Josie’s International School of Dance, Pleasantville
When you think of dance schools, children’s ballet, tap or hip-hop classes usually come to mind. But at Josie’s International School of Dance, there’s a lot more movement to discover.
Originally established in Ossining in 2004, artistic director and founder Josie LaRiccia is excited to come to Pleasantville, where she recently relocated, and hopes to add to the village’s lively cultural arts scene.
“We’re delighted to be in this new community,” LaRiccia said. “Our instructors are enthusiastic to share their knowledge and passion of their dance experiences with everyone.”
A Boston University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and an avocational degree in archaeology from Norwalk Community College, LaRiccia pursued her passion for dance after college.
Combining her ballet studies with an interest in ethnic dance and percussion, LaRiccia studied flamenco and escuela bolera, a balletic Spanish folk dance, also known for using castanets. She then performed for 10 years in the tristate area.
Her interest in world dance grew to include Argentine tango, belly dancing, salsa, bachata, cumbia and merengue and Hawaiian hula, all of which she offers at the studio.
LaRiccia’s talented and dedicated staff of eight teachers, who have been with her for over 14 years, share their extensive knowledge of the dances as well as the stories behind them, she said.
They include Nahara, who teaches the belly dancing class; Eddie Q, the salsa instructor; Rebeca Tomas, a flamenco instructor; Juan Manuel Alessandrini and Laxmi Parida, both Argentine tango teachers; Kiana Davalos, who leads the hip-hop class; Maria Lavandier, who teaches bachata, cumbia and merengue, and Bina Bora, an instructor in the Hawaiian hula.
“Dance is more than just learning steps, said LaRiccia, who teaches castanets. “It’s learning about the culture, the music, the props, the instruments, the costuming and the technique, which is what clearly defines the culture and brings out the flavor of each dance.”
LaRiccia explained that belly dancers learn choreographies with the cane and veil and also take a Middle Eastern drum or Zil workshop. Flamenco students learn to play the castanets or take a Cajon workshop, which accompanies dancers at live performances.
Students can continue to learn beyond the classroom, accompanying their instructors to professional dance shows, participating in social dances or being on stage themselves and performing at local establishments.
With a growing number of adults and teenagers from throughout Westchester, Rockland and Putnam counties attending the school, LaRiccia said she is happy to introduce all of them to the colorful new world of dance. A children’s program is also being developed.
A Dec. 3 holiday party is being planned by LaRiccia at her studio, which will serve as a showcase of what the school offers.
Josie’s International School of Dance is located at 42 Memorial Plaza, Lower Level B, in Pleasantville. For a full schedule of classes, call 914-332-8670 or visit www.josiedance.com.
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