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If dance classes aren’t already part of your kid’s after-school repertoire, consider this: According to a National Dance Education Organization (NDEO) study, kids who participate in dance are more likely to develop empathy and more likely to feel accepted than kids who don’t dance.

But choosing the right studio can be a challenge. True youth dance education is not about learning a routine; it is about learning and developing technique—the choreography comes later. And competitions may not come at all. To find quality dance instruction you want to visit the school, meet the staff, see the facilities and, above all, observe a class.

Check out these reputable dance studios in your area:

AMERICAN REPERTORY BALLET/PRINCETON BALLET SCHOOL

Locations in Cranbury, New Brunswick and Princeton
732-249-1254

One of the country’s leading non-profit dance schools, the Princeton Ballet School’s philosophy is to nurture dancers from beginner to advanced stages. The school starts little ones (ages 3 and 4) in Hand in Hand classes. Teens can try fun stuff like hip-hop, theater or cardio ballet.

GLORIA FRANCES SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS

2124 Hamburg Tpke., Wayne
973-835-3304

Since 1963, Gloria Frances has offered the fundamentals of dance to students, along with innovative hip-hop classes. Recently added is the Creative Program, where aspiring dancers are introduced to tap and ballet.

GOTTA DANCE

Locations in Basking Ridge, Branchburg, Martinsdale and Warren
877-233-2623

This studio offers ballerinas-in-training everything from street hip-hop to ballet. Performers ages 2 1/2 and up choose from jazz/hip-hop, Broadway, contemporary and more.

HEARTBEAT DANCE

19 Rte. 10 E., Bldg. 1, Unit 2, Succasunna
973-584-3111

Sign your tiny dancer up for a comprehensive program with a class for everyone. The school has everything from classic ballet and pointe to advanced musical theater and acrobatic lessons.

INSPIRA PERFORMING ARTS AND CULTURAL CENTER

987 Jersey Ave., New Brunswick
732-247-2295

This audition-based program is geared towards dancers 7 and up. If he’s interested in a less competitive route (or isn’t sure what to study), encourage him to get his feet wet in out-of-the-box classes like contemporary, African, jazz/funk, musical theater and more.

MARIANN’S SCHOOL OF DANCE

49 East Midland Ave., Paramus
201-261-1207

Get your little one in beginner classes like Tiny Tutus and Tuxes (age 2 1/2) and Creative Movement I (ages 3 and up), where she’ll learn fundamentals before graduating to more advanced dancing. Older kids pick from acrobatics, jazz, tap, hip-hop and lyrical.

THE MODERNE ACADEMIE OF FINE ARTS

1820 East Second St., Scotch Plains
908-322-4249

They’ll step into the world of dance with ease, no matter their skill level. Kids get face time with experts in ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, pointe and more. Mommy and me classes are also offered for children ages 2 and up.

NEW JERSEY DANCE THEATRE ENSEMBLE

315B Springfield Ave., Summit
908-273-5500

Starting at age 5, dancers can take ballet, modern and contemporary dance, taught by instructors from highly-respected companies. Advanced dancers audition for the school’s pre-professional performing ensemble, made up of skilled young locals.

NEW JERSEY SCHOOL OF BALLET

15-17 Microlab Rd. #102, Livingston
973-597-9600

For more than 60 years, this school has been teaching kids ages 4 and up the ins-and-outs of ballet, tap, contemporary, hip-hop, character and musical theater genres. With instructors from New York City Ballet and Bolshoi Ballet, the school guarantees hands-on experience with industry pros.

PRINCETON DANCE & THEATER STUDIO

116 Rockingham Row, Princeton
609-514-1600

Children ages 2 1/2 to 4 learn the basics in Dance With Me. Once they get a little more comfortable on their feet, they can choose from ballet, modern, tap and jazz. Classes are available during the school year and over the summer.

SHARON MILLER’S ACADEMY FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

14 South Park St., Montclair
973-655-9819

Aspiring preschool dancers get their feet wet in an array of genres from Creative Movement (ages 3 to 4) to Beginner Tap (ages 8 and up). Classes are broken down by gender, day of the week and skill level. Don’t forget to check out seasonal camp options for when school’s out.

VERNE FOWLER SCHOOL OF DANCE & THEATRE ARTS

1095 St. Georges Ave. #1, Colonia
732-574-0333

Children 18 months and up can join classes in genres like gymnastics, musical theater, jazz, hip-hop, kinderdance, contemporary and tap. Summer camps are also offered.

WESTFIELD SCHOOL OF DANCE

137 Central Ave., Westfield
908-789-3011

This school has been training children from preschool through high school in a wide array of dance genres for almost 20 years. Try a ballet, tap, jazz, modern dance or musical theater class.