Got a twirler or hip hop street dancer? Check out these top dance classes in Bergen County.
Kaplen JCC On The Palisades (411 East Clinton Avenue, Tenafly, 201-569-7900)
Kaplen JCC School of Performing Arts offers dynamic, progressive dance classes designed for any type of student- from those with professional aspirations to those who just enjoy movement and dance. Offerings include Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, as well as audition prep and Musical Theatre Dance. Recently 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.
beyondDance at Bergen PAC (30 N. Van Brunt St. Englewood,201-482-8194)
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 theaters in Bergen County, top notch programming and instructors with “real life” experience, aspiring actors, singers and dancers ages 2 ½ months to 21 years can just dabble or seriously train in any of the Music Speaks, beyondDance or beyondTheatre programs, and triple threats can class hop between their passions. Classes are now held in the recently renovated adjunct education facility which is specifically designed for dance training.
Cresskill Performing Arts ( 300 Knickerbocker Road, Suite 1100 Cresskill, 201-390-7513) Classes at this non-competitive studio kick off September 9th and include every type of dance from Pointe to Hip Hop, plus Princess Dance for the littlest twirlers. Expert teachers (all with professional experience) develop great dancers by focusing on technique and producing shows at local venues- many for charity. Not a dancer? Take a look at their Lego and Fencing classes. Open houses are taking place every Friday in August- so pop in and take the studio for a spin.
Studio L (4 North Street, Suite 400, Waldwick, 201-444-3205) Just follow Studio L on Instagram to see what kind of talent they are honing in this Waldwick studio. Mini Hip Hop artists come together to train under 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.
Northern Valley Dance Academy (NVDA)(516 Livingston St, Norwood, 201-784-6400) It’s all about the teaching (with a roster of experience that moms rave about) at this Norwood studio which can take dancers as young as age 2 1/2 in their “Dance Beginnings” program and develop skills in Ballet, Tap, Hip Hop, Lyrical and Jazz for years to come. Big kid classes are often by “evaluation” due to the difficulty of routine.
In the Spotlight(168 Franklin Turnpike, Waldwick, 201-670-6797) Started by long time lovers of dance (and cute couple) Tom and Jane Karaty who combined their professional dance and theater experience with their love for kids (they have 5 of their own) to open In the Spotlight in Waldwick, offering everything from ballet, tap and jazz to hip hop. Master Choreographer is son Dan Karaty who has worked on Broadway himself and brings those moves and training to their young dance troupe. You’ll often catch him fresh off of a project with JT or Britney.
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.
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.
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.
