My daughter is 10 and has been going to this studio since she was 3 1/2 years old. She is currently taking 3 classes and would take more if it was not for her sports. I totally disagree that the staff is in for the money; the staff at the front desk consists of mothers of the dancers and most of the teachers have been former dancers of the school and now have their children attending. I have yet to encounter one staff member that was not there for the kids or the parents. Yes, there are rules for the recital, but lets face it, without rules, everything would be pure chaos and everyone would do what they want to do. You are given the rules at the beginning of the year and the recital is not mandatory, so if you really do not like the rules, then don't sign up but I bet even if you go to another dance studio, there will be rules. I believe that Miss April runs a very organized BUSINESS. She has been doing it for many years and she truly enjoys working with the kids. No one should be faulted for wanting to make a profit from a business, and I don't think Miss April is in it for the money; she has not raised her recital ticket prices in the 6+ years I have been there, she tries to keep costume prices reasonable (my costume prices have been under a $100 and I have talked to other mothers who have had their daughters in other dance studios and their costume prices are a lot higher) and she has a swap box for dance shoes. I can go on and on about this studio, but then the review would be too long; in the end, I would recommend this studio to anyone who is down to earth and understands that rules are in place for very good reasons (heck last time I looked, even schools have rules). read more

I find Erin's review a bit disturbing as if they are not trying to be helpful but rather trying to personally sabotage someone that works extremely hard to make our children safe while attending Howell Academy Of Dance. I have two daughters that attend here one is a Diamond Dancer and the other is not. So I have been with this dance studio for 7 years and I can say this is a family one never thought to receive...the teachers are always thoughtful of all the children's needs. Maybe if you stayed around long enough to understand how the recitals worked you would be speaking differently. I have never been to a more professional recital in my life. The finale at the recital is one of my favorite parts when all of the students become one and put on a little routine... Age and skill doesn't matter they are all supporting each other and that is something that is hard to teach, but this owner of the studio makes it look simple! How can one expect to go into any school and expect there to be no rules?? My experience here is nothing of what is told in her opinion, in fact my opinion is total opposite... Thank you for keeping our children safe while learning the art of dance and keeping true to the rules even when someone clearly doesn't understand them!! My daughters love it here!! read more

I will start by stating that I was a dancer at Howell Academy of Dance for over 10 years back in the 90's and early 2000s. For 10 years I worked around my schedule of playing hockey and marching with the Jackson band to make sure I was at dance class. I am now a proud father and a military member trying to work my way back to New Jersey so I can give my kid the life that I had. To this day everytime I receive orders to Fort Dix I swing by Howell Academy to say hello to the staff. Anytime Miss April is there she always welcomes me with open arms and even tells the children dancing that I was a student there a long time ago. It truly is an amazing feeling to go home and have people remember your face and things you've done in the past. This studio is one of those places. I have never had a problem with this school, nor do I see the staff being out for the money. I would say this studio is a very family friendly environment and one that I am proud to have had in my life. read more

I will start by stating that I was a dancer at Howell Academy of Dance for over 10 years back in the 90's and early 2000s. For 10 years I worked around my schedule of playing hockey and marching with the Jackson band to make sure I was at dance class. I am now a proud father and a military member trying to work my way back to New Jersey so I can give my kid the life that I had. To this day everytime I receive orders to Fort Dix I swing by Howell Academy to say hello to the staff. Anytime Miss April is there she always welcomes me with open arms and even tells the children dancing that I was a student there a long time ago. It truly is an amazing feeling to go home and have people remember your face and things you've done in the past. This studio is one of those places. I have never had a problem with this school, nor do I see the staff being out for the money. I would say this studio is a very family friendly environment and one that I am proud to have had in my life. read more

My daughter has been a student at Howell Academy since she was 3 years old. She is turning 17 this December and would not think of dancing anywhere else. Yes, there are rules for the studio. They are there for our children's safety and protection. The teachers go into NYC every year for training and to keep up on new trends in dance. To the mom whose 4 year old no longer wanted to go to dance, perhaps she just didn't like dancing. These days with reality shows like "Dance Moms" out there every woman thinks her kid should be a rockette. The reality of dance training at a reputable school such as Howell Academy is that your child will get the PROPER training in dance technique, they will learn to get along with others, they will grow confident with each performance. My daughter's time at Howell Academy will end soon, but the LIFE lessons she has learned there will never be forgotten. read more

My daughter has been a dancer at Howell Academy for five years now and absolutely loves it. She gets all the attention that she needs from the teachers and the assistants in the dance classes. I like that the classes are kept small here. The recitals are so well organized and keep getting better each and every year. My daughter and I are both looking forward to her taking the new acro classes this summer being offered. Overall, my experience at Howell Academy has been very positive, and I would recommend anyone from the surrounding area to look into this school. We live in Jackson and chose Howell Academy over the other schools in the area because of their great reputation and convenient location. My daughter is extremely happy here and has made many friends in her classes, and looks forward to dance every week. read more

I have been a part of the Howell Academy of Dance "FAMILY" for the past 5 years. I emphasis "family" because the staff truly cares about the success and happiness of their dancers/customers while providing a family environment. Before I enrolled my daughter enrolled in Howell Academy, she had attended another studio the area- no name mentioned. It was a wake up call when I realized the amount of professionalism and talent of Howell Academy's students and staff as opposed to the lack of in my daughters previous studio. I have watched my daughter bloom into a beautiful, disciplined dancer and I love watching her excel and grow each year. From one very involved parent to another- do not send your children anywhere else. Howell Academy- I give you 5 stars for your 5 star dance education and service! read more

My daughter just started her 4th year at this school. Every teacher she has had has been wonderful with the kids, and she has loved attending. I take issue with the very negative review posted on here, as my experience has been totally different. There are rules because it's a dance school, not a recreational program or a playdate. My daughter also started as a 4 year old in the pre-combo class. The recital show is very well done, several members of my family attend every year and they are always inpressed. The costumes are adorable, and reasonably priced. The show runs very smoothly, is a pleasure to attend, and is not mandatory for all students. I would highly reccomend Howell Academy of Dance. read more

My daughter has been attending Howell Academy since she was 3 years old. She is now 9 years old and a Diamond Dancer. She has enjoyed her experiences at this dance school immensely and has learned so much!! I am so proud of her!! A couple of years ago my son started taking breakdance and hip hop and hasn't stopped!! He loves it, and he is always so excited to show any new moves he has learned!! April and her staff are wonderful!! They feel more like a family!! They take a sincere interest in our children!! Over the years, they have answered any questions or concerns I have had!! Check it out!! read more

My daughter has been at Howell Academy Dance for many years and is a part of he competition team and always looks forward to going to class, and performing. The teachers and staff are very helpful and make the experience an enjoyable one for her. She has commented several times about how the teachers encourage her and help to enhance her skills. She is very excited to be part of this Dance School. Every part of the experience is organized and efficient for parents as well. The staff has the best interest of the students as their top priority. read more

I was a student of Howell Academy of Dance for 15 years. Those years were full of amazing performance opportunities, excellent teachers, and strong friendships that have lasted to this day. When the day comes that I have children, I would not send them to any other studio. Howell Academy is a large professional dance company that provides a humble, close-net environment which is very hard to find. The staff is in it for the love of dance and their students- unlike the local students who are commercialized and are in it for the money. read more

Howell Academy of Dance has been a part of our lives since my daughter was three years old. She is now 13 and still loving every minute of her time spent there. Her teachers have not only taught her how to dance, but taught her how to be a performer. The owner and staff work very hard to keep their students well trained and happy, and it shows in every performance they do. I would highly recommend taking your child to this studio. It is a great family to be a part of!!! read more

After having danced for 7 years at another Howell dancing school and the horrible and unethical treatment my three children received there, we are thrilled being at Howell Academy. We have been here for the last 9 years and every year i'm more thankful I made the switch. I have never had a teacher that wasn't caring, knowledgable or fair. The costumes are affordable and adorable...the recital a joy! Thank you Miss April for giving my daughters the love of dance. read more

My 5 year old granddaughter is a student at Howell Academy dance studio. She loves every second of her dance classes and the teachers and staff are so encouraging. The school is very organized when they put on performances and they do an excellent job showcasing what the students have been working on for family and friends. The kids work hard to prepare and they can and should be very proud of themselves. Well done Howell Academy of Dance! read more

My daughter has been dancing at Howell Academy for 8 years now & each year is a new & wonderful experience. recitals are beautiful, very professional, well done & Miss April always has the children's well being & safety as her 1st priority. all the teachers, staff are equally educated making sure the children have a good, healthy experience & grow up with a love for dance. my daughter adores her Howell Academy family & so do I!!!! read more

At the suggestion of a friend, my 5 year old went to their Princess Dance Camp last summer. My very shy, quiet daughter had a BLAST! She spoke so highly of the crafts, other girls and teachers. She couldn't wait to show me her dance moves when she got home. I would recommend this studio to anyone looking in the area. Their heart is in it for the right reasons. read more

I grew up dancing here and it became a second family to me. When I had my children my daughter grew up dancing here as well. Howell Academy taught her much more than just dance. I cannot thank them enough for giving her confidence, encouragement and self esteem throughout her time dancing. read more

My daughter has been dancing here since she is 3 years old and she is now 14 and absolutely loves Howell Academy of Dance. My daughter now does 12 classes and dances 4 nights a week and would dance 7 nights if there were classes. read more

My daughter is finishing up her first year at this dance school. The staff has been wonderful. The hours are perfect for a working parent to be involved. I am so excited for the recital! read more