The daughter of a professional dancer, Jacqui began her dance training at the age of two. By the age of fifteen she was studying with choreographers such as Phil Black, Jojo Smith, Mary Murphy and Frank Hachett. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in dance from New York University’s Tisch School of the Performing Arts. She choreographed several pieces in college and enjoyed working with dancers dedicating themselves to dance. She was also teaching at a local dance studio while in college and knew that one day she would follow her life long dream and open a studio.

Upon graduation Jacqui began her professional career on Broadway. She appeared in several dance roles over the period of two years. During this time she opened a small dance studio. She chose Woodbridge because of its hometown feel and began teaching in a storefront on Main Street. As the studio’s success began to grow she made the choice to quit performing and dedicate herself to teaching.

Jacqui enjoys teaching preschool bal/tap to four to six year olds to inspire them through her love of dance. The discipline of the ballet portion of the class is complimented by the energy and sound of the tap. Her devotion to teaching the basics helps move these dancers to the next level. Jacqui also teaches all levels of tap at WSD. Her professional experience and her dedication to keeping current, through workshops and seminars help make her tap program innovative and creative.

As a coach of the Pure Energy dance team, Jacqui has won many awards and high scores for her choreography both regionally and nationally. Some of these include Best Choreography, Rhythm Award, Technique Award, and Most Entertaining. Jacqui was named Educator of the year by Company Dance and is in the Who’s Who of Business for her dedication to the Woodbridge community.

Jacqui is sought after as a judge in the tri-state area and lends her expertise to several organizations throughout the year. Her love of community is shown through the community service projects the dancers at WSD participate in. Each year, they dance at the Saint James Street Fair, Woodbridge Community Day, and the Iselin Fair. They walk to raise money for cancer research and perform at local senior centers as often as possible as a way to give back to the community and to teach the students that there is more to dancing than self.

Many of Jacqui’s students have gone on to careers in dance, many as performers and some as studio owners and teachers. Inspiring her dancers through her love of dance has brought many of them back to Woodbridge as parents. Watching and teaching this next generation confirms her commitment to teaching was the right one.

“Dance from your heart and you will never go wrong”

Barbara Vari, a Woodbridge native has been dancing for 34 years and teaching for 22 years. Out of those 22 years, 20 have been happily spent at Woodbridge School of Dance. She is constantly striving to improve her skills through classes at Broadway Dance Center in New York City and master classes with choreographers Tyce Diorio, Mia Michaels, and Brian Freidman from the hit show “So You Think You Can Dance”. She also coordinates workshops that bring these master classes with outstanding choreographers to Woodbridge School of Dance. She attends local dance conventions such as Pulse, Entyce Productions and Codance for cutting edge dance moves.

Barbara is the coach and lead choreographer of the Pure Energy Competition Team, which have won numerous high score and prestigious awards, such as “Most Inspirational”. She has taken her talents to the Middlesex County College Dance Team and her latest accomplishment includes choreographing along with being a guest artist for Red Bank Regional Performing Arts for the 2006-2007 year.

Barbara’s high-energy classes inspire dancers to love dance while striving to reach their potential. She works with all levels of dancers and enjoys her babies as well as her dancers who are looking to take their dance training to the next level. Many of her dancers are looking to make dance their career and she guides them through hard work, determination and keeping focused on their goals. Barbara is proud to have found a career where she can help children find their inner strength and confidence through dance.

When Barbara is not teaching dance or dancing herself she can be found judging dance throughout the tri-state area. Her expertise and understanding of technique makes her a much sought after professional in the judging field. Her comments and critiques are designed to help the competitive dancers understand how to improve their style and flow and become more than a performer but to understand dance.

“I believe you should never say can’t, always say I will try and nine times out of ten we can surprise ourselves. ”

Q graduated from Rutgers University with a BA in Mathematics/Statistics and Dance. After graduating, Q studied with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center and the Princeton Ballet.

As a member of The Premier Dance Theater and Acrodanse Theater, Q performed the works of dance legends and world reknowned choreographers such Talley Beatty, Fred Benjamin, and Claudia Gitelman.

Since leaving both companies, Q has ventured into the world of musical theater choreographing such productions as Westside Story, Aida, Grease, Footloose, A Chorus Line, Pirates of Penzance and a host of others for theaters throughout the state of New Jersey which include venues such as the Strand and the historic Count Basie Theater. His choreography has been recognized through consistant nominations by the New Jersey Perry Awards committee and a win for his choreography for Once on This island. Choreographing not being his only endeavor, he has stepped into the roles as “Richie” in A Chorus Line and “Agwe” in Once On This Island.

Q currently teaches at Woodbridge High School where he teaches basic skills as well as advanced Math and has recently created a dance program at the high school for which students will receive course credits. He also choreographs their award winning show choir which has garnered the title of “Best Overall Choir” at every competition upon which they embarked since 1999.

This is Q’s fifth year At Woodbridge School of Dance after teaching for several studios for over 15 years. As a modern, lyrical and jazz teacher, he hopes to continue to bring the joy and technique of these dance genres to as many youths as possible.

Tiffany started dancing at the age of two. She has studied ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, acro/gymnastics, and Pointe. When she was six she started competing and performing throughout the tri state area. Tiffany has been involved in many charitable events through dance and has donated her time to the community by being involved in the St. James Street Fair, Woodbridge Community Day and the Making Strides Cancer Walk. Tiffany has received many accolades during her performing career including high score and spin off titles.

A recent graduate of Kean University, Tiffany earned her early education degree with an emphasis on mathematics. Her love of children has made her a perfect candidate as a teacher stressing technique, discipline and the love of dance. Tiffany became an assistant teacher at thirteen and has been teaching her own classes for five years. Her classes range from preschool ballet/tumble to beginner ballet and acro/gymnastics.

Tiffany attends workshops throughout the year with choreographers from around the country. She recently attended “Pulse” which is hosted by the “So you think you can dance” choreographers Mia Michaels and Brian Freeman.

Lydiette began her study of dance at the age of seven. Through the years she has studied various dance disciplines including ballet, pointe, lyrical, jazz, tap, hip hop/funk, and modern. She has taken classes instructed by master choreographers from across the Unites States such as Chebar Williams, Judy Rice, Barry Youngblood, Cris Judd, Sheila Barker, Gregg Russel, Nick Florez, Brian Friedman, Tyce Diorio, Frank Hachett and Phil Black. Lydiette attends workshops throughout the year to keep her style fresh and takes classes at Broadway Dance Center to keep her own technique strong.

Lydiette is a graduate of Woodbridge High School where she was a co-captain of the dance team and a member of the dance club. She recently graduated from Rutgers University where she double majored in Political Science and Hispanic Caribbean Studies. While at Rutgers, Lydiette took dance classes taught by the Mason Gross dance faculty.

As a returning teacher at WSD, Lydiette spends her days working on an advanced degree. Most nights find her in the dance studio teaching ballet, pointe, lyrical and jazz for the award winning Pure Energy dance team.

“I believe you dance because you love it, perform because you want others to love what you love. ”

Kelly has been dancing since the age of five, and has studied ballet at various programs including the Joffrey Ballet, and Princeton Ballet School. Growing up she danced in Community Theater productions and danced with Mason Gross School of the Arts in college.

Kelly has done research in dance medicine and gave her Thesis presentation on therapeutic exercises to reduce the occurrence of injuries in ballet dancers and received honors in research for her study. She has her Master’s degree in Physical Therapy, and uses her knowledge as a PT to enhance the training she provides in her ballet classes to ensure correct development of technique, and reduce the risks of injury. In addition, Kelly provides on-site Physical Therapy services backstage at several Broadway shows including: The Lion King, Mama Mia, Fiddler on the Roof, and Hairspray.

Teaching dance for the last seventeen years has given Kelly great insight into how much dance means to her community. Dancers of all ages congregate at the studio to enjoy an environment of friendship, exercise and discipline. Kelly teaches ballet at WSD to all different levels of dancers and sees their dedication through hard work and enjoyment of dance. Her energy and love of dance shines through her movements and inspires her dancers to strive to reach their goals.

Jennifer began dancing at the age of two. She has studied all forms of dance including Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Acro/Gymnastics, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Theater, and Modern. Jennifer was a member of the Pure Energy Dance Team for ten years and received many high score awards. Her groups have been commended for their strong technique and inspirational dance styles. Always an inspiration, she has been a wonderful role model to the junior members of her team and is always involved in activities that promote her group.

To stay current Jennifer attends workshops throughout the year with choreographers from all over the country. She has had the honor to dance with Mia Michaels, Tyce Diorio and Brian Freedman from “So you think you can dance”. She has also attended workshops taught by Barry Youngblood and Eddie Garcia at Co. Dance and Tracie Standfield from Broadway Dance Center.

Jennifer has been involved with teaching for four years and looks forward to returning to the classroom to bring her high energy and determination to the dancers. Her commitment to the community keeps her involved in the Saint James Street Fair and the Woodbridge Community Day as a dancer. She also walks for the Woodbridge School of Dance team for Making Strides, Cancer Walk, and walks with the younger dancers at the annual Woodbridge Christmas Parade.

Darlene has been dancing all her life. Her love of dance and desire to reach her potential as a dancer led her to pursue a spot on the “Pure Energy” dance team. Darlene won many high score awards for groups and solos in her six years as a competitor both regionally and nationally. During that time, she also dedicated herself to her community performing at many local events and fundraising for many important charities.

Darlene continues to take classes through workshops and teaching seminars throughout the tri-state area. She has worked with choreographers like Savion Glover and Gregg Russell and brings her love of dance to her classroom every day. She has been teaching dance for six years and teaches all aspects of dance for all abilities. Darlene is a coach for the “Pure Energy” dance team where she has choreographed many high scoring routines.

Darlene recently earned a degree in Early Childhood Education from Kean University. She looks forward to bringing her enthusiasm to learn to students in the classroom as well as the dance room.

Laura has been dancing since the age of three. She has studied ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, acro/gymnastics and hip-hop. She was a member of the “Pure Energy” Dance Team for ten years and competed and performed throughout the tri-state area. Laura has won many high score awards as a soloist as well as a group member. She gives back to her community through performances for local charities. Laura also enjoys singing and was a member of Colonia High School Show Choir for four years.

Teaching is just another way for Laura to express her love of dance. She has been involved as a teacher for four years and is looking forward to another great year at WSD.

“Dance is a dream that you can make a reality. ”

Kim has had extensive Ballet and Modern training under the tutelage of Gloria DeShaw. She attended the prestigious Red Bank Performing Arts High School where she studied with Barry McNabb, a principal dancer in the Broadway hit “Cats”. Kim attended classes taught by Alvin Ailey where she continued her Modern training. She went on to get certified in Aerobics and has combined the energy needed for that form with the hard movements of Hip Hop to develop her high impact classes.

Kim has been teaching dance for over fifteen years. She began the Hip Hop program for WSD and has watched it grow into one of the most popular forms of dance offered at the studio. She coaches the Pure Energy Dance Team and has received many outstanding choreography awards with her style. Kim also teaches recreational classes for the more advanced Hip Hop dancers. Her classes are well received and registration is limited because of demand. Kim has a tremendous ability to motivate her dancers and help them reach their potential.

To stay current with an ever-changing style, Kim attends classes throughout the year studying all forms of dance with a concentration on Hip Hop. She attends workshops taught by Cris Judd, Barry Youngblood, and Eddie Garcia to name a few. She attends Company Dance, Pulse and Broadway Dance Center to keep herself current in the Hip Hop style.

Alex has been dancing at Woodbridge School of Dance for over twelve years where she has studied and competed in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, pointe, musical theatre, acro and modern. In addition to her training at WSD, Alex has had the privilege to study with top choreographers such as Judy Rice, Jamie Salmon, Charles McGowen, Gregg Russell, Barbara Duffy, Tracie Stanfield, Shelia Barker, Tabitha and Napoleon D'umo.

Alex attends Red Bank Visual and Performing Arts High School where she is a dance major. However, her education does not end there. Alex has participated in various performance programs, including: Synthesis Dance Project Bootcamp (NY), Synthesis Dance Project Intensive (NY), Broadway Comes to Red Bank (NJ), One Night on Broadway (NJ), USA All-Star Tour (London), London's New Years Day Parade, and was a highlighted dancer for Tyce Diorio.

Matthew has been performing professionally in New York City and throughout the country for the past eight years. He has a bachelors of Arts degree from the department of Theatre and Dance from California University of Pennsylvania. Most recently Matthew was seen dancing in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall including the recent 75th Anniversary production.

Recently, Matthew spent his summer as part of the “Wizard of Oz” tour produced by Atlanta Theatre (Fox Theatre), KC Starlight and Casa Manana (Bass Hall). Other Credits include “West Side Story” and “The Sound of Music” (Fireside Theatre), “Hello Dolly!” (Stages St. Louis), “Children of Eden” (Arkansas Rep) and “CATS” (Gateway Playhouse).

Some dance credits include choreographing and dancing with Orange County’s Ballet theatre (Broadway Dance Arts) spring concert and dancing the role of the Snow King in The Nutcracker at the State Theatre in Uniontown, PA.

Constantly pursuing his education and training, Matthew studies at Broadway Dance Center, STEPS, and Alvin Ailey in NYC. He is excited to become a member of the WSD team!

Tina Woods started dancing at age 2½ and quickly made WSD her home away from home, her extended family. She trained for over 22 years. In that time she started as a recreational dancer but soon realized the true beauty of the art form and wanted to express herself through dance more frequently. She joined WSD’s competition team, Pure Energy, where her strong commitment and dedication to the team helped achieve many high scores and numerous awards.

Tina continues to learn new styles and expand her dance vocabulary at various workshops and conventions like Co. Dance and The Pulse. On the side, she travels to NYC to take classes at Broadway Dance Center.

Now Tina can be found in the classroom teaching, surrounded by children from ages 2½ - 7. Her passion to develop a student’s love for dance shines through in all she does. Tina is well known for her children’s work and her ability to make dance fun for all students and at the same time lay the foundation for their future as a dancer.

Many of Tina’s dancers have appeared in performances at Great Adventure and Woodbridge Mall.