Martin Center for Dance

For residents of New Jersey, particularly those in the Central Jersey region around Princeton and Lawrence Township, the Martin Center for Dance stands as an unparalleled institution for dance education. This isn't just a place to learn steps; it's a vibrant, nurturing community dedicated to providing "extraordinarily high quality dance education" for students of all ages and aspirations. Whether you're a parent seeking top-tier instruction for your young dancer, an adult looking to rekindle a passion for ballet, or an aspiring pre-professional, the Martin Center for Dance offers a truly exceptional and supportive environment that feels like a genuine dance home.

The reputation of the Martin Center for Dance is built on its commitment to excellence, evident in the glowing testimonials from its students and their families. Patrons consistently praise the "supportive, caring, expert faculty" and the "absolutely top notch instruction" delivered in a "beautiful studio." One parent, who is also a returning adult student, eloquently shared, "Whether beginning ballet, training pre-professionally or coming back to the dancing you love in adulthood, there is no better dance home around!" This speaks volumes about the studio's ability to cater to a diverse range of needs while maintaining an incredibly high standard of training. The emphasis on individualized attention and a welcoming atmosphere ensures that every student not only grows as a dancer but also develops confidence and a profound appreciation for the art form.

The Martin Center for Dance is conveniently located at 11 Princess Rd Suite 11G, Lawrence Township, NJ 08648, USA. This strategic address places the studio in the heart of Central New Jersey, making it easily accessible for families residing in Lawrence Township, Princeton, Trenton, and surrounding communities. Princess Road offers straightforward navigation, typically with ample parking available on-site or nearby, which is a significant advantage for busy parents during drop-off and pick-up times. Its location off Princeton Pike further enhances its accessibility, connecting it seamlessly to major routes and making it a convenient destination for those traveling from various parts of Mercer County and beyond. This prime location ensures that a top-tier dance education is within reach for a wide range of local New Jersey residents.

The Martin Center for Dance offers a comprehensive array of dance programs designed to cater to a wide spectrum of ages and skill levels, with a particular strength in ballet education. Their services include:

• Children's Dance Programs:
  • "Me, You & Music Too!" (ages 2-3)
  • Children's Pre-Ballet
  • Children's Beginner Ballet
  • Children's Intermediate Ballet
  • Children's Advanced Ballet
• Student Classes (Intermediate to Advanced):
  • Intermediate Student Ballet (2 classes recommended)
  • Intermediate/Advanced Student Ballet (3 classes recommended)
  • Intermediate/Advanced Student Pointe (2 times per week)
  • Advanced Student Ballet 1 (5 days per week)
  • Advanced Student Pointe 1 (3 times per week)
  • Advanced Student Ballet 2 (6 days per week, full class en pointe)
  • Advanced Student Pointe 2
• Pre-Professional Program: A highly specialized and rigorous program for serious dancers, including Pro/Advanced Ballet and Variations & Coaching, with personalized scheduling.
• Adult Open Classes: Catering to adult students of all levels, from beginners to those returning to dance:
  • Beginner Adult Ballet
  • Beginning/Intermediate Adult Ballet
  • Intermediate Adult Ballet
  • Intermediate/Advanced Ballet
  • Advanced Adult Ballet
  • Adult Pointe
  • Mobility, Strengthening & Balance classes
• Diverse Dance Styles (beyond core ballet focus): While ballet is a core strength, the center also offers or integrates elements of:
  • Acrobatics
  • Baton
  • Contemporary
  • Hip Hop
  • Jazz
  • Lyrical
  • Modern
  • Musical Theater
  • Tap
• Artistic Workshop: Providing additional opportunities for artistic development and exploration.
• Performance Opportunities: While not explicitly detailed in reviews, high-caliber dance studios typically offer recital or showcase opportunities for students to perform.

The Martin Center for Dance is distinguished by several unique features and highlights that contribute to its standing as a premier dance institution:

• Exceptional Faculty and Leadership: The studio is under the direction of Douglas Martin and Mary Barton. Douglas Martin is particularly notable, having been a principal dancer with the Joffrey Ballet and American Repertory Ballet, and former Artistic Director of American Repertory Ballet. His direct access to the teachings of Robert Joffrey provides a uniquely valuable foundation. This caliber of leadership ensures extraordinarily high-quality dance education.
• Highly Personalized and Supportive Instruction: Reviews consistently highlight the "supportive, caring, expert faculty." This individualized attention allows students to thrive, whether they are just beginning or training pre-professionally.
• Comprehensive Ballet Program: From early childhood pre-ballet to advanced pointe work and a pre-professional track, the Martin Center for Dance offers an incredibly thorough and structured ballet curriculum, making it an ideal choice for serious ballet students.
• Dedicated Adult Programs: The extensive range of adult ballet classes, including beginner, intermediate, advanced, and pointe, is a significant highlight, catering to adults who wish to learn, return to, or continue their dance journey at a high level.
• Beautifully Designed Studio: Patrons describe the facility as a "beautiful studio," providing an inspiring and comfortable environment for learning and practice. The custom-designed, 5,000-square-foot studios offer ample space for dancers.
• Holistic Approach to Dance Education: The emphasis is not just on technical skill but on fostering a genuine "dance home" where students grow as individuals, building confidence and a lifelong love for dance.
• Proven Pedigree: The direct lineage to esteemed figures in the ballet world, such as Robert Joffrey through Douglas Martin, provides a rare and valuable educational advantage.

For inquiries about class schedules, registration, or to learn more about the diverse programs offered, you can contact the Martin Center for Dance using the details below:

Address: 11 Princess Rd Suite 11G, Lawrence Township, NJ 08648, USA

Phone: (609) 937-8878

For locals across New Jersey, especially in the Lawrence Township, Princeton, and wider Central Jersey area, the Martin Center for Dance is an unparalleled destination for dance education. Its suitability for locals is underscored by its unwavering commitment to "extraordinarily high quality dance education" and its creation of a truly supportive community. As one parent enthusiastically put it, "Best decision we ever made with respect to our children's dance education. I highly recommend Martin Center for Dance if you are looking for top quality dance lessons for your children or for yourself."

The unique ability to cater to "both my daughter and I" highlights its appeal for families seeking shared activities or individual pursuits across different age groups. The presence of world-class faculty, like Douglas Martin with his extensive ballet background, means local students have access to a level of instruction that is typically hard to find outside of major metropolitan centers. Whether your goal is recreational enjoyment, professional development, or simply a high-quality fitness outlet, the Martin Center for Dance provides a nurturing environment where everyone can thrive. It is indeed, as its patrons attest, "the best dance home around."

Martin Center for Dance

11 Princess Rd Suite 11G, Lawrence Township, NJ 08648, USA