The Dance Academy of North Jersey
Closes the Chita Rivera Awards!!
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Dance Programs
School Year Classes
Ages 2 - 18
- Preschool & Combo
- Ballet & Pointe
- Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop
- Lyrical, Modern
- Contemporary
- Musical Theater
- Tumbling & Acro
- Flip Hop & More
Competition Team
Ages 5 - 18
- Company Team
- Mini Team
- Tap Dancers Only
- Hip Hop Crew
- Competitions
- Conventions
- Benefit Performances
- Community Service
Summer Classes
Ages 2 - 18
- Preschool
- Combo & Tumbling
- Flip Hop
- Acting for Dancers
- Theater Jazz Dance
- Summer Tech Intensives
- Ballet Bootcamp
- Master Classes
Special Needs Classes
All Ages
- Performing Hearts
- Tap Class
- Creative Movement
- Adult Class
- All Classes are Free
- Age 6&Up Welcome
- Perform in DANJ Recital
- 501 (c)(3) Corp
School Year Classes
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Age 2-7
- Preschool (Age 2-3)
Preschool classes introduce your child to the basics of Ballet and Jazz. Ballet provides the foundation for all dance styles. Jazz focuses on rhythm and coordination.
Click Register below to enroll:
Preschool classes introduce your child to the basics of Ballet and Jazz. Ballet provides the foundation for all dance styles. Jazz focuses on rhythm and coordination. Preschool students participate in the annual end of school-year recital.
Combo I/II (Age 4-5)
Combo I/II classes introduce the basics of Ballet and Tap. Combo classes are appropriate for newcomers and for children with experience in preschool dance. Combo students participate in the annual end of school-year recital.
Combo I/II classes introduce the basics of Ballet and Tap. Combo classes are appropriate for newcomers and for children with experience in preschool dance. Combo students participate in the annual end of school-year recital.
Click Register below to enroll:
Tumbling (Age 4-7)
Tumbling introduces acrobatic fundamentals, including rolls, cartwheels and bridges — building blocks for dance, cheerleading, gymnastics and overall fitness. Flexibility, balance, strength, and body control equip your child to safely enjoy athletic endeavors.
Tumbling introduces acrobatic fundamentals, including rolls, cartwheels and bridges — building blocks for dance, cheerleading, gymnastics and overall fitness. Flexibility, balance, strength, and body control equip your child to safely enjoy athletic endeavors.
Click Register below to enroll:
Combo III (Age 5-7)
Combo III classes introduce the basics of Ballet, Tap, and Jazz. Combo classes are appropriate for newcomers and for children with experience in preschool and Combo I/II. Combo III students participate in the annual end of school-year recital.
Combo III classes introduce the basics of Ballet, Tap, and Jazz. Combo classes are appropriate for newcomers and for children with experience in preschool and Combo I/II. Combo III students participate in the annual end of school-year recital.
Click Register below to enroll:
Combo X (Age 5-7)
Combo X classes are for children who have learned the basics of Tap and Jazz. Combo X classes are appropriate for children with experience in Combo I/II or III. Combo X students participate in the annual recital. Combo X students interested in ballet training should enroll in Ballet for Age 5-7.
Combo X classes are for children who have mastered the basic Tap and Jazz skills. Combo X classes are appropriate for children with experience in Combo I/II or Combo III. Combo X students participate in the annual end of school-year recital. Combo X students interested in ballet training should enroll in Ballet for Age 5-7.
Click Register below to enroll:
Ballet (Age 5-7)
Ballet classes focus on body alignment, technical awareness and placement — and train students with a vocabulary of technical steps, poses, leaps and jumps. Traditional barre work and center work combinations are included in this class. Attire: black leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes, and hair secured away from the face in a bun. Ballet students participate in the annual recital.
Ballet classes focus on body alignment, technical awareness and placement — and train students with a vocabulary of technical steps, poses, leaps and jumps. Traditional barre work and center work combinations are included in this class. Attire: black leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes, and hair secured away from the face in a bun. Ballet students participate in the annual recital.
Click Register below to enroll:
Tap (Age 5-7)
Tap classes blends coordination and rhythm into a fun and timeless dance form.
Tap classes blends coordination and rhythm into a fun and timeless dance form.
Click Register below to enroll:
Jazz (Age 5-7)
Jazz classes focus on isolations, coordination, flexibility, and musicality.
Jazz classes focus on isolations, coordination, flexibility, and musicality.
Click Register below to enroll:
Acro (Age 5-7)
Acro classes are led by experienced Acro instructors and choreographers including Juliana Belar and Ashley Gallotto. Skills include: Tumbling, Backbend, Cartwheel, One-handed Cartwheel, Kick-over, Front and Back Walk-over, Back Handspring, Aerial, Tuck, Layout, and Front Aerial. Flexibility, balance, strength, and body control equip your child to safely enjoy athletic endeavors.
Acro classes are led by experienced Acro instructors and choreographers including Juliana Belar and Ashley Gallotto. Skills include: Tumbling, Backbend, Cartwheel, One-handed Cartwheel, Kick-over, Front and Back Walk-over, Back Handspring, Aerial, Tuck, Layout, and Front Aerial. Flexibility, balance, strength, and body control equip your child to safely enjoy athletic endeavors.
Click Register below to enroll:
Flip Hop = Hip Hop + Tumbling (Age 6-13)
Flip Hop classes are an exciting, popular combination of Hip Hop and Tumbling/Acro (for Ages 6 -10). These classes do not require previous dance experience. The children learn Hip Hop moves, rhythmic awareness, and tumbling/acro tricks. Flip Hop students participate in the annual recital.
Flip Hop classes are an exciting, popular combination of Hip Hop and Tumbling/Acro (for Ages 6 -10). These classes do not require previous dance experience. The children learn Hip Hop moves, rhythmic awareness, and tumbling/acro tricks. Flip Hop students participate in the annual recital.
Click Register below to enroll:
Advanced ClassesClick Register below to enroll:
These classes are also included above
Age 2-7 Classes in Age OrderClick Register below to enroll:
These classes are also included above
Age 2-7 Classes in Day OrderClick Register below to enroll:
These classes are also included above under each style of dance
Want Something Else?
Want Something Else?
If you and your friends are looking for another day, time, and/or style of dance, just ask! If we have available space and faculty that can meet your request, we will create a new class for you and your friends!
What's Next?
Call or email the studio with your request. Once we receive your request, we will get back to you promptly with any opportunities to meet your request.
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Age 8-18
- Ballet
Mobile Description
Ballet, Pre-pointe & Pointe classes combines grace, line and beauty to provide the technical foundation for all dance forms.
Click Register below to enroll:
Table/Desktop Description
Ballet, Pre-pointe & Pointe classes combines grace, line and beauty to provide the technical foundation for all modern dance styles, and can transform your child’s creativity, discipline, and artistic expression! These classes are led by Kelby Brown, Ally Sacks, Sondra Steiner, and Amanda Molina.
Jazz/Musical Theater/Heels
Mobile Description
Jazz, Musical Theater, and Jazz Heels classes are led by a professional performers, choreographers and educators including Elisabetta Spuria, Jason Luks, and Jenny LeProtto.
Click Register below to enroll:
Table/Desktop Description
Jazz / Musical Theater & Jazz Heels classes are led by a professional performers, choreographers and educators including Elisabetta Spuria, Jason Luks, and Jenny LeProtto.
Tap
Mobile Description
Tap classes are led by Jason Luks, Jenny LeProtto, and Ashley Gallotto.
Click Register below to enroll:
Table/Desktop Description
Tap blends coordination, musicality, and rhythm into a timeless, classically American dance form. These classes are led by Jason Luks, Jenny LeProtto, and Ashley Gallotto.
Contemporary / Modern
Mobile Description
Contemporary/Modern classes are led by professional performers, choreographers and educators including Kristilee Maiella, Jason Luks, Terk Waters, Jaclyn Walsh, and Amanda Molina.
Click Register below to enroll:
Table/Desktop Description
Contemporary/Modern classes are led by professional performers, choreographers and educators including Kristilee Maiella, Jason Luks, Terk Waters, Jaclyn Walsh, and Amanda Molina.
Flip Hop = Hip Hop + Tumbling
Mobile Description
Flip Hop classes are an exciting, popular combination of Hip Hop and Tumbling/Acro. These classes do not require previous dance experience. The children learn Hip Hop moves, rhythmic awareness, and tumbling/acro tricks. Flip Hop students participate in the annual recital.
Click Register below to enroll:
Table/Desktop Description
Flip Hop classes are an exciting, popular combination of Hip Hop and Tumbling/Acro. These classes do not require previous dance experience. The children learn Hip Hop moves, rhythmic awareness, and tumbling/acro tricks. Flip Hop students participate in the annual recital.
Hip Hop & Hip Hop Crew!
Mobile Description
Hip Hop classes are led by Jenny LeProtto, Terk Lewis, and Ashley Gallotto. Hip Hop students participate in the annual recital.
Hip Hop Crew includes the opportunity to perform and compete at two local competitions! For more information, click => Hip Hop Crew.
Click Register below to enroll:
Table/Desktop Description
Hip Hop classes are led by Jenny LeProtto, Terk Lewis, and Ashley Gallotto. Hip Hop students participate in the annual recital.
Hip Hop Crew includes the opportunity to perform and compete at two local competitions! For more information, click => Hip Hop Crew.
Lyrical
Mobile Description
Lyrical classes are led by activate professional performers, choreographers and educators including Daniel Vaniska, Ashley Gallotto, Jenny LeProtto, and Jason Luks.
Click Register below to enroll:
Table/Desktop Description
Lyrical classes are led by activate professional performers, choreographers and educators including Daniel Vaniska, Ashley Gallotto, Jenny LeProtto, and Jason Luks.
Acro
Mobile Description
Acro classes are led by experienced Acro instructors and choreographers including Juliana Belar and Ashley Gallotto. Skills include: Tumbling, Backbend, Cartwheel, One-handed Cartwheel, Kick-over, Front and Back Walk-over, Back Handspring, Aerial, Tuck, Layout, and Front Aerial.
Click Register below to enroll:
Table/Desktop Description
Acro classes are led by experienced Acro instructors and choreographers including Juliana Belar and Ashley Gallotto. Skills include: Tumbling, Backbend, Cartwheel, One-handed Cartwheel, Kick-over, Front and Back Walk-over, Back Handspring, Aerial, Tuck, Layout, and Front Aerial.
Advanced ClassesClick Register below to enroll:
These classes are also included above under each style of dance
Level D (Age 8-10)
Level C (Age 9-12)
Level B (Age 13-15)
Level A (Age 14-18)
All Classes - by AgeClick Register below to enroll:
These classes are also included above under each style of dance
All Classes - by DayClick Register below to enroll:
These classes are also included above under each style of dance
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Advanced Classes
- Level E (Age 5-7)Level D (Age 8-10)Level C (Age 9-12)Level B (Age 13-15)Level A (Age 14-18)
"The professionalism and care in nurturing and training its students sets DANJ among the best dance programs in the nation."
Myra Daleng, Dir. of Dance Emerita, University of Richmond
Faculty
Faculty
Jason Luks and Jenny LeProtto, DANJ Artistic Directors, lead an incredible team of dance educators and choreographers including Broadway performers, leading dance company members, and university and conservatory faculty. They have graduated from, and serve as faculty members and guest choreographers for prestigious university and conservatory dance programs including NYU’s Tisch School of Arts, Juilliard, Ailey, and Marymount; as well as teaching at Broadway Dance Center and Steps on Broadway.
"DANJ students have the unique opportunity to train with gifted professionals in a safe, respectful, and inspiring environment."
Randy Skinner, Director, Choreographer, and Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics and Astaire award nominations
Competition Teams
Competition Teams
- 6 Critics Choice Awards
- All Age Divisions in Overalls
- Conservatory Scholarships
- Top Studio Award
- 60+ High Score Overalls
- 3 Choreography Awards
- Top Studio Award
- 45+ High Score Overalls
- Ten Scholarship Winners
- 3 Critics Choice Awards
- 40+ High Score Awards
- Studio Versatility Award
- Fighting Childhood Cancer
- Two Company Performances
- Collaborated with 10+ Studios
What is Company Team?
The 'Company Team' is a group of dancers ages 7-18 who train, rehearse, and perform in a supportive, inspiring, and fun environment. They are advanced to semi-professional and train 3 to 5 days per week.
Technique Training
Company dancers train 5-15+ hours per week in ballet, jazz/musical theater, contemporary, modern, tap, lyrical, hip hop, stretch, leap & turn, and more! Company dancers choose which styles they train in (except for ballet, which is required). Company dancers attend Summer Tech and Ballet Bootcamp.
Choreography & Rehearsals
Company dancers select the styles of dance they are interested in competing in as well as the number of groups, solos, and duo/trios. Choreographers are available on request to soloists. Choreography and rehearsals are on weekends.
Competitions & Conventions
Competitions and Conventions provide dancers an opportunity to train with their peers outside the studio and perform on stage for industry professionals. The Company attends four local competitions, a national competition, and performs in the DANJ annual recital and benefit concerts. Interested Company dancers may attend additional optional competitions and conventions.
Results!
DANJ Company dancers focus on being the best version of themselves in class, in choreography, and on stage. They work hard, growing their skills in a safe, steady manner! While the culture is not about winning, the dancers have consistently demonstrated high performance levels at conventions and competitions. Sharing the experience with similarly talented dancers makes their journey that much more enriching.
What is Mini Team?
The 'Mini Team' is a group of young dancers ages 5-7 who train, rehearse, and perform in a inspiring and fun environment. Mini Team dancers train between 2.5 & 3 hours per week.
Technique Training
School Year Classes - Mini Team dancers are required to train in ballet, tap, and jazz and, if interested, acro. The 2024 classes are Mondays (4:30-5:15 Tap & 5:15-6:00 Jazz); and Thursdays (5:15-6:15 Ballet & 6:30-7:00 Acro)
Summer Classes - Mini Team dancers attend DANJ's Summer Tech and Ballet Bootcamp programs.
Choreography & Rehearsals
Mini Team dancers learn two dances - tap and jazz. The choreography and rehearsals for these pieces are held on Saturdays from 11:00-12:45.
Competitions & Conventions
The Mini Team attends three regional competitions. Mini Team members can attend additional 'optional' conventions and competitions.
What is Tap Dancers Only?
Tap Dancers Only is a program for dancers ages 7-18 who are interested in competing in just tap.
Technique Training
Tap classes are listed at => Class Page. Tap dancers may train in other styles. Class placements are skill-based.
Choreography
DANJ choreographers create original tap works. Choreography and rehearsals are on weekends.
Competitions & Conventions
The competition team attends four regional and one national competition. Dancers may attend additional conventions and competitions.
What is Hip Hop Crew?
Hip Hop Crew is for children ages 7-13 interested in training in Hip Hop and performing at local competitions.
Training & Choreography
Hip Hop Crew members attend a weekly class on Tuesdays from 7:00-8:15pm to learn hip hop technique and tricks. The class also includes choreography and rehearsals for the performance piece.
Competitions & Conventions
Competitions provide a fun and inspiring way for the Crew to perform on stage for family, friends and for professional feedback. The Hip Hop Crew attends two local competitions and performs in the DANJ annual recital. Interested crew members may attend hip hop conventions.
Jason Luks
"Falsettos", Irving Berlin's "White Christmas"
James Lapine's "Mrs. Miller Does Her Thing"
"On The Town", “My One and Only", "Tap Stars"
"Spirited" (Apple Movie) Trainer and Actor
Faculty: Joffrey Ballet School - Musical Theater
Faculty: NYCDA and Steps On Broadway
Company Member: The JaM Project
IDO World Tap Championship Solo Winner
NYU’s Tisch School of Arts BFA
Jenny LeProtto
Specialities: Tap, Hip Hop, Jazz
Trained with Ray Leeper
(SYTYCD Choreographer)
(NUVO National Director)
Trained with Mike Minery (Dir. JUMP)
Tapaholics Principal Dancer
NJ Tap Ensemble (Deborah Mitchell)
Paterson Public School Faculty
Seton Hall University BA Education
"It is clear that DANJ Company dancers are well prepared for the professional dance world. Their technique is beyond their years."
Terk Lewis, Complexions Contemporary Ballet Artist In Residence and Western Michigan University Asst. Professor
Summer Classes
Summer Classes
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Young Dancers (Age 2-10)
- Preschool (Age 2-3)
What is Preschool?
Preschool classes introduce your child to the basics of Ballet, Jazz, and Tumbling. Ballet provides the foundation for all dance styles. Jazz focuses on rhythm and coordination. Tumbling introduces acrobatic fundamentals and helps develop flexibility, and balance.
When are the Classes?
Days
* Mondays 5:00-5:45pm
* Class runs once per week
Dates
* July 7 - August 28
* 8 or 4 week enrollment options
* Contiguous weeks not required
Click 'Register' to Enroll
Tap/Ballet Combo (Age 4-5)
What is Combo I/II?
Combo I/II classes introduce the basics of Ballet and Tap. Combo classes are appropriate for newcomers and for children with experience in preschool dance.
When are the Classes?
Days
* Wednesdays 5:00-6:00pm
* Class runs once per week
Dates
* July 7 - August 28
* 8 or 4 week enrollment options
* Contiguous weeks not required
Click 'Register' to Enroll
Tumbling (Age 4-7)
What is Tumbling?
Tumbling introduces acrobatic fundamentals, including rolls, cartwheels and bridges — building blocks for dance, cheerleading, gymnastics and overall fitness. Flexibility, balance, strength, and body control equip your child to safely enjoy athletic endeavors.
When are the Classes?
Days
* Wednesdays 6:00-6:45pm
* Class runs once per week
Dates
* July 7 - August 28
* 8 or 4 week enrollment options
* Contiguous weeks not required
Click 'Register' to Enroll
Tap/Jazz/Ballet Combo (Age 5-7)
What is Combo III?
Combo III classes introduce the basics of Ballet, Tap, and Jazz. Combo classes are appropriate for newcomers and for children with experience in preschool and Combo I/II.
When are the Classes?
Days
* Wednesdays 6:45-7:45pm
* Class runs once per week
Dates
* July 7 - August 28
* 8 or 4 week enrollment options
* Contiguous weeks not required
Click 'Register' to Enroll
Flip Hop=Hip Hop+Tumbling (6-10)
What is Flip Hop?
Flip Hop is an exciting, popular combination of Hip Hop and Tumbling. These classes do not require previous dance experience. The children learn Hip Hop moves, rhythmic awareness, and tumbling/acro tricks.
When are the Classes?
Days
* Mondays 5:45-6:45pm
* Class runs once per week
Dates
* July 7 - August 28
* 8 or 4 week enrollment options
* Contiguous weeks not required
Click 'Register' to Enroll
Want Something Else?
Want Something Else?
If you and your friends are looking for another day, time, and/or style of dance, just ask! If we have available space and faculty that can meet your request, we will create a new class for you and your friends!
What's Next?
Call or email the studio with your request. Once we receive your request, we will get back to you promptly with any opportunities to meet your request.
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Summer Intensives (Age 6-18)
- Ballet Bootcamp
Ballet Bootcamp is a June intensive for dancers looking to jump start their summer performance and/or training plans. The curriculum includes Classical & Contemporary Ballet, Contemporary, Graham, Commercial Jazz, Technique, Heels, Lyrical, Stretch & Strength, Leap & Turn, and more.
The faculty are from: universities/conservatories such as Juilliard, NYU Tisch, SAB, Ailey, Marymount, and Joffrey; dance companies such as NY City Ballet, ABT, Keigwin, and Complexions; and professional theater including Phantom, Rasta Thomas’ Romeo and Juliet, and Fosse.• June 22-25 (Sun - Wed)
• 4 Levels: Minis, 9-11, 12-14*, 15+
• Faculty approved level changes
• Team: All days required
• Click => Sample Schedule• Registration opens 1/1/25
Summer Tech
Summer Intensive is perfect for advanced dancers interested in maintaining technique and developing new skills. The faculty include DANJ and many guest artists from professional dance companies, conservatories, and theater. The curriculum includes: Contemporary, Graham Technique, Commercial Jazz, Jazz Heels, Broadway Dance, Hip Hop, Tap, Stretch, Leap & Turn, and more.
Summer Intensive is divided into July and August sessions. Guests are welcome to take the entire program, July only, August only, or walk-ins. Team members are required to take the July and August Intensives. Class placements are faculty assigned based on skill level.• July 22-Aug. 7, Tuesdays & Thursdays
• 5 skill levels, 2 classes per day
• Team: 6 of 12 classes Required
• Click => Sample Schedule• Aug. 11-15, Monday-Friday
• 3 skill levels, 4 classes per day
• Team: 16 of 20 classes Required
• Click => Sample Schedule• Registration opens 1/1/25
Summer AcroSummer Acro provides an opportunity to continue developing skills including backbends, cartwheels, one-handed cartwheels, kick-overs, front and back walk-overs, back handsprings, Aerials, tucks, layouts, and front aerials.
Juliana Belar was a Division I gymnast at the University of New Hampshire where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology. She also served as an assistant coach, helping lead the Wildcats to a conference championship and qualifying for the NCAA tournament. Juliana was a Scholastic All-American three times. She earned her master’s degree from Bowling Green State University where she served as an Assistant Women’s Gymnastics Coach for the Division I gymnastics program. Juliana has extensive experience coaching and choreographing for gymnastics clubs and as the tumbling and acrobatics coach for competitive dance teams and recreational dancers.
• 4-Class Program
• Tuesdays: July 29, Aug. 5, 12, & 19
• Age 7-9: 6:30-7:30pm
• Age 9-12: 4:30-5:30pm
• Age 13&Over: 5:30-6:30pm• Summer Tech Students:
• Level 2 => Acro 6:30-7:30pm
• Level 3 => Acro 4:30-5:30pm
• Level 4&5 => Acro 5:30-6:30pm• Registration opens 1/1/25
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Special Programs
- Master Classes
Grace Buckley
Theatre Jazz
• Dancer/Choreographer/Teacher
• Rasta Thomas' Romeo & Juliet
• Adrienne Canterna's Rock The Ballet
• New York City Dance Alliance Faculty
• Steps on Broadway Faculty
• The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Performer
• NBC's World of Dance Choreographer
• Theatre Jazz Style
• Technique and Combinations
• Age-Level Classes (TBA)
• Open to guest dancers
Enroll
• Date(s) & Times TBA
• Registration ~8 weeks in advance
• Click => Notify Me by EmailJaclyn Walsh
Contemporary
• Keigwin + CO Principal Dancer
• Dance Spirit Top Young Choreographer
• Dance Magazine Top 25 to Watch
• Capezio A.C.E. Award Finalist 2016 & 18
• Broadway Care’s Choreography Award
• NYU Tisch School of the Arts BFA Dance
• Tisch Achievement Scholarship in Dance
• Contemporary & Modern Styles
• Technique and Combinations
• Age-Level Classes (TBA)
• Open to guest dancers
Enroll
• Date(s) & Times TBA
• Registration ~8 weeks in advance
• Click => Notify Me by EmailAngelica Stiskin
Contemporary
• Choreographer, Director, and Educator
• Artistic Director - Joffrey Ballet School
• Marymount Manhattan Adjunct Faculty
• Emmy Award winning Mia Michaels Asst.
• Move Society, Brand Design Director
• Marymount Manhattan College BFA
• Harvard Masters Education Leadership
• Contemporary & Modern Styles
• Technique and Combinations
• Age-Level Classes (TBA)
• Open to guest dancers
Enroll
• Date(s) & Times TBA
• Registration ~8 weeks in advance
• Click => Notify Me by EmailJess LeProtto
Musical Theatre
• Broadway: Beautiful Noise, Hello, Dolly!
Carousel, Newsies, Bye Bye Birdie,
On The Town, Cats, many more!
* Tours/Regional: Hello, Dolly!, A Bronx Tale
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
• Film/TV: West Side Story, SYTYCD, Smash
* Pace University BFA in Musical Theater
• Musical Theater Style
• Technique and Combinations
• Age-Level Classes (TBA)
• Open to guest dancers
Enroll
• Date(s) & Times TBA
• Registration ~8 weeks in advance
• Click => Notify Me by EmailJen Savelli
Body Alignment
• Pennsylvania Ballet Company Member
• Radio City Rockette
• Broadway: Spider-Man, Anything Goes,
Guys and Dolls, The Boy From Oz, Fosse
• Movies: Chicago, Not Your Time
• Kennedy Center Honors
• Cruise Choreographer: Princess, Oceania
• Structural Integrity & Range of Motion
• Anchoring & Initiating Movement
• Age-Level Classes (TBA)
• Open to guest students
Enroll
• Date(s) & Times TBA
• Registration ~8 weeks in advance
• Click => Notify Me by EmailAmanda Castro
Tap & Rhythm
• Dormeshia Edwards’ “Rhythm is Life”
• Ayodele Casel’s “Chasing Magic”
• Urban Bush Women Principal Dancer
• “Singing In the Rain” & "42nd Street"
• Glimmerglass Festival’s West Side Story
• Bessie Award Winner
• California Institute of the Arts Graduate
• Technique & Combination
• Amanda's Method "Story & Stamina"
• Age-Level Classes (TBA)
• Open to guest students
Enroll
• Date(s) & Times TBA
• Registration ~8 weeks in advance
• Click => Notify Me by EmailManny Herrera
Musical Theatre
• Broadway: Fosse’s Dancin, Legally Blonde
West Side Story, The Music Man
Sweet Charity, Wicked Chistery,
• Off-Broadway: Bull Durham, The Seven,
West Side Story, Miss Abigail’s Guide
* TV/Film: Sex and The City, Smash
* Trained at The School Of American Ballet
• Technique & Combination
• Performance Essentials
• Age-Level Classes (TBA)
• Open to guest students
Enroll
• Date(s) & Times TBA
• Registration ~8 weeks in advance
• Click => Notify Me by EmailJazz with Grace Buckley
• Dancer/Choreographer/Teacher
• Rasta Thomas' Romeo & Juliet
• Adrienne Canterna's Rock The Ballet
• New York City Dance Alliance Faculty
• Steps on Broadway Faculty
• The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Performer
• NBC's World of Dance Choreographer• Theatre Jazz Technique
• Combinations
• Age-Level Classes (TBA)
• Open to guest dancers
Schedule
• Dates TBA
• Times TBA
Enroll
• Date(s) & Times TBA
• Registration ~8 weeks in advance
• Click => Notify Me by EmailContemporary with Jaclyn Walsh
• Keigwin + CO Principal Dancer
• Dance Spirit Top Young Choreographer
• Dance Magazine Top 25 to Watch
• Capezio A.C.E. Award Finalist 2016 & 18
• Broadway Care’s Choreography Award
• NYU Tisch School of the Arts BFA Dance
• Tisch Achievement Scholarship in Dance• Contemporary & Modern Styles
• Technique and Combinations
• Age-Level Classes (TBA)
• Open to guest dancers
Schedule
• Dates TBA
• Times TBA
Enroll
• Date(s) & Times TBA
• Registration ~8 weeks in advance
• Click => Notify Me by EmailContemporary with Angelica Stiskin
• Choreographer, Director, and Educator
• Artistic Director - Joffrey Ballet School
• Marymount Manhattan Adjunct Faculty
• Emmy Award winning Mia Michaels Asst.
• Move Society, Brand Design Director
• Marymount Manhattan College BFA
• Master’s in Education Leadership Harvard
University (current)• Contemporary & Modern Styles
• Technique and Combinations
• Age-Level Classes (TBA)
• Open to guest dancers
Schedule
• Dates TBA
• Times TBA
Enroll
• Date(s) & Times TBA
• Registration ~8 weeks in advance
• Click => Notify Me by EmailMusical Theater with Jess LeProtto
• Broadway Performer: Beautiful Noise,
Carousel, Hello, Dolly!, On The Town,
Cats, Newsies, Bye Bye Birdie
* National Tours/Regional: A BronxTale
Radio City Christmas Spectacular,
American Dance Machine
• Film/TV: West Side Story, SYTYCD
Smash, Law & Order: SVU
* Pace University BFA in Musical Theater• Musical Theater Style
• Performance Essentials
• Technique and Combinations
• Age-Level Classes (TBA)
• Open to guest dancers
Schedule
• Dates TBA
• Times TBA
Enroll
• Date(s) & Times TBA
• Registration ~8 weeks in advance
• Click => Notify Me by EmailBody Alignment with Jen Savelli
• Pennsylvania Ballet Company Member
• Radio City Rockette
• Broadway: Spider-Man, Anything Goes,
Guys and Dolls, The Boy From Oz, Fosse
• City Center Encores Productions
• Movies: Chicago, Not Your Time
• Kennedy Center Honors
• Cruise Line Choreographer for Princess,
Oceania, and Carnival• Structural Integrity & Range of Motion
• Anchoring & Initiating Movement
• Experiential Anatomical Movement
• Age-Level Classes (TBA)
• Open to guest students
Schedule
• Dates TBA
• Times TBA
Enroll
• Date(s) & Times TBA
• Registration ~8 weeks in advance
• Click => Notify Me by EmailTap and Rhythm with Amanda Castro
• Multidisciplinary Artist
• Dormeshia Edwards’ “Rhythm is Life”
• Ayodele Casel’s “Chasing Magic”
• Urban Bush Women Principal Dancer
• “Singing In the Rain” & "42nd Street"
• Glimmerglass Festival’s West Side Story
• Bessie Award Winner
• California Institute of the Arts Graduate• Technique & Combination
• Amanda's Method "Story & Stamina"
• Age-Level Classes (TBA)
• Open to guest students
Schedule
• Dates TBA
• Times TBA
Enroll
• Date(s) & Times TBA
• Registration ~8 weeks in advance
• Click => Notify Me by EmailMusical Theater with Manny Herrera
• Broadway: Bob Fosse’s Dancin, Legally
Blonde, West Side Story, The Music Man
Sweet Charity, Wicked Chistery
• Off-Broadway: Bull Durham, The Seven,
West Side Story, Miss Abigail’s Guide.
* TV/Film: Winter’s Tale, Sex and The City,
Power, Blue Bloods, Knucklehead, Smash
* Attended School Of American Ballet• Technique & Combination
• Performance Essentials
• Age-Level Classes (TBA)
• Open to guest students
Schedule
• Dates TBA
• Times TBA
Enroll
• Date(s) & Times TBA
• Registration ~8 weeks in advance
• Click => Notify Me by EmailActing for Dancers
Brianna Ascione is a dancer, actor, and singer. She graduated from the Academy of Visual and Performing Arts and Marymount Manhattan College with a BFA in Dance. Brianna grew up training at The Dance Academy of North Jersey, and studies voice with Marianne Wells. Some of her credits include: Off-Broadway: The Little Match Girl. Regional: Gypsy, Dames at Sea, Grease, West Side Story, and Mary Poppins. Other:: A Chorus Line, Into The Woods, Big Fish, Catch Me If You Can, The Government Inspector, His Play, The Next Screenplay. TV/Film: “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and Marry Me. Brianna teaches and choreographs at DANJ, Mayo Performing Arts Center, Delbarton School, Morris County School of Technology, and Roxbury HS.
Jess LeProtto is a Broadway performer with credits including: Beautiful Noise, Carousel, Hello, Dolly!, Cats (Mungojerrie), On The Town, Newsies (OBC), Bye Bye Birdie, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, and The Boy From Oz. National Tours/Regional Theater include: Hello, Dolly! (Barnaby Tucker), Radio City Christmas Spectacular (Grand Ole Opry), American Dance Machine for the 21st Century (Joyce), A Bronx Tale (Papermill), In Your Arms (Old Globe Theater), Freddie Falls in Love (Signature Theater). Jess' Film and TV credits include: West Side Story (dir. Steven Spielberg), So You Think You Can Dance (Top 8), Smash, Law & Order: SVU, One Life to Live, and MTV VMAs. Jess graduated from Pace with a B.F.A. in Musical Theater.
Ava Luna is a 2024 graduating senior at The Dance Academy of North Jersey! She will be attending Montclair State in the fall as a dance major! Ava has trained since age 4 in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, and modern with professional artists including Jaclyn Walsh, Jen Savelli, Angelica Stiskin, Jason Luks, Kelby Brown, Corey Snide, Daniel Vaniska, Billy Griffin, Terk Lewis, and Mia DiLena. Ava loves working with children and we welcome her as a great addition to our summer musical theater workshop staff!
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Brianna Ascione is a dancer, actor, and singer. She graduated from the Academy of Visual and Performing Arts and Marymount Manhattan College with a BFA in Dance. Brianna grew up training at The Dance Academy of North Jersey, and studies voice with Marianne Wells. Some of her credits include: Off-Broadway: The Little Match Girl. Regional: Gypsy, Dames at Sea, Grease, West Side Story, and Mary Poppins. Other:: A Chorus Line, Into The Woods, Big Fish, Catch Me If You Can, The Government Inspector, His Play, The Next Screenplay. TV/Film: “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and Marry Me. Brianna teaches and choreographs at DANJ, Mayo Performing Arts Center, Delbarton School, Morris County School of Technology, and Roxbury HS.
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Jess LeProtto is a Broadway performer with credits including: Beautiful Noise, Carousel, Hello, Dolly!, Cats (Mungojerrie), On The Town, Newsies (OBC), Bye Bye Birdie, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, and The Boy From Oz. National Tours/Regional Theater include: Hello, Dolly! (Barnaby Tucker), Radio City Christmas Spectacular (Grand Ole Opry), American Dance Machine for the 21st Century (Joyce), A Bronx Tale (Papermill), In Your Arms (Old Globe Theater), Freddie Falls in Love (Signature Theater). Jess' Film and TV credits include: West Side Story (dir. Steven Spielberg), So You Think You Can Dance (Top 8), Smash, Law & Order: SVU, One Life to Live, and MTV VMAs. Jess graduated from Pace with a B.F.A. in Musical Theater.
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Ava Luna is a 2024 graduating senior at The Dance Academy of North Jersey! She will be attending Montclair State in the fall as a dance major! Ava has trained since age 4 in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, and modern with professional artists including Jaclyn Walsh, Jen Savelli, Angelica Stiskin, Jason Luks, Kelby Brown, Corey Snide, Daniel Vaniska, Billy Griffin, Terk Lewis, and Mia DiLena. Ava loves working with children and we welcome her as a great addition to our summer musical theater workshop staff!
What is Acting for Dancers?
Acting for Dancers is an introduction to theater dance performance essentials including music and lyrics interpretation, character development, emoting movement, and audience connection. The program ends in a short showcase for family and friends.
While some dancers are inherently comfortable onstage, smiling easily, perhaps with a dynamic personality or natural charisma, others are not. Their eyes might stare out blankly or flit about from right to left; their smiles might be frozen, or they might bite a lip or otherwise show their discomfort. But since, eventually, all dance routines are performed before an audience, dancers need to work as hard on their onstage personalities as they do on their choreography or technique. Acting exercises can help…. Dancers who hone their acting skills are also more versatile performers, able to “emote” effectively in a heartfelt lyrical solo or add a bit of comedy to a musical-theater routine. A contemporary piece might call for dancers who are angry, or passionate, or cool; perhaps the fun quotient of a hip-hop number could be pumped up if the dancers actually looked like they were having fun... If the choreography requires some acting—whether it’s crying melodramatically over broken hearts in “Forget About the Boy” from Thoroughly Modern Millie or portraying a living doll in Coppélia—the dancers will be “ready for Broadway.”
Karen White (Dance Studio Life)Acting for Dancers is an introduction to theater dance performance essentials including music and lyrics interpretation, character development, emoting movement, and audience connection. The program ends in a short showcase for family and friends.
While some dancers are inherently comfortable onstage, smiling easily, perhaps with a dynamic personality or natural charisma, others are not. Their eyes might stare out blankly or flit about from right to left; their smiles might be frozen, or they might bite a lip or otherwise show their discomfort. But since, eventually, all dance routines are performed before an audience, dancers need to work as hard on their onstage personalities as they do on their choreography or technique. Acting exercises can help…. Dancers who hone their acting skills are also more versatile performers, able to “emote” effectively in a heartfelt lyrical solo or add a bit of comedy to a musical-theater routine. A contemporary piece might call for dancers who are angry, or passionate, or cool; perhaps the fun quotient of a hip-hop number could be pumped up if the dancers actually looked like they were having fun... If the choreography requires some acting—whether it’s crying melodramatically over broken hearts in “Forget About the Boy” from Thoroughly Modern Millie or portraying a living doll in Coppélia—the dancers will be “ready for Broadway.”
Karen White (Dance Studio Life)
When is the Workshop?
Date/Time TBA
Click 'Register' to Enroll
Musical Theater DanceWhat is Musical Theater Dance?
Musical Theatre dance class focuses on jazz dance technique while exploring the various dance styles used in Broadway shows. The class also covers performance essentials including music and lyrics interpretation, character development, and connecting with the audience and telling a story through dance and facial expressions.
When are the Classes?
Days
* Mondays 5:00-5:45pm
* Class runs once per week
Dates
* July 7 - August 28
* 8 or 4 week enrollment options
* Contiguous weeks not required
Click 'Register' to Enroll
- Registration will open when classes are announced. Click to be notified by email => Let Me Know
Aerial Arts
What is Aerial Arts?
Aerial Arts classes focus on basic aerial silks and lyra skills for beginners ages 9-18. Classes are 90 minutes and include warm-ups designed for aerial activities and concludes with body conditioning or stretching.
Silks are a long piece of fabric attached in the middle to the ceiling to create two long tails. The fabric provides a means to climb, create figures, and do tricks and stunts. The variety of moves, drops, wraps, twists and turns are practically endless, creating an ever intriguing challenge. The class includes fundamentals - climbing, inversions, hanging upside down and flexibility. Students who choose to take additional classes will develop more strength and confidence needed for sequences, drops, slides, and flips.
Lyra is a metal ring suspended vertically from the ceiling. The lyra classes include the fundamental skills-- inversions, pullovers, balances, flexibility skills, poses and spinning. More advanced skills include learning to spin the apparatus as you execute skills and poses.
When are the Classes?
- Dates/times TBA
Click 'Register' to Enroll
- Registration will open when classes are announced. Click to be notified by email => Let Me Know
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“DANJ's Summer program includes a wide variety of styles taught by influential artists that keep you focused on your dancing during the summer.”
Conner Bormann, Principal Dancer Nederlands Dans Theater (NDT); The Juilliard School
Grey Border
White Border
Studio Tour
Studio Tour
Eleven, large, ultra-modern studios, all dance floors sprung for safety and finished with the highest quality surfaces. Spacious lounges for parents and dancers. All rooms heated and air-conditioned with home/office quality systems.
"DANJ embraces the same infrastructure and standards as the leading conservatories including Boston Conservatory, SAB, Steps, & BDC."
Christopher Grant, Stage Step Master Installer
Performing Hearts is dedicated to providing special needs individuals the opportunity to experience the art of dance - in weekly Creative Movement and Tap classes - at no cost. DANJ hosts, and provides faculty for the program, and its dancers volunteer as mentors for the students. Every year, the dancers perform in DANJ’s recital. www.performinghearts.org
DANJ is the proud sponsor of Performing Hearts, an organization dedicated to providing special needs individuals the opportunity to experience the art of dance. DANJ hosts weekly Creative Movement and Tap classes. DANJ dancers volunteer as mentors for the students. Every year, the dancers learn new, fun movements and perform in DANJ’s recital. www.performinghearts.org
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Creative Movement - “Dancing In The Streets”
Tap Dancers - “Sea Cruise”
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Creative Movement - “I Feel Better When I'm Dancing”
Tap Dancers - “Do You Believe In Magic”
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Creative Movement Dancers - “Popcorn Calling Me”
Tap Dancers - “Candy Man”
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Creative Movement Dancers - “The Happy Dance”
Tap Dancers - “Locomotion”
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Creative Movement Dancers - “Body Rock”
Ballet Dancers - “What A Wonderful World”
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Creative Movement Dancers - “Clap For Love”
Creative Movement Dancers - “Scarf Dance”
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Creative Movement Dancers - "Shakin' It"
Creative Movement Dancers - Video Tribute
"We recognize and thank Performing Hearts for its contributions to the State and its people."
The New Jersey State Senate and General Assembly in a Joint Legislative Resolution
Location
Location
768 Route 15 S, Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849
Minutes from Rockaway Mall & Sparta
(behind Dunkin Donuts)
768 Route 15 S, Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849
Minutes from Rockaway Mall & Sparta
(behind Dunkin Donuts)
Dancers from Morris (Jefferson, Oak Ridge, Rockaway, Randolph, Roxbury, Chester, Mendham, Denville, Mountain Lakes, Montville, Wharton, Morris Plains, Boonton, Parsippany, Pequannock), Sussex (Sparta, Newton, Andover, Hopatcong, Branchville, Byram, Franklin, Fredon, Green, Lafayette, Stanhope, Vernon), and Passaic (Wayne, Pompton Lakes, West Milford) counties.
Contact Us
General Resources
Contact Us
Jason Luks is a performer, choreographer and teacher. He is currently on faculty at Steps on Broadway, NYCDA, and Joffrey Ballet School teaching Musical Theater. He was a member of the Tony Award nominated Falsettos choreography team with Director and Pulitzer Prize winner, James Lapine. He worked with Josh Prince and James Lapine on the choreography for "Mrs. Miller Does Her Thing." Most recently, Jason served as Ryan Reynold's dance instructor for "Spirited" while dancing as a member of the Spirited Dance Company. Jason's performance credits include “White Christmas” (Broadway), “On The Town" (Barrington Stage), “My One And Only” (Stages St. Louis), Rasta Thomas' Tap Stars, Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, the Late Late Show with James Corden, MTV’s Video Music Awards, and Good Morning America. He has performed at the Kennedy Center for Presidents Obama and Bush. Jason is a member of the award winning The JaM Project. He won the Adult World Tap Dance Solo Championship at International Dance Organization’s World Tap Dance Competition, and ADA’s National Choreographer of the Year. Jason’s choreography has been presented on Broadway's Walter Kerr Theater (Falsettos), the Kennedy Center, and Symphony Space NYC. Jason graduated from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts with a BFA in Dance.
From Route 80
Take Rt. 80 to Rt. 15 North (Exit 34). Follow Rt. 15 North for approximately 6 miles (follow signs to the Pathmark Shopping Center and the Jefferson Diner). When you come to the traffic light at Edison Road, proceed in the left lane and take the next immediate left turn just past the Pathmark sign. Proceed to stop sign and make left onto Bowling Green Parkway (Pathmark will be on your left, the Jefferson Diner will be on your right) and follow the road to the traffic light at intersection with Rt. 15S. Cross Rt. 15 South (straight across Route 15) and follow the road between the Bank of America and Weichert Realty to the Lakeside ball field parking lot entrance on the right. Make a right into the back entrance or the Dunkin Donuts parking lot. Proceed toward Dunkin Donuts and you will see the dance studio on the left (beige stucco building with painted sign on the front left window).
From Sparta Area
Take Rt. 15 South past Weldon Rd. to the Dunkin Doughnuts. Make a right into the Dunkin Donuts parking lot. The studio is last building on the right (beige stucco building).
From the Randolph/Roxbury Area
Take Canfield (the road the Div. of Motor Vehicles Inspection Station is located on) to Route 46. Make a left onto Route 46 West. Make a right onto Dell Ave and follow to the end. Make a right at the stop sign and a quick left onto Berkshire Valley Road. Follow Berkshire Valley to Route 15. Take Route 15 North. As you approach the Edison Road light, stay in left lane. Just past the Edison light, make a left lane exit for Pathmark and the Jefferson Diner. At bottom of ramp, make left onto Bowling Green Parkway. Follow Bowling Green Parkway to the traffic light and proceed straight across Rt 15 South. Make first right (as soon as road bends to the right) into the back entrance of Dunkin' Donuts. The Dance Academy of North Jersey is the building on your left (beige stucco).
Jason Luks is a performer, choreographer and teacher. He is currently on faculty at Steps on Broadway, NYCDA, and Joffrey Ballet School teaching Musical Theater. He was a member of the Tony Award nominated Falsettos choreography team with Director and Pulitzer Prize winner, James Lapine. He worked with Josh Prince and James Lapine on the choreography for "Mrs. Miller Does Her Thing." Most recently, Jason served as Ryan Reynold's dance instructor for "Spirited" while dancing as a member of the Spirited Dance Company. Jason's performance credits include “White Christmas” (Broadway), “On The Town" (Barrington Stage), “My One And Only” (Stages St. Louis), Rasta Thomas' Tap Stars, Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, the Late Late Show with James Corden, MTV’s Video Music Awards, and Good Morning America. He has performed at the Kennedy Center for Presidents Obama and Bush. Jason is a member of the award winning The JaM Project. He won the Adult World Tap Dance Solo Championship at International Dance Organization’s World Tap Dance Competition, and ADA’s National Choreographer of the Year. Jason’s choreography has been presented on Broadway's Walter Kerr Theater (Falsettos), the Kennedy Center, and Symphony Space NYC. Jason graduated from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts with a BFA in Dance.
Jenny LeProtto started dancing at age four, studying all forms of dance including tap with Mike Minery (Tapaholics, Slide, American Tap Festival, JUMP Director) and performing works by Ray Leeper (So You Think You Can Dance Choreographer, NUVO Director). While she trained in all forms of dance, Jenny's current fortes are teaching tap, hip hop and jazz, as well as teaching all styles of dance for young children. Jenny is best known for her tap choreography. She was recently recognized by American Dance Awards for many of her tap, jazz and lyrical pieces. Jenny’s work has been described as “intricate, polished and exciting!” Jenny is a graduate of Seton Hall University with a major in Education.
Jason Luks
- DANJ Artistic Director
- Faculty: Joffrey Ballet School, NYCDA
- Broadway: White Christmas
- Regional: On The Town, My One And Only
- International: Tap Stars (Rasta Thomas)
- Choreography: Falsettos (Broadway),
- Mrs. Miller Does Her Thing (James Lapine)
- Company Member: The JaM Project
- SNL, The Tonight Show, VMAs
- The Kennedy Center Honors
- IDO World Tap Solo Champion
- ADA National Choreographer of the Year
- Performing Hearts Corp Founder
- National Spirit of Community Award
- NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts – BFA
Jason Luks
- DANJ Artistic Director
- Faculty: Joffrey Ballet School, NYCDA
- Broadway: White Christmas
- Regional: On The Town, My One And Only
- International: Tap Stars (Rasta Thomas)
- Choreography: Falsettos (Broadway),
- Mrs. Miller Does Her Thing (James Lapine)
- Company Member: The JaM Project
- SNL, The Tonight Show, VMAs
- The Kennedy Center Honors
- IDO World Tap Solo Champion
- ADA National Choreographer of the Year
- Performing Hearts Corp Founder
- National Spirit of Community Award
- NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts – BFA
Jason Luks
- DANJ Artistic Director
- Joffrey Ballet School Faculty
- Broadway: White Christmas
- Regional: On The Town, My One And Only
- International: Tap Stars
- Choreography: Falsettos (Broadway),
- Mrs. Miller Does Her Thing (James Lapine)
- Company Member: The JaM Project
- Performer: Saturday Night Live
- The Tonight Show, MTV Music Awards
- The Kennedy Center Honors
- Commercial: Walmart, Estee Lauder
- Faculty: NYCDA, DanceLife Teacher Conf.
- IDO World Tap Solo Champion
- Performing Hearts Corp Founder
- National Spirit of Community Award
- NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts
Jennifer Savelli
- Broadway: Spider-Man, Anything Goes,
- Dance Of The Vampires, Fosse
- The Boy From Oz, Guys and Dolls,
- CHICAGO, The American Musical
- Radio City Rockette, Pennsylvania Ballet
- Choreographer and Associate Director Tony Award-winning Anything Goes tours
- PBS Not Your Time, CBS NYC22
- Kennedy Center Honors, The Tonys
- Academy Awards, MTV Awards, VMAs
- The Rock School Guest Faculty
- Faculty: Akron University, Pennsylvania U.
- Cruise Show Director and Choreographer: Princess, Radisson, Carnival, Oceania)
Sondra Steiner
- Studied and Worked with: Melissa Hayden, Gloria Govrin, Trinette Singleton, Christopher d’Amboise, Jacques d’Amboise, David Howard, Fernando Bujones, Roy Kaiser
- Performance Credits: Principal, Soloist, Corps Roles in Paquita, Coppelia, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, La Fille Mal Gardee, Dracula, The Nutcracker, La Sylphide, Giselle, and Petrushka, the Hungarian Ballet Academy, and the 1992 Barcelona Olympics
- Pennsylvania Ballet School/The Rock School
- University of North Carolina School of Arts
Ryan Redmond
- Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts
- The Juilliard School (BFA)
- Trey McIntyre Project Ballet Company
- Rasta Thomas' Bad Boys of Dance
- Sweetbird Production’s Rock the Ballet
- Sweetbird Production’s Romeo and Juliet
- Kathryn Posin Dance Company
- Company XIV
- The Metropolitan Opera
- The Met Samson et Delila, The Magic Flute
- Sonya Tayeh's “Up Here” (Hulu)
- Twyla Tharp’s premiere for Little Island NYC
Graham Feeney
- Gibney Company Artistic Associate
- Performed works by Marco Goecke, Bobbi Jene Smith, Justin Peck, Trisha Brown, Jamar Roberts, Paul Taylor, and Ohad Naharin
- NDT, Arts Umbrella, and Springboard Dans Montreal
- BalletCollective Dancer
- Staged Justin Peck's "Become A Mountain" for BalletX
- The Juilliard School (BFA)
Ashley Gallotto
- Received her dance training at DANJ
- Teaches all styles of dance
- Teaches tumbling, acro, and aerial silks
- Students recognized for technique, performance qualities and choreography by leading competitions
- Specialized skills teaching younger dancers
- Specialized skills working with preteens and teens wishing to develop basic and more advanced skills, including musical theater, ballet, tap, and more!
Ashley Gallotto
- Received her dance training at DANJ
- Teaches all styles of dance
- Teaches tumbling, acro, and aerial silks
- Students recognized for technique, performance qualities and choreography by leading competitions
- Specialized skills teaching younger dancers
- Specialized skills working with preteens and teens wishing to develop basic and more advanced skills, including musical theater, ballet, tap, and more!
Richard Villaverde
- Martha Graham Dance Company - featured in “Diversion of Angels,” “Acts of Light,” and “Appalachian Spring”
- Twyla Tharp’s “In the Upper Room” and “Nine Sinatra Songs” at New York City Center
- Performed Arsenale della Danza at La Biennale de Venezia
- BalletX works by Matthew Neenan, Kevin O’Day, Nicolo Fonte, Cayetano Soto, Trey McIntyre, Jodie Gates, and Annabelle Lopez Ochoa
- Performed at Vail International Dance Festival, Ballet Sun Valley, Belgrade Dance Festival and Jacob’s Pillow
- New World School of the Arts HS
- University of the Arts BFA Dance
Carly Harper
- Training at Alvin Ailey and BDC. Worked with Desmond Richardson, Khaleah London, Clifton Brown, Hope Boykin, Carl Paris
- Performed at Ailey Extensions' Voices; 'Visions' at Citigroup Theater and Symphony Space
- Dance for Charles Smith, Jared Jenkins, Neil Schwartz, Chio, and James Alonzo White
- Featured dancer in So You Think You Can Dance's commercial with Love Pastry sneakers
- Performed for BET Network's The Rundown
- Performed at Barclays Center for the Masters of Ceremony concert for 50 Cent and Starz network, Snoop Dogg, Trey Songz, A Boogie wit da Hoodie
- Signed to Dancho Models, Famous Talent Management and RPT Entertainment
- Featured on Amazon & Snapchat publications
- Long Island University BFA in Dance
Calli Chafin
- Early training in Chicagoland area
- Joffrey Ballet Chicago
- Indiana Youth Ballet
- NRG Dance Project
- Nickelodeon Performer
- Performed at Prudential Center
- Broadway Dance Center Faculty Assistant
- Steps Faculty Assistant
- Artistic Dance Exchange
Caitlin Marks
- Performed with Lil Uzi Vert
- Performed with Third Eye Blind
- Performed with Phish
- Soul Project Dance Company
- Pigeonwing Company Dance
- MSA representation
- JBS Jazz & Contemporary Program
- Joffrey Ballet School (JBS) Graduate
Olivia Alboher
- Billy Elliot (Broadway)
- Al Blackstone''s "Happy We'll Be"
- Oxygen Network's "The Next Big Thing"
- Jo Jax & Capezio Model
- Stacey Tookey Mentorship Protege
- Beat Squad Member
- Joe Lanteri's “Destiny Rising” (Joyce)
- Four-time ADA National Champion
- SYTYCD Season 18 Top 10
Jess LeProtto
- Dancer, Teacher, Choreographer
- Broadways Roles:
- Beautiful Noise
- Jersey Boys
- Hello Dolly!
- Newsies
- Carousel
- Cats
- On The Town
- Bye Bye Birdie
- The Boy From Oz
- SYTYCD: Season 8 Top 8
- TV: Smash, Law & Order: SVU
- Pace University BFA Musical Theater
Brianna Ascione
- Professional dancer, actor, and singer
- Studies voice with Marianne Wells
- Off-Bdwy: The Little Match Girl, The Concert
- Regional: Dames at Sea, Grease, West Side Story, Catch Me If You Can, Mary Poppins
- Other: A Chorus Line, Into The Woods, Big Fish, The Government Inspector, His Play, The Next Screenplay
- TV/film: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Marry Me
- Faculty: Mayo Performing Arts Center
- Associate Choreographer: Delbarton School
- Grew up training at DANJ
- HS: Academy of Visual & Performing Arts
- BFA: Marymount Manhattan College
Terk Lewis
- Complexions Contemporary Ballet
- Faculty: Joffrey Ballet School NYC
- Faculty: Marymount Manhattan U.
- Faculty: Western Michigan U.
- Faculty: Alvin Ailey Extension, BDC
- "Greatness resides in Terk Waters. He is a dancer rare for his generation" - Darrell Wood, critic, NYC Dance Stuff
- Western Michigan University BFA
Terk Lewis
- Complexions Contemporary Ballet
- Faculty: Joffrey Ballet School NYC
- Faculty: Marymount Manhattan U.
- Faculty: Western Michigan U.
- Faculty: Alvin Ailey Extension, BDC
- "Greatness resides in Terk Waters. He is a dancer rare for his generation" - Darrell Wood, critic, NYC Dance Stuff
- Western Michigan University BFA
Amanda Molina
- Received her early dance training at DANJ
- SUNY Purchase BFA summa cum laude
- SUNY Conservatory of Dance performed works by Rosalind Newman, Rena Butler, Roderick George, Dorchel Haqq, Doug Varone and Jason Reese Cianciulli
- While at SUNY, Studed at London Contemporary Dance School
- Training at Ballet Hispanico ChoreoLab
- Summer intensives at Joffrey Ballet School, Steps on Broadway and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago
Amanda Molina
- Received her early dance training at DANJ
- SUNY Purchase BFA summa cum laude
- SUNY Conservatory of Dance performed works by Rosalind Newman, Rena Butler, Roderick George, Dorchel Haqq, Doug Varone and Jason Reese Cianciulli
- While at SUNY, Studed at London Contemporary Dance School
- Training at Ballet Hispanico ChoreoLab
- Summer intensives at Joffrey Ballet School, Steps on Broadway and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago
Jenny LeProtto
- DANJ Artistic Director
- Tapaholics (Mike Minery)
- Specialities: Tap, Hip Hop, and Jazz
- Trained with Ray Leeper (SYTYCD, NUVO)
- Seton Hall University – BA Education
Jenny LeProtto
- DANJ Artistic Director
- Tapaholics (Mike Minery)
- Specialities: Tap, Hip Hop, and Jazz
- Trained with Ray Leeper (SYTYCD, NUVO)
- Seton Hall University – BA Education
Juliana Belar
- Division I gymnast U. of New Hampshire
- Three-time Scholastic All-American
- UNH assistant gymnastics coach
- UNH Wildcats to conference championship
- UNH qualifyied for the NCAA tournament
- UNH Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology
- Master’s degree- Bowling Green State U.
- BGU Asst. Women’s Gymnastics Coach
- Coach for Gymnastics Clubs
- Choreographer for Gymnastics Clubs
- Acro coach for competitive dance teams
- Tumbling coach for recreational dancers
Jaclyn Walsh
- KEIGWIN + Company Principal Dancer
- ASH Contemporary Dance Company
- American Dance Artists
- Choreography: American Dance Guild, Perceptions Contemporary Festival, Boston Contemporary Dance Festival, NYU’s Past/Forward, Summer Stage Main Stage, Pushing Progress Showcase, Young Choreographer’s Dance Festival
- Guest Faculty: Juilliard, NYU, Montclair State University, Peridance, BDC
- Broadway Care’s Choreography Award
- Capezio A.C.E. Choreography Awards
- Dance Magazines “Top 25 To Watch”
- Dance Spirit Magazine's "Hottest Young Choreographers"
- NYU Tisch School of the Arts BFA Dance
- Tisch Achievement Scholarship in Dance
Angelica Stiskin
- Guest Choreographer
- Artistic Director Joffrey Ballet School
- Adjunct Professor Marymount Manhattan
- Faculty Joffrey Ballet School
- National Director at VIP Dance
- Move Society Brand Design Director
- ASH Contemporary Dance Company
- American Dance Artists
- Marymount College BFA in dance
Roland Culler
- Grew up in NYC and began dancing at a young age at TADA, youth theatre company
- HS of Performing Arts (Fiorello H. LaGuardia)
- Studied on scholarship at The Alvin Ailey American Dance Center, The Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance, The School of American Ballet
- Worked with Les Ballet Grandiva touring extensively in Japan, as well as Pennsylvania Ballet, Boulder Ballet, David Taylor Dance Theatre, and The Longmont Dance Theatre, touring and dancing in many classical and neo-classical roles
- Adjunct professor of Ballet at Pace University
- Works with Project Plié, a program affiliated with American Ballet Theatre
- Teaches Pa'lante scholars, the top level professional studies students at Ballet Hispanico
Elisabetta Spuria
- Dancer, Choreographer, Teacher
- Assoc. Chor & Director for Mariah Carey’s Charmbracelet Tour
- Assoc. Chor & Director for Michael Bolton’s Only A Woman Like You tour
- Collaborated with Joshua Bergasse, AC Ciulla, Andy Sandberg, Andrew Goldberg, Michele Assaf, Terry Beeman, Andy Blankenbuehler, Bill Castellino
- Regional and Off Broadway Choreographer for: Spring Awakening, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Hair, Chicago, The Who’s Tommy, Tess A New Rock Opera, disOriented, Zelda, Standby, and Madame Infamy
- Assoc. Choreographer for: Marvel’s “Jessica Jones” (Netflix), PBS’ The Electric Company, and ABC’s 2010 One Life To Live.
Elisabetta Spuria
- Dancer, Choreographer, Teacher
- Assoc. Chor & Director for Mariah Carey’s Charmbracelet Tour
- Assoc. Chor & Director for Michael Bolton’s Only A Woman Like You tour
- Collaborated with Joshua Bergasse, AC Ciulla, Andy Sandberg, Andrew Goldberg, Michele Assaf, Terry Beeman, Andy Blankenbuehler, Bill Castellino
- Regional and Off Broadway Choreographer for: Spring Awakening, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Hair, Chicago, The Who’s Tommy, Tess A New Rock Opera, disOriented, Zelda, Standby, and Madame Infamy
- Assoc. Choreographer for: Marvel’s “Jessica Jones” (Netflix), PBS’ The Electric Company, and ABC’s 2010 One Life To Live.
Daniel Vaniska
- Theater: "Hairspray,” "Footloose”
- "The Music Man" Tour
- Rasta Thomas' "Bad Boys of Dance” Tour
- Richard Ellner Scholarship (NYCDA & BDC)
- Caesar's Palace Broadway Review
- Industrial: Volkswagen Germany, Walmart
- Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Daniel Vaniska
- Theater: "Hairspray,” "Footloose”
- "The Music Man" Tour
- Rasta Thomas' "Bad Boys of Dance” Tour
- Richard Ellner Scholarship (NYCDA & BDC)
- Caesar's Palace Broadway Review
- Industrial: Volkswagen Germany, Walmart
- Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Catie Leasca
- Faculty: Peridance & Joffrey Ballet School
- Faculty: Sarah Lawrence College,
- Choreographic Residency: Gibney Dance
- Choreo. Residency: New Dance Alliance
- Choreo. Residency: Brooklyn Arts Exchange
- MOtiVE Artist in Residence
- Dancer in Residence: The Yard (Martha's Vineyard), MANCC (FSU), LMCC (Governor's Island & Maiden Lane), New York City Center, NYU Center for Ballet, & Gallim Dance
- University of the Arts B.F.A. in Dance
Catie Leasca
- Faculty: Peridance & Joffrey Ballet School
- Faculty: Sarah Lawrence College,
- Choreographic Residency: Gibney Dance
- Choreo. Residency: New Dance Alliance
- Choreo. Residency: Brooklyn Arts Exchange
- MOtiVE Artist in Residence
- Dancer in Residence: The Yard (Martha's Vineyard), MANCC (FSU), LMCC (Governor's Island & Maiden Lane), New York City Center, NYU Center for Ballet, & Gallim Dance
- University of the Arts B.F.A. in Dance
Jordan Serrano
- Contemporary Program Director: Academy of Nevada Ballet Theatre
- Nevada Ballet Theater (6 seasons)
- NBT: Paul Taylor's "Company B," Jorden Morris' "Peter Pan," Ben Stevenson's "Swan Lake" and Septime Weber's "Alice (In Wonderland)," Soloist in the companies "Studio Series,"
- NBT Balanchine repertoire: "Serenade," "Western Symphony," "Slaughter on 10th Ave"
- Cirque du Soleil: "A Choreographers Showcase" at Mystere Theatre, "One Night for One Drop,"
- Alexander Ekman's 'Swan Lake' nationally televised on CBS
Patricia Krapels
- Faculty for Performing Hearts Program
- Specialized in children’s dance education
- Chiropractic physician pediatrics specialty
- Doctor of Chiropractic Life University
- B.S. Physiology Michigan State University
Kristilee Maiella
- Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary
- Modern, Acro, Musical Theater
- ADA Nationals Dancer of the Year
- Montclair State University BFA (Dance)
Private lessons for young children are a fast and focused way to become proficient in dance fundamentals. A private lesson is a “one-on-one” lesson with an instructor where you will receive individualized attention, learning specifically what you want to work on. The pace at which your instructor teaches is entirely based on your needs and you can feel comfortable asking questions and taking your time to learn. Private lessons are beneficial for:
- Jump starting foundation/beginner skills before enrolling in non-beginner classes
- Reinforcing and/or catching up on skills taught in classes
- Developing new and/or strengthening specific skills
Rates vary based on instructor and are scheduled by appointment only.
Private lessons are a fast and focused way to become proficient in your dance skills. A private lesson is a “one-on-one” lesson with your instructor where you will receive individualized attention, learning specifically what you want to work on. The pace at which your instructor teaches is entirely based on your needs and you can feel comfortable asking questions and taking your time to learn. Private lessons are beneficial for:
- Jump starting foundation/beginner skills before enrolling in classes
- Reinforcing and/or catching up on skills taught in classes
- Developing new and/or strengthening specific skills
- Rehearsing solo pieces for competition
- Preparing for a Show, Party, or Special Event
- Wedding first dances
Rates vary based on instructor and are scheduled by appointment only.
Private lessons are a focused way to refine and advance your dance skills. A private lesson is a “one-on-one” lesson with your instructor where you will receive individualized attention, learning specifically what you want to work on. The pace at which your instructor teaches is entirely based on your needs and you can feel comfortable asking questions and taking your time to learn. Private lessons are beneficial for:
- Jump starting and/or reinforcing foundation skills
- Developing new and/or strengthening specific skills
- Rehearsing solo pieces for competition
- Preparing for college and company auditions
Rates vary based on instructor and are scheduled by appointment only.
Grey Border (Save for recoloring when changing seasons)