North Jersey School of Dance Arts

The North Jersey School of Dance Arts is committed to sound principles in dance education. The curriculum is unique and integrates elements from the best in progressive and classical training. Its outstanding faculty and the use of renowned teachers enhance the program. Students are correctly trained, therefore a professional career in dance becomes a reality not just a dream. This school is proud of our many students who have contracts with national ballet companies, national Broadway tours, and Broadway contracts. We are also proud of our students who have become doctors, physical therapists, teachers, journalists, full scholarship recipients at major universities, and mommies who now bring their children to NJSDA.

Classical Ballet

Classical Ballet  is a unified system of movement gradually developed over 200 years to constitute a universal language of dance. It is the basis for all dance forms. Some students study ballet to become professional dancers, others because they want to dance or explore the connection between body and mind.

Preschool Ages 2 ½ through 5

Contemporary

A genre of concert dance that employs systems and methods found in modern dance and postmodern dance, as well as classical ballet.

Jazz

A contemporary style of movement, which usually follows a rhythmic beat to a variety of music. Most commonly seen in Broadway shows.

Musical Theater

Explore the excitement of jazz dance, acting and voice in a Broadway atmosphere.

Hip Hop

Fun and funky, this dance form recently gained popularity and is frequently seen in videos and television commercials.

Tap Courses

American tap is a dynamic and exciting dance form with roots in the Irish jig, English clog dancing and West African dance. We offer Rhythm, Rockette and Contemporary Tap.

Choreography and Improvisation

Tap improvisation is a strong component of Rhythm Tap. Dancers will learn how to improvise through structured exercises; using ideas gained from listening skills, musicality and natural movement. Improvisation gives students access to their "individual sounds" and rhythms which naturally leads to tap choreography. Students will have the option of creating their own steps, creating a complete dance for themselves, or for a group. Taught by Dorothy Wasserman,whose choreography credits appear in Gregory Hine's movie TAP, and the "Dorothy ShimSham" is taught to tap students world wide. Wasserman's recent teaching DVD, "The Dorothy ShimSham" was favorably reviewed by the national dance magazine, Dance Teacher. See July 2011 issue.

• Watch dance come to life as your child explores creative movement and music. Each fun-filled session encourages listening skills, expressive movement and basic coordination activities.

Rhythmic Dance (Age 3)

A fun exciting course that develops spatial concepts, gross motor skills, and musicality in the young child.

Pilates Group and private lessons available. See schedule.

Ethnic - Designed for older students and adults this course is a combination of Hawaiian, Polynesian, and Tahitian Dance.

• This course offers a combination of beginner tap technique and gymnastic tumbling.
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Voice

Sing with confidence while learning various vocal techniques. Have fun singing with a group, experimenting with various vocal exercises, learning the proper breathing methods, and finding enjoyment in a  wide variety of vocal repertoire. Taught by·Jennifer Cagnassola. Jennifer has an MA from Montclair State University with a focus on music education and vocal performance.

Adult Classes

Adult classes are held by the quarter only. Ballet, Tap and Pilates.

• A ballet class for the young student which enhances the child’s desire to dance. Each class includes preparatory technique, pantomime, and dance history relative to a young child.

Ethnic - Designed for older students and adults this course is a combination of Hawaiian, Polynesian, and Tahitian Dance

• Enjoy the excitement of song and dance in a Broadway atmosphere. All material is age appropriate.

 Music and Movement (Ages 2-5)

      Music and Movement will give your child a connection to music by involving and engaging them in movement by offering an exploration of sound, listening to different musical styles, singing, and playing an assortment of musical styles, singing and playing a variety of instruments. This class focuses on creative music play in a group environment.

• FACILITIES: OUR NEW SCHOOL is located at 400 Valentine St. Hackettstown, NJ the school has three spacious studios, male and female dressing rooms, 3 bathrooms, a lobby, kitchen and a school store.

• Each classroom has a sprung floor, surfaced with a non-slip finish. Dressing rooms are convenient to all studios. 

• INCLEMENT WEATHER: please call the school at 908-850-0709, visit this web site's calendar of events, or check out our Facebook page. Closings are posted by 2:30 PM

• MISSED CLASSES/ REFUNDS: Preschool students who are unable to participate in class will receive a refund for unused tuition only. All other students must submit a medical excuse for refunds. There are no refunds for missed classes, students are encouraged to make-up their class as soon as possible during the school year. Summer classes or workshops cannot be used for make-up purposes.

  PERFORMANCES:

  The school offers performing opportunities for students through the New Jersey Civic Youth Ballet and the end of year school production. Performance participation is the choice of the individual student. Auditions for the NJCYB’s Nutcracker Suite and senior company are held annually.   See school calendar for details.