For Dancers Only

Hello, New Jersey locals! Are you searching for a dance school that truly stands out, prioritizing the pure "art of dance" over just the competitive hustle, while fostering an incredibly supportive and loving community? Look no further than For Dancers Only (FDO) in Totowa, NJ. This "amazing" dance school has been a beacon of dance education in our area since 1988, establishing itself as "one of the premier dance studios in the country." Under the compassionate and expert direction of Miss Kelly Allen, FDO is renowned for its exceptional staff, diverse offerings, and a nurturing environment where every student, regardless of their background or aspirations, can truly thrive and find their "dance family."

For many families, joining FDO has been a "night and day" difference compared to other studios. It's a place where children are not "dismissed" but instead find their fit, grow "so much as a dancer," and where their "passion for dance grew more than I even thought was possible." If you're seeking a studio that combines top-tier instruction with a genuine sense of belonging, where kids and parents alike are welcomed "with open arms," and where the focus is on developing well-rounded, confident individuals through the joy of dance, then For Dancers Only is your destination.

For Dancers Only operates primarily from its main studio at 248 Union Blvd, Totowa, NJ 07512, USA. They also have a dedicated Children's Studio at 320 Union Blvd, indicating their commitment to specialized environments for different age groups. This prime location on Union Boulevard, a significant road in Totowa, makes the studio easily accessible for families residing in Totowa and surrounding towns within Passaic and Essex Counties, such as Little Falls, Wayne, Clifton, and Paterson.

For those traveling by car, Union Boulevard offers direct access, and the studio's placement within a commercial area likely provides ample parking, which is a key convenience for parents during drop-off and pick-up. Totowa benefits from its proximity to major highways, including Route 46, Route 80, and the Garden State Parkway, ensuring relatively easy commutes from various parts of Northern New Jersey. While local bus services may operate in the area, private vehicle access is generally the most common mode of transport for families. The studio's commitment to remaining "open for everything, including spring break," signifies their dedication to continuous training and accessibility for their students.

For Dancers Only offers a comprehensive and diverse range of dance classes tailored to students of all ages and skill levels, from basic beginners to advanced competitive dancers. Their curriculum is designed to provide well-rounded training and foster a love for dance.

• Beginner to Advanced Levels: FDO provides classes suitable for all experience levels, starting from foundational concepts and progressing to intricate techniques required for intermediate, advanced, and competitive dancers.

• Youth Programs (Ages Two through Adult):

  • Pre-School & Kinder Classes: Innovative curricula for the youngest dancers, offering an exciting and enriching introduction to dance in a fun and safe environment.

  • Recreational Classes: A variety of styles for students who dance primarily for enjoyment, exercise, and creative expression.

  • Competitive Programs: For dedicated dancers, the Competitive Company provides opportunities for intensive training, showcasing talents, and competing throughout the season in prestigious competitions.

• Extensive Dance Styles Offered: Students can explore a wide array of genres, ensuring a well-rounded dance education:

  • Ballet: Foundational classical training focusing on precision, grace, strength, and technique.

  • Pointe: Specialized ballet training for advanced students who have developed the necessary strength and technique to dance on pointe.

  • Tap: Focuses on rhythmic footwork and percussive sounds, developing timing and coordination.

  • Jazz: Energetic and stylized movements, emphasizing flexibility, musicality, and expressive choreography.

  • Lyrical: Blends ballet and jazz, focusing on emotional expression and fluid movements to interpret music.

  • Contemporary: An expressive dance form that combines elements from various styles, encouraging creative exploration and individual interpretation.

  • Musical Theater: Combines dance with acting and singing, preparing students for stage performances in a theatrical context.

  • Hip Hop: High-energy, urban-based dance styles with emphasis on rhythm, isolations, and individual expression.

  • Stretch, Leap, and Turn Classes: Specialized classes designed to improve flexibility, technique for turns, and execution of leaps, crucial for all dance styles.

  • Strength and Conditioning: Focuses on building the physical strength and stamina necessary for demanding dance techniques and injury prevention.

  • Tumbling: Incorporates acrobatic and gymnastic elements to enhance a dancer's agility, balance, and physical capabilities.

  • Ballroom Dance (New for 2025): Expanding their offerings to include partner dance styles, demonstrating a commitment to diverse and evolving dance education.

• Opportunities for Growth and Mentorship: FDO provides pathways for dancers to pursue higher education in dance at prestigious universities (e.g., Juilliard, Boston Conservatory, University Michigan) and professional careers on Broadway, with dance companies, and in film/television.

For Dancers Only consistently receives high praise for a multitude of distinguishing features and highlights that set it apart in the New Jersey dance community.

• Focus on "The Art of Dance, Not the Competitive Aspects": This is a key differentiator, indicating that while they offer competitive teams, the overarching philosophy is on artistic development, joy of movement, and individual growth, rather than solely on winning.

• Exceptional and Diverse Teaching Staff: The staff is repeatedly described as "excellent," "beyond amazing," and bringing "their expertise to the table." With "9 different teachers" for "9 different classes," students benefit from a wide range of perspectives and specialized instruction from "most talented teachers," including performers and choreographers from Broadway, Off-Broadway, and top university programs.

• Nurturing and Welcoming "Dance Family" Environment: A consistent highlight is the incredibly supportive community. Students and parents alike describe feeling welcomed "with open arms," with kids feeling like they've "known everyone for years." This inclusive atmosphere fosters "great friends and people" who are "cheering everyone on."

• Student-Centered Approach: The studio is praised for understanding individual needs, with Miss Kelly allowing students to try out and ensuring "there was room for my daughter somewhere on the team" regardless of prior experience or breaks. This contrasts sharply with experiences at less flexible studios.

• Significant Student Growth and Rekindled Passion: Many testimonials emphasize how daughters have "grown so much as a dancer" and how their "passion for dance grew more than I even thought was possible" after joining FDO. This demonstrates the effectiveness of their teaching and nurturing environment.

• "NEVER Closes" Policy (for certain breaks): Unlike some other studios, FDO is noted for staying open during breaks like spring break, offering continuous training and value for tuition, which is a practical benefit for dedicated families.

• Beautiful, State-of-the-Art Facilities: Both the main and children's studios feature "marley floors, full wall mirrors, theatrical lighting and professional sound systems," providing a professional and inspiring environment for learning and practice.

• Impressive Alumni Success: FDO boasts a long list of alumni who have gone on to perform with prestigious companies (NYC Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet), on Broadway, in film/TV, and have been accepted into top university dance programs. This speaks to the high caliber of training provided.

• Development of Life Skills: Beyond dance, FDO teaches valuable life lessons such as "time management skills, good work ethic, teamwork, and how to deal with success and disappointment," fostering confident and accomplished young adults.

To connect with For Dancers Only and take the next step in your or your child's dance journey, please use the following contact information:

Address: 248 Union Blvd, Totowa, NJ 07512, USA

Phone: (973) 256-5517

Mobile Phone: +1 973-256-5517

You can also text Miss Kelly directly for immediate answers to questions at 973-650-1021, or email fdomisssam@aol.com. It is highly recommended to visit their website or contact them directly to inquire about class schedules, trial classes, registration, and to experience their welcoming atmosphere firsthand.

For local New Jersey residents, especially those in Totowa and surrounding communities in Passaic and Essex Counties, For Dancers Only is an outstanding choice for dance education. Its suitability for locals is profoundly clear. Firstly, its convenient location on Union Boulevard with dedicated studio spaces ensures accessibility for daily classes and rehearsals, making it a practical choice for busy families.

Secondly, FDO offers a refreshing philosophy that prioritizes "the art of dance" and individual growth within a "true dance family" environment. In a landscape where dance can sometimes become overly competitive, FDO provides a nurturing space where students thrive not just technically, but also emotionally and socially. The studio's commitment to continuous learning (staying open even during breaks) and providing diverse instructors who bring "their expertise to the table" ensures that every dancer receives comprehensive and inspiring training.

Perhaps the most compelling reason for locals to choose FDO is the consistent feedback from parents describing a transformation in their children – a growth in skill, a rekindled passion, and a profound sense of belonging. The warm welcome extended to new families, the supportive camaraderie among students, and the evident dedication of Miss Kelly and her staff create an environment where children "love to be there." For New Jersey families seeking a dance home that champions artistry, fosters confidence, and builds lifelong connections, For Dancers Only truly is where passion for dance thrives.

For Dancers Only

248 Union Blvd, Totowa, NJ 07512, USA