Nunbetter Dance Studio (161 Woodbine Street, Bergenfield, 201-385-9638) Ballerinas-in-training will flourish under the tutelage of Director Leath Nunn who is serious when it comes to the proper form, style and training. The schedule is chock-full of classes, mostly Ballet, Jazz and Modern, for all levels of dancers. And those serious (and talented) enough to join the “Company”, benefit from intense training and performance opportunities- including an annual Nutcracker performance and Spring Concert.
Studio L (4 North Street, Suite 400, Waldwick, 201-444-3205) Mini Hip Hop artists come together at this fun studio run by choreographers Kelley and Danielle Larkin, who know what it takes to make a dance star. With 5 spacious studios, set in over 10,000 square feet of custom designed space, your kid will jam to current beats and learn from professional staff who put an emphasis on developing confidence and skill. Special appearances and master classes by known dancers (like Dance Mom’s Anthony Burrell) are perks for students who are in the know.
Miss Patti’s School of Dance in Midland Park (85 Godwin Avenue, Rear of Midland Park Shopping Center Midland Park, 201-670-4422)
It’s no wonder why Patti Vignon’s Dance School has been around for almost 20 years helping budding ballerinas and ballet, tap, jazz and hip hop dancers perfect their craft while building character and self esteem. The formula is simple: hire professional instructors who have a love for dance and teaching children. The class for pint sized pointers (2 ½ year olds) lasts 35 minutes (so they can maintain their focus) and culminates with a recital that is “beyond precious”, while more mature students participate in “leveled” classes and are offered the opportunity to perform at the production level.
Kaplen JCC On The Palisades (411 East Clinton Avenue, Tenafly, 201-569-7900)
The Kaplen JCC School of Performing Arts offers a dynamic, progressive dance program designed for students with professional aspirations or those who just enjoy movement and dance. Offerings include Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, as well as audition prep and Musical Theatre Dance. Just awarded the title of “Best Dance School” by the Jewish Standard’s Readers Choice Survey, The Dance School emphasizes good form, technique and proper alignment through its quality instruction, while giving twirlers confidence and a love of the art.
beyondEducation at Bergen PAC (30 N. Van Brunt St. Englewood, 201-816-8160)
Want to see your kids name in lights? The bergenPAC’s beyondEducation program is as close as they will get on this side of the Hudson. With access to one of the largest theatres in Bergen, top notch programming and instructors with “real life” experience, aspiring actors, singers and dancers from ages 2 ½ months to 21 years can dabble or seriously train in any of the Music Speaks, beyondDance or beyondTheatre programs, and triple threats can class hop between their passions.
Tribe Body (25 North Spruce Street, Ramsey, 201-818-3007)
Where do professional dancers and hip hop stars hang out when not on tour? Believe it or not, Ramsey. 25 year dance teacher veteran Tracy Flaherty’s 4,000 square foot facility known as Tribe Body is a haven for movement junkies who want to be taught by dancers who have had professional tour experience. Offering cutting edge a la carte classes for frustrated adult wannabe hip hop stars (like Dancers Body, Latin Cardio and Zumba), the boutique studio also offers its Tribe Generation line of programming geared to ages 9 through 19. Classes are designed to meet the needs of young aspiring dance professionals who can benefit from the expert instruction given by some of the hottest dance stars around- sure to keep students on their toes.
