Business Details
43 Years
experience
Your Trusted Dance School in Newton, NJ
The Ballet Barre Performing Arts School has been the longest-running dance studio in Sussex County for 43 years, dedicated to providing high-quality dance education in a nurturing environment. Our mission is to cultivate students' artistic growth through comprehensive training in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, Pointe, Preschool, and Adult classes. With a focus on technique and personal development, we prioritize dancers' long-term success over competition, preparing students for careers in dance education, performance, and related fields. Our faculty comprises award-winning instructors with extensive professional experience, many of whom trained at prestigious institutions like the Royal Academy of Dance and Montclair State University. We offer structured programs for all ages and skill levels, emphasizing proper technique, creativity, and confidence-building.Our alumni have achieved recognition in prestigious dance companies and educational institutions nationwide, including the School of American Ballet and American Ballet Theater Summer Intensives. The studio maintains strict dress codes and class policies to ensure professional training standards while fostering a supportive atmosphere. We provide flexible registration options, makeup classes, and costume coordination for annual recitals, with transparent pricing and payment plans. Our facility includes a dedicated dancewear boutique, Dance Outfitters, offering quality apparel and footwear for students. As a family-owned business since 1983, we remain committed to making dance education accessible and transformative for every student.
Services
Ballet
Tap
Jazz
Modern
Contemporary
Preschool Classes
Adult Classes
Pointe
Combination Classes
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- We have 43 years of experience training students who've joined professional companies and top universities
- Our faculty includes ABT-certified instructors and former professional dancers from major companies
- We maintain a 100% focus on technique development over competition trophies
- We offer structured programs for all ages from preschool to adult recreational classes
- Our alumni have received scholarships to prestigious institutions like the School of American Ballet
What people say
Award-winning instructors
Professional training
Supportive atmosphere
Excellent faculty
Longstanding reputation
Services
Ballet
Our Ballet program follows Vaganova and ABT National Training Curriculum methods, with classes from beginner to advanced levels. Students develop proper technique, posture, and artistry through structured training. Pointe work is introduced at appropriate levels with expert instruction.
Tap
Tap classes focus on musicality and precision, using Capezio shoes to develop clear sounds and complex rhythms. Students learn various styles from Broadway to improvisational tap, with emphasis on timing and coordination.
Jazz
Jazz classes combine technical training with performance skills, teaching styles from classic jazz to contemporary Broadway. Students learn choreography, turns, and leaps while developing stage presence and versatility.
Modern
Modern/Contemporary classes emphasize expression and movement exploration, incorporating techniques from Martha Graham and Lester Horton. Students develop floor work, improvisation skills, and emotional storytelling through movement.
Preschool Classes
Creative movement classes for ages 3-5 introduce basic dance concepts through games, music, and imaginative play. Programs include singing, scarves, and simple choreography to develop coordination and love for dance.
People
Heather Jakob
Owner and Director
ABT-certified instructor with a BA in Dance from DeSales University. Recipient of Excellence in Teaching Award, Heather has performed with Garden State Ballet and directs the studio's curriculum development.
Suzanne Sarlitt
Founder
Established The Ballet Barre in 1983. Registered Royal Academy of Dance teacher with decades of experience training award-winning students who've attended top conservatories and professional companies.
Monika Aimova
Ballet & Pointe Instructor
Former soloist with Eastern European ballet companies, performing leads in classical ballets. Trained at Prague Conservatory using Vaganova technique, with 10 years of professional performance experience.
Izabel Barzola
Tap & Jazz Instructor
Trained at Dance World Academy and Passaic County Technical Institute. National Honor Society of Dance Arts inductee with experience teaching and choreographing for university programs and dance companies.
Kierstyn Edore
Contemporary Instructor
BFA in Dance from Montclair State University. Professional choreographer and performer with KM Dance Collective, with teaching experience at multiple dance institutions and festivals.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, Pointe, Preschool, and Adult classes with expert instructors.
What are your class durations and pricing?
Classes range from 45 minutes to 2 hours, priced from $62 to $110 monthly. Private lessons available at $70/hour.
Do you have preschool dance classes?
Yes! Our 3-2-1 Fun program for ages 3-5 includes creative movement, music, and basic dance concepts in a playful environment.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes! Annual June recitals feature students in one costume per class, with optional participation in multiple performances.
What are your faculty qualifications?
Our instructors include ABT-certified teachers, former professional dancers, and university-trained educators with decades of combined experience.
Do you offer dancewear for purchase?
Yes! Dance Outfitters boutique next door offers leotards, tights, shoes, and dance bags from brands like Capezio.
Reviews (5)
Tara W.
Aug 06, 2021
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The Ballet Barre is a wonderful dance school, even for the youngest of dancers just starting out. The school is very organized and professional but still personable, and the instructors are very friendly, caring and patient. This was the first year for my young daughter, and the instructors were great at finding a balance between teaching her so many new techniques while also keeping her excited, engaged and having fun.
Jessica Madeira
Aug 03, 2021
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The Ballet Barre offers quality dance instruction in a warm and inviting atmosphere. The teachers are caring and very professional. The studio is recently renovated and beautiful, and the communication from the owner/director is clear and informative. All of the staff and more experienced dancers went out of their way to encourage my daughter and help her feel comfortable for her first dance recital. You wont regret joining the Ballet Barre family!!
Rose Homentosky
Jul 28, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Value
such an incredible studio! Everyone there became my second family! I highly recommend Ballet Barre to anyone looking to continue or start dancing. Every class made me fall even more in love with dancing and the teachers helped me grow as a dancer.
such an incredible studio! Everyone there became my second family! I highly recommend Ballet Barre to anyone looking to continue or start dancing. Every class made me fall even more in love with dancing and the teachers helped me grow as a dancer.
Jaime Reabe
Jul 27, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism
This place is wonderful! The teachers are warm and inviting, the facilities are clean and well kept. They instill a love of dance and learning which my kids love! The recital was professional and well run. My girls can't wait to start classes again in the fall!
This place is wonderful! The teachers are warm and inviting, the facilities are clean and well kept. They instill a love of dance and learning which my kids love! The recital was professional and well run. My girls can't wait to start classes again in the fall!
Emily Rufino
Jul 26, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
My daughters have thrived at the Ballet Barre. The environment is a perfect mix of nurturing and challenging, and I have witnessed my daughters develop confidence, poise, and dance technique over their years studying here. Awesome teachers! Highly recommend!
My daughters have thrived at the Ballet Barre. The environment is a perfect mix of nurturing and challenging, and I have witnessed my daughters develop confidence, poise, and dance technique over their years studying here. Awesome teachers! Highly recommend!
