Business Details
27 Years
experience
Eastside Dance Company - Dance Classes in Toms River, NJ
Eastside Dance Company has been dedicated to dance education since 1999, providing a nurturing environment where students develop technical proficiency and personal growth. Our studio offers diverse dance styles including ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, and hip-hop for ages 2 through 18. With three fully equipped studios and a staff of over a dozen professionals, we deliver more than 60 weekly classes tailored to recreational and pre-professional dancers. Owner Julia DeDominick DeRites established the company's philosophy of combining artistic excellence with character development, emphasizing kindness, discipline, and lifelong learning. Our age-appropriate choreography fosters confidence through personal achievement while maintaining a joyful atmosphere that celebrates both individual and collective progress.The studio's expansion in 2011 and 2014 enabled enhanced programming opportunities, including special events and team training programs. We remain committed to community enrichment through dance education, integrating faith-based values with professional instruction. Our structured curriculum balances technical rigor with creative expression, preparing students for success beyond the dance floor. The facility at 910 Hazelwood Road serves as both main location and administrative hub for all operations.
Services
Ballet Classes
Jazz Dance
Tap Instruction
Contemporary Dance
Hip-Hop Workshops
Pointe Training
Lyrical Choreography
Acro Dance
Theatre Dance
Irish Dance
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We offer 60+ weekly classes across 10 dance styles with experienced instructors
- Our three-studio facility accommodates diverse training needs and skill levels
- Faith-based values integrated with professional dance instruction
- Proven track record of student success since 1999
- Owner-director with 20+ years of local dance community leadership
Associations and certifications
- International Dance Entrepreneurs Association
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program develops technical precision and artistic expression through structured training. Students learn proper body alignment, classical terminology, and performance techniques. Classes emphasize musicality, grace, and discipline while preparing dancers for advanced pointe work and professional opportunities.
Jazz Dance
Contemporary jazz instruction focuses on rhythmic complexity and dynamic performance skills. Classes incorporate current industry trends while maintaining foundational technique. Students develop versatility through various jazz styles from Broadway to commercial dance applications.
Tap Instruction
Tap curriculum builds musical awareness and percussive skill through progressive technique development. Classes emphasize clear articulation, improvisation, and performance quality. Students explore both traditional and modern tap styles in age-appropriate group settings.
Hip-Hop Workshops
Our hip-hop program teaches authentic street dance styles in a positive environment. Classes focus on foundational moves, freestyle confidence, and performance energy. Instructors emphasize musicality and personal expression while maintaining technical standards across all skill levels.
Pointe Training
Specialized pointe instruction prepares dancers for professional ballet training. Classes focus on proper shoe fitting, ankle strength development, and classical repertoire. Students receive individualized attention to ensure safe progression and technical mastery in this advanced discipline.
People
Julia DeDominick DeRites
Owner/Director
Julia DeDominick DeRites has led Eastside Dance Company since 2008, expanding its facilities and programming. With over two decades of local dance education experience, she emphasizes character development alongside technical excellence. Her leadership maintains the studio's mission of nurturing confident, compassionate dancers who excel both artistically and personally.
Questions
What age groups do you accept?
We offer classes for children as young as 2 years old through 18, with age-appropriate instruction and class combinations for younger students.
What dance styles are available?
We teach ten dance styles including ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, hip-hop, pointe, lyrical, acro, theatre dance, and Irish dance.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes! We host annual recitals and special events throughout the year, including our 2025-2026 season productions with solo and group performance options.
How do I register for classes?
Registration is available through our online family account system. Visit our website to create an account and enroll in current or upcoming season classes.
Do you offer competitive dance teams?
Yes, we have competitive dance teams with specialized training. Team dancers primarily use Studio C at our Bellcrest Plaza location for rehearsals and preparation.
Reviews (5)
Heather Eagan
Aug 19, 2020
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We love all the dance teachers and classes here! They do such a great job all year and at the recital!
Mary Kate Kane
May 23, 2019
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Absolutely wonderful dance studio! The studio owner, Julia and her staff are so kind, warm and welcoming to all and whole heartedly encourage their students to be the best they can be in and out of the studio. There are a variety of classes for all ages and skill levels. I can't wait to watch my children grow at Eastside. Out of all of the dance studios in Ocean County, I HIGHLY recommend Eastside Dance Company.
Kara Curtis
Sep 20, 2016
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My daughter absolutely loves this place! Very professional and clean! Staff is super nice! Best dance studio in toms river for sure!
Annie Vacca
Aug 03, 2016
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Julia is THE BEST! You will not find a more Loving, Kind, or Caring Person & no Better Young Woman for your children to look up to For guidance & Inspiration as well as a Great Dance Experience.
Marie Banka
Jul 08, 2014
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This was my daughter Madison's first year and I can't say enough how AMAZING of an experience it was for her. She has gained so much confidence and pride in what she does and the fact that she did it by herself. The staff is absolutely incredible, Miss Cory was especially wonderful, Madison adores her and is so excited to be coming back again next… year. I enjoyed the experience there so much that my husband and I signed our 2 1/2 year daughter up as well. I look forward to another amazing year! Thank you so much for the outstanding job you all do!
