Eastside Dance Project

For families in New Jersey looking for a dance studio that goes beyond teaching steps, Eastside Dance Project in North Plainfield stands out as a true community treasure. This non-profit 501(C)3 organization is passionately dedicated to empowering youth aged 3-18 through the profound artistry of dance. It’s a place where every pirouette and plié is infused with a mission to build confidence, foster creativity, and instill a lifelong love for movement in a nurturing and professional environment.

Eastside Dance Project is widely praised by local parents for its exceptional instructors, particularly Mrs. Yolanda and Ms. Jenn, who are consistently described as patient, kind, and incredibly caring. The studio prides itself on treating every student like family, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere where dancers not only master technique but also develop essential life skills like discipline, teamwork, and self-expression. Many families feel truly fortunate to have found such a supportive and high-quality dance home in North Plainfield, making it a highly recommended destination for anyone in the New Jersey area eager to embark on or continue their dance journey.

Eastside Dance Project is conveniently located at 32 Codington Ave, North Plainfield, NJ 07060, USA. This accessible address in North Plainfield makes it a convenient hub for families and aspiring dancers throughout Somerset and Union Counties, and other surrounding communities in Central New Jersey. Being situated in a residential area, it offers a welcoming and safe environment for students. For those driving, the location is generally easy to navigate to, and local street parking or designated studio parking (if available) would facilitate smooth drop-offs and pick-ups. Public transportation options in North Plainfield can also be explored for accessibility, though personal vehicle travel is often the most common method for families attending dance studios in the area. Its integration within the local community reinforces its role as a key local resource for youth development through the arts.

Eastside Dance Project offers a comprehensive and inspiring array of dance classes and programs designed to cater to dancers of all ages (from 3-18) and skill levels, from absolute beginners to those aspiring for advanced training. As a non-profit organization, they are committed to making high-quality dance education accessible to everyone. Their services include:

• Diverse Dance Class Styles:
  • Ballet: Focuses on proper classical technique, vocabulary, strength, alignment, grace, and confidence, forming a strong foundation for all other dance forms.
  • Pointe/Pre-Pointe: An extension of ballet for intermediate to advanced dancers (by invitation only), building core, leg, and foot strength for dancing en pointe.
  • Contemporary: An athletically challenging and highly physical class blending techniques from modern, ballet, lyrical, and jazz, allowing for self-expression and creativity.
  • Jazz: Fun, energetic, and highly stylized classes incorporating classical theatrical dance combos and current trendy steps, building strength and body confidence.
  • Hip-Hop: Explores a wide range of street dance styles to hip-hop and pop music, focusing on rhythmic, vibrant, and athletic movements.
  • Tap: Characterized by the sound of metal taps, this class develops rhythm, clarity of sound, and musicality through intricate combinations.
  • Modern: Explores concepts of traditional modern dance (Graham, Horton, Limon), focusing on strong technique, improvisational skills, and floorwork (for intermediate-advanced dancers).
  • Acro: Teaches strong, precise acrobatic elements in a safe atmosphere, utilizing strengthening exercises, skill drills, and partnering work.
  • Lyrical: A combination of Ballet and Jazz, using music lyrics to inspire emotional and expressive movements.
  • Combination Classes: For younger students (e.g., kindergarten and under), often combining tap and ballet to introduce fundamental concepts.
• Eastside Dance Project Dance Company: A selective program for dedicated dancers, chosen by yearly audition. Company members compete in curated competitions and participate in community performances, workshops, and master classes. This provides a pre-professional experience for serious students.
• Scholarship Programs: As a non-profit, Eastside Dance Project proudly grants scholarships based on both merit and financial need, ensuring that lack of financial resources does not deter interested students from pursuing dance.
• Performance and Engagement Opportunities: Beyond regular classes, students gain valuable stage experience through company performances and may even get opportunities for professional summer intensives or masterclasses with renowned faculty.

Eastside Dance Project distinguishes itself within the New Jersey dance community through several key features and highlights that underscore its mission and commitment to its students:

• Non-Profit (501(C)3) Status: This core feature highlights their dedication to charitable, educational, and artistic purposes. It signifies a commitment to the community and often enables them to offer more accessible programs, including scholarships for students in need, ensuring that dance education is available to a wider demographic regardless of financial barriers.
• Exceptional and Nurturing Faculty: Testimonials consistently praise instructors like Mrs. Yolanda (who is described as "truly an angel" and treats each student like her own) and Ms. Jenn for their patience, kindness, and ability to foster a loving and supportive environment. This creates a "family" atmosphere where students feel safe and encouraged.
• Holistic Youth Empowerment: The studio's mission extends beyond just teaching dance steps. They aim to "empower our Youth through Dance by providing powerful engagement, inspiration and environment for self-expression," boosting self-esteem and offering positive experiences that can help teenagers stay "off the street."
• Focus on Individual Growth and Potential: The curriculum and teaching philosophy are designed to help students mature in their dance journey, mastering technique even at young ages, and pushing past boundaries to discover their true selves as dancers. The goal is to develop leaders not only on the dance floor but in every aspect of their lives.
• Rigorous Curriculum and Innovative Techniques: While nurturing, the faculty also utilizes challenging and innovative dance techniques to motivate students. Their commitment to high-quality dance education is evident in the diverse range of styles offered and the depth of training provided.
• Community-Centric Approach: Eastside Dance Project actively serves "underprivileged communities," aiming to provide the same opportunities for all children to excel through training and resources they might not otherwise afford. Their involvement goes beyond the studio walls, fostering a strong sense of belonging.
• Diverse Opportunities: From a wide variety of dance styles to the competitive and performance-oriented Eastside Dance Project Dance Company, students have ample avenues to explore their passion, gain stage experience, and even pursue pre-professional training.

To connect with Eastside Dance Project and learn more about their programs, classes, or enrollment, please use the following contact information:

Address: 32 Codington Ave, North Plainfield, NJ 07060, USA

Phone: (908) 222-3278

Mobile Phone: +1 908-222-3278

Eastside Dance Project is an ideal choice for locals across New Jersey, especially those in and around North Plainfield, seeking a dance studio that offers more than just lessons. Its status as a non-profit organization underscores its deep commitment to community welfare and accessibility, ensuring that high-quality dance education is available to children and teens regardless of their financial background. This mission-driven approach, combined with a truly caring and professional faculty, creates an unparalleled nurturing environment where students not only develop their dance skills but also grow as confident, disciplined, and expressive individuals.

For parents in New Jersey, knowing that their child is part of a "family" where instructors treat students "like her own" provides immense peace of mind. The wide variety of dance styles offered ensures that every child can find their passion, from the foundational grace of ballet to the energetic rhythm of hip-hop and the emotional depth of contemporary. By choosing Eastside Dance Project, local families are investing in a place that fosters artistic excellence, builds character, and creates lifelong positive experiences, truly empowering the next generation of young artists right here in the heart of New Jersey.

Eastside Dance Project

32 Codington Ave, North Plainfield, NJ 07060, USA