Girls Performing Arts Studio Opens

Tambourines is a new local studio where Chabad girls in grades 1-12 can come on a weekly basis to learn how to express themselves through song and dance, with professionally trained instructors in a Chassidish environment.

The studio, which will open this week, was founded by Lea Shemtov, who grew up living on shlichus in Montevideo, Uruguay, and who discovered a love for singing and dancing herself at a young age.

“Thankfully, in Uruguay, I had the opportunity to attend a fantastic Jewish song and dance studio,” Shemtov told COLlive. “This was the time of week when I was able to joyfully express myself in the performing arts. Attending the studio was one of the highlights of my week.”

After moving to New York, Shemtov attended Bais Rivka girls high school, and after graduating, she taught there for two years. From her perspective as both a student and teacher, she noticed the lack of a space for girls to express themselves year-round in a professional and creative environment.

Inspired by “La Academia”, where she was trained as a young girl, Lea enlisted its director, Sylvia Ascher, as her adviser in creating a similar space here in New York.

Tambourines Studio is the realization of that dream.

The studio, located at the Aliya Girls’ Loft on Empire Blvd., will offer singing and dancing lessons with professionally trained instructors, and students will appear in a musical performance at the end of the year.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the year-end show at Tambourines Academy,” says Sylvia Ascher. “To see their creative talent and hard work culminate in a beautiful performance will be truly rewarding for both the students and their instructors.”

The Teachers

Chaviva Tarlow has a passion for authentic Jewish music. Over the years she has brought that passion to various groups of women and girls through guitar lessons, drum circles, concerts and choirs. She currently serves as the music coach for Jewish Girls Unite. As a trained and professional performer, Chaviva aims to inspire and empower Jewish women and girls through her roles as a teacher and musician.

Kristen Dasto trained in the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) and continued on to Broadway Dance Center. She continues to privately train in dance, voice, and acting as well as at BDC and Steps on Broadway. Kristen loves helping younger generations learn and grow, while inspiring others to become the best they can possibly be!

The grand opening classes will take place on Monday, October 30th for grades 1-3 and 4-6, and on Wednesday Nov. 1st for grades 7-8, and 9-12. To register for the introductory class, please sign up at tambourinesacademy.com by Sunday. A promotional rate of $25 is being offered for those sessions.

Please come to the studio 15 minutes prior to the scheduled class time.

Opening dates and times:
Monday, Oct. 30th at 4:15-6:15 for grades 1-6
Wednesday, Nov. 1st at 5:15-7:15- for grades 7-12

Location:
Aliya – The Girls’ Loft: 537 Empire Blvd. corner Brooklyn Ave.

Weekly schedule: Mondays: 4:15-6:15 grades 1-3, 4-6
Wednesdays: 5:15-7:15 grades 7-8, 9-12

Sibling discounts available. Contact for details.
For more information visit tambourinesacademy.com.