Business Details
23 Years
experience
Premier Dance School in Fairfield, NJ
Essex Dance Academy has been dedicated to nurturing excellence in dance education since 2003. Founded by Marie Fischbach, our academy provides comprehensive instruction in performing arts to students of all ages and skill levels, from recreational learners to career-focused dancers. Our world-class faculty comprises professional dancers and choreographers who prioritize individualized guidance to foster artistic and personal growth. With six state-of-the-art studios featuring custom dance floors and advanced sound systems, we offer a supportive environment for creative development. Our commitment extends beyond technical training to include annual recitals, a dancewear boutique for convenience, and specialized programs for competition teams.The academys philosophy emphasizes personalized attention, ensuring every student achieves their full potential. Over two decades, weve maintained a reputation for excellence through continuous innovation in teaching methodologies. Our facility includes dedicated waiting areas with entertainment options for families, reflecting our holistic approach to dance education. Through rigorous training and performance opportunities, we cultivate both technical proficiency and artistic expression in a nurturing atmosphere.
Services
Ballet
Jazz
Tap
Hip-Hop
Lyrical
Musical Theater
Acrobatics
Competition Training
Birthday Parties
Dancewear Sales
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of experience in professional dance instruction
- Our faculty includes award-winning choreographers and former professional dancers
- Six state-of-the-art studios with custom dance flooring systems
- Personalized guidance for both recreational and competitive dancers
- Annual performance opportunities with professional production values
Services
Ballet Instruction
Our ballet program develops technical precision and artistic expression through structured training. Students learn foundational techniques, classical repertoire, and performance skills in a supportive environment. Classes emphasize proper alignment, musicality, and artistic interpretation for ages 2 through adult.
Hip-Hop Classes
Dynamic hip-hop instruction focuses on street dance styles, freestyle techniques, and choreography. Classes build rhythm, coordination, and self-expression while maintaining technical discipline. Instructors incorporate current trends and foundational hip-hop elements for ages 4 through teens.
Competition Training
Competition programs offer advanced training in multiple genres with performance opportunities. Dancers receive personalized coaching, choreography workshops, and competition preparation. Programs include novice and elite levels with regional and national competition schedules.
Birthday Parties
Custom dance-themed birthday parties feature professional studio space, themed activities, and entertainment. Packages include dance instruction, games, and performance elements with capacity for 10-20 children in our dedicated party space.
Musical Theater
Integrated musical theater classes combine dance, acting, and singing skills for stage performance. Students learn Broadway-style choreography, character development, and performance techniques through popular musical excerpts for ages 6 through teens.
People
Marie Fischbach
Studio Owner, Director, Instructor
Founder of Essex Dance Academy with 20+ years teaching experience. Trained at Ballet Arts and American Ballet Theater, she develops curriculum and leads faculty while maintaining active involvement in student mentorship.
Suzy Fischbach
Artistic Director
Choreographer and director with 7 years teaching experience. Manages creative vision and competition program, bringing expertise from performances at Joyce Theater and national choreography awards.
Hilary Thornburgh Nicolai
Ballet Instructor
ABT-certified instructor with Metropolitan Opera Ballet experience. Teaches classical technique with focus on discipline and performance preparation, holding advanced degrees in dance education and literature.
Steven Blandino
Choreographer
Award-winning choreographer with Broadway Dance Center faculty experience. Creates contemporary works featured in national festivals and professional productions, blending commercial and theatrical dance styles.
Kayla Kaspar Simone
Choreographer
Decade-long academy instructor with engineering background. Combines technical precision with creative expression, developing award-winning competition pieces while emphasizing artistic development and performance quality.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, lyrical, musical theater, and acrobatics classes for ages 2-18 with specialized competition training programs.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes! All students participate in our annual recital at the end of the season with professional production values and multiple performance dates.
How do I register for classes?
Register online through our DanceWorks portal or download/print our registration form. A $30 non-refundable fee is required to secure your spot.
What are your class sizes?
Class sizes are limited to ensure quality instruction. If a class fills, we either add another session or place students on a waitlist.
Do you offer trial classes?
Yes, we allow trial classes with the fee applied to tuition if you decide to enroll in our program.
What is your competition program structure?
We have Novice (ages 7-18) and Advanced (ages 4-18) teams with regional/national competition schedules, personalized coaching, and choreography development.
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