Starlite Dance Studio of the Bronx Biography

Starlite Dance Studio was founded by Mr. David Melendez 18 years ago. It was the first salsa school for children in New York City. He started with five children, free of charge at a location that was literally “a whole in the wall” with no mirrors located on Starling Street and Castle Hill Avenue.

As the dance studio’s membership expanded, they moved to Westchester and Castle Hill Avenue next to Ponce de Leon. Within ten years the enrollment increased to 500, later on he had the opportunity to teach the majority of the 500 children and approximately 300 adults. In March 2004, Starlite almost lost half of the enrollments due to the sale of the premises, sold by the owner to the bank. People thought Starlite was dead. The loyal children, adults and instructors kept Starlite alive.

Starlite has 5 dance teams to represent the school and to showcase their talent. These teams are the Jr. Heartbreak Boyz, Heartbreak Boyz, Sweethearts, Baby Sweethearts, and Fuerza Gigante.

Many of the teams were able to perform in places such as Japan, Canada, California, Boston, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Texas, Florida, the New York Puerto Rican Parade and of course all over the tri-state area. The regular classes have also performed at Six Flags Great Adventure, Florida, South Street Seaport, as well as other venues. Starlite believes in the talents of all of “their students” and help them all to believe in themselves. Starlite instills confidence, responsibility, determination, pride and self-respect in all of the children that walk through its dance studio doors.

After Mr. Melendez’ demise on February 2007, he left his legacy to Edgardo “Eddie” Camacho. Starlite is now called Starlite Dance Studio of the Bronx, a larger and more modern location. Our new home is 2001 Westchester Avenue, Suite D, off of Pugsley Avenue. Starlite offers Ballet and Tap classes for 3-4 year old; Mambo and Hip-Hop classes for 5-18 year olds.

Management

Edgardo Camacho is the director and owner of Starlite Dance Studio and is one of several talented dance instructors that Starlite has to offer. Because of Edgardo, affectionately called “Eddie”, we are able to passionately pass down our love for dance to the next generations. Under the instruction of David Melendez,—founder of Starlite, Eddie began his dancing career in a studio that was literally “a hole in the wall.” Within six months, Eddie was assisting David with dance classes and later on joined David Melendez’ Mambo Elite Dance Company.

As the dance studio’s membership expanded, the studio moved to the Castle Hill section of the Bronx, which started with five children and within ten years enrollment increased to 500 children and 300 adults. Now settling in the Parkchester section of the Bronx, Starlite Dance Studio has remained a strong force within the community for more than 15 years, because of the loyal students, parents, and dance instructors.

Eddie continues to have enormous satisfaction in teaching mambo, and making learning to dance incredibly easy and enjoyable for all. Eddie continues to keep Mr. Melendez’ legacy alive, and also makes sure that the children enjoy their experiences and that they build lasting friendships within the walls of Starlite Dance Studio.

Questions? Feel free to contact us!

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