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The Corner Dance Studio has been a fixture in Smithtown for 30 years and counting, having originally opened in September of 1989. It is proudly owned and operated by Ann Mercedes, the school’s principal dance instructor, and her husband, Daniel Lynch. About 90 percent of the school’s enrollment are adult students. The school sponsors a recital every June at various venues.
Ann has a tremendous biography, much too lengthy to be repeated here, having started dancing when she was four years old. However, it was at CW Post University where she changed her major from acting to dance. Ann explains it this way, “I overhead students tap dancing and have followed that sound ever since.” Following a series of acting and dance gigs, it was Ann’s love for teaching and a desire for a predictable career path that inspired her to open the Corner Dance Studio.
As for co-owner Daniel, he is “the techie, the handyman and the business guy” who handles the nuts and bolts of running the school, says Ann enthusiastically, describing her husband as her “rock.”
Co-instructor at the Corner Dance Studio is Melanie Bogdanowich, who began dancing at the age of five and trained at the Broadway Dance Center. While Ann primarily specializes in tap, Melanie works with the students on jazz, contemporary and ballet. As “with all great teachers, Melanie continues to train hard in her profession,” says Ann proudly.
The school’s motto per their most recent recital program is “quality education with happiness” and positive reinforcement is strongly encouraged. Per Ann, “anyone has the ability to dance if they have the desire.” Instructors Ann and Melanie “seek to instill a stimulating and creative attitude” with all the students, looking to capture that creative desire.
Dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic was difficult as dance is such a social activity, and the studio is still managing the challenge. Ann pays homage to the “enthusiasm and commitment of her students through the adversity” associated with the pandemic.
While the school is small, Ann loves to boast about how “students have gone on to professional careers in the arts, but equally exciting is just seeing students who love to dance.”
The Corner Dance Studio has an impressive web-site, cornerdancestudio.com, but even more impressive are the dozens of thriving plants that adorn the physical dance area. Ann was quick to point out “many of the plants were gifts from students, some from 30 thirty years ago.” The school is now accepting Spring registration for group classes. Private instruction and gift coupons are also available.
