Business Details
49 Years
experience
Premier Dance Classes in South Plainfield, NJ
Founded in 1977, Jo-Ann's Dance Studio has been a cornerstone of dance education in Central New Jersey for over four decades. Our studio provides comprehensive training in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, and contemporary dance styles, complemented by private piano and vocal instruction. With a faculty boasting decades of combined experience, we emphasize technical mastery and artistic development over competition, fostering a supportive environment where students of all ages and abilities thrive.Our alumni have pursued successful careers in prestigious dance institutions and professional companies nationwide. We maintain strong community ties through initiatives like our Autism Awareness benefit concerts, demonstrating our commitment to both artistic excellence and social responsibility.
Services
Ballet Classes
Tap Dance
Hip Hop Instruction
Musical Theatre
Private Piano Lessons
Vertical Freedom Fitness
Preschool Dance
Adult Dance Classes
Pole Fitness
POUND Classes
Details
- Year established: 1977
Highlights and features
- We offer personalized dance instruction with 40+ years of proven teaching experience
- Our faculty includes certified instructors trained at prestigious institutions like Martha Graham School
- We provide specialized programs for special needs students and preschoolers
- Our alumni have successfully attended top-tier dance programs including Mason Gross School of the Arts
- We host annual professional performances at The State Theatre in New Brunswick, NJ
What people say
Great staff
Professional and friendly
Like family
Best dance studio
Lifelong skills
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program offers comprehensive training from beginner to advanced levels, focusing on proper technique, posture, and artistic expression. Students learn traditional ballet repertoire while developing strength, flexibility, and grace. Classes are available for children starting at age three through adult learners.
Hip Hop Instruction
Led by professional hip hop educator John Barrella, our hip hop classes teach authentic street dance styles including locking, popping, and breaking. Students develop freestyle skills and choreography techniques while learning about hip hop culture and history.
Musical Theatre
This program combines dance, singing, and acting in a dynamic performance-focused environment. Students learn choreography from popular musicals while developing stage presence and performance skills under the direction of experienced theatre professionals.
Private Piano Lessons
Offering one-on-one piano instruction for all skill levels, our program focuses on technique development, music theory, and performance preparation. Lessons are tailored to individual learning styles and musical interests in a supportive studio environment.
Vertical Freedom Fitness
This unique fitness program combines dance and acrobatics using aerial silks, hoops, and poles. Classes like Pole Foundations and Vertical Barre build strength, flexibility, and coordination while teaching creative movement in a fun, supportive atmosphere for all fitness levels.
People
Jo-Ann Faulkner
Director and Owner
With over 44 years of experience, Jo-Ann has grown the studio from 50 to 500 students. She oversees all operations and artistic direction, and produces annual performances at The State Theatre in New Brunswick.
Tara Faulkner-Catalina
Artistic Director
Teaching for 31 years, Tara directs the ballet and moderne programs. She developed our Graham-Based moderne curriculum and leads the Vertical Freedom fitness program with certifications in Pilates and group training.
Ashlen Udell
Dance Instructor
With a Master's in Music Education, Ashlen teaches combination, ballet, and jazz classes. She brings expertise from Northwestern University and professional performance experience with companies like Trisha Brown and Pilobolus.
John Barrella
Hip Hop Educator
Specializing in street dance styles, John teaches hip hop, locking, and popping. As owner of Soul Sessions convention, he brings professional performance experience from music videos and NY Knicks halftime shows.
Stephanie Prybella
Preschool Dance Instructor
Teaching since 2004, Stephanie specializes in early childhood dance education. She holds degrees in Biology and Psychology from Rutgers and Kean Universities, focusing on special needs instruction.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, musical theatre, and preschool dance classes, plus Vertical Freedom aerial fitness programs.
Do you accept students of all ages?
Yes! We teach children starting at age 3 through adult learners, with classes specifically designed for different age groups and skill levels.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes, we produce annual professional performances at The State Theatre in New Brunswick, with roles for all students in our dance productions.
Do you offer special needs programs?
Yes, we provide specialized instruction for students with special needs, including dedicated support in various classes and adaptive teaching approaches.
What are your instructors' qualifications?
Our faculty includes certified instructors with degrees from prestigious institutions like Northwestern University and Martha Graham School, plus professional performance experience.
How do I register for classes?
Call us at 908-561-5094 or visit our website to register. We offer flexible enrollment options for all our dance and fitness programs.
Reviews (3)
Donna Kaestner
Feb 14, 2018
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The pole and vertical barre classes are awesome! Tessa and Tara are amazing instructors! This is the place to come if you want to learn pole in a non judgmental and supportive environment!!
Roxanne Fontaine
Jul 12, 2017
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4 years ago I bought my daughter because she loved to dance. 4 years later she still loves and I am taking vertical fitness classes, and I love it. they are family. what warms my heart is when you see their former students come back and they are bring their children. tells me they are doing something right.
Lenny Calderaro
Sep 18, 2015
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My daughter is starting her 9th year and totally loves going to dance. I would highly recommend it to anyone that wants their child to learn the beauty of dance
