Business & Tech

Meet The Owner: Paramount Dance Academy

A Q&A session with the owner of newly opened dance studio in Holtsville.

The Paramount Dance Academy on Waverly Avenue in Holtsville has just opened for business with a grand opening celebration slated for next week. Paramount is owned and operated by Sachem alum David Maczkiewicz, who graduated from North in 2007. 

Sachem Patch had an online chat with Maczkiewicz as he sat down for one our Meet the Owner Q&A sessions. Here's how it went: 

Sachem Patch: Why did you choose to open up a studio in Holtsville?
David Maczkiewicz: I chose to open a studio in Holtsville because I wanted to stay in the Sachem community and be able to educate future Sachem students in their dance abilities.  It is the only dance studio in the town of Holtsville, so I figured it would be a good area for growth!

SP: Are you a former or current member of the Sachem community?
DM:  I have lived in the Sachem community for my whole life growing up through Gatelot, Cayuga, Sagamore, Sachem South and Sachem North High School (class of 2007).  I currently still reside in Lake Ronkonkoma.  

SP: What is your dance background or your background in dancing schools?
DM: I have been dancing, coaching and training for the past 20 years.  I began my training at a local dance studio, once I hit high school, I tried out for the Arowettes program at Sachem South.  

I spent 9th grade on the JV Team and became the first male "Arrowette".  From 10th-12th grade I danced for the Varsity Arrowettes at Sachem North competing locally and nationally, graduating in 2007.  

I attended college at Hofstra University and auditioned for their nationally ranked dance team in May of 2007 as a senior in high school.  I went on to dance for the Hofstra Team from 2007-2011 and was a captain in my senior year. 

While at Hofstra, I danced for major recording artist, Usher at the 2009 NFL Kickoff Concert.  I also danced for a promotion with T-Mobile in NYC.  I have been featured on ESPN during the airing of the UDA College National Championships as both a dancer and a coach.  

In 2009, I became the Assistant Coach of the 2x National Champions, Sachem North Varsity Arrowettes and in 2011, I became the Assistant Coach of the 3x National Champions, Hofstra University Dance Team.  I currently still coach both of these teams.  

I have choreographed for teams of all levels in the Northeast region and have judged numerous competitions.  I have taught locally at dance studios on Long Island as well.
 
SP: Why do you think it's important to have dance schools/studios in a community?
DM:  I think it's important to have dance schools in the community because it helps bring kids together.  The kids you dance with are the ones you grow up with and they become your second family.  Dance is a good way to have children involved in outside activities and can very well be something they can continue on in their life.

SP: How many employees does the studio have?
DM: Our teachers are all college graduates with extensive training and teaching backgrounds.  Some of our teachers are also Sachem alumni and have danced for the Arrowettes program.   

SP: How many students can you handle at this point?
DM:  Our newly renovated studio has a large classroom and a waiting room with 2 windows so parents can observe their childs classes.  

SP: Are you having a grand opening? When? Where?
DM:  We are having a grand opening on Monday August 26th at 7 p.m. at Paramount Dance Academy.  The address is 1100-09 Waverly Avenue in Holtsville.  We will be having a ribbon cutting to open our doors for an open house and refreshments will be served.  

SP: Any special message about your studio for those moms and dads shopping around for the right fit for their child?
DM: Paramount Dance Academy provides the greatest dance education at the most affordable pricing for ages 18 months through adults.  With organized class curriculum and standards, students are guaranteed to see improvements as they grow through our school.  Dance and proper technique is not something that can be learned overnight.  It takes years of perseverance, hard work and discipline.  Therefore, we like to instill a sense of confidence, determination, dedication and commitment onto our students.  As dance continues to evolve, Paramount students will always be exposed to the newest technical elements of dance training.  


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