Our Golden Jubilee Celebration was a tremendous success, bringing together
generations of dancers, families, teachers, alumni, and friends to celebrate
50 remarkable years of Berest Dance Center. For so many, Berest has been far
more than a place to dance.
In honor of this milestone, members of the Berest family shared memories, congratulations, and reflections on what the studio has meant to them.
“Best wishes as you celebrate your 50th anniversary! I have great memories of all of the wonderful recitals my sons performed in. Thank you to Olga and her amazing and talented teachers.”
— Cathy Hill
“Cheers to 50 years of Berest Dance Center! From ballet to tap and lyrical jazz, joining as an adult dancer eight years ago brought so much joy to my life. 💗🧑🏻🩰”
— Adrianne O.
“How blessed both my girls were to be at Berest. I'm so thankful for all these years including during mommy and me when Ms Olga made me dance with scarves in front of everyone in class! These years at the studio have been the most nurturing and lovely time. Cheers to another 50, Berest.”
— Kathryn
“So thrilled to honor an exceptional woman and her wonderful family and staff for 50 years of making a difference in the lives of the young people of Port Washington.”
— Ann Axelrod
“Congratulations on your 50th Anniversary! I admire your dedication and passion for dance. You have truly established a one-of-a-kind, world-class dance school! My dancing journey in Osaka, Tokyo, Paris, Singapore, and New York......Berest Dance School sincerely makes us truely appreciate why we dance.”
— Rei Saito
“Thank you for being Taylor’s home away from home, and providing the gift of dance to so many students. We celebrate your commitment to the arts over the last 5 decades. Congratulations on the 50th Anniversary of Berest Dance Center. We are so happy to be a part of the Berest family!”
— Jill and Mark Eisenberg
“Many people will say they grew up at home and/or school, I grew up at Berest. Dancing there every week (and for the last few years, every day of every week!) was one of the best parts of my childhood. No where else was I challenged so rewardingly while also given the freedom to be so creative and joyful :) And as proud as I was of my switch leaps and side straddles (thank you Floryn), when I think back on my time at Berest, the thing that sticks out the most is how it was one of the places I felt most like myself. <3
One of my favorite memories is assistant teaching Karen's middle school hip hop class. We always had so much fun and sharing my love for dance with the younger girls was so so special. Dance has always been a part of me and it always will be, and that's thanks to Berest. I'm even still dancing to this day!
Just a few months ago my choreographer referred to me as a ‘firecracker’, it made me tear up a bit because I earned that very same nickname at Berest. Knowing that spark has stayed with me all these years is really the best gift dance has given me. Much love to Olga, Heather, Karen, Sharon, Jess, Floryn, Lance and everyone in the Berest family <3”
— Aleah Tishler
“Dear Olga What an accomplishment - 50 years ! I remember when u started out with a dream for the finest dance studio - with a selection of programs for Adults, Pre K, ballet, creative movement etc. ( to name a few.)
You inspired so many students to continue their dance education and love of dance. You have nurtured so many women and male dancers - so fortunate to have YOU as their Mentor!!
CONGRATULATIONS and to another 50 years!!!! 🎈🎈🎉! Much Love Marion and John”
— Marion and John Endrizzi
“Dear Olga and All at the Dance Berest Center, Mariel has developed over all these years from being able to be apart of your Dance Center. It has given her so many gifts such as growing into a beautiful dancer. It also showed her how to become her full potential person with strength to get through life’s challenges. It gave her the courage to know she can do anything if she keeps putting one step in front of the other.
I am so grateful that she had this special place to go to where she felt was her place to call home. The love and learning she received is remarkable! Seeing my daughter so happy performing on stage has brought so much joy to my heart. She takes after my grandmother who is guiding us through it all.💜”
— Tara Caporaso
“wonderful to be a part of the unique program & philosophy at your studio. I’ve seen a LOT over the decades, and you definitely stand out! Thank you Olga, Heather, faculty, and staff for the thoughtfulness, work & dedication involved in making a great experience & memory for all. 💐”
— Jennifer Heinlein
“Your gift of dance to me has been something that I've carried throughout my life with joy. It has brought me confidence and helped me in all aspects of life and I am forever grateful. I have such fond memories of your family and your studio and I am honored to share this special milestone with you, Olga.”
— Dave Franklin
“Looking forward to celebrating the incredible Berest family! I don't know where I'd be without this community!”
— auren
“Congratulations on your success! You have made a difference in people's lives.”
— Dave Franklin
“Your Hanna and you and our late night dates during the pandemic will always be remembered, Thankyou for helping to sustain Dance for Joy in providing dance to our Outreach families- now in its 7th year!
Congratulations and happy 50th anniversary to Olga and all of the faculty and students at Berest Dance Center! We’re so grateful for all you have done for our family and for the community!”
— The Keiserman Family
Honoring:
Pre Cocktail Party & Reunion
3:00-5:00 PM
A Golden Jubilee Gala
6:00–8:00 PM
For five decades, Berest has been the heartbeat of dance. As we celebrate this golden anniversary, not just as a studio, but as a Legacy that gives back. Dance for Joy, Outreach ensures that the artistry, discipline, and joy of dance continue for the next generation.
A Studio:
For 50 years, our floors have carried the rhythm, discipline, and joy
of thousands of dancers.
A Family:
We are more than teachers and students—we are a home.
Generations return to the Berest nest, taking adult classes themselves
and enrolling their children in the very school where they once grew.
A Legacy:
We open our doors to those who might not otherwise have the chance to
dance. Dance for Joy,Outreach ensures that every child who
dreams of dancing has a place on our floor.
A night of tribute and performance honoring our 50-year history, the Gala will celebrate Olga for her vision, leadership, and her inpact on the community she has nurtured. She will recognize the teachers,alumni and community organizations who have shaped the studio's legacy.
The evening wil be hosted by Warren Schein-beloved in Port Washington for his talent as a comedian and singer, and his contribution to the arts.. He is a long time friend of Olga.
Professional alumni will take the stage, culminating in an audience 50th-year bow kick line finale uniting teachers and alumni from five decades in shared gratitude and joy.
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00
Location: Jeanne Rimsky Theatre
Dress Code: Dressy chic
Time: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location: Tuscanini
As we look back on 50 years of Berest Dance Center, we couldn't imagine this celebration without you. You continue the Legacy of the Berest Dance Center.
Teachers who were the heartbeat of our school in its Fledgling Years.
Karen Ferby Guy
Linda Zoffer
Professional Alumni Span the Decades:
1987 Heather Berest
1987 Patricia Kenny Reilly
1998 Floryn Glass Stock
These women have retired from their stage career to embrace the next season of their life.
Heather and Orion in "Spring Rounds"
Patricia Kenny Reilly with Gabriel Croom
Floryn Glass Stock as "Belle" in Beauty and the Beast
Photo credits Loiis Greenfield
Courtesy of Westchester Boadway Theatre
These dance professionals are performing at the Anniversary Gala:
2010 Darcy McLoughlin
2013 Mikala McKee
2014 Maggie Golder
2017 Julie Patilis
2018 Elena Sundick
2011 Ioanna Ioannides
Featuring:
Alison Cook Beatty Dance as Guest Company
loanna is a company member
Pictured left to right: Elena Sundick, Darcy McLoughlin, Maggie Golder, Mikalya McKee, Christina Aiello, Julia Patilis
(photo credits Courtesy of: RNeville, Kelied Dance Co, HBerstein, WPendleton, LNutter)
Click Here to Buy Tickets
Jubilee Theatre Gala
Gala + Pre-Cocktail Reunion
Click Here for Sponsorship
Consider
a Sponsorship
to support our "Dance for Joy" Outreach Program. Sponsorship
includes complementary Gala and Cocktail Party tickets. There are
many tiers of sponsorship.
"Lifeline" Facundo Ferreyra and Ioanna Ioannides.
Alison Cook Beatty Dance guest company
(photo credit Russ Haydn courtesy of ACB Dance)