New York, the Big Apple! An incredible destination for all performers and well known for its’ Broadway Theatres, iconic landmarks and huge electronic billboards. The reputation of New York can leave even the little performers and teachers starstruck!
With our wealth of knowledge on New York, we can give you recommendations on where to stay, based on our previous New York dance school trips, as well as give you suggestions of things you should add to your itinerary. So whether you’re a dancer, enthusiast or principle of a dance school, we have you covered with some great ideas!
1. Times Square
It wouldn’t be a trip to New York without visiting Times Square! Easily accessible by bus or subway, Times Square is a must-see location for all little performers and tourists alike.
Take a look at the incredible billboards and flashing neon lights whilst admiring the free entertainment you’ll find in this iconic tourist destination where you can watch the world go past.
Times Square was one of the top places for us to visit and our dancers loved performing here!
2. Town Hall
Where Broadway meets Times Square! Whilst in Times Square, a trip to the Town Hall on 43rd Street is a must. The Town Hall is a beautiful, historic and iconic landmark which hosts a variety of exciting shows, festivals and comedy nights whilst seating 1,500 people.
The Town Hall has been home to countless iconic acts and performers, including Ray LaMontagne, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Patti Smith, Joan Baez and Stephen Colbert, just to name a few. Whitney Houston also made her debut performance here at just 14 years old and the acoustics are known as some of the best on Broadway!
Should you choose to attend one of our international dance trips, you will be lucky enough to perform at this amazing venue for your New York Showcase! Our next show, Smile New York, allows performers of all ages and abilities to take the stage and perform to a live audience, where Broadway meets Time Qquare!! After returning to the UK from our trip to New York, this was definitely the main topic of conversation for proud parents and the talented performers alike!
It’s an unforgettable opportunity for parents to come along and watch their child on the big stage on Show Day. Performers will arrive at the Town Hall in the morning, allowing the parents to do their own thing and explore New York City before returning to the Town Hall in the late afternoon ahead of the exciting show.
3. Broadway Theatres
Home to the world’s most famous entertainment theatres, Broadway is a must for all little performers to be inspired by the incredible talent. Broadway Theatres are an astounding place to showcase your school.
Who knows, the little ones might even get a chance to meet their beloved Broadway stars!
4. The Hustle and Bustle of New York City
Widely referred to as the city that never sleeps, the hustle and bustle of New York is enough to make a jam-packed itinerary for your trip away.
New York has hundreds of attractions you’ll have on your list to tick off before going home, which means a lot of walking! With plenty of sightseeing and walking, it’s recommended to use a Hop-On, Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour which takes you across Manhattan, Uptown and Downtown whilst you can discover the great landmarks of the Statue Of Liberty, Empire State Building and Times Square. With live commentary and over 25 stops, the sightseeing bus will allow your little performers to experience the hustle and bustle that New York City offers in the most relaxing and scenic way.
5. Ellen’s Stardust Diner
The 1950’s themed American diner is open between 7am and midnight, so it’s a top favourite for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Ellen’s Stardust Diner gives a real taste and experience of America and is home to the singing waiting staff.
A trip to Ellen’s Diner is a must for a pre-Broadway meal. Most of the waiting staff are Broadway actors that break into song when you least expect it. This is a great one for the kids, who can get involved by requesting songs to be sung by the waiting staff.
6. Explore Central Park
Central Park is a free-to-attend local destination with plenty of exciting events throughout the year. On a sunny day, it’s the perfect place to take the dance school pupils for a picnic or a ride on a gondola. Not to mention the Central Park Zoo, where you can find grizzly bears, penguins, sea lions and plenty more exciting animals.
Some top tours of Central Park include walking tours, the horse and carriage rides and bicycle tours, where you can hire out to cycle around Central Park.
7. Visit Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park
Whilst this isn’t strictly related to dance or performing, Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park is located in Coney Island and is a great way of letting off some steam after performing. The amusement park has plenty of adult, children and family rides for both teachers and little performers to enjoy.
They’re open for group bookings and a discount is available for groups of over 25 people, making it the perfect excuse to visit with your dance school!
8. American Museum of Natural History
The largest natural history museum in the world, the American Museum of Natural History is a great educational stop-off during your time in New York. It’s home to the world’s most fascinating scientific and cultural history and is renowned for its’ impressive exhibitions.
9. Staten Island
Staten Island is where you’ll find lots of wildlife, botanical gardens and pretty parks and beaches.
A part of Staten Island is Staten Island Zoo, which is a suburban zoo open throughout all months. Staten Island can be easily accessed via bus or ferry.
An exhibition that takes place in Staten Island is ArtSpace, which exhibits different styles of art, including that of local artists, performers, musicians, poets and writers.
10. Take Part in a Broadway dance class
Found in Broadway, Steps NYC offers dance classes and workshops for all ages up to 18 to train the dancers of tomorrow. Broadway dance centre also has classes and workshops for dancers to enjoy. This can be the perfect way of experiencing Broadway in a class that’s suitable for all ages, styles and levels.
Get your jazz hands ready and start spreading the news!
Have you always wanted to dance in New York? Smile Productions are yet again returning to New York in 2020 for our New York Showcase! With talented young dancers who are lucky enough to make it there! We’ll make it anywhere! Yes, that’s right! Smile Productions are taking selected lucky young dancers to perform in New York City!
It’s time to take your skills to the Big Apple! If you’ve always dreamt of taking your dance school on an international dance holiday, Smile Productions can help you embark on an adventure with our New York Dance School Trips to attend our Smile New York Showcase.
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