BRONX TIMES ARTICLE BY AMANDA MARINACCIO

One dance studio in the Bronx is giving children the chance to learn and grow, while inspiring students through a unique reward system.

Debbie Melendez founded Dancers Dreamzzz, located at 1206 Spofford Ave, in December of 2000.

What began as a school with only 25 students has grown over the years to encompass over a hundred young participants.

The school was only offering Mambo Salsa classes, but soon added Hip Hop and Ballet and just two years ago began Jazz instruction as well.

Children are able to start Ballet at age 3, and can begin Mambo Salsa classes at age 5. Students may begin Hip Hop classes when they reach 6 years old, and finally Jazz is open to student 8 and older.

The school is frequently invited to perform at venues both locally, throughout the U.S., and even abroad. "We have gone to perform in Disneyland and even Puerto Rico," said Melendez, who hosts her own dance festival each year, inviting schools from around the country to participate. This year her ‘Second Annual Children & Teen Hip Hop & Salsa Festival was held in Newport News, Virginia August 1 thru 3 of 2008.

Melendez will be leaving with a group of students from October 9 to 12 to participate in Punta Cana Salsa Congress in the Dominican Republic, giving the children an exciting experience at something that may be new to them.

The staff and instructors at Dancers Dreamzzz are all qualified choreographers, who help to engage the children, while building their self-esteem and confidence in a challenging and fun environment. I have wonderful instructors, they are young and innovative and up to date of today’s music," said Melendez. "I have known all of them since they were children dancing, one is even my own daughter, Amy Sanchez, who has been dancing since age 3.

The concept that sets this school apart from other dance studios is the creative reward system. Each March, I ask the children to bring in their report cards, and the two students with the highest English or Math grades get a free month tuition and acknowledgement at our annual awards ceremony," said Melendez. An ‘achievement award’ is also granted to one student from each class who shows the most improvement within a year’s span, with the reward of one-year tuition.

The ‘prestige award’ is given to someone who does something extraordinary or outside the normal standards of achievement. I once gave it to this baby girl, whose mother came in here while she was pregnant," said Melendez. "The award really depends on each situation. This little girl was taking lessons in my studio before she was even born, and she received three years free tuition."

The ‘Si Se Puede’ award is granted to the student Melendez feels has worked the hardest to achieve the goals and excel to where they are. Perfect attendance awards are also given to all deserving students, as an encouragement to never give up.

The awards ceremony takes place at the school each May. For information on the Dancers Dreamzzz or upcoming events visit www.dancersdreamzzz.com