“Nickelodeon” Choreographer Protégé to Lead Dance School and Appear at Open House

OLD BRIDGE, N.J. - Aug. 11, 2014 - PRLog -- Spotswood, NJ - The Academy of Music and Dance at 508 Main Street in, has hired Jessica Linton a native New Yorker to head up and instruct in its popular -style dance programs.  ‘The Academy’ offers a wide range of music and dance programs to students of all ages throughout the Middlesex County including the nearby towns of Monroe, East Brunswick, and Old Bridge.

Jessica Linton has been teaching dance to children of all ages for 23 years and counting. Jessica is originally from New York where she studied dance at The Alvin Ailey School of Dance, Steps on Broadway and became a Certified Creative Movement Specialist from the 92^nd Street Y.  She holds a degree in Performing Arts Dance, is a certified P-5 educator, and is currently on course to obtaining her degree in Early Childhood Education.

She has had the opportunity of being mentored in teaching dance to Pre -School children by Beth Bogush from The Alvin Ailey School of Dance,  who later went on to be the Choreographer for the Nickelodeon show; “The Backyardigans.”

"Open House" Introduction & Performances

The popular music school is set to introduce Mrs. Linton and her innovative dance programs to the local community at two Dance Open Houses planned for Tuesday, August 19^th and Wednesday, August 20^th between the hours of 5 and 8 pm at its main facility at 508 Main Street in Spotswood. The Academy is currently negotiating for a new location in nearby Monroe and is hoping for an early fall opening.

“I'm very excited to bring Jessica Linton on board, and thrilled that parents will now be able coordinate professional music lessons and dance classes for their children, all in one place, saving them hours of time driving from place to place for activities, says  Academy of Music and Dance founder and CEO, Melody Stevens.

“Jessica has many years as an instructor on all popular styles of dance. Her teaching philosophy is to focus on excellent technique from the very beginning, not just on a performance in a recital. She will guide students through two recitals in the year, not just one, so that dancers have the opportunity to perform not just one, but two routines on stage per class, per year. Recitals will show off solid technique and the spirit of dance rather than an elaborate costume and fancy lights. We want children and teens to focus on the things that matter; the enjoyment of dance and development of technique,” Stevens adds.

In addition to meeting Jessica Linton at the Open Houses, the participating public will be treated to a family “dance-together” and dance-related “craft time,” as well as take pictures at an on-site photo booth and enjoy refreshments. Those in attendance paying in full for dance class registration will also receive a complimentary music/dance registration. Those planning to come to the Open Houses are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing.

“I promise that our Open Houses are designed to be both informative and enjoyable with many dance demos and great family fun.  After all, we are talking about an art form that exists to bring pleasure to everyone that enjoys the fluidity and beauty of the human body in choreographed motion,” explains Linton.

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Established in 1992 in East Brunswick, NJ, as Music Factory Learning Center we began as a small community music school on the second floor above a deli, teaching private music lessons. In 2005, we expanded into a brand new shopping center in Spotswood, NJ, changed our name to Academy of Music on Main Street, as well as added ensembles and an early childhood music program. We grew to 600+ students as of  the Spring of 2008. Most recently, we added dance classes to better serve our families and our community. We are excited to announce our new name as of 2014: The Academy of Music and Dance.

The Academy of Music and Dance offers music and dance lessons, including guitar lessons, vocal lessons, piano lessons, drum, bass, violin, viola, cello, flute, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, French horn, as well as ballet classes, jazz, tap/jazz/ballet, and hip hop classes. Located in Spotswood, NJ, we serve students in the Middlesex County area, including Monroe, East Brunswick, and Old Bridge.