05 · About · since 2004

A studio that grew up with its kids. Literally.

Caffery's started in a church basement with twelve kids and one folding barre. Twenty-two years later we run two studios in Middletown, a three-level competitive company, and a recital that books out every June. The folding barre is still in the back.

Four things we believe.

VALUES · 2026

Craft over cute.

Our 4-year-olds learn real vocabulary. Our 14-year-olds can still make their grandmothers cry. We aim for both.

Work is the fun part.

The joy of dance isn't the recital — it's the Tuesday when the combination finally clicks.

Parents are in on it.

Open studios twice a month. Real progress notes. No watching through a two-way mirror.

Every kid, a seat.

Financial aid by quiet request. Sibling discount, always. No kid turned away because of leotard prices.

Twenty-two years, briefly.

TIMELINE · 2004 – 2026

2004

The church basement

Lucia Ramirez rents a room at St. John's for $40 a week. Twelve students. One folding barre, bought at a thrift store on 4th Ave.

2009

Studio A, Linden Ave.

Outgrew the basement. Moved into a proper studio with mirrors, a sprung floor, and — for the first time — a real sound system.

2014

The Company starts

Six dancers, one regional competition, three trophies. The first year the recital moved into a theater.

2019

Studio B opens

Added a second space down the street. Seven disciplines now, a petite program, and the beginning of a real teen track.

2020

Outside on the sidewalk

Classes in Prospect Park when the studios closed. A lot of tap on the pavement. Nobody quit.

2026

New identity

A system refresh — new look, new site, same teachers, same barre in the back. Ready for the next ten years.

A note from Lucia.

FOUNDER · 2026

I started Caffery's because I wanted a place where my own kids could take class and not come home quoting anyone's Instagram. A place that felt like the studios I grew up in — warm, a little loud, unserious about status and very serious about the work.

Twenty-two years on, I still teach every Tuesday. The kids are different, the music is different, the barre is still from 2004. What's stayed the same is the feeling the first time a seven-year-old does a clean pas de bourrée and looks at you like she just built a city.

If you're thinking about coming in — come in. Bring a water bottle, tie your hair up, and we'll figure out the rest.

— Lucia Ramirez, founder & artistic director

Questions families ask.

FAQ

My kid has never danced — is that okay?

Yes. About half of every petite class is brand new. Our teachers are trained to meet dancers exactly where they are.

What if we can't make a class?

Book a make-up in any same-level class through the portal — unlimited, no fee, all term.

Is there financial aid?

Always. Email info@cafferys.net with "scholarship" in the subject line. It's confidential and there is no application form.

Do parents watch?

Two open studios a month. Otherwise, we find that dancers focus better without a gallery.

What's the company commitment?

One rehearsal and one technique class a week, plus four regional weekends a year. Auditions are in May and September.

Do you offer summer camps?

Two-week intensives in July and August, plus one-day themed workshops. Registration opens April 1.