Montclair Academy of Dance and Laboratory of Music and Drama, Inc.

For families and individuals in New Jersey seeking a truly unique and enriching performing arts experience, the Montclair Academy of Dance and Laboratory of Music and Drama, Inc. (MADLOM) stands as a vibrant and innovative hub. Unlike conventional studios, MADLOM offers a holistic approach that integrates dance, music, and drama to expand understanding of our diverse world and cultivate creative expression. This isn't just about learning a specific skill; it's about fostering imagination, building self-discipline, and encouraging collaboration. With a philosophy that believes in the potential within every individual, MADLOM creates a joyful and supportive environment where students of all ages can explore their artistic capabilities and develop a lifelong appreciation for the performing arts.

At the heart of MADLOM's unique approach is its commitment to interdisciplinary learning, drawing inspiration from drumming, poetry, theater, movement, choreography, ballet, film, visual arts, and even the tales of Anansi. This rich tapestry of influences helps students shape their own creative work and understand how collaboration builds stronger communities. The dedication of the staff, including the "awesome" Maya, ensures that "the kids learn and have a great time." This balance of serious artistic development and genuine enjoyment is a hallmark of the MADLOM experience. For those accustomed to more traditional dance performances, a MADLOM production might offer a different perspective, emphasizing the depth and nuance of modern artistic expression. The facility itself is described as modern and well-equipped, functioning effectively to support diverse artistic endeavors. Ultimately, MADLOM is a place where creativity is unleashed, and individuals are empowered to connect with their artistic selves in a profoundly meaningful way.

The Montclair Academy of Dance and Laboratory of Music and Drama, Inc. (MADLOM) is located at St. John's Church, 55 Montclair Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042, USA. This central Montclair address places it conveniently within reach for residents of Montclair and surrounding New Jersey communities, including Verona, Bloomfield, and West Orange. Montclair Avenue is a well-known street, making the location straightforward to find for those traveling by car. Montclair, as a vibrant and accessible town, benefits from comprehensive NJ Transit bus and train services. Depending on specific routes, the studio's location within the town suggests potential proximity to public transport stops, offering a convenient option for students and families without personal vehicles. While located within a church, the facility is described as modern and well-equipped, indicating a dedicated space suitable for performing arts instruction. The ease of access to MADLOM is a significant advantage for local families, ensuring consistent attendance and active participation in the academy's unique and enriching programs.

Montclair Academy of Dance and Laboratory of Music and Drama (MADLOM) offers a unique blend of performing arts programs that emphasize interdisciplinary learning and creative exploration. While specific detailed class schedules are best obtained directly from the academy, their philosophy and reviews indicate a wide range of services including:

• Dance Classes: Incorporating various styles such as Cunningham and Graham-inspired modern dance, ballet, and creative movement.
• Choreography: Students are encouraged to develop their own choreographic works, fostering creativity and understanding of movement composition.
• Drama and Theater Arts: Programs focused on acting, playwriting, and theatrical performance, helping students develop stage presence and storytelling abilities.
• African Drumming: Classes led by experienced drummers, exploring rhythms and cultural messages through djembe and dundun.
• Music Exploration: Beyond drumming, the "Laboratory of Music" suggests broader musical education, possibly including rhythm, theory, or instrumental introductions.
• Creative Writing: Programs that integrate writing with performance, allowing students to develop their narrative skills.
• Film and Visual Arts Integration: Using elements from film and visual arts to enhance understanding and create multi-faceted performances.
• Anansi Tales: Incorporating storytelling, specifically the Anansi tales, to expand cultural understanding and creative expression.
• Developmentally Appropriate Process: Ensuring that learning methods are tailored to the age and developmental stage of each student, making the experience joyful and effective.
• Individualized Attention: Addressing every child individually and utilizing Howard Gardner's theory of "Multiple Intelligences" to cater to diverse learning styles.
• Collaborative Projects: Programs that emphasize teamwork and collaboration, teaching students that collective effort builds a stronger community.
• Student-Led Teaching Opportunities: Long-time students are encouraged to share their knowledge with younger generations, teaching with the support of instructors, fostering leadership and mentorship.
• Performance Opportunities: Students have opportunities to showcase their learned skills and creative works, often in unique and thought-provoking productions that reflect modern themes.

Montclair Academy of Dance and Laboratory of Music and Drama (MADLOM) boasts several distinctive features and highlights that set it apart as a premier performing arts institution in New Jersey:

• Interdisciplinary Approach: MADLOM uniquely blends dance, music, and drama with elements of poetry, film, visual arts, and storytelling (like Anansi tales) to provide a rich, comprehensive artistic education.
• Holistic Child Development: Beyond artistic skills, the academy focuses on cultivating creative abilities, unleashing imagination, building self-discipline, and bolstering self-esteem, nurturing the potential within each student.
• Experienced and Esteemed Faculty: Led by Artistic Director & Co-founder Maya Milenovic Workman, a Guggenheim fellow and international choreographer, alongside talented instructors like Ayana Workman (Drama, Dance, Drumming) and M'ten Halsey (African Drumming), ensuring high-quality instruction.
• Focus on Modern Expression: The academy's performances, such as "Dance Makers Montclair University," are noted for their sophisticated technical skill, excellent choreography, and an approach that enhances understanding of modern dance, reflecting contemporary themes and movements.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Despite its location within a church, the facility is described as modern and current in equipment, functioning well to support diverse artistic endeavors, including sound and lighting effects.
• Individualized Learning: MADLOM addresses every child individually, applying Howard Gardner's theory of "Multiple Intelligences" to cater to diverse learning styles and ensure each student thrives.
• Emphasis on Collaboration and Community: A core belief is that collaboration builds a better community, fostering an environment where students learn to work together and support one another.
• Student Mentorship: Long-time students are encouraged to teach and share their knowledge with younger generations, building leadership skills and reinforcing their own learning.
• Unique Artistic Vision: The co-founding heart of MADLOM, Reggie Workman and Maya Milenovic, have created unique productions like "Dos Worlds" and "Ophelia's Ocean," showcasing their innovative artistic vision.
• Positive and Engaging Environment: Despite the intellectual depth, "the kids learn and have a great time," indicating a joyful process that fosters a love for the performing arts.

For more information about programs, schedules, or to enroll at the Montclair Academy of Dance and Laboratory of Music and Drama (MADLOM), please use the following contact details:

Address: St. John's Church, 55 Montclair Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042, USA

Phone: (973) 626-6130

Mobile Phone: +1 973-626-6130

For New Jersey locals, particularly those in Montclair and its vibrant surrounding communities, Montclair Academy of Dance and Laboratory of Music and Drama (MADLOM) offers an unparalleled opportunity for artistic development. Its central location on Montclair Avenue, within St. John's Church, provides convenient access for families, making it easy to integrate their unique programs into busy schedules. What truly makes MADLOM exceptionally suitable for locals is its innovative and holistic approach to arts education. This isn't just a place to learn isolated skills; it's a dynamic environment where dance, music, and drama converge with creative writing, drumming, and visual arts to foster well-rounded, expressive individuals.

For parents seeking to unleash their child's imagination and cultivate creative abilities, MADLOM's developmentally appropriate and joyful process, combined with individualized attention, ensures that every child can learn and achieve. The presence of highly acclaimed educators, including Guggenheim fellow Maya Milenovic Workman, means students are learning from true masters in their fields. While some performances lean towards a more interpretive, modern style, the core focus remains on nurturing talent, building discipline, and instilling a love for the arts. For any New Jersey family looking for a performing arts academy that goes beyond the conventional to inspire profound artistic understanding and personal growth, MADLOM in Montclair is an invaluable community asset and a truly exceptional choice.

Montclair Academy of Dance and Laboratory of Music and Drama, Inc.

St. John's Church, 55 Montclair Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042, USA