This year, Top Hat Dance Academy has something to celebrate. It’s the 30 anniversary two friends, Sharon Minnix and Diane Esposito decided to parlay their dancing talents and form a new school
“For the past three decades, it has been our honor to be trusted by parents in West Haven and the surrounding communities to be a part of their children’s lives,” said Minnix. “Our focus has been and remains to be providing a positive, safe, nurturing environment for children to learn to express themselves through the art of dance, while building greater self-esteem and creativity.”
Getting a new school up and running wasn’t easy, but within months the duo had built up a reputation that sent many students their way. Within a few years, the school was putting competitive dance teams in regional competitions and coming away with top honors.
“Our talented competition teams have traveled the country, taking part in various regional and national dance competitions, and winning awards, titles, and cash prizes too numerous to list,” Esposito said.
The troupes have been invited to perform at Walt Disney World in Orlando, and, more recently, Hershey Park in Hershey, PA. Dancers have gone on to positions in collegiate and high school dance teams, teaching Master Classes for a number of dance competitions and schools, become dance directors of their own, and have even worked on Broadway!
“It’s not just about our competitors,” said Minnix. “We truly live by our motto, that we are the place ‘Where Every Dancer is a Star,’” she said. “Our dance classes are all about giving excellent instruction in dance technique while also fostering a fun, positive atmosphere and creating memories that will last a lifetime. For us, the truest testament to that
Success is the number of our former students who have come back to the Top Hat family with their own children, creating a second generation of Top Hat Stars.”
The business partners also believe it is their responsibility to set an example to our dancers about being a contributing member of the community. From sponsoring local youth sports teams, to participating in events for local charities and nonprofit groups, to assisting in fundraising and donation drives, the school hopes to teach dancers the responsibility of giving back.
“For all of us at Top Hat, our Dance Life is all about dance, happiness, family, and community. We strive to instill these values in our dancers, because they are the future of this community and they deserve the very best,” Esposito said.