This is How Coupé Theatre Studio Sets Students Up for Success

Coupé Theatre Studio, located at 430 Market St. in Nanuet, strives to fulfill every parent’s dream of watching their child succeed at something they love, while also building confidence, integrity and important life tools. Founded in 1970, Diane Coupé  Frankel started by teaching one student in her basement; the studio has since grown to encompass seven working studios with classes that are carefully monitored for size, compatibility of students, and quality of teaching. 

Coupé’s instructional approach combines the importance of learning basic fundamentals while providing a well-rounded education in all types of dance and theater, including ballet, jazz, modern jazz, lyrical, tap, musical theater, acro dance, acting, vocal technique, hip-hop, modern dance, and creative movement. The studio’s philosophy is that all students deserve the highest quality of instruction and individualized attention, and that every single student is special. Its goal is to give each and every student that comes into the studio the tools to be the best dancer, actor, and singer they can be—and to provide outstanding training at affordable prices.

 

 

 

 

 

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“Coupé is an amazing place for students to experience dance classes and performing opportunities in the best environment possible. The teachers adore their students and the students feel the same,” says Kristin Ogozaly, mom of 9-year-old Miarra who has been attending Coupé for 6 years. Her daughter’s “time training at Coupé’ has had an enormous positive impact physically, socially, emotionally, and mentally. Because the teachers and staff love what they do, it really fosters a nurturing environment for kids to learn the dance style they are interested in with teachers who are stellar. Miarra feels comfortable to be herself and is challenged to learn and grow daily in every class and she loves that,” she says. 

Coupé Theatre Studio Creates a Foundation for Success  

Coupé’s philosophy is carried out in every class it offers to students of all abilities and ages from 3-93! Training is provided by more than 25 expert teachers who guide all levels of recreational dance from beginner classes to professional performers in individual workshops.The studio also offers a unique program called Rhythm Works Integrative Dance, for students ages 7-14. This class is perfect for recreational beginners and offers an ideal environment for students with physical or developmental learning differences. Coupé Theatre Studio always ensures that every student feels special, valued, and appreciated.

“Overall, Eva’s experience has been amazing. Training at Coupé, Eva has learned that one must work hard to achieve their dreams. She shows her commitment to her craft both in class and at home, by preparing her materials and needed clothing and shoes for classes before school every morning, taking care to be responsible for her preparation, consistency, and practice,” says Annie Williams, a local mom whose daughter Eva, 10, has been dancing at Coupe since she was 3 years old.

Coupé strives to help its students learn self-discipline and dedication as well as love for dance and theater. Teachers want students to experience the joy of accomplishing something difficult, achieved by hard work and determination. Most importantly, they hope students learn the values of integrity, fairness, and a lifelong appreciation of the arts. 

“[Eva] understands that she will need to advocate for herself if she wants to excel in her passions. She has to prepare herself physically, emotionally, mentally to be disciplined, strong, and resilient,” Williams adds. “She isn’t always going to get the big role, the solo part, or the spotlight, but she is shooting for the moon every time she tries. I think these are important life skills.”

How Coupé Encourages Community Involvement

Coupé Theatre Studio offers discounted tickets for the community to see its performances. It also offers free sample classes as well as sponsorships for deserving students. Coupé has a nonprofit dance company called The Rockland Youth Dance Ensemble, providing a forum for students to get involved with their community. RYDE students have the opportunity to perform in nursing homes, as well as dancing at street fairs and tree lighting ceremonies. 

When asked how the studio would measure its accomplishments, Associate Artistic Director Alison Lister says, Coupé’s “successes can be seen on each child's face as they leave their class. On the faces of the senior students at their last performance before going to college. On the progress we see at the end of each class and on the number of students that have gone on to be professional performers working all over the world in their chosen career.” The studio’s unwavering dedication and commitment to its mission makes it easy to recognize why Coupé has become the area’s pre-eminent school for producing well-rounded dancers and performers. 

“I would want parents to know that the recitals, rehearsals, costumes, time in the car, and occasional lost shoes, water bottles, etc., might drive us all a bit ‘crazy’ at times, but stick with it,” Williams adds. “When you see your dancer on that stage, looking like they truly belong there, the proud tears will flow…it will ALL be worth it!”

For more information, visit coupedance.com, or follow Coupé Theatre Studio on Facebook or Instagram.