ABOUT US
History of NOFODANCE
North Fork Academy of Dance was started over 30 years ago by Harry M. Precht. Harry held a M.A. in Dance from the American University in Washington DC as well as an M.S. in Elementary and Special Education from C.W. Post. Among many great things Harry danced with great masters in dance including Andre Eglevsky, co-directed the Manning-Fried Dance Company and toured to South America where he danced for Ballet Gloria De Lozano. His lifelong involvement in dance prepared him with the proper tools to pass on extensive and knowledgeable dance education to his students. Sadly, Harry passed away in 2014 but his positive and professional approach in and outside the classroom is still reflected in the teachers, staff, and dancers at North Fork Academy of Dance. Karrisa Despres, a former dancer of Harry’s, has taken over the role of owner and director of the studio. Karissa has grown the studio tremendously. She has developed the NOFO Dance Competition Team as well as introduced many new genres of dance into the studio.
Tuition and Yearly Schedule
Here at NFAD we take pride in the quality of our classes, staff, and our involvement with the community.
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Our 2023-2024 season is a 26 week session and includes 8 tuition payments. Tuition includes recital costume, digital download of the show
and recital t shirt
In the event that classes cannot be continued in person. We will finish the paid classes virtually, then going forward clients will be handled individually.
Recital Info
Our recital is not mandatory but highly recommended. Any student that does not participate in the show is still required to attend classes until May, since the whole lesson is not devoted to a recital routine. If a student does not complete the year in its entirety it will forfeit the dancer’s opportunity to move to the next class or level.
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To qualify for the show, each student must attend 80% of the year’s lessons, all rehearsals, and be fully paid for the entire year’s tuition and all costumes.
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Your child may be required to dance in two more performances depending on registration.
DRESS CODE
General Information
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Hair: Hair must be in a bun for all Ballet classes and in a secure ponytail for all other classes
Shoes: For all dance shoes please visit Step In Time in Bellport or purchased through the studio. Specific shoes for each age group have been carefully selected based on support, readiness level and style of dance to provide dancers with proper and safe training. Dance shoes should not be worn outside. Dancers should arrive with their shoes in a dance bag and change into them before class begins.
No jewelry. No baggy clothing. No Sweatshirts.
TINY TOTS/ PRESCHOOL PRIMAS AND PALS:
Girls-Any black or pink leotard, pink tights, any skirt (optional), pink ballet shoes
Boys- Black fitted clothing, black ballet shoes
Mini Primary
Girls- Black or Pink leotard, pink/tan/black tights, skirt (optional), pink ballet shoes, tan tap shoes
Boys- Black fitted clothing, black ballet shoes, black tap shoes
BALLET:
Girls- Black leotard, pink or tan tights, ballet shoes, skirt (optional)
Boys- Black fitted clothing, black ballet shoes
*Pointe students should follow same dress code. Pointe shoes need to be professionally fitted at Step In Time in Bellport
TAP:
Girls- Black leotard or fitted top, black leggings or shorts, tan/black tights (not required), both black and tan lace up tap shoes
Boys- Black shirt, Black athletic shorts or pants, Black lace up tap shoes
LYRICAL:
Girls- Black leotard or fitted top, black leggings or shorts, tan/black tights (not required), both black and tan super jazz shoes
Boys- Black fitted clothing, both black and tan super jazz shoes
MODERN & CONTEMPORARY:
Girls- Black leotard or fitted top, black leggings or shorts, Tights must be convertible (not required), bare feet
Boys- Black fitted clothing, bare feet
HIP HOP
Girls- Black leotard or fitted top, black leggings/shorts/athletic pants, Tights not required, studio elected hip hop sneakers
Boys- Black shirt, Black athletic shorts or pants, studio elected hip hop sneakers
JAZZ:
Girls- Black leotard or fitted top, black leggings or shorts, tan/black tights (not required), both black and tan super jazz shoes
Boys- Black fitted clothing, both black and tan super jazz shoes