Welcome to the Stage Door School of Dance  located in East Patchogue, New York.  We are so happy you found us! Stop by and visit to see our beautiful state-of-the-art dance studios, in the Swan Commons Shopping Center.

We have THREE beautiful LARGE dance rooms, unlimited parking, and oversized waiting areas with THREE 40" flatscreen TV monitors for viewing ALL classes. The dance floors are specially-designed and sprung for protection from injury. 

We have some of the most amazing dance teachers on Long Island. Check out their incredible credentials by scrolling down!

Our studio owner, Mary Giattino-Styles, has danced on Broadway, with the Radio City Rockettes, Choreographed at the Gateway Playhouse, in addition to dancing across the country for several US Presidents, celebrities, and dance legends.

IN STUDIO REGISTRATION & STUDIO TOURS AVAILABLE ARE NOW!!! 

• Monday-Friday 4-10pm
• Wednesday AM: 10:45am-2pm
• Saturday: 9am-3pm

Mary Giattino-Styles

STUDIO OWNER & TEACHER

Mary is a proud Stage Door Graduate! Mary's parents, James and Diane Giattino, opened SDSD 39 years ago. Mary and her husband Rick are honored to carry on the family tradition everyday!  Prior to owning SDSD, Mary has worked on the BROADWAY National Tour of Billy Elliot, as the Associate Choreographer, Resident Choreographer and Swing.  She is known in NYC as a tap expert and was hired to work on Billy Elliot when it opened on BROADWAY as the tap teacher, to all of the "Billy's" and "Michael's". Mary has performed and assisted Tony Award nominee choreographer Randy Skinner, on BROADWAY, in White Christmas, No No Nanette and Of Thee I Sing. She has also kicked her legs with the famous Radio City Rockettes and toured the United States with the BROADWAY National Tour of 42nd Street. Mary has choreographed Irving Berlin's White Christmas, 42nd Street and Thoroughly Modern Millie, at the Gateway Playhouse, in addition to performing in over 20 productions there. Mary has performed for and had the pleasure to meet two Presidents, numerous Senators and many celebrities.  She is a very sought after Dance Teacher & Choreographer who travels across the country to Universities and Studios spreading her passion for teaching and dance. Mary specializes in Musical Theater Tap and Jazz.

Jessica Heins

DANCE TEACHER & COMPANY MANAGER

Is a proud alumnus and scholarship recipient from Stage Door! During high school, Jessica was invited to study ballet under Maggie Black and performed in Paris, France. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance Performance with a K-12 teaching certification at the acclaimed Towson University. There, she was selected for the Towson University Dance Company, chosen to perform in the American College Dance Festival and studied/performed repertoire from the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Dana Tai Soon Burgess, Amy Marshall Dance Company, and Ballet Theatre of Maryland. Jessica has worked for Universal Dance Association as a dance instructor and competition judge throughout the US. Jessica specializes in Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, and early childhood classes. She regularly attends classes at Broadway Dance Center and is currently working under the direction of Nancy Duncan for the restaging of a Bebe Miller modern piece entitled "Guardian Angels."

Stephanie Vertichio

 DANCE TEACHER

Stephanie is another proud alumnus and scholarship recipient from Stage Door! She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance and Choreography and a Minor in Communication from SUNY College at Brockport.  Stephanie has performed at the Gateway Playhouse in the ensemble of Singin' In The Rain, Beauty and the Beast, A Century of Christmas, to name a few. Stephanie has been a dance teacher at Stage Door School of Dance for the past 7 years. Stephanie is also the Choreographer at Bellport High School, where she has choreographed many Musicals and Variety Show Performances. Stephanie's Choreography has been seen in many of the Gateway Playhouse Children's Theater Productions. She is also a Dancing Classrooms Teaching Artist at Frank P. Long Intermediate School and Our Lady of Lourdes School.  All of these experiences have benefited her as an instructor as well as a performer. 

Nuala DeGeorge

DANCE TEACHER

Nuala DeGeorge-Potts' dance career of 20+ years encompasses a wide variety of techniques including Modern, Tap and Hip-Hop as well as competitive Latin Ballroom. In addition to performing, Nuala has established herself as a teacher, director, judge and choreographer. Her choreography has been recognized by The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, NOW (National Organization for Woman) and amFar (AIDS Research) as well as regional and national Dance Competitions. Nuala holds a B.A. in Theater-Dance from C.U.N.Y. Queens College. This proximity to New York City during college allowed her to regularly perform and work with artists from major companies such as Martha Graham Dance Company, American Tap Dance Foundation, Limon Dance Company, Dance Theatre Etcetera, Manhattan Tap and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.  Nuala currently teaches at universities, private schools and dance conventions throughout the United States, Canada and Europe.

Stephanie Pitocco

DANCE TEACHER

Stephanie Pitocco has been trained in jazz, tap, ballet, pointe, and hip hop since the age of 2. She has previously coached the Sachem East Varsity Arrowettes to a grand national title, along with many other awards, such as an innovative choreography award, from 2004-2008.  In 2008, Stephanie had the opportunity to train and perform with the national hip hop company Hip Hop Connxion Chicago, focusing on empowering youth through dance and movement.  Her work with Hip Hop Connxion Chicago exposed her to some of the top hip hop artists in the midwest.  Currently, Ms. Stephanie also choreographs national hip hop routines for many high schools on Long Island.

Felicia Cruz

DANCE TEACHER

Felicia Cruz has been trained in Hip Hop, Jazz, Tap, Ballet and Lyrical since the age of 2 1/2. Graduated St. John the Baptist DHS with honors and was on the Danceworks Company in high school. She has her Bachleors in Business Management and a Minor in Dance from Stony Brook University. Felicia has choreographed "The Table Where We Met" for Ironworks Company and a student piece in "Over the Edge".  Felicia's choreography is recognized and rewarded in many competitions regionally.

Chrissy Klinger

Dance Teacher

Christina La Perla Klinger has been studying dance since age two at various dance studios on Long Island, winning various national titles. Christina is a recognized Distinctive Dancer by the Royal Academy of Ballet and went on to become a soloist with the Harbor Ballet Theatre. Christina continued studying dance at the University of Tampa and Broadway Dance Center in New York City. She has been teaching dance across Long Island for the past eleven years, winning awards and recognition for her choreography. Christina has also judged at various competitions and worked alongside the Director of the United States Tournament of Dance. Her greatest accomplishments are her two sons, Logan and Connor.

Jo-Ann Hertzman

Dance Teacher

Jo-Ann received a B.F.A. in Dance and a B.A. in English from Adelphi University. Her ballet training also included studies at the American Ballet Theatre School and the Ballet Arts School. As an Adjunct Professor, she has taught on the ballet faculty of Adelphi University, Nassau Community College and at the Usdan Center for the Creative and Performing Arts. Since 2005 she has been on the faculty of the Huntington YMCA Ballet Academy where she teaches Ballet, Pointe and Modern. She also teaches master classes for advanced students and coaching for conservatory and college auditions.  Her students have received scholarships to the finest professional studios in New York City and major universities and are now dancing in professional companies. Besides teaching technique, she also choreographs, coordinates faculty and guest artists, develops and implements curriculum and plans and presents community outreach lecture demonstrations.

Parent & Me (18-29 months old)

This 45 minute class is structured to begin teaching the young dancers some of the basic dance steps as well as promoting socializing among young dancers and mommies alike.   A great way to get your eager mover in the classroom and learning the basics of musicality, following direction, color recognition, coordination, imagination all while interacting with their beloved Mommy, Daddy, Grandparent, or Guardian.  A great first step before beginning our Broadway Babies program, which begins at 30 months old and practices separation.

DRESS CODE for both parent and dancer- Comfortable clothing for both parents and dancers.  Proper dance clothes is optional for young dancers.

Broadway Babies (2 1/2 +)

 This is the perfect class for your 2 year old who is currently dancing to music at home!  This program is an introduction to dance in a fun and encouraging environment.  Broadway Babies is structured as a 45 minute class that promotes separation from parents, listening skills, musicality, following direction, counting, color recognition, coordination, social interaction, imagination and the basic introductory fundamentals of Ballet. 

DRESS CODE – Girls are required to wear pink ballet slippers, pink tights, and a black leotard.  Hair should be in a bun and a dance skirt is optional. Boys are required to wear a white T-Shirt, comfortable black shorts or pants and black ballet slippers.

Twinkle Tots (3+)

 This class is an Introduction to Ballet for your 3 year old.  Twinkle Tots is structured as a 1 hour class teaching you child the fundamentals of Ballet Basics; Ballet Barre Exercises, center work focusing on balance, grace, poise, coordination and musicality.  This is a great way to socialize your child while teaching them the discipline of class etiquette and fun.  

DRESS CODE – Girls are required to wear pink ballet slippers, pink tights, and a black leotard.  Hair should be in a bun and a dance skirt is optional. Boys are required to wear a white T-Shirt, comfortable black shorts or pants and black ballet slippers.

Shining Stars (4+)

 This class is an inspiring combination of Tap and Ballet for your 4 year old.  Shining Stars is a 1 hour class that will prepare your child for the full hour single discipline class that they will take when they are 5 years old.  In this class your child will spend 30 minutes on ballet technique and 30 minutes on Tap technique.  In the ballet portion of the class your child will learn the 5 ballet positions, ballet barre exercises, center work focusing on balance and grace and across the floor work while gaining poise confidence and coordination.  The tap portion of the class will focus on tap terminology, rhythm and musicality.  This is a great class for children who want a taste of both classical and beneficial disciplines of dance! 

DRESS CODE – Girls are required to wear pink ballet slippers, flat tan tap shoes, pink tights, and a black leotard.  Hair should be in a bun and a dance skirt is optional. Boys are required to wear a white T-Shirt, comfortable black shorts or pants, tan tap shoes and black ballet slippers.

Combo Jam (5+)

 This is a great class for your 5 year old who has never taken dance before.  This unique class offers new dancers the opportunity to try all three classic dance disciplines; ballet, tap and jazz.  Combo Jam is structured dedicating 30 minutes for ballet, 30 minutes for jazz and 30 minutes for tap.  Students will learn the basic fundamentals in all three disciplines, concentrating on technique, terminology, and classroom etiquette. 

DRESS CODE – Girls are required to wear pink ballet slippers, flat tan tap shoes, tan jazz shoes, pink tights, and a black leotard.  Hair should be in a bun and a dance skirt is optional. Boys are required to wear a white T-Shirt, comfortable black shorts or pants, tan tap shoes, tan jazz shoes and black ballet slippers.

Ballet

 Ballet is a classical style of graceful and narrative dance.  The study of ballet is essential for all students wishing to advance their dance ability as it’s technique is at the root of several different dance forms. 

DRESS CODE - Girls enrolled in this class are required to wear pink ballet shoes, pink tights and a black leotard.  Ballet skirts are optional.  The hair must also be up off their necks at all times.  Boys must wear a white shirt, tight fitting black bottoms and black ballet shoes.

Tap

 Tap classes are designed to teach our students rhythm and coordination.  Tap is a dance in which the rhythm is audible tapped out but the heel or toes of the dancer wearing the specialized shoes. 

DRESS CODE – Girls are required to wear flat tan tap shoes, tan tights, and a black body suit.  Hair should be pulled away from the face. Boys are required to wear a black T-Shirt, comfortable black shorts or pants and black tap shoes.

Jazz

 Jazz classes are based on a combination of Broadway and Modern Jazz.  The classes are structured to build strength and develop flexibility, coordination and rhythm.  Dance combinations can consist of musical theatre, contemporary and progressive choreography.  The serious jazz student should also enroll in a ballet class.

DRESS CODE – Girls are required to wear tan jazz shoes, tan tights, and a black body suit.  Black dance shorts or pants are optional. Hair should be pulled away from the face. Boys are required to wear a black T-Shirt, comfortable black shorts or pants and black jazz shoes.

Hip Hop

 Hip Hop dance refers to street dance styles primarily performed to hip hop or urban styles of music.  The class includes a more cardio based warm up with strength training and progressing into a combination of Jazz-Funk and street style of dance.  Dancer’s will focus on coordination, strength and rhythmic skills along with all the fun and energy associated with the up tempo music.

DRESS CODE – Girls are required to wear a black body suit, tan tights, and hip hop shoes determined by the teacher.  Black dance shorts or pants are optional. Hair should be pulled away from the face. Boys are required to wear a black T-Shirt, comfortable black shorts or pants and hip hop shoes, determined by the teacher.

Lyrical

 Lyrical is a fusion of Ballet and Jazz that focuses on performing to the lyrics of a chosen song.  The class will emphasize ballet technique along with jazz rhythms and styles. The serious student should also enroll in a ballet class.

DRESS CODE – Girls are required to wear a black body suit, tan tights, and lyrical shoes determined by the teacher.  Black dance shorts or pants are optional. Hair should be pulled away from the face. Boys are required to wear a black T-Shirt, comfortable black shorts or pants and lyrical shoes, determined by the teacher.

Modern

 Modern dance emerged in the early 20th century as a rebellion against classical ballet.  Modern dance focuses more on the feeling and look of a movement unlike ballet which is created to be aesthetically pleasing.  Our class focuses on balance, strength and flexibility through the modern movements as well as introducing some of the more mature aspects of the style like partnering and dancing without music.

DRESS CODE – Girls are required to wear a black body suit, tan tights, and lyrical shoes determined by the teacher.  Black dance shorts or pants are optional. Hair should be pulled away from the face. Boys are required to wear a black T-Shirt, comfortable black shorts or pants and lyrical shoes, determined by the teacher.

Acro

Acro is a fun & challenging genre for dancers as it focuses on flexibility, upper body strength, cardio and core. Acro for dancers will be focusing on the basic fundamentals such as forward & backward rolls, cartwheels & round-off's, headstands & handstands, bridges & backbends, front & back walk over's, aerials and back handsprings and so much more! Your dancer will start with the basics and each dancer will be progressing on their own time.  We are excited to begin incorporating their Acro Skills into their Dance Classes!

Check out this studio calendar for all the important dates you need here at Stage Door!