Swing Nutcracker Swing
Our Winter Show at the Wilkins Theatre, starring ADS dancers of every age.
Details →
Dance Classes in Edison, NJ · Ages 18 months to adult
Where dancers are made and leaders are born.
Edison, NJ's home for dance since 2000, led by a teacher who has been shaping young dancers since 1993. American Dance Studios Rising Star Institute teaches real technique alongside character, leadership, and etiquette. Your child learns to dance. They also learn who they want to be.
Serving Edison, Iselin, Metuchen, Highland Park, Piscataway, South Plainfield & Plainfield
33Years of teaching
2Shows every year
180+Google reviews
Programs by age
A place for every dancer in your family
From a toddler's first plié to an adult's first shuffle-ball-change, every program follows one connected curriculum, so dancers always know what comes next.
New to American dance styles? See every style explained in plain words, and find the right fit for your child.
18 months – 5 years
Twinkle Stars Preschool
Ballet & Tap Combo and Hip Hop & Acro Combo classes, plus Mommy & Me.
Explore preschool →
Ages 6 – 13
Junior Dancers
Four star levels of ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, acro and musical theater.
Explore juniors →
Boys 6 and up
Rhythm Crew
Hip hop, tap, acro and musical theater built for boys who want to move with power.
Explore Rhythm Crew →
Ages 10 – 17
Preteen & Teen
Advanced training plus the four-year Senior Elite Legacy journey.
Explore preteen & teen →
Performance company
Service Stars & Ultimate Stars
Our no-audition competition team. Every dancer who commits has a place.
Meet the company →
Ages 18 and up · Say Yes
Adult Dance
Beginner tap, ballet and hip hop at 8:30 PM. Welcome to your third space.
Explore adult classes →What makes ADS different
The last ten minutes of every class are about who your child is becoming.
Our four Signature Programs, Character Development, Leadership, Etiquette, and Weekly Wins, are built into every class, with age-matched coloring pages, worksheets, and projects that come home so the conversation keeps going at the dinner table.
SSkillStrong technique, step by step.
TTenacityShowing up and not giving up.
AArtistryExpression, confidence, joy.
RRespectFor teachers, teammates and family.
SServiceSharing dance with our community.
A dancer's journey
Two shows a year. A pin every 90 days. A path all the way to senior year.
Parents see progress at ADS. Dancers test for skills-and-drills pins every quarter, take the stage at our Winter and Summer shows, earn year-end syllabus trophies, and can grow into Teacher Assistants, Guiding Stars, and Senior Elite Legacy dancers.
- Quarterly pin awardsEvery 90 days, dancers take a skills test. When they pass, they earn a gold pin on Testing Day.
- Winter and Summer showsPerforming every six months at the Wilkins Theatre keeps dancers excited. See the recital
- Rise GraduationA syllabus test, a written evaluation, and a trophy as every dancer crosses the bridge into a new season. See graduation
- ClassDojo updatesParents see what was learned, every week
180+ Google reviews
Over 180 families have reviewed us on Google
Here's what a few of our parents have to say.
“Everyone is a family here. The support is amazing. My daughter has grown with this experience.”
Dyna Terrell, ADS parent“The thing that stands out to me is the inclusivity. There is a welcoming environment that is wonderful.”
Lovena David, ADS parentComing up at ADS
What's on the calendar
Year-End Recital
Every ADS dancer, ages 2 through adult, on stage at the Wilkins Theatre, Kean University.
Details →Level Up Summer Camp
Four weeks of dance for ages 5 to 12, Monday to Friday.
Details →Universal Orlando Tour
Our next dance tour, after Walt Disney World and London.
Details →Birthday Parties
Two all-inclusive hours with a dance teacher, hostess, bounce house, food, and décor.
Details →From the ADS Parent Blog
Advice for dance families
Preteens · Screen time
Five Hours a Day on Screens: How Edison Families Are Helping Preteens Swap the Scroll
A new Common Sense report on preteen screen time has Edison parents worried. Here's how dance, real friendships, and our Guiding Stars Society give kids something better to do than scroll.
October 28, 2026 · Read the article → (opens in a new tab) Preschool · Getting startedHow Do I Know If My Preschooler Is Ready for Dance Class?
For parents in Edison and nearby towns wondering whether their toddler is ready for a first dance class, here are the signs to look for.
January 26, 2026 · Read the article → (opens in a new tab) Pageantry · ConfidencePageant Prep That Truly Matters: What Judges Notice First
Posture and body awareness are the first things judges notice when a child walks on stage. Here's why dance training builds that confidence from the ground up.
January 26, 2026 · Read the article → (opens in a new tab)