Academy of Performing Arts of New Jersey
Ballet
Ballet classes focus on building strength, poise, proper body alignment, turnout and extension in an expressive atmosphere. Ballet is the basis of all dance disciplines.
Tap
Tap develops rhythm and sound coordination skills in an upbeat class.
Lyrical
Lyrical tells a story through dance and combines classical ballet, modern and jazz technique. This class develops strength, flexibility and balance with a strong ballet base.
Acrobatics
Mat and floor work in basic tumbling advancing to walkovers, handsprings, aerials, etc.
Jazz
Jazz is a fun filled class focused on improving technique, strength, and flexibility which will enhance student’s jumps, turns, and stage performance
Hip Hop
Hip Hop combines jazz, street and funk styles in a high energy class, developing technique, self confidence and stage performance.
Musical Theatre
This class combines dance, acting and drama.
Welcome...
Classes we offer...
Academy of Performing Arts of NJ is located in Hamilton, NJ. At the reins of this friendly studio is Melissa Taggart, a veteran dancer with over 20 years experience. Enthusiastic and ready to share her knowledge of dance, Miss Melissa and her team of instructors will make your dance experience a truly memorable one!
Acting
Voice
Birthday Parties
Parents' Night Out
Mommy & Me
*Click abvove for details
Latest News...
01/05/10 - I just wanted to wish everyone a wonderful New Year, 2010 is going to be great!!! -Miss Melissa
11/19/09 - We will be holding a free Demo Zumba class on December 1st from 7:15-8:15pm.
9/10/09 - It's not to late to register, come on in.
8/29/09 - Free Demo Zumba Class Sept 9th from 7-8pm. If your interested in signing up for the class, just give us a call and we will add you to the list.
8/29/09 - Miss Melissa would like to thank everyone that attended the open house. Just a reminder that fall classes start Sat, 9/12.
8/13/09 - We now accept Visa/MasterCard/Debit
8/12/09 - Added our vocal pricing, acting pricing coming soon.
7/30/09 - Register for fall classes on or before 8/28 and receive $10 off registration.
7/29/09 - Added our Fall Open House, Mark those calendars, you don't want to miss this.
7/28/09 - APA of NJ is proud to introduce our Musical Theatre-Voice-Acting teacher, Miss Kerilyn. Added our Fall schedule/Miss Kerilyn's Bio.
7/22/09 - Updated our Summer schedule, Fall schedule will be up Monday July 27th.
7/16/09 - We here at APA of NJ have nothing to hide. Let people know how we're doing, by writing a review about us.
7/14/09 - APA of NJ is proud to announce our Referral Program, check it out!
7/10/09 - I hope everyone that came for their free dance class had fun tonight,I know I did. -Miss Melissa
7/09/09 - Thanks to everyone who attended our open house, it was a huge success and it was our pleasure to meet you and welcome you to APA of NJ.
7/07/09 - Added Kenny "Ken-Dogg" Thomas's Bio
7/05/09 - Revised tuition in favor of our clientele. Added payment options for tuition.
7/02/09 - We are not affiliated in any way with C&E productions. Kenny "Ken-Dogg" Thomas, has joined our staff.
6/30/09 - After much anticipation and excitement, Miss Melissa Taggart is proud to announce the Grand Opening of APA of NJ. Our doors are now open for Summer/Fall registration. Register today -
We look forward to meeting you and having a great year!
Dance Fees
*Acting & Musical Theatre follow the same rates as Dance
Hrs. per Week Hrs. per Month Tuition. per Month
45 minutes
1 hour
1.5 hours
2 hours
2.5 hours
3 hours
3.5 hours
4 hours
4.5 hours
5 hours
5.5 hours
6 hours
Unlimited
8 hours
10 hours
12 hours
14 hours
16 hours
18 hours
20 hours
22 hours
24 hours
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$50
$55
$70
$85
$100
$115
$130
$145
$160
$175
$190
$205
$230
Vocal Fees
Private Vocal Lesson 1/2 hour, $30 per week/$120 per month
Group Vocal Lesson 1 hour, $35 per week/$140 per month
*For sibling rates please inquire within
Payment Options
Monthly | 5 Months, 5% Savings | 10 Months, 10% Savings
Owner-Director/
Miss Melissa
Hip-Hop/
Kenny"Ken-Dogg"
Melissa Taggart has been trained in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical and Acrobatics since the age of three. She has trained with Master teachers from all over such as, Wade Robson, Brian Friedman, Napolean and Tabitha Dumo, and Frank Hatchet to name a few. Miss Melissa has taught in New Jersey for the past 12 years and choreographed many award winning routines both at the regional and national level. Miss Melissa continues to take class at the well know Broadway Dance Center to maintain her level of dance ability and to nurture her education in dance.
Voice-Acting/
Miss Kerilyn
Customer Care / Front Office
526 RT 33 , Hamilton NJ 08619
Office Phone: (609) 587-0990
Monday thru Friday 4pm - 8pm. Saturday 9am - 2pm.
WE MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO RETURN CALLS AND EMAILS WITHIN 24 hours.
Fall Schedule
Click on schedule to enlarge
*Fall Schedule is subject to change.
School Policies
1) All dancers will adhere to the dress code. All ladies will wear their hair in a bun or ponytail. All bangs must be out of face.
2) Class attendance is imperative to personal and class progression. Excessive absences will not be tolerated, especially during the months when we are preparing for the year end performance. If practices are missed, the child could be removed from that dance. No exceptions will be given for vacations of any kind.
3) If a student misses a class, it is his or her responsibility to find out what was missed and learn it before class or rehearsal time. Check with other students for choreography before approaching the teacher.
4) If tuition is not received by the 3rd of the month you will responsible for paying a $10.00 late fee. Also, if there is a returned check, you will be charged a $35.00 service fee.
5) All accounts must be settled prior to June 1st 2010. If any student has an outstanding tuition balance the following will occur:
a) Performance privileges will be suspended until payment is received.
b) The debt will be turned over to the proper authorities for collections.
6) Please call the studio and leave a message advising of any absences.
7) All students will pay full tuition regardless of class attendance.
8) All students should arrive to the studio at least 15 minutes prior to their scheduled class time. This allows younger students to take care of restroom needs. This also gives the students a chance to start stretching for class.
9) Parents must be attentive to their children. DO NOT allow them to run at any time in the studio. DO NOT allow any child to be loud; it is very disturbing to classes in session.
PG2
10) All students have until November 1st to make a decision on continuing for the duration of the dance season. Any student remaining after November 1st will be subject to pay a $75.00 termination fee.
11) During inclement weather, we will follow the Hamilton School District for closings and early dismissals. If those schools are closed, so are we. For early dismissals, please check the website or call the studio phone to hear our recorded message
12) Production tickets will be on sale starting in May of 2010.
13) The annual production will be held in June. There will be a mandatory rehearsal for all students participating in the production.
14) The code of conduct will be enforced from Sept. through June. The following is what is expected from everyone affiliated with APA of NJ, parents as well as students.
a) We will not tolerate foul language, disruptive or loud behavior, discrimination, bad attitudes, negativity, or disrespect to our teachers, student assistants, parents or fellow students.
b) If for any reason a parent/student needs to discuss a problem of any sort please try to
wait until the teacher is finished for the evening. Make an appointment or leave a note with the secretary for the teacher to call you after she/he is finished classes.
c) If you feel the situation is not solved by talking with the teacher you should contact
Miss.Melissa during none business hours to discuss the situation.
d)Excessive interruptions and gossip, concerning the clientele, facility, the parents' committee, teachers, and the director, will not be tolerated.. Persons involved will be informed about their behavior.
PG 1
Recital
Recital June 12th at Bordentown High School
Registration Forms
APAOFNJ SUMMER DANCE CAMP
The APAOFNJ Summer Dance Camp is open to boys and girls from 3 - 7 yars old. Classes will include ballet, tap, jazz, acro, musical theatre, hip hop and arts and crafts. Our first session will be on July 13 - 17 from 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM. Please call us for pricing information.
APAOFNJ SUMMER INTENSIVE PROGRAM
Below is the schedule of classes being offered at APAOFNJ this summer. Classes will consist of ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, musical theater, hip hop, stretch & technique. Please fill out and return the bottom portion of this registration form along with payment by June 8th. Classes are subject to change or cancellation based on enrollment. Payment is non-refundable and non-transferable unless APAOFNJ cancels a session. If you attend the first 5 weeks, week 6 will be FREE. All classes are open to ALL dancers age 7 and older.
Any dancer that intends to join the APAOFNJ competitive dance team for 2009 - 20010 must attend two weeks of the sessions.
APAOFNJ 2009 - 20010 STUDENT REGISTRATION FORM
Please download and submit our student registration form for our 2009 - 20010 classes. Please submit student registration form along with a $15 registration fee. Student will not be enrolled without registration fee being paid. You will receive a confirmation of class enrollment prior to the first day of classes. Classes begin on Monday, September 14, 2009. If you register before June 1, 2009 your $15 registration fee will be waived.
Book Your Childs Birthday Party Today
Fri. Afternoons, Sat. Evenings,Sun. Afternoons
Pre-school parties- 3-5 years old
* Fun, games,dance, gym, and Hip-hop in a 1hr class
* Cost $12.00 per child (minimum 10 children)
K-5th grade
* Fun, games, dance, gym, and Hip-hop in a 1hr class
6th grade and up
* Cost $15.00 per student (minimum 10 students)
1 ½ hour Hip-hop, Jazz or Ballet class
*Maximum 2hr party; Parent's to provide birthday cake and refreshments.
**There will be a $25 rental/clean-up fee.
TIRED FROM YOUR WORK WEEK? NEED A BREAK FROM THE KIDS?
WANT TO CATCH A MOVIE? GO SHOPPING?
YES! BUT WHAT ABOUT THE KIDS?
MISS MELISSA HAS THE ANSWER - "PARENTS' NIGHT OUT"!
THIS PROGRAM WILL BENEFIT THE ENTIRE FAMILY!
SO PARENTS, GET READY TO ENJOY YOUR NIGHT OUT...AND HAVE YOUR CHILDREN ENJOY A "FUN DANCE" CLASS.
What the kids can expect
Dance
Arts and Crafts
Karaoke
Fruit Juice
What the Parent's can expect
Adult Supervision
Safe Environment
When - Every 3rd Friday of The Month 7-10pm
How Much - TBA
*Children must be enrolled in at least one class at APA Of NJ in order to participate in Parents' Night Out. This service is only available if there are 5 children registered by the third WED.
At APA of NJ we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to dance, but sometimes children ranging from ages 1-2 can have a hard time without their mommies by their side. Because of this we think it's appropriate to offer a class where the little ones can take dance class with their mommies! This 45 minute class focuses on coordination, dance movement, and other basic dance techniques and concepts that are great for early development.
This class is perfect for mothers as well, because not only will our mothers get in 45 minutes of exercise for that day, but they get to do so while bonding with their child. This class is fun and exciting for babies who are new to dance.
F.A.Q.
Q: Is the Mommy & Me Workout a dance class?
A: The Mommy & Me Workout program is focused on movement, coordination, balance, rhythm, stretching, and basic kinetic skills for your little one. The class is set to music and will feature basic dance steps in ballet, jazz, and tap. Yoga-style acrobatics are incorporated into the curriculum to help with flexibility and an increased range of motion. Parents focus on sculpting, strengthening, and elongating their muscles to form the long lines of a dancer.
Q: Do my child and I need previous dance experience?
A: No. This is the perfect program for beginner dancers, because it demonstrates the correct execution of movement and musicality so that beginner moms and children can understand the fundamentals of dance together.
Q: What if my child and I already have dance experience?
A: This program is also designed for those with dance experience, who would like to combine a love of dance with special quality time with Mom. Repetition is essential for mastering dance techniques and with Mom as a part of the class experience, students will feel safe and secure, allowing for optimum learning.
Monthly Tuition:$50
Things Every Parent Should Know Before Choosing A Dance Studio
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WHAT TYPE OF DANCE FLOOR IS USED?
We have a professionally installed wooden dance floor which measures approximately 1500 sq ft.
WHAT IS THE SIZE OF THE CLASS?
Depending on class enrollment and studio space we will make every effort to ensure that there is no overcrowding so that each student has maximum dance space.
Starting at the Right Age – How young is too young/ How old is too old?
Adults can start a dance class at any time. For children, starting at the right age is a key element to the success of their lessons. If a preschooler has a keen desire and wants to start dance, a group preschool dance class will give them a good foundation in dance basics which will be helpful later.
Can I get immediate assistance and customer service?
In many studios the teacher or studio owner conducts classes and does the administration. By trying to do two jobs at once, the class may suffer as the teacher has to use class time for customer service issues, or the studio may have no customer service available if the teacher is in a class. To have a good experience it is important to choose a studio that can assist you with details on costumes and schedules, even when the teacher is occupied in class. Our studio has office staff on hand during all regular scheduled class times so you can get immediate assistance.
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Become A Triple Threat
What is a “triple threat”? A triple threat is that exceptional performer who can Act, Sing and Dance! Broadway is always looking for premier performers – the total package – the triple threat!
APA of NJ is proud to announce its innovative “Triple Threat” Program – a program designed to include three
in-depth and separate classes: one in voice, one in musical theatre and one in dance that students take as a group each week. All for the price of $TBA a month.
If you are a student or have a child who meets one of the following criteria, then this program is for you:
• serious about a career in the performing arts
• dedicated to your craft
• willing to intensify your training
• ready to advance to the next level
Whether you long to be a professional performer or simply want the lead in that next school production, the “Triple Threat” Program will enable you to reach for the stars!
Come in and sign-up for this unique and cutting-edge program!
APA of NJ offers programs to satisfy all of our students!
If you require assistance deciding which program is best for you or a child, please speak with Miss Melissa.
Miss Melissa is here to help her students reach their potential, achieve their goals, and have fun!!!
*Hip-Hop is excluded from the Triple Threat Program.
Things A Dancer Should
Promise to Themselves
1. To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
2. To speak of health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet.
3. To make all your friends feel that there is something wonderful in them.
4. To look at the sunny side of everything and make your dreams come true.
5. To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and expect only the best.
6. To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
7. To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
8. To wear a cheerful expression at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.
9. To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
10. To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
11. To always point your toes.
Kenny "Ken-Dogg"
Kenny comes to APA of NJ with all five styles of Hip-Hop. Lockin', Poppin', Breakin'/B-boyin, 90's hip-hop and House Dance. He is the CEO of Face Da Phlave Entertainment. He performs annually at BET's 106 & Park Live, the JFK Center (Reflections a hip-hop story), ABC Network Show Visions and at Trump Taj Mahal (Zombie). He's a perfectionist when it comes to teaching hip-hop. His choreography is solid and strong. His performances leave the audience dancing in their seats.
Photo Gallery
- Our Facility
Click on picture to enlarge
Kerilyn is very excited to join the APA of NJ team. She has been involved in musical productions and programs on the school, community, and statewide level for years, including: Youre a Good Man Charlie Brown (Lucy), Songs for a New World (Various Roles), Urinetown (Hope Cladwell), Godspell (Various Roles), High School Musical (Taylor McKessie) at the Count Basie Theater, NJ All-State Chorus, and the NJ Governors School of the Arts. She is a recipient of the All Shore Chorus and the Monmouth Civic Chorus scholarships. Keri is currently pursuing a Bachelors of Music degree in Voice Performance at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ. She has studied different styles of singing (including musical theater, classical, and folk) for over ten years with various teachers, currently with Sally Wolf, and has trained in acting, most notably with Stephen Waldrup. One may do whatever one likes in Art: the only thing is, to make sure that one does like it. Robert Browning
Fall Open House
Friday, August 28th 7:30-9:00pm
Agenda
Meet & Greet - Introduction - Demo:Miss Melissa
Q&A - Light Refreshments
Register on or before 8/28 and receive $10 off fall registration
Now offering Zumba
Tuesday 7:15-8:15pm
Saturday 8:30-9:30am
Insert text here
Register now for
Fall classes
APA of NJ
Referral Program
would like to give back to our clientele by introducing our referral program.
For every new student referred by an existing student, APA of NJ will credit the referrer $10 towards one month's tuition. There is no maximum amount of referrals per student. The more you refer the more you save!
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Things Every Parent Should
Know Before Choosing A
Dance Studio
526 RT 33 Hamilton, NJ 08619
(609) 587-0990
We are not affiliated in any way with C&E productions