About Our Studio
CLIFTONS NEWEST DANCE STUDIO
We believe that dance education creates memories and skill that last a lifetime, through understanding the importance of community, teamwork, and dedication. GDA offers competitive and recreational dance education for all ages, including adult dance classes. It is important to us, that our dancers experience well rounded training by offering and encouraging knowledge in a multitude of dance styles starting with Tap, Ballet and Jazz.
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While developing technique and skill is one of GDAs top priorities, our students also gain self confidence, self control, and coordination, along with experience and knowledge that will carry on to their personal and professional lives. Our founder and lead instructor/choreographer Kirsten Genovese has implemented her professional dance education and experience within each curriculum. Our studio provides a healthy safe environment for education and growth while learning professional level technique and skill. Whether you are with us for a season or a lifetime, the knowledge and skills gained from your experiences with us will stay with you forever.
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Dance & Acrobatics classes for Children, Teens and Adults
Classes and events for all ages and interests as well as special family fun activities throughout the year.
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It is our priority that our students experience true dance technique training.
It makes all of the difference in safety and ability to execute skill and movement SAFELY.
Why Parents Love our programs so much?
Professionally Trained, Experienced and Certified Adult Faculty
MEET
MS. KIRSTEN
Founder / Artistic Director/ Lead Instructor
Kirsten Genovese is a multifaceted professional in the world of dance, excelling as a dancer, choreographer, and dedicated instructor for over 13 years. With a deep commitment to the craft, earning an active 8 year membership with New York City Actors Equity Association.
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A North Carolina native, Kirsten began her dance journey at the age of 2 years old, by her teacher Nina Wheeler, who had a profound impact on her life. Furthering her commitment as company dancer, gaining extensive professional training, knowledge and technique, through class, performance opportunities and competitions. Kirsten, received a multitude of scholarships and special awards through her years as a Company Dancer, while also serving a greater cause for her community by raising money through
dance for the children of Duke Hospital and performing
for the Multiple Choices Jazz Show benefit for over 20 years.
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Kirsten completing her professional education at East Carolina University's Theatre and Dance Program, receiving her BFA in Dance Performance in 2015. Having studied under some of the dance industries greatest, Patti Weeks, Tommi Galaska, Galina Panova, Roni Koresh & Koresh Dance Company, Hannah Brictson and River North Dance Chicago, Hope Boykin of Alvin Ailey, Richard Smith and Jennifer Archibald. With opportunities attending and performing at ACDFA, Jazz Dance World Congress and numerous conferences throughout the United States and performing within many distinguished theatres across the country. The most superlative, being the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.
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While performing is one of Kirsten's greatest passions, she also has a deep love for teaching and shaping children's lives through the art of dance. She values the development dance provides that go well beyond what meets the eye of an audience. Kirsten is most interested in creating original choreography that develops a mature understanding at each level and age of dancer. She believes whole-heartedly that talent must be matched by hard work to achieve one’s true potential. She encourages students to be mindful and patient when working towards their goals- and expects a steady commitment to attending class on a regular basis in order to see the results of their efforts.
MS. TIERNEY
TEACHER
Tierney Sorensen is a dance artist and teacher born and raised in New Jersey. She began her training at Jamie’s Dance Odyssey under the direction of Jamie Down. She also received private ballet training from Barbara Sandonato and Gabriella Yudenich. Sorensen trained with The Koresh Dance Company in Philadelphia and was a member of the Koresh Youth Ensemble, directed by Melissa Rector. She attended the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, under the direction of Susan Jaffe and Brenda Daniels, where she received her BFA in Contemporary Dance in May of 2018.
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At UNCSA, Tierney performed works by Trish Casey, Natalie Desch, Sean Sullivan, Dawn Bazemore, Merce Cunningham, Brenda Daniels, Paul Taylor, Shen Wei, Aszure Barton, Robyn Mineko Williams, and Martha Graham. She attended Shen Wei Dance Arts and Paul Taylor intensives and American Dance Festival’s Summer intensive, where she performed excerpts from Shen Wei’s RE: III, staged by Sara Procopio. Sorensen was also selected to attend the Kyoto International Dance Workshop Festival in Kyoto, Japan where she took classes with artists from all over the world. Tierney worked as a Kenan Fellow with Lincoln Center Education where she continued to learn skills to be a teaching artist and presented her first full-length work at Lincoln Center’s Clark Studio Theater. Tierney performed professionally with Bryce Dance Company based in New York City and taught in New York City public schools with Lincoln Center, Dancing Classrooms, and FEMCHO. In the Summer of 2022, Tierney was chosen as a Dance Artist to attend Moulin/Belle in Mareuil en Périgord, France for a dance residency where she worked on choreography for her next work.
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Currently, Tierney teaches all over the New Jersey and New York areas with Alvin Ailey Arts in Education and the Kupferberg Center for the Arts. Tierney loves sharing her passion for dance with students of all levels and ages and she hopes to instill that love of dance into her students.
MS. ANAYA
TEACHER
Anaya Colon's journey in dance reflects a dedicated and versatile artist. Growing up in Blackwood, New Jersey, she initiated her dance training at the age of four, paving the way for a diverse skill set that encompasses modern, contemporary, jazz, hip hop, ballet, and tap.
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Her commitment to dance led her to pursue higher education, culminating in a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in Dance from Hofstra University in Long Island, New York, where she graduated in 2023. The program at Hofstra equipped her with a comprehensive training in ballet, various modern techniques, choreography, and also allowed her to maintain proficiency in commercial dance styles through self-directed efforts.
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Anaya had the privilege of working with esteemed choreographers and instructors based in New York, such as William Issac, Max Stone, Amy Marshall, Christina Lynch Markham, Janis Brenner, Larry Keigwin, and others. These collaborations likely enriched her artistic perspective and provided valuable insights into the New York dance scene.
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Apart from her academic pursuits, Anaya actively engages in teaching and choreographing. She shares her passion for dance with both competitive and recreational dancers, showcasing a commitment to nurturing the next generation of performers. Simultaneously, she continues to pursue her own performance career as a professional dancer, demonstrating a balanced approach to both artistic expression and education.
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Anaya Colon's story portrays a multifaceted artist, adept at various dance styles, dedicated to continuous learning, and committed to both personal artistic growth and the development of others in the dance community.
MS. JULIA
TEACHER
Julia was born and raised in Northern New Jersey and began her training at a dance school in Midland Park/Wyckoff NJ when she was 4 years old. Learning in a variety of styles, her love for dance grew and took her to Anderson Indiana for University.
Now a graduate of Anderson University, Julia has completed a BA in Psychology and Dance Science. Throughout college Julia studied ballet, modern, jazz, musical theater, composition, and improvisation. She performed and choreographed for multiple concerts while at AU. Coupled with her knowledge of dance, Julia is passionate about creating safe environments both physically and mentally for young dancers to grow in.
CONTACT US
WEEKLY OFFICE HOURS
4:30PM-8:30PM
LOCATION
819 VAN HOUTEN AVE
CLIFTON NJ , 07013
CALL OR EMAIL
551-529-0217
ADMIN@GDANJ.COM
