“a creative space for passionate souls”
About Us
Finding Inspiration in Every Move
Operation Dance was started with a mission to not just teach dance but teach each and every dancer to believe in themselves, create freely, and inspire each other, not only in the studio but outside as well. Our mission and core is not just to build better dancers but to build better people. Our director and staff are eager to meet you and share their passion of dance with your children.
Aileen Smisek Owner/Director/Teacher/Choreographer
Aileen started dancing at a local studio on Long Island from the time she was two all the way through high school. She was a graduate of St. Anthony's High School in South Huntington where she was a Freshman (Captain), sophomore, and Varsity cheerleader. During her high school dance studio career, she competed in and won many first places and high score awards for her performances in group routines and as a soloist. She went on to study Dance and Psychology at Long Island University and also joined a competitive dance team at another Long Island studio. During her two years as a student there she won many first places and high score awards for her performance in group and solo dances as well as she was chosen to attend Starpower's National Competiton in Las Vegas Nevada as a member of their Power Pak team. She auditioned to be a dancer on cruise lines while out in Las Vegas and was selected for Royal Caribbean. She chose to attend college and begin teaching. In 2003 she began teaching her own dance classes in various styles on Long Island but found her niche in Lyrical dance and choreography. Through her 2006-2014 teaching career she won awards for Technical Excellence, Outstanding Choreography, and many of her soloists were title winners. In September of 2014 she opened her own dance studio with a fellow dancer, Movement Speaks which later transitioned into Artistry in Movement. During that time her dancers competed in many regional competitions as well as Nationals and took classes at many dance conventions across the East Coast. One dance convention/competition dear to her heart, Dancemakers Inc. awarded her the Marjorie Perry Spirit Award in 2016 for her role as a dance director and dance teacher. After that moment Aileen was humbled and really sought to not only teach dance but push herself to constantly grow and learn and evolve.
It was a huge inspirational moment and a life changer for Aileen to be honored by some of the best dance teachers and professionals in the industry whom she looks up to so much. From that point on she sought to really begin to dive into her choreography and teach her students to be storytellers. In 2017 she won Choreographer of the Year and Best Choreography for her Lyrical piece "I Dreamed a Dream." In 2019 Aileen closed the doors to Artistry in Movement after 5 years of an incredible chapter of life. Aileen is so excited to Direct Operation Dance and teaches all of her students. She is a mom of four beautiful kids who fill her entire heart.
"I believe that dance really is an outlet. I remember going through a point in my adolescence when I realized I don't just want to dance, I need to dance! My biggest thing is self-improvement. Dance isn't one of those careers where we know it all. I am constantly learning and evolving and trying to create new pieces that really give my students the ability to open up their hearts while growing technically as dancers and growing as artists by being storytellers. My biggest goal for my students is for them to always be happy in our studio and know that it is a creative space for them to learn and grow not just as dancers but as humans. My biggest goal for myself is to be the best mom I can be to my four beautiful children, Mikey, Chiara, Siena , and our newest addition, Isla Grace."
Gina Siciliano Teacher / Choreographer
Miss Gina is excited to start her third year with Operation Dance. She comes to us with over 30 years teaching experience in Ballet, Modern Dance, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical and Theatrical Dance to children of all ages as well as adults. In addition to teaching dance, Miss Gina is a full time preschool teacher at The Life Lutheran Day School in Old Westbury.
Her love of children and devotion to the teaching profession makes her "fit for work" every day. She cares very much for each of her students and loves to celebrate their accomplishments with them as they learn and grow under her tutelage.
Miss Gina is currently a non-major student at SUNY Old Westbury, and has plans to be in graduate school within the next year. She will pursue a Masters Degree in Early Childhood and Special Education. In addition to these studies, Miss Gina spends approximately 40 hours a year in Professional Development classes.
Heather Scimone Teacher / Choreographer/Competition Team Co-Director
Heather started dancing at the age of 4. It was early on she discovered her love for the art of dance. She then started to participate in dance competitions winning the highest level medals, top scores, student choreography awards and numerous other recognitions. As Heather’s dance experience grew, so did her passion. As a teenager she started to train on a more professional level when she was accepted into the the Long Island High School for Performing Arts. Upon graduating high school she was awarded both a talent and academic scholarship to Adelphi University where studied as a dance major. While in college Heather was selected to perform nationally by the American College Dance Festival Association. The ACDFA focus is to support & promote the wealth of talent & creativity that's prominent throughout colleges & universities. In 2006 she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts. Throughout Heathers dance career she has studied with many world renown instructors and choreographers such as Frank Augustyn of the National Ballet of Canada, Yuri Vodolaga of Kiev State Ballet Theatre, Ali Pourfarrokh of Eglevsky Ballet, Sharon Wong of Alvin Ailey, Leda Meredith of Jennifer Muller and countless others. Heathers extensive training is in ballet, modern, jazz and tap while also holding certifications in both Zumba and Barre fitness. Heather enjoys sharing her love of dance with all her students, while providing a foundation for them to grow both their technique, discipline and appreciation for the arts.
Tabatha Arocho Competition Team Choreographer
Bio Coming Soon!
Gianna Scarangella-Teacher and Choreographer
