My only comment is that the list of dance schools is not really comparing apples to apples. It includes G&J, a fabulous dance venue who offers the highest level of instruction to adult competition ballroom dancers, and compares them to schools that offer instruction primarily to children in the basics of tap, jazz and ballet. Not sure the pole results in the end will be absolutely "fair" to all the schools involved.

Students who have studied at Kathleen Academy of Dance have gone on to grace the most coveted dance jobs available: Broadway, National Touring Companies, The Rockettes, major cruise lines, world-class resorts and more. One even worked as world-famous illusionist David Copperfield's assistant. It has been my distinct pleasure to see many students enter as neophytes and leave as accomplished professionals. That said, there are myriad students who come for the fun of it, and the teachers at KAD make learning just that. Excellent dance school.

Great teachers and studio, especially if you are looking for an all fun and no pressure environment for your child.

Sorry... was referring to Triangle Dance Center

By Far Premiere Dance of Hillsborough offers everything for a dancers needs from recreational classes to learn and enjoy the art of dance to an award winning competitive team that has given several dancers over the past 25 years more opportunities in the dance world then any other school in the area. Was voted one of the top 50 schools in the country! :-)

I started at Kathleen’s when I was four, and I haven’t left! The studio is warm and inviting, and generally a fun place to be. I made some of my best friends in dance classes at the KAD, and learned a true appreciation for dance as an artform—not to mention all of the community-based work the studio does (Dance for the Cure breast cancer awareness and fund-raising, mitten donations in the winter, tap company's participation in local dance revues, and more). KAD is a well-rounded studio with amazing heart.

Going to a non-competition studio taught me that dance is an artform to be enjoyed and learned by all; the endgame shouldn’t be to “win.” Kathleen’s understands that and is a great place for kids to grow, learn, make friends, and love dance!

Love Dance Connection. We previously used vestoff, but the owner was constantly cancelled classes last minute, had no recital, and her doors were locked all the time and discouraged parents from coming in the waiting room. She also harassed us via telephone after we quit.

Both of my children - a daughter and a son - studied at Kathleen Academy of Dance. Besides getting top-notch training and instruction in ballet, tap and jazz, they learned teamwork, graciousness and commitment. Miss Kathleen and her teachers were the best. My kids are adults now, but they spent many happy years dancing at KAD!

Premiere Dance of Hillsborough offers a great variety of classes for all skill levels. Fun, enthusiastic, knowledgeable instructors work with students to develop skills and a love for dance! The facility is spacious and provides areas for students to do homework and for parents to socialize...a real sense of community!

Premiere Dance is not only an exceptional dance school but they are compassionate about the training they offer all their students. Everyone is treated as family including the parents. My daughter has been a student there for three years after training @ the Dance Connection. This year she made the competition team and there is no stress to win, just do the best you can and have fun! The teachers truly care about the students as well as the rest of the staff. My daughter loves dancing @ Premiere and has made many friends, it is like her second home. Her skills and technique have improved with each year of training and it is wonderful to see her grow as a dancer. Premiere Dance Rocks!!!!

Both of my daughters danced at both Kathleen's and Premiere Dance of Hillsborough. While the staff was very nice at Kathleen's, and the girls had fun there, Premiere Dance provided a more professional dance environment where the girls could not only develop strong friendships and have fun, but also really excel both technically and creatively. My youngest (sophmore) daughter recently auditioned for and was accepted in the Joffre School of Ballet Summer Program. This wouldn't be possible if not for the excellent training and emotional support of her teachers at Premiere. Premiere also provides the opportunity to Dance on a Competetive Dance team. This team gave the girls an opportunity to dance at competitions with other girls from other studios, and they were crowned National Champions at Resorts International Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City in 2010.

Don't forget about the Davis Academy of Irish Dancing, home of Traditional Irish Dancing, for beginner to World champion level dancers. Fedelmia Mullan Davis has been teaching in the Manville Hillsborough area for over 25 years and has trained a host of World, National and Regional champion dancers. My daughter has been dancing for Davis for over 10 years and it has been an awesome experience. Debbie Corr

Premiere Dance of Hillsborough offers the best in dance education. The teachers are professional, caring and very supportive. The year end recital is always very well organized and very enjoyable. The competition team offers students the oportunity to compete with other dance studios, have fun and learn sportsmanship. I have had the pleasure to see my granddaughters grow and excel in the art of dance through this wonderful studio.

Premiere Dance of Hillsborough has an supportive,educational atmosphere where children not only learn how to dance, they learn why they love to dance. I am so proud of our students, parents and staff for all the wonderful years at PDH <3 Dynamics

Triangle Dance provides quality dance education in a friendly, relaxed environment. The owner, Miss Cindy, is one of the nicest people I know; in six years, I have never once seen her be anything but kind and patient with both students and parents. I recommend TDC to everyone I know who has a child interested in dance.

Premiere dance of Hillsborough is definitely my choice. I've been dancing there for 8 years and this is my 5th on the competition team. Everyone is so nice and we are literally a big family. Dancing there has given me so much confidence and made me realize that dance is not something I want to be without!!!

Kathleen Academy of Dance celebrates it's 41st year of excellent dance instruction for ages 3 to 103! Established in 1971, the KAD continues to provide both children and adults exceptional training while developing respect for others, and passion for the art of dance. Many former students have continued on to professional careers on Broadway, television, and theater, in addition to many becoming dance teachers and studio owners themselves, a real tribute to the passion created in them while growing up in the KAD family. We currently teach many young dancers who are the children of the dancers who studied at the KAD many years ago!

Kathleen Academy of Dance provides a fun, non-competing dance environment. In addition to providing quality dance instruction that leads to students earning professional dance jobs, many of her students become dance teachers themselves to continue to share the love of dance

My daughter has been dancing at Premiere Dance of Hillsborough for 5 years and has been on the competition team for the last 3 years. During that time, she has been fortunate enough to have and develop a relationship with almost every teacher. The teacher are very passionate about dance and love sharing that passion with their students. I am always amazed by the caring and compassion that is shown towards my daughter and every other dancer. They have helped to build her confidence and grown as a dancer. Additionally, they ensure that their students are growing up to be kind and caring themselves. I feel very fortunate to be part of the Premiere family and would not hesitate to recommend this wonderful school!!

Premiere Dance of Hillsborough offers its students the opportunity to enjoy the art of dance. Whether it is our recreational classes, our beautiful recitals, or our teaching staff, Premiere Dance of Hillsborough provides the best for your child. Our competition team has been recognized by professionals as one of the best. Many students at Premiere Dance of Hillsborough continue to dance throughout the summer with the incredible intensives and dance camps we offer. Our highly educated and motivated staff strive to always keep the students challenged while maintaining a passion for the art of dance. We are very proud of the 27 years of letting children enjoy and excel in dance. Many of our students have become professional performers and dance educators. PDH is my heart .

Premiere Dance of Hillsborough is definitely the best of the best! My daughter dances there currently and loves every second of it. The teachers are very friendly and professional and create stars. Their master classes and intensives are so much fun and give the girls a chance to explore the dance world and find different styles. Also, the summer programs make summer dance filled and very worth while and definitely worth every penny :-) The competition team is out of this world and the recreation dances get better and better every year! I love watching the girls on stage perform because you can tell they really love what they are doing and that's only possible with such a fabulous dance studio. Love Premiere Dance of Hillsborough with all of my heart!! GO PDH <3

Premiere Dance of Hillsborough is a wonderful school. I danced there from the age of 3 through high school. Now as a mother, my daughter dances there. Its very family friendly but extremely professional. We would never consider any other school!

My wife and I had to attend a wedding so we took some lessons at Kathleen Academy of Dance. Very effective and fun, from traditional Polka to Charleston and even the Jitterbug. Highly recommend for couples!

I've been dancing at Premiere Dance of Hillsborough since I was 2.. and I'm still dancing there going on 12! This is, though my first year on the competition team; PDH Dynamics. The choreography for both competition and recreation is phenomenal. We couldn't have such amazing dances if it weren't for our outstanding dance teachers. They have helped many children develop their inner dancer. Some of our dancers that have graduated came back, and teach dance at PDH. No better dance school than Premiere dance of Hillsborough!

I am proud to call Kathleen Academy of Dance my second home. I started dancing there at age 3 and continue to grow not only as a dancer but as a maturing, respectful and knowledgeable individual. KAD offers quality instructional technique in a fun yet distinguished environment. The staff takes the time to get to know your individual needs as a dancer and as a person. I would recommend anyone and everyone to Kathleen Academy for the best, most enjoyable and most memorable dance experience!

Kathleen Academy of Dance respects Dance as an Art.. not a competitive sport. In our hyper-competitive world it is important to remember that Art exists to enable individuals to express themselves as a gift to those who find enjoyment in their efforts. Art cannot, and should not, be judged in any way, and "winning" is not in the vocabulary of an Artist or those who love Art...

The Kathleen Academy of Dance has been my second home for the past 32 years for which I feel very fortunate. Both of my children grew up dancing at KAD. They learned so much about dance and themselves in the process, and made lasting friendships along the way. My love of dance is something that I enjoy sharing and I truly feel that my students share my passion. There is nothing more rewarding for a me than to see our students progress over the years, while having fun and making friends. Even years after graduating and moving on in their lives, our students keep in touch and love revisiting their favorite recital stories or costume catastrophes!
I love teaching at the Kathleen Academy of Dance and feel very strongly about our curriculum, our dedicated staff and our nurturing atmosphere.

Premiere stands out because they always has great customer service and a knowledgeable desk staff. Also, most of the teachers have degrees in dance whereas others seem to have home-grown teachers without much professional performance experience or education. I haven't experienced all the schools on the list but from what other people tell me about their experiences elsewhere we are lucky to have found Premiere first.

G & J Studios, where international champions, Marek Gabor and Denisa Jancusova will transform your dance with individualized guidance and treat you with respect. You will learn and have great fun at this friendly and beautiful studio.

My vote is for Kathleen Acadamy!! Some of my fondest memories of growing up involve my experiences at KAD!

I can not compare Kathleen Academy of Dance to other Studios because it has been the only Studio I have sent my daughter to. She has gone there since pre- school and I have absolutely no regrets. Not only has my daughter learned to become a wonderful dancer she has been nurtured into a young lady. Kathleen and her staff have widened my daughters horizons. They taught her to respect and honor others and introduced her to the gifts and pleasures of charity work and giving back to our community. My daughter will carry the education she has learned at KOD with her for the rest of her life!

We love Premiere Dance! We have been there for two years and my 5 year old daughter LOVES it! The staff is friendly and helpful - and they love the kids! Mrs. Michelle is amazing!! Premiere is the best!!!

The Dance Connection is a great place for children! I always see smiling faces and happy paretns which is great. The Nutcracker performaces are amazing and kids have such a great time doing it. It also shows them what it's like to be a proffesional dancer. There competition team is also very good as well, they've won several medals and trophies also they are just amazing to watch. This dance school is a very safe welcoming enviroment which is what every child needs.

I danced at KAD for 14 years and enjoyed every minute of it. I learned a lot and more importantly made great friendships with teachers and other students at the studio. If you're in business for 41 years, you're doing something right!

I visited all dance schools in the area with my daughter and we ended up with Dance Connection. There's a lot of great things about the dance studio, limited size of students so every kid gets that special attention. Aside from dedicated and passionate teachers, they only hire the best, see the faculty bio on their website. The dance competition teams are fun and excellent program for kids who are willing to challenge themselves, the annual Spring Recital is a joy to watch and the magical holiday Nutcracker performance with NJYB professional company dancers is a show not to miss. Choreography is something special and unexpected, not the same routine you see in many dance schools.

We have experience with all the dance schools in Hillsborough. It wasn't until we started at Premiere that we found the best of all. Variety of classes at convenient times, caring and talented teachers, wonderful families and friends. My daughter feels encouraged to do her best but never pressured. The competition team has allowed her to feel a part of something bigger while providing the camaraderie of a team. We are so glad we found Premiere Dance!

Dance Connection - hands down! Yes, some of the school has the most trophies and medals. But what Dance Connection has taught each child in their class is, you can have fun and learn something at the same time. I like the teacher and especially the family atmosphere. Classes are small, that gives full attention to each child. Trophies and medals, something they can't bring with them as they get older but the memories and fun they learned from Dance Connection will follow them a long way!

I think the most important thing to note is that there are clearly a number of wonderful dance studios to choose from in Hillsborough; maybe asking which is the BEST isn't the right question! Looking at the comments, it's clear that the true winners here are the students. The art of dance is very much alive and thriving in Hillsborough! It's too bad the studios don't come together to put on multi-studio shows, charity events, or workshops.

Wonderful comment and observation. There has been some collaboration among some of us in the past and hope there will be more in the future.

Well, maybe this little contest will do just that!

When I signed my 3 year old up for dance this year, I chose the studio that fit best into my schedule. I figured my daughter was only 3 and it didn't matter where she went right now. After two months, I decided to switch studios. She is now in nursery dance at premiere & the class is everything I could ask for & more. It is age approriate & fun. Miss Michele is energetic & keeps the children engaged in age apporiate dance the entire time. Miss Michele has as much dedication to her "little dancers" as she does for her competition girls. Premiere makes all the children & parents a part of their community. I can't speak for which studio is "best" as I have not been to many on this list but I can say that I can't imagine anything better and it is the perfect fit for my daughter.

Premiere Dance of Hillsborough (another name originally) started with 1 teacher and an idea back in 1971. We've grown together as a family and the joy we get from teaching all our students makes us proud. The teachers are very talented and experienced. We offer the highest regard for the Art of Dance, technique and safety every day. It's wonderful to see that talent brought into the studio every week and I see the result in the Annual Dance Recital every year. As for collaboration, your absolutely right. We're all proud of our students and our studios in Hillsborough. We use to come together in the past and it would be nice to see that again.

My daughter has been with Kathleen Academy since she was 3 yrs old learning and enjoying Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Ballet, Lyrical, Pointe, Kickline. KAD has taught her to be a wonderful dancer. Her dancing experiences at KAD have helped become a loving, caring woman. Her volunteer work with Dance for the Cure has carried over into her daily life where she volunteers helping children. Ms Kathleen does more than just teach dance moves--she teaches the dancers to respect others & themselves, confidence, and be the best you can be. Being a Sr. this yr, this will be her last yr at KAD, and will continue with dance in college. She will have many fond memories thanks to Ms Kathleen and the wonderful teachers at KAD.

After being in different studios and ones in other towns, I found Kathleen Academy of Dance and never left. Why? It was home for me. It was family for me. It was right for me. I spent 17 years total including dancer, receptionist, and teacher and learned so many incredible lessons and knowledge. I have been living in VA for almost 11 years now and still teaching dance and what I learned at KAD. The values I learned from KAD have helped me give back to all my students and share with them the joy of movement, the value of hard work, and the support and encouragement. I honestly would not have over 100 children filling just my classes alone if I ended up in a place that was not right for me. I can't compare or judge any other of the studios in Hillsborough since I haven't experienced them. I actually am glad to hear that people are happy about the studios they have chosen. It tells me that things are being done right :) Kudos!

Undoubtedly, Dance Connection has the formula figured out on what children and teens are looking for ... as a teacher, I have, for the past two years, been amazed at how Dave Kieffer leads by example: his teaching technique challenges the students, and he knows how to lead by example. It's a positive, challenging, entertaining lesson he constantly leads - and the students want more of his class. My daughter began with ballet, and now takes hip-hop and modern dance at Dance Connection. As she has grown over the past two years, so has the studio - and I, personally, enjoy my interactions with Dave and the staff at DC. What a wonderful piece of Lower Manhattan here in Hillsborough.
I really hope Dance Connection and Dave Kieffer get the respect and attention he so richly deserves.

This is my sons first year enrolled with Dance Connection. He is signed up in hip-hop. He loves it and it was such a good experience that I pre-regisgtered him for the fall hip-hop class. I think the school is wonderful and Mr. David is a great dance teacher.

Surely you have seen the Dance Connection version of the Nutcracker. It is a wonderful entertaining event. The dancers are happy and talented, the audience is delighted. The show is like a Christmas present
Virginia Uliana.

The Dance Connection is amazing! The Nutcracker is a wonderful experience that allows dancers to perform like professionals. Mr. David is an excellent dance teacher who challenges the students, while encouraging them and building their confidence.

My vote is for Kathleen Academy of Dance! I learned so much at the studio and formed wonderful friendships. The teachers inspired me to continue my passion for dance in college and beyond.

My daughter danced at Triangle from 3-5 and is now at Premier Dance at age 6. Both schools are great depending on what you are looking for. Premier is far superior and in a totally different league than Triangle. Triangle is a all recreation classes and more of a fun enviornment where your child will learn only a little about dancing. Premier has both recreation and competion. But either way your child will learn to dance with technique and terminology, etc. The instructors are absolutely fantastic! Both my daughter and I have been completely happy at Premier this past year and we look forward to many more years there! Shout out to Miss Amanda - my daugther absolutely worships you!

I am glad that KAD leaves everyone with a good feeling, that is important. However, I find their training to be questionable at best. As a long working professional dancer and teacher their ballet training is not up to par. I taught a student who had attended KAD for 13 years who had no basic technique, could not execute the beginner level steps. It was heartbreaking to see her learn how far behind she was and how many years she had lost. I have encountered a few students who have transferred to other schools from KAD in the same position and having to retrain themselves. Perhaps KAD is better at the other disciplines but if you are looking for proper and professional training in ballet look elsewhere.

My daughter has been dancing at Premiere since she was 3 and is now a Junior in high school. The staff of dedicated and talented teachers are warm and welcoming and allow each child to progress at their own pace and skill level while promoting the love of dance. Whether you are looking for dance to be fun or competitive, want to learn tap, jazz, modern, contemporary, lyrical, ballet or hip hop, there is something for everyone at Premiere. The competition team is a fun, no pressure atmosphere that travels to different places to give the dancers an opportunity to see a variety of dancers, dances, and studios, that help them grow as individuals and as a supportive team. Premiere is a family that has helped mold my daughter into a self confident dancer and young lady and she will have wonderful memories of friends and dance to take with her into her future. I can honestly say that as a Mom, when my daughter graduates next year and goes off to college, I will miss the Premiere family as much as she will!!!

Proper ballet training is essential for any serious dancer. Without it other dance disciplines i.e, modern, lyrical, contemporary, musical theather, cannot be executed properly at the advanced, professional levels.

Premiere Dance of Hillsborough is a part of who I am! I have been at PDH for the past 20 years and it is something I will identify with for the rest of my life. Everybody involved with the studio has taught me everything I know. From dancing, to competing, and now teaching. I am lucky enough to now have my own students and teach them things that I grew up learning from my teachers at PDH. My teachers have become my mentors, and my classmates became my life long best friends. It was an experience and chapter of my life that I would not change for anything in the entire world! <3

Lynn Academy of Irish Dance is a Hillsborough dance studio and is not listed. They get my vote!

Premiere Dance of Hillsborough gets my vote! The teachers there are by far, the BEST!!! Everyone at Premiere Dance is so good to my daughter and she loves them all! We would never think of dancing anywhere else!

Without a doubt Dance Connection is NUMBER 1! I went there my whole life and they're what got me to where I am today! They have an amazingly friendly atmosphere and the teachers are relatable, trustworthy, funny, caring, easy to talk to and overall amazing! Dance Connection is and will always be my home because of the family it created for me but also because of the skills they taught me there that I will carry forever! VOTE FOR DANCE CONNECTION!

Kathleen Academy of Dance is where I danced long before it was located in Hillsborough and both of my daughters danced there from preschool through high school. I always recommend them to friends in the area and so far no one has been disappointed. However, I'm disappointed that the survey will decide the "best" dance studio in Hillsborough. Best for who? I think "best" is different for everyone. What's best for one student or family isn't always the best for another, teachers included. Obviously, there are many options for dance lessons in Hillsborough and maybe if the survey was about what you're looking for in a dance studio it would help parents and students decide which studio and teachers best for them.

The Dance Connection is a wonderful dance studio. For over 10 years they helped shape the foundation of the dancer, and dance teacher I am today. Not only have they won or placed in countless competitions, toured NJ with the ballet company, or had many summer programs, but truly are attentive to each student while pushing them to be the best they can be. The focus on technique is incomparable to other studios in the area, and the creativity within the teachers and students is phenomenal. In my dance major I am consistently complemented on my technique and understanding of the craft among other things and I have the Dance Connection to thank for this. The Dance Connection is a family and the memories there are ones I will always cherish. I agree with "Dancer Mom"s comment though and that the best is different for everyone. I just know the Dance Connection was the best studio for me and I enjoy seeing them continue to succeed, perform, create, and DANCE! <3

Our daughter has been at Dance Connection for several years. When we moved away from Hillsborough we tried another school closer to home but after a few weeks it was clear we needed to go back to Dance Connection. Mr. David takes a personal interest in the students development and teaches many of the classes himself. As a six year old, our daughter performed in the Nutcracker and was so excited to be a part of a formal ballet production. She also did the summer camps with weekly shows. Parents and staff are great and we are very thankful for the caring and professional teaching and pleasant environment. This year she added Hip Hop in addition to her ballet lessons. Even more fun! If feels much more like a family than a dance school! I agree with the comment that Hillsborough is fortunate to have many good dance schools. We have found Dance Connection to be the best!

Premiere Dance because the teachers are Hotter!!!!!!!!!!!

Premier Dance is the best!

triangle dance is the best!!!! Its a fun environment for the kids and the teachers are wonderful!!! My daughter just started this year and loves it!

Kathleen Academy of Dance has my vote! My daughter received a quality dance education through high school at the studio, and was inspired to continue dancing in college. In addition, I have enjoyed taking an adult tap class taught by Kathleen for several years. Kathleen is an amazing tap dancer, instructor, and a tremendous proponent for the art of tap dancing. Kathleen brings out the best in her students, from the little ones to the adults. I highly recommend Kathleen Academy of Dance.

Dance Connection offers small class size, quality teachers and high standard to all dancers. Participating in Nutcraker provides a memoriable experience with life lesson of hard work, team spirit and fun! The studio is safe and family friendly. It is a quality choice for anyone to consider.

Gandj studios is a ballroom dance studio for people of all ages. Marek and Denisa are award winning professional dance instructors. Children and adults can learn dance to compete or dance socially. Weekend socials are fun and very friendly.

Ballet is the foundation of all dance training that's why I would vote for Dance Connection. Their ballet training is something you have to see and try. Their Nutcracker ballet production with New Jersey Youth Ballet company dancers is an amazing experience for the kids. If your kids like to perform in a real theater production together with professional dancers from New York, this is a great opportunity for them. These kids are wonderful to watch on stage, they dance, act, learn scenery and they get to dance with professional dancers, something they'll take with them forever.

My daughter has been dancing at Premiere Dance of Hillsborough for years, first taking recreation classes and for the past four years on the competition team. All of her experiences have been extremely positive. Not only has she grown as a dancer, but as a person. She has a much stronger sense of self-confidence and knows how to cooperate with and support others. Her fellow team members have become her close friends, and the sense of support felt at recitals and competitions is amazing. I also have been lucky enough to make some of my own close friends with the parents on the team. Premiere's teachers have not only instructed my daughter but have become role models and people she can convide in and trust. Premiere has become a family to us and in 3 years, I know we will both be sad to leave when she graduates high school. (As for the comment on voting being unfair, Premiere has a large number of enthusiastic students who really do believe their school is the best so their way of expressing is voting in this poll).

I have taken my daughter to Kathleen Academy of Dance for four years. We had tried two other dance studios which did not quite work for us. At KAD my daughter has really enjoyed the teachers and made new friends. She has improved her dance skills as the years have gone by and she looks forward to dance classes every week. The dance recitals have been wonderful, happy experiences for our entire family and it's all thanks to Miss Kathleen and her wonderful staff.

Dancing is such a wonderful and positive activity for girls and boys. I think it heightens their self-esteem as they see improvement and the exercise aspect is very important. I love our studio, Kathleen Academy of Dance, and I think their contribution to dance is fantastic. When I drop off my daughter for class, I see so many enthusiastic kids off to their classes as well. When someone loves to go to dance class as much as these kids do---something is very right!

I wish there was a Premiere Dance when my daughter was young and taking dance classes, so grateful that my granddaughters are going to this wonderful studio. They are really learning dance, meaning terminology, technique, discipline, teamwork while having fun and enjoying themselves.

G

Flair Dance Academy! Opened September 1st 2012. Lets get it on the list ;)

FlairDanceAcademy.com