Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Premier Destination for Dance Education in Lakewood, NJ
Denise Daniele Dance Center has been a cornerstone of the Ocean County arts community for over five decades, dedicated to fostering a lifelong passion for dance in students of all ages. Our mission emphasizes integrity, leadership, and teamwork, creating a supportive environment where dancers develop technical skill, self-discipline, and confidence. With faculty members who have performed on Broadway, in professional dance companies, and on national television, we combine rigorous training with a commitment to inclusivity. Our curriculum spans recreational classes for young children to pre-professional programs, ensuring every student finds their path. We prioritize a positive learning atmosphere where creativity thrives, and dancers become both skilled artists and compassionate individuals.For generations, we have extended our impact beyond the studio through community performances and outreach initiatives. Our new director, Anjelica Roman, continues this legacy while introducing innovative teaching methods and a structured syllabus. With a focus on both physical and personal growth, we prepare students for careers in dance and life. Our alumni and families consistently praise the studio's nurturing culture and transformative impact. As we enter our 53rd season, we remain devoted to sharing the joy of dance with the Jersey Shore community and beyond.
Services
Jazz
Ballet
Hip-Hop
Tap
Contemporary
Acro
Musical Theater
Lyrical
Creative Movement
Pre-Professional Training
Details
- Year established: 1973
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of dance education excellence in Ocean County
- Our faculty includes Broadway performers and nationally recognized choreographers
- We provide structured programs for ages 1.5 through adults
- Our inclusive environment nurtures both technical skill and personal confidence
- We maintain a proven track record of preparing students for professional dance careers
What people say
Lifelong friendships formed
Professional performance opportunities
Inclusive environment for all abilities
Expert instruction from industry professionals
Positive confidence-building atmosphere
Services
Jazz Dance Classes
Our jazz classes develop fundamental skills including isolations, positioning, and movement connectivity. Students build flexibility, agility, and performance quality through structured technique training. With dress code requirements ensuring proper form visibility, classes emphasize both technical precision and artistic expression in a supportive learning environment.
Ballet Instruction
Ballet classes focus on traditional techniques while developing grace, strength, and body awareness. Students learn foundational principles that enhance their overall dance ability. The curriculum combines technical training with creative expression, preparing dancers for both classical and contemporary performance opportunities while maintaining a strong emphasis on proper alignment and form.
Hip-Hop Workshops
Hip-hop classes teach popping, locking, breaking, and freestyle techniques while improving body balance and coordination. Students develop their unique style through rhythmic movement training. The program emphasizes creative self-expression while maintaining technical dance fundamentals in a dynamic, music-driven environment that encourages individuality and confidence.
Private Lessons
Customized private instruction available in all dance styles with experienced faculty. Sessions focus on individual technique refinement, competition preparation, or personal goal achievement. Students receive personalized attention to address specific needs while progressing at their optimal pace through structured, goal-oriented training sessions.
Pre-Professional Training
Advanced training program for serious dancers preparing for professional careers. Includes comprehensive technique development, performance opportunities, and industry networking. The curriculum combines rigorous technical training with career preparation, offering students pathways to collegiate dance programs and professional performance opportunities through mentorship and specialized coaching.
People
Anjelica Roman
Director
Anjelica Roman, director since 2017, brings 23 years of dance experience and a BA in Arts Management. She has choreographed for professional teams and dance competitions, maintaining the studio's legacy while implementing innovative teaching methods and a structured curriculum.
Mr. Scott
Instructor
Mr. Scott holds a dance degree from Georgian Court University and has performed internationally. He specializes in multiple dance styles and focuses on creating engaging, technically rigorous classes that inspire lifelong dance appreciation through diverse teaching methods and performance opportunities.
Eliza Roman
Instructor
Eliza Roman, a graduate of OCVTS Performing Arts Academy and Georgian Court University, has taught at DDDC for 18 years. She founded Roman Artistry Studios and brings extensive commercial dance experience, including work with music artist Jayel and professional dance teams.
Laurn Lolly Galarza
Instructor
Ms. Lolly, a DDDC alumna since age 15, has performed professionally with the Philadelphia Soulmates and coached multiple championship dance teams. She combines her education background with practical experience to create engaging, technically focused classes for young dancers.
Denise Blackstone
Founder
Denise Blackstone founded the studio in 1973 after receiving her teaching degree in New York. She established the studio's foundational values and trained generations of dancers, creating a legacy that continues through the current leadership and faculty.
Questions
What age groups do you accept for dance classes?
We offer classes for children as young as 1.5 years old through adult programs, with structured levels for all skill ranges.
Are there performance opportunities available for students?
Yes! Our City Lights Dance Ensemble participates in competitions, community performances, and special events throughout the year.
What dance styles do you teach at your studio?
We offer jazz, ballet, hip-hop, tap, contemporary, acro, musical theater, and lyrical dance classes with specialized instructors.
Do you offer trial classes for new students?
Yes, we provide free trial classes for all new students to experience our programs before committing to enrollment.
What qualifications do your instructors have?
Our faculty includes Broadway performers, national competition choreographers, and professional dancers with degrees in dance education and performance.
Is there a dress code for dance classes?
Yes, each class has specific dress requirements to ensure proper movement visibility and professional training environment.
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