FLUSHING — Ermione Balis, a junior at Holy Cross High School, has been dancing since she began taking lessons at the tender age of 2. While she loves it, especially tap, she has never been able to practice, rehearse, or dance in her school.
But soon, she will soon get the chance.
Holy Cross High School is putting the finishing touches on a new $8 million building that will house a dance studio, computer lab, robotics lab, fitness room, and other amenities in preparation for an opening in January — in time for the start of the spring semester.
The two-story, 11,000-square-foot building, to be called the Arts, Technology and Athletics Center, is the first significant construction project at Holy Cross in its 70-year history, said school President Mark Mongelluzzo.
“This is a game changer for us,” he said.
The school hosted a ribbon-cutting on Oct. 23 in anticipation of the January grand opening. The school is awaiting the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy from the New York City Department of Buildings — the final step before the doors can open.
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For students like Ermione, the new center is a dream come true. On Oct. 28, she was one of a small group of students who previewed the new center. She said she was impressed by the dance studio with its ballet barre, floor-to-ceiling mirrors, and softer flooring.
“This is probably one of the biggest studios that I’ve used when I’m dancing,” Ermione said. “I mean, this is really big, and the floors are perfect.
“I’m so grateful for the opportunity of dancing in the school.”
The Arts, Technology, and Athletics Center, located next to the current school building, features several rooms, including a fitness room, dance studio (which will also serve as a performance space), robotics lab, computer science lab, and a boardroom. There is also a green roof with a rooftop patio.
Construction began in July of 2024.
The building will have “something for everyone,” Mongelluzzo said, adding that each one of the school’s 620 students should be able to find an area of interest.
“It’s exciting times … and it’s our way that we’re responding, with this building, with our Arts, Technology and Athletics Center, to the demands of a 21st century education,” Mongelluzzo said.
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Ashton Jean, a junior and member of the track team, has his eye on the fitness room, a 1,200-square-foot space featuring an assortment of gym equipment and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a view of the practice field.
“This is a massive step, because I never really went to the weight room before last year, said Ashton, who specializes in the 400-meter race. “I’ll get more opportunities and hopefully better results.”
While Ermione is excited for herself and other dance students, she is equally excited for her entire school to see the new building open.
“I think this is a wonderful opportunity for the school. It will definitely expand the horizons of students coming in,” she said. “There are new and exciting things happening in the school. This new building [is] just going to be one of the many things that’s going to make Holy Cross flourish,” she said.
