Kindergartners across East Meadow are once again taking part in a unique four‑week dance program, bringing the fundamentals of rhythm and movement directly into their classrooms. The program has been run for the last six years by Gina Spano-Petitto, who grew up in the community. She co-owns JAM Dance and Fitness Center in nearby Bellmore with Michele Cuccaro.
“I made up the curriculum for the dance program so that kindergarteners, both boys and girls, whether they have attended a dance class or not, can have fun and learn the basics of dance,” Spano-Petitto said.
The program teaches students how to count music and how to add steps to music. It also teaches the basics of dance including balancing, stretching and correct terminology. But at the end of the day, it emphasizes making sure that all students have fun. Every class in each East Meadow elementary school takes part in the program.
Classes follow a structured yet flexible format, allowing students to build their skills over time. Each session includes warm-ups and an introduction that refreshes new or previously learned skills. By the end of each class, students follow their instructors in a routine that incorporates everything that have learned that day.
“It’s really amazing how much they learn,” Petitto said. “By the last week, we don’t have to do it with them. They know what to do. They hold their arms out, they do their kicks, they’re literally doing everything we’re doing.”
The program is designed to provide more than just dance skills. It teaches young children discipline, coordination, and the ability to follow instructions — valuable skills that extend beyond the dance floor.
“We’re really trying to incorporate other things, and it’s nice for the kids to come out of their classroom in the middle of the day and see us and have fun,” Spano-Petitto said.
Spano-Petitto said she’s cherished the opportunity to bring dance to all students, regardless of whether they have previous experience of interest in the art form.
“I’m proud of East Meadow for doing this program and incorporating dance into kids’ lives at such a young age,” she said. “There could be kids that never were able to take a dance class or didn’t think they wanted to. I think it’s an important program, and I really love that East Meadow does it.”
Last year, Spano-Petitto brought on the assistance of Laura Sculco DiBernado to help run the program after it saw widespread success. Sculco DiBernado owns Impressions Dance Studio in Levittown. One of her instructors, Emily Schiller, is helping lead a few classes during this year’s program.
Spano-Petitto and Sculco DiBernado grew up together in East Meadow, attended the same dance studio, the Westbury Academy of dance, and were trained by Camile Sanfillipo. They both went on to attend Holy Trinity Diocesan High School in Hicksville where they trained under Cathi Murphy. Years later, they both own dance studio with award-winning competition teams where they both continue to teach and choreograph routines.
“Dancers always remain friends,” Spano-Petitto reflected. “We all teach our students this. We both own studios in different towns and here we are together, teaching in our hometown.”
For Spano-Petitto, running the program with a longtime friend and seeing it grow has been tremendous. “I’m so happy Laura decided to help teach again this year,” she said. “Watching my program being taught and come to life has been incredible.”
To learn more about Petitto’s studio in Bellmore, visit JAMDanceAndFitness.com, and to learn more about DiBernardo’s studio in Levittown visit ImpressionsDanceStudion.com.
