Among the hundreds of high school dancers within the Long Island Dance Team Association (LIDTA), senior Adriana Ciociano was one of many athletes selected for the All-Long Island Team. This distinction recognizes exceptional senior dancers from each team in the association, and Ciociano received this honor at varsity kickline’s final competition on Saturday, Mar. 1.
Ciociano’s selection to the All-Island Team is a testament to her dedication and commitment to dance throughout her life. “I started dancing when I was just three years old. My two older sisters, Nicolette and Mia, were already dancers, and I instantly fell in love with [dance] when I watched them perform,” Ciociano explained. Over the last 15 years, Ciociano developed her skills and technique at both her private dance studio, DSD Dance Center, and on the varsity kickline team, which she has been a member of since her freshman year.
Upon hearing her name announced at the conclusion of the final kickline competition, Ciociano felt beyond excited and incredibly honored. “Being recognized felt like such a rewarding moment for all the hard work I’ve put into dance over the years,” Ciociano reveled. Ciociano’s teammates shared this excitement and pride, including junior Dani Zhanay. “Adriana has worked so hard and deserves this recognition. Her dedication, precision, and passion for dance have always set her apart, and it’s amazing to see her talent being acknowledged,” Zhanay shared.
Playing a varsity sport is no easy task, and practicing that sport outside of school is even more time consuming; for Ciociano, this means no days off. “Dance has been my life since I was three, and I’m always striving to improve and learn new skills. I dance every single day, whether it’s at home, at the studio, or during kickline practice. I truly believe that dedication and consistency are key,” Ciociano commented. Growing up as a studio dancer was an additional push force for Ciociano. “I was constantly surrounded by talented dancers who pushed me to be my best. The environment is highly competitive, and that atmosphere has taught me discipline and the importance of working hard to reach my goals,” she recalled. Ciociano views each dance class and competition as an opportunity to grow.
In addition to her tenacity and ambition, Ciociano has certainly found room for fun in her competitive dance and kickline lifestyle. “Some of my favorite memories from kickline are from Homecoming week. It’s such a special time for the team because we get to bond, especially with the new members,” Ciociano shared. For the kickline team, Spirit Week typically includes the Newsday Marching Band Festival, Pep Rally, the Homecoming Parade, and the Homecoming halftime performance. “Those moments of laughter and support are what make being on the team so unforgettable,” Ciociano added.
Alongside the honor of being an All-Island Dancer, Ciociano also assumed the role of varsity kickline co-captain with fellow senior Alexa Levine for the 2024-2025 season. “It was my first time stepping into a leadership role like this, and it taught me so much about responsibility, decision-making, and how to bring out the best in everyone. Leading the team required me to stay positive, motivate others, and make sure everyone felt supported,” Ciociano said. She was grateful for the opportunity to be pushed out of her comfort zone, and the role allowed her to become a better dancer, leader, and teammate.
Ciociano’s leadership, skill, and passion has best been felt by her teammates and coaches. “Adriana’s impact on our team goes beyond her dancing. She is so kind, comforting, and shares her knowledge with everyone, making her team feel valued and motivated,” said Zhanay. “She’s not just an All-Island Dancer—she’s an all-around incredible person, and we’re so lucky to have her leading our team,” added Zhabay, Varsity kickline coach Danielle Goodwin shared Zhanay’s sentiments: “Adriana leads by example. She’s always constantly working to improve. She’s also incredibly supportive, whether it’s helping a teammate perfect a routine or offering words of encouragement before a performance.” In fact, those “words of encouragement” are what Zhanay believes allowed the team to take first place at their final competition. “She has a way of making everyone feel confident and ready to give their best. That day, we performed with so much energy and had such a great time, and I truly believe her words made a difference,” Zhanay shared.
Ciociano is indebted to her support system and sources of inspiration who have been by her side since the beginning of her dance journey. “I’ve been so fortunate to have incredible support from my coaches, Stacy Benson and [Goodwin]. They’ve been there for me throughout all my years on kickline, providing guidance, motivation, and endless encouragement,” Ciociano reflected. Her family has also been a major influence. “My two older sisters are my biggest inspirations. I’ve always looked up to them and followed in their footsteps, and even now, they continue to support me and help me grow as a dancer every single day,” Ciociano explained.
For young dancers who aspire to achieve as high as Ciociano, her coaches had a few tips. “Adriana didn’t get to where she is by luck—she put in the extra hours, listened to feedback, and stayed committed to growing as a dancer and leader. If you want to be like her, focus on your technique, take dance classes in a variety of styles with different teachers, practice consistently, and always bring a positive attitude to the team,” Goodwin shared.
Although the seniors named to the All-Island Team have no subsequent performance, Ciociano plans to use this honor as further fuel and motivation for her dance future. “Moving forward, I plan to keep training hard and [continuing] to improve my skills,” she explained. In the fall, Ciociano will be attending Rutgers University, where she will be majoring in nutritional sciences and dancing on their D-1A dance team. “Dancing in college has been a huge goal of mine, and I can’t wait to be part of a team that’s so talented and dedicated. I’m excited to challenge myself, improve my skills, and just keep growing as a dancer,” Ciociano expressed.
With the kickline season officially over, Ciociano remains thankful for the team that has been such a major part of her life the last four years. “From late-night practices to the adrenaline of performing, kickline has been a huge part of my high school experience, and I’m so grateful for everything it’s brought me,” Ciociano shared.
