENTAL

AVAILABLE

FOR

PRIVATE

PARTIES

BALLROOM RENTAL AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE PARTIES

6 pm

Private Dance Lessons by appointment

6 pm

 

Private Dance Lessons by appointment

6 pm

 

 

CLOSED

6 pm

 

Private Dance Lessons by appointment

6 pm

Private Dance Lessons by appointment

HALL RENTAL

AVAILABLE

FOR

PRIVATE

PARTIES

 

BALLROOM RENTAL AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE PARTIES

7 pm

 

Beginner

Ballroom &

Latin Dance

     

Rumba, Foxtrot and Swing!

 

6 weeks - $60 pp

- starts June 8

(No class June 29)

 

7 pm – 9pm

 

Ladies Latin Technique 

 

and

 

Latin Variations

 

6 weeks – $180 pp

ONGOING

 

7 pm

 

 

 

 

CLOSED

7 pm

 

 

Private Dance Lessons by appointment

7 pm

 

Beginner

Ballroom &

Latin Dance

     

Merengue, Waltz, and Cha Cha!

 

5 weeks - $60 pp

starts May 29

 

 

 

HALL RENTAL

AVAILABLE

FOR

PRIVATE

PARTIES

 

BALLROOM RENTAL AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE PARTIES

8 pm

Private Dance Lessons by appointment

 

 

8 pm

 

 

 

CLOSED

8 pm

 

ADVANCED

BEGINNER

Ballroom &  Latin Dance

     

Pre-requisite

experience

required – call for details and pre-registration

 

 6 weeks - $60 pp

 

 starts June 4 (No class July 2)

 

 

8 pm – 11 pm

Friday Night Dance Social plus Lesson

 

Includes ½ hour lesson 

and dance social with snacks & refreshments

 

SELECT FRIDAYS – NOT WEEKLY

 

PLEASE CHECK SCHEDULE BELOW

Dances and Events

 

Admission:  $14 pp

 

 

 

 

HALL RENTAL

AVAILABLE

FOR

PRIVATE

PARTIES

Please call the studio at (631)584-7100 or email DanceMgc@optonline.net to pre-register

 

   Our Studio Policies

-   ALL dance lessons are at least 55 minutes and are by appointment or registration. 

-   Many studios offer only 40 minute dance lessons 

            -   We request 24 hours notice for cancellation of private lessons.  Payment is by Cash or Check only.

-   We DO NOT sell non-refundable contracts or inflated multi-private lesson packages

                   -   We will NEVER pressure you into purchasing lessons

-   You pay a reasonable fee for your private lessons as you go - payment in advance is only by your choice and for your convenience

-   We will not bundle our private and group lessons and dance socials together, as this hides the true cost of your private lessons.

-   We will NEVER ask you to buy a non-refundable contract.

 

LESSON OPTIONS – (please call the studio at (631)584-7100 for more information on rates)

Private Lessons - 1 - 3 people                       Semi - Private  / Shared Lessons - 3 - 9 people                    Group Lessons - 10 or more people

            Shared and Group Lessons are booked in series as we must block out studio space and commit an instructor to the class – subject to minimum registration.

We regret that we cannot offer make-ups or credit for missed Semi – Private / Shared or Group Classes

 

“Try it, you’ll like it!” -  Policy for Newcomers

We’re confident you’ll enjoy our group classes.  Therefore, newcomers may join us for the 1st class of any series on a trial basis.  If you decide not take the full series, pay only for that one class.  When you decide that you love the class, register for the full series after class.  (Newcomers to the Ladies Latin Technique and Variations class may try out the class at any point in the series.)

 

 

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Dances and Events

Ballroom Dances

Experience a magical evening of ballroom dancing in the elegant, Dance Magic Ballroom, where we regularly host dances and workshops.

Please call (631) 584-7100 for more information on our dances, workshops and practice sessions.

2009 Events Calendar

Select Fridays

Friday Night Practice and Dance Social

Next Date:  Friday,  June 12        8:00pm – 11:00pm       

1/2 Hour Dance Lesson with US CHAMPION GINY RAE!            Open to all!         

includes snacks, soft drinks (BYO adult beverages), veggies, meat & cheese platter, fruit, cake, and coffee.            Admission:  $14 per person

Dance of the Month:  WALTZ!

Dates subject to change  -  Call the studio to confirm

Next Practice and Social:  July TBA

 

 

Best wishes to our own Alexis Andrea as she embarks on another cruise ship adventure!

 

Alexis returns to the Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines ship,  "Navigator of the Seas" where she will continue with her partner as the featured Ballroom / Latin dance couple.  She will be performing on the ship through the end of August 2009.  If your vacation plans include a cruise of the Caribbean or Mediterranean, look for Alexis in the show!

 

 

                                      Ballroom Rental / Party Hall Rental for your Private Affair!

 Host your special event at the Dance Magic Ballroom!

  Anniversary  -  Baby or Bridal Shower  -  Birthday  -  Business Meeting

Graduation  -  Wedding

Our elegant Ballroom is the perfect backdrop for your party or event!

Please call (631) 584-7100 for more information on renting our Ballroom for your private affair.

 

 

 

 

 

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Lesson Options / Dances and Events / Wedding Couples / N Y Times Article / Contact / Links
 

Wedding Couples

Congratulations! You're getting married! It will be a special day for both of you. Make your first dance together a "Magical" one by preparing with US Champion, Giny Rae! Whether you want to surprise and impress your friends and family with some fancy footwork, learn to dance together with them, or choreograph your first dance to your wedding song, Giny has extensive experience preparing wedding couples for their special dance. Click on Lesson Options for details.

  

Read about Giny Rae and Peter's first wedding dance here.

 

 

  

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New York Times Article

Text from New York Times,

Sunday, February 23, 1997

 

LONG ISLAND JOURNAL

 

An Uplifting Wedding

               by Diane Ketcham

 

Most brides choose their wedding gowns for the visuals.  Giny Rae of Smithtown selected hers for the dexterity.  “I had to be able to kick real high,” she said.  And be lifted over the head of the groom, as well as dropped to the floor by him.

Ms. Rae and her new husband, Peter Sciurca, are professional ballroom dancers.  Mr. Sciurca is also a firefighter in New York City.  A firefighter who can tango and do the hustle “takes a lot of ribbing,” he said.  But dancing with Ms. Rae is something that he would never give up, especially since they won an Empire State Ballroom championship together.

                When they decided to marry, their wedding dance became as important as the cake.  “We choreographed it,” Mr. Sciurca said.  “Everybody had expected us to do something special.  We didn’t want to disappoint.”

                Nobody was disappointed at the reception, on St. Valentine’s Day at the Watermill Inn in Smithtown.  Since many guests were professional dancers,” Mr. Sciurca said, “we heard later we were the buzz in the restaurant bar.  Everybody wanted to see the wedding reception with the nonstop dancing.”

                The bride started ballroom dancing where she grew up, in Wyoming.  There were not many partners there, Ms. Rae said.

                Mr. Sciurca grew up in Deer Park, where he did little dancing.  “I was a wallflower in school,” he said.  “But you should have seen me at my high school reunion.  I was in the Class of ’82.  In 1992, I had just started dating Giny.  So I took her to the reunion.  We started dancing and everybody’s mouth just dropped.”

 

 

 

 

                Mr. Sciurca had sought her out for lessons.  “She was a professional.,” he said.  “I had been an amateur.”  He wanted to learn more.  Soon they were partners in more ways than one.  He proposed in 1995 at a Christmas dinner-dance at the Brookhaven National Laboratory.  The couple supervise a dance club there for 200 employees.  The scientists love to dance, Ms. Rae said.  “They especially like to swing.”  With the dance step, that is.

                At the wedding, the bride swung and swayed in a ivory lace and rhinestone dress she had made.  No mounds of white for Ms. Rae.  “My dress was danceable,” she said.  Everybody in her family danced.  “My daughter Alexis, 12 danced with her partner Jamie,” the bride said.  “And my family from Wyoming surprised everybody be dressing in cowboy hats, boots and spurs and dancing the country cha cha.”

                The music had been prerecorded by the couple.  “No DJ could play the music the way we wanted it.” Mr. Sciurca said.  “So we taped our music and brought in the sound system.  Then I hosted and emceed the reception.  I even prerecorded introducing us.  We walked in, and we both spoke.  Next my brother gave the toast.  Then I said, “Shall we dance?  I hit ‘Play,’ and we danced to ‘Through the Eyes of Love.’”

                It was a first dance few will forget.  “We did overhead spring lifts,” he said, “and a skating drop.”  Then the guests danced the night away with waltzes, foxtrots, disco, swing and even the electric slide.  “But no alley cat,” he said, “although we did do the Macarena.”

 

 

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Contact

Electronic mail address: Dancemgc@optonline.net

Web address: www.DanceMagicBallroom.com (upper or lower case letters)

Office phone: (631) 584-7100

  

 

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Links

Shop with our preferred merchants

 

 

 

Link Share Sites

 

BallroomDancers.com

 

Brookhaven National Lab Social and Cultural Club

    

 

 

 

Home / Our Mission / Bio Info / Community Relations / Corporate & Group Clients

Lesson Options / Dances and Events / Wedding Couples / N Y Times Article / Contact / Links
Copyright, Dance Magic Ballroom, 2004.
Last revised: June 9, 2009.