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American Repertory Ballet Princeton Ballet School – Multiple Locations

Ages 3 and up
Budding swans start early at this classical ballet studio. Toddlers go ‘hand-in-hand’ with caregivers to learn pre-ballet basics before stretching their wings with more advanced classes that focus on strength, balance, and body alignment.

Gloria Frances School of Performing Arts – Wayne

Ages 2 1/2 and up
Ballet, tap, jazz—it’s hard to choose just one. Luckily, kiddos don’t have to at this dance studio, which has operated under the direction of its namesake for more than 55 years. Combination ballet/tap and jazz/tap classes give tiny dancers a strong foundation. Students can then move up to focus on a single dance style, or pop, lock, and learn hip-hop!

Gotta Dance – Multiple Locations

Ages 2 1/2 and up
Ballet may be the first style that comes to mind when parents think of dance classes for kids, but it is hardly the only one available at this diverse dance school. With multiple locations across Central New Jersey offering street hip-hop, acrobatics, Broadway theater, and more, there’s likely a class to cure your kid’s dance fever.

Icon Dance Complex – Manalapan

Ages 18 months and up
Aspiring dancers at this state-of-the-art studio study under the wing of Geo Hubela, the choreographer behind the ICONic Boyz from MTV’s America's Best Dance Crew. Students learn hip-hop fundamentals—including popping, freezing, and crumping—to the latest beats. Got a budding B-boy or girl? Experienced teachers teach break dance basics in a fun and safe way.

RELATED: 20+ Acting and Musical Theater Classes for Kids in NJ

InSpira students get a chance to shine in class and onstage.

InSpira — New Brunswick & Newark

Ages 2 1/2 and up
This top-notch dance studio offers a wide variety of dance classes for all ages and skill levels, from beginner to advanced. Children begin studying in the Little InSpirations program with ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, and acrobatics. InSpira's hybrid class model allows students to come to the studio one week in-person followed by a live virtual session the following week, or you can opt for virtual-only classes.

In the Spotlight – Waldwick

Ages 2 1/2 and up
Hip-hop is in high demand at this sunlit Bergen County studio. From traditional dance classes to Digibone’s, the studio’s competitive hip-hop dance squad, kids and teens learn hip-hop style and technique in a fun and creative atmosphere.

Mariann's School of Dance – Paramus

Ages 2 1/2 and up
What could be cuter than starting your child in a class called "Tiny Tutus and Tuxes"? Children’s ballet, tap, and jazz offerings cater to tykes all the way up to older teens. Boys-only classes give dancing dudes a supportive space to express themselves—no girls allowed!

Moderne Academie of Fine Arts – Scotch Plains

Ages 3 and up
Ballet at Modern Academie centers on balance, form, strength, and grace. Budding ballerinas practice their technique during floor, barre, and center work before they can enroll in invite-only pointe classes. A robust summer program offers intensive workshops where kids can literally dance ‘til they drop.

New Jersey Dance Theatre Ensemble – Summit

Ages 4 and up
Your twirling tots will have plenty of room to prance and pirouette around this beautiful 9,000-square-foot studio. Celebrating 52 years in business, NJDTE has long been a top training ground for professional dancers. Dance classes in ballet, modern, and hip-hop prepare students for the studio’s annual anniversary gala and scholarship fundraiser.

RELATED: 20+ NJ Art Studios Offering Drop-in Classes, Virtual Workshops, and Take-Home Crafts

Students at the NJ School of Ballet can audition for the annual production of The Nutcracker.

NJ School of Ballet – Florham Park

Ages 4 and up
With a faculty that includes former American Ballet Theatre and Joffrey Ballet dancers, this renowned ballet school introduces wee ones to basic ballet movement before they “graduate” to pointe, partner work, and variations. Older students can also audition for the company’s annual production of The Nutcracker, performed at various locations around the state throughout the holiday season. The school, which has been operating for more than 65 years, also offers tap, jazz, hip-hop, and contemporary classes.

Princeton Dance & Theater Studio – Princeton

Ages 2 1/2 and up
This classical dance studio gets kids started young! Parents can tag along to tot classes, which introduce rhythm and movement. Dancers progress to the Primary division, where they gain age-appropriate ballet skills and confidence. A pre-professional performance division is also open to advanced dancers.

Sharon Miller's Academy for the Performing Arts – Montclair

Ages 2 and up
If your child is a bunhead at heart but also wants a well-rounded dance education, this comprehensive dance academy offers a buffet of options to choose from. Beyond ballet, there’s modern, jazz, hip-hop, and tap. West African dance and flamenco round out the menu, giving students a chance to experience global culture through dance.

Verne Fowler School of Dance – Colonia

Ages 2 and up
This acclaimed dance center has been training tiny dancers since 1959. Classes in ballet, tap, jazz, and acro help little ones work out the wiggles and learn social skills, motor coordination, and expression through movement. Students showcase their work at the school’s annual holiday Nutcracker performance and spring recital.

The Westfield School of Dance – Westfield

Ages 2 1/2 and up
Everyone has a chance to shine at this inclusive dance school. In addition to traditional dance classes, the school is committed to bringing the joy and benefits of dance and music to students with special needs—the Little Stars program pairs disabled children with an aide who can help them practice their pliés.

Originally published in 2019. All photos courtesy of the studios and schools