Business Details
Premier Dance Academy in Waretown, NJ
Ovations Dance Academy has been dedicated to nurturing dancers of all skill levels since its founding. Our academy combines rigorous technical training with a supportive environment to help students achieve their full potential. With a faculty recognized nationally for excellence, we offer comprehensive instruction in ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, and more. Our curriculum emphasizes proper technique, performance opportunities, and personalized attention to ensure each student's growth. We maintain a family-oriented atmosphere while preparing dancers for professional careers or lifelong enjoyment of the art form. Our staff's extensive industry experience and commitment to innovation have earned us recognition in Dance Spirit Magazine as one of North America's top 50 studios.Through regular master classes, competition programs, and performance showcases, we provide students with diverse artistic experiences. Our facility features specialized flooring systems designed to prevent injuries and enhance training effectiveness. We prioritize individualized instruction through careful class placement and maintain small class sizes for optimal learning. The academy's achievements include producing award-winning choreography and placing students in prestigious institutions like Juilliard and ABT. Our educators have received multiple accolades for their technical teaching and nurturing approach to dance education.
Services
Ballet
Jazz
Tap
Hip-Hop
Lyrical
Acrobatic
Musical Theater
Zumba
Voice Training
Pre-Dance
Highlights and features
- Our faculty includes nationally recognized instructors with decades of professional experience
- We offer specialized training in 8 major dance disciplines with age-appropriate curricula
- Our injury-preventative floating floor system enhances safety and performance longevity
- Small class sizes ensure personalized attention and technical development
- Award-winning choreography and competition preparation programs
Services
Ballet
Our ballet program develops technical precision and artistic expression through French, Italian, and Russian training methods. Students learn proper alignment, pointe work, and classical variations while building foundational skills applicable to all dance forms. The curriculum balances rigorous technique with creative interpretation to prepare dancers for professional careers or recreational enjoyment.
Hip-Hop
This dynamic class teaches foundational hip-hop techniques including popping, locking, and breaking. Students develop musicality and improvisation skills while learning choreography that incorporates current trends. The program emphasizes personal style development within the cultural context of hip-hop dance traditions.
Acrobatic
Our acrobatic training combines dance with gymnastic elements to develop strength, flexibility, and control. Students progress through levels of tumbling skills while learning safe conditioning practices. The program enhances performance versatility for dancers pursuing professional careers in musical theater or commercial dance.
Musical Theater
This interdisciplinary class integrates dance, acting, and singing techniques for stage performance. Students learn choreography from Broadway productions while developing character interpretation and vocal presentation skills. The program prepares performers for theatrical auditions and professional stage productions.
Pre-Dance
Designed for ages 3-6, our pre-dance program introduces fundamental movement concepts through playful exploration. Children develop coordination, rhythm, and basic ballet positions while building social skills in a nurturing environment that fosters lifelong dance appreciation.
People
Linda Schugel
Director
With 30 years of experience, Linda founded Ovations Performing Arts Academy after directing two successful dance schools. She studied with industry legends and choreographed award-winning productions featured in Dance Spirit Magazine.
Aimee Sprague-Schugel
Assistant Director
Aimee brings 26 years of training and teaching experience, including guest teaching at national dance companies. She specializes in classical ballet and has won multiple choreography awards while maintaining active competition judging credentials.
Jennifer McIntosh
Ballet Director
Jennifer trained at prestigious institutions including the Rock School and North Carolina School of the Arts. She directs our ballet program with expertise developed through professional performance experience and specialized pedagogy training.
Marcie Cantillo
Tap Instructor
Marcie has taught tap for two decades, combining performance experience from Disney World and national pageants with educational expertise. She holds a BA in English Education and specializes in technical tap instruction.
Kevin Berdini
Musical Theater Coach
Kevin brings Broadway experience from Beauty and the Beast and The Tap Dance Kid. He teaches performance technique with emphasis on character development and actor-dancer integration for stage productions.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer eight major disciplines: Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop, Lyrical, Acrobatic, Musical Theater, and Zumba. Voice training and pre-dance classes are also available.
What age groups do you teach?
Our programs serve students from age 2 through adults, with specialized curricula for different developmental stages and skill levels.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes! We provide regular showcases, competition programs, and special performance events throughout the year for all enrolled students.
How are instructors qualified?
Our faculty includes award-winning professionals with extensive industry experience, including Broadway performers and nationally recognized choreographers.
What safety measures exist?
Our studios feature specialized floating floors with marley surfaces to minimize injury risk and enhance dance performance longevity.