On Saturday a new dance studio at YWCA Greenwich, Maddie’s Dance Studio, held an open house with sample classes.

Madilyn Perez leads a sample class during the open house for Maddie’s Dance Studio on June 15, 2024 Photo: Leslie Yager
The dance studio reflects the lifelong dream of Madilyn Perez, a graduate of GHS class of 2019 who went on to join the dance team at Fordham University.
Ms Perez recalled that growing up in Greenwich she danced at The Dance Pointe in the Bendheim Western Greenwich Civic Center.
“I loved it, and liked to assist them and work in the office,” she recalled. “I always wanted to be part of the dance studio life.”
From there she joined the dance team at Fordham, where during her freshman year she got a job as assistant coach at Saint Vincent Ferrer, a high school on the upper east side of Mahattan, as they were establishing a dance program there from scratch. She worked her way up to head coach.
“I learned about the dance world behind the scenes,” she said.
During her junior year at Fordham, she was also hired as assistant dance coach at Greenwich High School.
“Coming back to Greenwich was always a goal for me,” she said.

Left to right: Katherine Shearin, Alyssa Nova, Madilyn Perez, Sarah Perez, Julia Lindgren ready to greet dancers at the open house at the YWCA Greenwich. June 15, 2024 Photo: Leslie Yager
Since college, Perez worked as a retail manager at Equinox, which gave her experience managing staff. Recently she was promoted to retail district manager with territory including Long Island and New Jersey.
“I loved it but felt there was something else I wanted to do,” she explained.
When she explored possible locations for a dance studio, she reached out to YWCA Greenwich where there is a studio complete with mirrors, ballet rails and seating space for parents.
Perez said dancers can register for classes including ballet, jazz and hip hop for the younger dancers in grades 1-3. For students in grades 4-5 and middle school they add Lyrical and Modern, and Leaps & Turns which is more of a technique class.
They also offer two other separate classes for younger children: Caterpillar Instruction for ages 3 and 4, and Butterfly Instruction for kindergarteners.
“Both are movement classes to get familiar with different aspects of dance and musicality,” she explained. “To get a feel for what a dance class is and different structures of a dance class. And to develop foundational skills.”
Asked why Greenwich seems to have a large appetite for dance, Perez said dance is a form of expression with both mental and physical health benefits.
“And children don’t perceive it as exercise, but rather as just fun,” she added.
“And it’s healing,” she added. Whenever I was having a bad day, dance was something I looked forward to.”
Dr. Jen Bencivengo, principal of Old Greenwich School, said she was thrilled Ms Perez was bringing her decade of dance experience – both locally and at Fordham – back to Greenwich.
“We are ecstatic to have a new dance studio in town,” Bencivengo said. “While there are some excellent vocal and theater programs locally, there are very few dance studios offering musical theater jazz to compliment voice and acting performance skills.”
“After leaving her demonstration class Saturday, a group of middle school girls came out full of excitement saying they can’t wait to join in the fall and wished she had classes all summer,” Bencivengo said.
Director of member services, Michelle Pennino said the YWCA Greenwich was delighted to welcome Perez and her new studio.
“Maddie’s passion and dedication will make her program a remarkable success and a great fit for our organization and the Greenwich community,” Pennino added.
Maddie’s Dance Studio is located at the YWCA Greenwich, 259 E Putnam Ave, Greenwich, CT 06830.
Email: [email protected]
Follow them on Instagram.

Madilyn Perez leads a sample class during the open house for Maddie’s Dance Studio on June 15, 2024 Photo: Leslie Yager

Madilyn Perez leads a sample class during the open house for Maddie’s Dance Studio on June 15, 2024 Photo: Leslie Yager

Madilyn Perez leads a sample class during the ppen house for Maddie’s Dance Studio on June 15, 2024 Photo: Leslie Yager

Madilyn Perez leads a sample class during the open house for Maddie’s Dance Studio on June 15, 2024 Photo: Leslie Yager