NJ Center of Dance + Performing Arts

My friend Isabella., she goes there and she is having fun there. She is an excellent improver
5 7 years ago (27-04-2018)

Let me first say before my story NJCOD is the ONLY studio that doesn't seperate recreation students from team. They are all in the same classes so everyone is getting the same teaching. One of the only studios in the area or anywhere I have looked at or been to. I worked at a Dance studio and that was my job to see what other studios did. I want to say in 2007 I was at a Dance Competition with my daughter I witnessed a Dance Director hugging her dancers and praising them for doing such a awesome job. Then she had another group going on and I watched as her and another teacher ran their number and all she did was complement the dancers and told them to go out their and smile but most importantly have fun. I was very impressed. When things went south with the studio my daughter was dancing at I called them and couldn't get through even took a ride but there was never anyone at the studio. I had no clue that the staff was all volunteers so they weren't at the studio like the one we just left I didn't give up with emailing and calling. I put my daughter in another studio being I couldn't reach them. Well my daughter had a tap teacher at this new studio that she learned so Mich from other then shuffling her feet. She actually learned how to do advance tap moves. Well my daughter came home and said this teacher wasn't going to be teaching there anymore she was going to be at NJCOD full time. So I went found the Director name and stalked her and found out her personal email and reached Miss Linda Kaye Griggs that way and I got a call. My daughter went to their summer intensive and let me tell you after working at a Dance studio that had choreographers from all over the world that have big names this intensive was by far better then taking a month course in the city with big company names. My daughter learned so much and actually what happened is they took what she had learned already and fine tuned her. My daughter isn't the front and center dancer because at NJCOD its earned it doesn't go to the meek quiet child or the parent with the loud mouth that goes to the dancer that works for it a d shines. Which is like dancing at a company level. This is just about team. They are a team they are family and the one thing is taught there is NO I in team. These kids cheer each other and even cry for each other and lift each other up. There is NO negativity and it is not aloud. If you talk I'll of others and post negative things because you don't get your way it isn't tolerated. This is a positive studio. The dance team isn't who NJCOD is about they focus on all students and treat all students the same. Recreation students are IMPORTANT and they receive the same attention as team members do. Recital is one of the BEST productions you will ever see. Intact I plan on attending even though my daughter has graduated. I have even told Miss Linda she should teach other studio owners on how to put on a recital. Recitals flow and there is no waiting or any snags and every number runs smoothly into the next. Rehearsal run just as smooth. You get a time and you are in and out. If I can go back to 2001 when I took a job working for a friend who owned a studio and my daughter started dancing, I wouldn't have taken the job and I would've gone to NJCOD from the get go. To a studio where your child is taught to love and passion of Dance, encourage to go to the city for classes and taught that your school education takes top priority not dance. Miss Linda, Miss Kirsten, Miss Jill, Miss Erica, Mr Phil & Miss Kelly have things down and the most organized STUDIO ever and the Moms & Dads that volunteer get credit too. They all care about the Children and create a positive loving, safe environment. I Love NJCOD and I am so going to miss being at the studio and watching these beautiful dancers grow. Of you go here you will be HAPPY. Both locations have the sane teachers and are just as wonderful. Yes my daughter went to both only because we live in the middle.
5 9 years ago (23-08-2016)

The awards that NJCOD receives year after year just speaks volumes. I was a dancer many moons ago and though I had to move out of state, I was fortunate enough to watch my fellow dancers grow up to be professionals because of this studio. It's amazing because years later I can walk into NJCOD and still feel a sense of "family," "security," and "VALUE." If you want to get a feel for what this studio is all about I suggest reserving a special time to sit down with Miss Linda (the owner) or any of the incredible choreographers, as they not only take the time to get to know you personally, but work to find the true spirit in your dancer....to really find the core of their talent and make it shine. Every Spring the dancers get to show off everything they have learned in the ULTIMATE recital. If you have any question at all at the end of the year, all you have to do is watch this annual performance. It's been more than a decade since my last recital and May 2015 really blew me away. Practice makes perfect? Well, 25 years has made it FLAWLESS. Check out NJCOD and you won't be sorry. Mention my name! :)
5 10 years ago (11-08-2015)