History
It all began 71 years ago, when Phil Grassia, (affectionately known as Mr. Phil), opened the Phil Grassia Dance Studio and Art Center in Dover, N.J. After many years of operation, former student and then teacher, Lynn Kehlenbeck, took over the studio in July 1982. The studio assumed a new identity and soon became The Dance Connection. In 1999, The Dance Connection took over the Morris County Academy of Dance from owner Irma Ziegler, who, coincidentally, taught for Phil Grassia before opening her own studio in 1978. Our dance family has gone through many wonderful changes over the years! The Dance Connection wishes to thank all the wonderful families that have passed through its doors over the years. It is and always has been, a pleasure teaching and watching all of our students grow through dance! Thanks for all the wonderful memories!
Specialties
Our teachers carefully choose proper classes for each student. Students are placed according to age, level, and previous dance experience. Our classes are for ages 2 through adult. For ages 2 -3, the Tap & Tumble Bunnies program teaches the youngest dancers tap dance and basic tumbling. . Our variety of Hip Hop classes teach rhythm, coordination, and flexibility to ages 4-5 and up. We even offer boys only classes for ages 5 and up! We focus on strength and masculine choreography. Tumbling classes are available ages 5+ and teach skills like handstands, back bends, cartwheels, back handsprings, and aerials. Tap/Tumbling, Tap/Ballet, and Ballet/Jazz combo classes are available as well as boys only tap classes. Pre-Ballet and Ballet for ages 3-6 and up through adults is critical in all dance forms. Learn flexibility, poise, and grace. For ages 6 and up, we offer Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Musical Theater, Tumbling, and Tap. Celebrating 70 Years of business!