Dance World Academy

Hey New Jersey locals! Are you searching for a dance school that boasts a rich history of excellence, offering a diverse range of styles and a deep commitment to student growth? Look no further than Dance World Academy (DWA) in Clifton, NJ. With an impressive legacy spanning over 47 years, DWA has been a cornerstone of dance education in our community, known for its "knowledge, hard work & dedication." Founded in 1978 by Director Donna Farinella, this academy prides itself on providing "excellent training for every single student," whether they're dancing for fun or aspiring to a professional career.

At Dance World Academy, the philosophy is simple yet powerful: dance education creates memories and skills that last a lifetime. They believe in the importance of community, teamwork, and dedication, offering both recreational and intensive curricula. Students are taught with care and discipline, developing coordination, boosting self-esteem and confidence, and promoting creative thinking. If you're looking for a place where "the owner, teachers, team members & instructors are all wonderful and knowledgeable," and where you can truly "see for yourself the growth within your child," Dance World Academy is ready to welcome you.

Dance World Academy is conveniently located at 334 Lakeview Ave, Clifton, NJ 07011, USA. This accessible address places it in the vibrant heart of Clifton, a diverse and bustling city in Passaic County, New Jersey. Lakeview Avenue is a well-known thoroughfare, making the studio straightforward to find for residents of Clifton and surrounding towns like Paterson, Passaic, Nutley, and Montclair.

For those traveling by car, the studio's location typically offers parking in the vicinity, which is a practical convenience for parents during drop-off and pick-up times. Clifton is well-served by major roadways, including Route 3, Route 46, and the Garden State Parkway, ensuring easy access from various parts of Northern New Jersey. Public transportation also provides options; NJ Transit bus routes operate along Lakeview Avenue and in the broader Clifton area, connecting to other communities and transit hubs. The studio's integration into the local neighborhood makes it a convenient and desirable choice for New Jersey families seeking a reputable dance school close to home.

Dance World Academy offers a comprehensive array of dance classes designed to cater to students of all ages and commitment levels, from recreational dancers to those with higher aspirations. Their curriculum emphasizes well-rounded training across multiple styles.

• Parent and Me Classes: Designed for the youngest dancers, these classes allow toddlers to explore movement and music with a parent or caregiver, fostering early development and a love for dance.

• Preschool Creative Movement and Introduction to Dance: Unique and exciting classes for preschoolers, introducing fundamental dance concepts and creative expression in a playful environment.

• Combination Classes: Tailored for slightly older beginners, these classes often combine two dance styles, such as Pre-Ballet and Tap Dance (designed for ages 5-7), or Tap and Jazz Dance, providing a varied introduction to different forms.

• Ballet: A foundational class focusing on classical technique, body alignment, grace, and strength, essential for all dance disciplines. Pointe work is offered as a continuation for advanced ballet students.

• Tap Dance: Students learn rhythmic footwork and percussive movements, developing musicality and intricate timing.

• Jazz Dance: Explores various styles and movements, emphasizing energy, rhythm, flexibility, and expressive choreography.

• Hip Hop and Special Workshops: Contemporary, energetic classes focusing on popular urban dance styles. Special workshops may also be offered to explore specific techniques or themes.

• Competitive and Recreational Dance Education: DWA caters to both students who dance purely for fun and those who wish to join a more intensive competitive program, with proven successful curricula for both pathways.

• Adult Dance Classes: Opportunities for adults to learn or continue dancing, offering a way to stay active, social, and enjoy the art form.

• Emphasis on Technique and Skill: A top priority is ensuring students receive authentic dance technique training, crucial for safety and precise movement execution.

Dance World Academy stands out due to several key features and highlights that have contributed to its long-standing presence and general positive reputation within the New Jersey dance community.

• Decades of Experience and Legacy: With over 47 years in business (founded in 1978), Dance World Academy possesses a deep well of knowledge, hard work, and dedication. This extensive history speaks to its stability and enduring commitment to dance education.

• Visionary Founder and Director, Donna Farinella: Donna Farinella, who holds a B.A. in dance from Rutgers University, is described as one of America's most accomplished dance educators. Her "enthusiasm, energy, creativity, motivation" drive the academy, and she continues to teach and choreograph full-time.

• Highly Qualified and Caring Faculty: The teachers are consistently praised as "wonderful and knowledgeable," and Ms. Farinella employs "teachers of only the highest caliber and dedication who share her vision of excellence." They are committed to motivating and encouraging students to be "the very best they can be."

• Proven Curriculum for All Levels: DWA offers successful curricula for both recreational students (dancing solely for fun) and serious students with higher dance aspirations, ensuring that every participant receives appropriate and challenging instruction.

• Holistic Student Development: The academy believes that dance benefits students by developing coordination, providing healthy physical exercise, boosting self-esteem and confidence, and encouraging focus and creative thinking. Many testimonials from alumni speak to how DWA helped them become more confident, determined, and open-minded individuals.

• Award-Winning Performances and Alumni Success: Dance World Academy students have received "thousands of awards in the most prestigious competitions" nationally. Alumni have performed on "Star Search," for former President Reagan, on shows like "Glee" and "Dancing With The Stars," at Lincoln Center, Radio City Music Hall, Disney World, and with professional companies like Alvin Ailey. Many have also been accepted into top college dance programs.

• Cultural Exchange Initiatives: In 2006, Ms. Farinella took award-winning Dance Company members to St. Petersburg and Moscow, Russia, for a performance and study tour to promote cultural exchange and friendship, showcasing the academy's broader artistic and cultural vision.

To connect with Dance World Academy and learn more about their extensive dance programs, please use the following contact information:

Address: 334 Lakeview Ave, Clifton, NJ 07011, USA

Phone: (973) 772-4340

Mobile Phone: +1 973-772-4340

It is highly recommended to visit their official website or contact them directly via phone to inquire about class schedules, registration, specific program details, or to clarify any concerns. Their long-standing presence in the community indicates a strong operational structure, and direct communication will allow you to get the most accurate information for your child's dance journey.

For local New Jersey residents, particularly those in Clifton and the surrounding communities, Dance World Academy stands as a deeply embedded and highly experienced institution for dance education. Its suitability for locals is rooted in its accessible location, comprehensive program offerings, and a long-standing commitment to nurturing dancers for nearly five decades. Choosing a local school with such a rich history, founded by an accomplished educator like Donna Farinella, provides families with a sense of stability and trust that their children are receiving instruction from seasoned professionals.

While a single negative review highlights an unfortunate individual experience, it's important to consider the context of a school operating for 47 years with a generally positive reputation and numerous success stories. The academy’s mission to provide "excellent training for every single student" in an "encouraging and challenging environment," and its proven track record of alumni success in both professional dance and higher education, speak volumes. The variety of dance styles offered ensures that children of all ages, from preschoolers to teens, can find a class that sparks their interest and allows them to grow physically and mentally. For New Jersey families seeking a dance school that emphasizes strong technique, confidence building, and a rich legacy of artistic development right in their community, Dance World Academy presents a compelling option where "the growth within your child" can truly flourish.

Dance World Academy

334 Lakeview Ave, Clifton, NJ 07011, USA