Uptown Dance & Fitness Offers Free Program for Special Needs Kids

Get ready for a real feel-good story, courtesy of a feel-good person.

It’s called the “U Can Dance” program at on Union Avenue in Belleville. And it’s free for children with special needs, so no one gets turned away.

“I started the ‘U Can Dance’ program so that moms and dads could see we catered to their child’s needs,” says Leslea Clark Piscatowski, who owns Uptown Dance – currently celebrating its 20^th year in business -- with her Mom, Pat Clark.

“It’s a different level of teaching, so we do an interview process. We mostly work with autistic children. One of the questions I ask is, ‘Tell me a bit about your son or daughter? Can he or she follow instructions? Can they be touched?’ We’ll hold hands and guide the child.”

The free classes are held every other Saturday from 3:30-4:15 p.m. To sign up a child, call (973) 450-5883. A full schedule of classes offered at the studio is available on the website, www.UptownDanceNJ.com.

“Different level” would as well describe Clark Piscatowski, who has accomplished much in her 34 years. In fact, the 1995 Nutley High School graduate has a resume that many dancers would yearn for. Her talents have taken her to the Meadowlands to perform as part of the New York Red Bulls and New Jersey Red Dogs/Gladiators dance teams, and has performed at Madison Square Garden and on and off Broadway as part of the G-Volution Dance Company. She has also taught locally for the Nutley Parks and Recreation Department, and helmed the cheerleading squad at Bloomfield Senior High School, among many other things. Encouraged is a visit to the websites listed below to peruse her resumes, photos and videos.

And nine months ago, she and her husband of three years, Carl Piscatowski II, became proud parents of Carl III. “I want to do what is best for my family,” she says with a smile.

The Uptown Dance & Fitness Studio is an interesting one. “For me,” Clark Piscatowski says, “I grew up in the environment. It’s a lifestyle, not a business.” At age 14 she was a student in another local dancing school where her mom was an instructor. Minus warning, the studio shut its doors. Pat Clark’s daughter was visibly shaken: “I was heartbroken.”

Soon thereafter, Pat headed to Belleville and opened Uptown Dance. Clark Piscatowski started out as a student teacher, ascended to assistant director, and now is director and co-owner with her mom. (“My mom is very encouraging, and she supports me 100%. We’re a good team,” she said). She also attended Bergen Community College and received an Associate’s Degree in Dance Arts back in 1997, and has a certification in fitness from the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America.

Uptown Dance & Fitness Studio is a non-competitive school, where Clark Piscatowski wants the students to appreciate the art form, “to have the same feeling I have when I’m in the studio.” It also aids the students in being stress free, which according to their mentor, is the key to surviving auditions. And the studio is top notch as well.

Proof? The students keep coming back, and Uptown wants them back as well. “A lot of studios kick you out when you’re 18. I have a handful of kids still with me that are now student teachers,” Clark Piscatowski said.

In addition to Leslea Clark Piscatowski and Pat Clark, instructors include Alyssa Chiappinelli and Camille Orrico, and student teachers are Ariana Abraham, Danielle Adamkiewicz, Fantasiyaa Irvin, Desiree Haenchen, Krystin Gussie and Alexandra Nardachone.

In addition to the “U Can Dance” program, Clark Piscatowski is looking to further get involved in the local community, especially with regard to keeping folks fit and healthy.

“I did stuff for me. I’m very satisfied with the business my mom and I have created. It’s been a remarkable 20 years,” Clark Piscatowski said. “There’s a family atmosphere here. When people come here, they automatically feel comfortable. We have a good rapport with kids and families; There is a feeling of 'welcomeness."

Hesitant about getting involved in dance? Don’t be, especially not at Uptown Dance & Fitness Studio. “We’re not here just for the business, but for the love of dance,” Clark Piscatowski said, grinning broadly. “Come and give it a try.”

Uptown Fitness & Dance, 390 Union Avenue, Belleville, (973) 450-5882, www.uptowndancenj.com, www.lesleaclark.com and www.g-volutiondance.com.