Class Descriptions and Dress Code

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A specially designed program for our youngest students. Classes include singing, dancing, musical instruments, scarves, creative movement; all of which can be adapted to your child's age and ability. No registration fee or monthly tuition, 

just the convenience of a "drop-in class".

Contact the studio for more information.

AGES 3-4

The fundamentals of Ballet, Tap and/or Jazz are introduced in a class that stimulates creativity and self expression. Focus is on instilling a 'love of dance'.

Any color leotard and tights. Shoes depend on genre. Hair in ponytail or braid

AGES 4.5-5 and 6+

Children choose from classes that combine different styles. They have fun learning new steps and dance combinations as the develop their coordination, musicality, and confidence.

Any color leotard and tights. Shoes depend on genre. Hair in ponytail or braid

Any color leotard, pink tights, pink ballet slippers. Skirts optional. Ballet students in Level 2A and above must have hair in a bun.

Any color leotard, tights or leggings. 

Capezio caramel split sole, slip-on jazz shoes. 

Hair must be pulled back in ponytail or braid

Any color leotard, tights or leggings.

Shoes depend on class. Contact the studio for info.

Hair must be pulled back in ponytail or braid

Any color leotard, tights, or leggings. 

Shoes: Capezio "turners"

Hair must be pulled back in ponytail or braid

Any color leotard, tights or leggings.

Shoes depend on class. Contact the studio for info.

Hair must be pulled back in ponytail or braid

Adult classes are just for fun! We offer Adult Ballet and Adult Tap! You may wear whatever you are comfortable moving around in... no tights and leotard required. You will need the proper footwear for the genre. 

 Ballet & Pointe

As a child, Monika was training for the Czechoslovakian Junior Olympic gymnastics team, when her teacher recommended that she audition for the elite Conservatory of Prague. For the next 8 years, she trained with Czech and Russian teachers in the Vaganova technique. During her 10 year professional career, Monika danced over 1,000 performances with major ballet companies throughout Eastern Europe. As a soloist, she performed the leads in many famous classical ballets, including Sleeping Beauty, La Corsaire, and Don Quixote. 

Monika was on our faculty from 1994 through 1996, and rejoined our faculty in 2008. She is a gifted instructor and choreographer, and she continues to challenge students in a supportive and encouraging atmosphere.

Tap & Jazz

Izabel trained at Dance World Academy in Passaic, under Donna Farinella. She then furthered her dance education at Passaic County Technical Institute's Dance Program under Jennifer Ackermann and Cassandra Rossi. She choreographed dances for her Spring Concert and Senior Showcase, and was inducted into the National Honor Society of Dance Arts. Izabel attended the American Youth Dance Theater summer intensive. Izabel has trained in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Horton, Contemporary, and Pointe. She has worked with various choreographers including Alex Biegelson, Daniel Padierna, Carolyn Dorfman, Janice Rosario, Jay T. Jenkins, Josh Asor, and J.P. Ferrari. She is currently attending Rutgers University to become a Physicians Assistant.

Contemporary  

Kierstyn graduated from Montclair State University with her BFA in Dance and a Minor in Psychology. She was accepted into the Morris County School of Technology’s Academy of Visual and Performing Arts for high school, where she studied dance and theater, and had the opportunity to intern with Freespace Dance company. She is a current member of KM Dance Collective, and has taught and set work at Montclair State University, Ady Arts Center, Ellis Dance Studio, GIA Dance Studio, Essex Dance Academy, and others. Kierstyn has danced for events including APAP 2023 at the New York City Center, the Capezio ACE Awards, NJPAC Emerging Choreographers, and the Chita Rivera Awards. She has worked closely with renowned artists Stefanie Batten Bland, Yusha-Marie Sorzano, Samantha Spies, Dolly Sfeir, Michelle Manzanales, Jaclyn Walsh, Christian von Howard, Jason Luks, and Kathleen Kelley.

Tap & Jazz

  Kimberly graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BFA in Dance and a minor in Musical Theater at Montclair State University. As a performer, Kimberly has been in numerous works at CCM, MSU, American College Dance Festival, HATCH Presenting Series, the 92nd Street Y, and DUMBO Dance Festival. She was awarded the Sussex County Arts & Heritage Council honor for dance, and was recognized by CCM for outstanding dance performance. She was a company member with Zaman Dance Theatre Collective. 

  As a professional choreographer, Kimberly has created pieces for CCM and MSU, as well as musicals for high schools, colleges, and community theatre. She has choreographed over 30 shows, including Hairspray, The Producers, Newsies, and currently The Hunchback of Notre Dame at Randolph High School. In 2015, her original piece, “Rodin in Movement,” was selected for the 21st annual Jersey Voices Festival in Chatham, where it received overwhelmingly positive reviews.

Ballet, Tap, & Jazz

 Chrystina joined our faculty after graduation at Susquehanna University (2014) with a B.A. in communications/public relations and a minor in dance. She served as president and choreographer of SU’s student-run dance program and also performed with the Susquehanna University Dance Team. During her college years she choreographed musical theater productions for high school and community theaters.

Chrystina grew up training and competing in every genre of dance at The Ballet Barre. Throughout high school she assisted the faculty at classes, attended workshops, conventions, master classes, summer intensives and augmented her training at Broadway Dance Center. We’re delighted she is still passionate about dance and loves mentoring children of all ages.

Tap, Jazz, Modern

  Kate McMurray graduated Magna Cum Laude with dual degrees and certifications in Dance Education and Theatre Studies from Montclair State University. Upon graduation she received the Dean's Scholar Award, the highest academic honor for the College of the Arts, and the Dance Education award for excellence in teaching. Following graduation, she accepted a performance style role at Walt Disney World for a short contract before traveling to Sydney, Australia where she taught dance, creative movement, and master classes in Broadway dance technique. After returning to New Jersey in 2014, Kate headed back to the classroom to teach dance and theatre in high schools. She is the current dance director for the Morris Catholic Dance Company, a dance program that she began. Kate believes in the benefits of dance education for students of all ability levels and is thrilled to be returning to the Ballet Barre this year!

Tap, Jazz, Modern

 Melanie Jackson graduated from Montclair State University in 2013 with a BFA in Dance while pursuing a second degree in Dietetics. Upon graduation she continued to perform at dance festivals and numerous theatrical productions, including two of her favorite musicals, West Side Story and a Christmas Carol. Melanie trained at The Ballet Barre in all genres and is ecstatic to be able to teach at the same studio. She is a talented singer, actor and choreographer combining her passion for the performing arts with a professional career at Atlantic Health System. 

OWNER and DIRECTOR

 Heather received her training at The Ballet Barre, through The Royal Academy of Dance syllabus, and the School of the Garden State Ballet. She was awarded a four year talent scholarship from DeSales University where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance. Upon graduation Heather was the recipient of the “Excellence in Teaching Award”.

Heather has performed ballet and modern with the Garden State Ballet, the DeSales Dance Touring Company, university concerts and art festivals. She taught all ages and levels of abilities at The School of the Garden State Ballet before joining the Ballet Barre as an instructor in 2008. 

Heather is an ABT Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT Teacher Training Instensive in Pre-Primary through Level 3 of the ABT National Training Curriculum. Heather’s classes and choreography give students opportunities to express themselves as they develop their artistic talents from one level to the next.

FOUNDER

Suzanne established The Ballet Barre in 1983. She is a registered teacher and member of the Royal Academy of Dance, London, England, an affiliate of The American Academy of Ballet and served on the advisory board of the dance department at Morris County College.

Her experience and dedication to teaching is reflected in her students’ achievements. They have won medals, awards and scholarships, and have been selected by audition to further their studies at The School of American Ballet, American Ballet Theater Summer Intensives, Jacqueline Onassis School at ABT, Kirov Academy, Nutmeg Conservatory and The Rock School, among many others.

Students have been the recipients of scholarships to The New Jersey Governor’s School for the Arts, Joffrey Ballet School and the American Academy of Ballet, in addition to colleges and universities. Former students are professional performers with jazz, ballet and modern dance companies; others have pursed dance related careers as instructors, choreographers and theater arts physical therapists.

We are honored to have worked with some fantastic professional dancers, in both Master classes and as guest choreographers.

Sean Kelly, Alexandra Gonzalez, Courtney Nitting, Victoria Strata, Lisa Peluso, Cari Sanchez, Ashley Talluto, Auina Gebara, Raynor Rubel, Maggie Herzog Meyer, Megan Braine, Kelly Peterson, Michelle Robinson ...