At American Dance Studios Rising Star Institute in Edison, NJ, our Junior Dancers Program builds strong technique, confidence and character in children ages 6 to 13. Dancers train twice a week in a full-year fundamentals program, perform in two recitals, and grow through the Rising Star Method™, which weaves leadership, etiquette and character into every class.

Families join us from Edison, Iselin, Highland Park, Piscataway, South Plainfield, Plainfield and across Middlesex County.

OUR STAR LEVELS

Every junior dancer trains with peers their own age, so classes match each child’s stage of growth.

• Rising Stars (Ages 6–7): Foundations, coordination, musicality and a love of dance
• Shooting Stars (Ages 8–9): Building technique, confidence and stage presence
• Shining Stars (Ages 10–11): Strengthening skills, artistry and teamwork
• All Stars (Ages 12–13): Advanced technique, leadership and performance readiness

DANCE STYLES

Junior dancers explore seven styles, giving them a well-rounded foundation for any stage.

• Ballet: the foundation of all dance, building posture, balance and grace.
• Tap: rhythm, timing and musicality through sound.
• Jazz: energy, style and sharp, high-impact technique.
• Contemporary: creative movement that blends technique with expression.
• Lyrical: storytelling through emotion, music and fluid movement.
• Acrobatics: flexibility, strength and safe tumbling skills.
• Musical Theater: singing, acting and dancing together, Broadway style.

LEADERSHIP AND HONORS

Guiding Stars. Our Guiding Stars program develops young leaders through four pathways: Leadership, Etiquette, Modeling & Style, and Character Development.

National Honor Society for Dance Arts and Dance New Jersey. ADS RSI is affiliated with the National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA) and Dance New Jersey, recognizing dancers for artistry, scholarship and leadership.

PERFORMANCE COMPANIES

Dancers ready for more stage time can join one of our two companies.

Service Stars – Community Performing Arts Company. Service Stars share the joy of dance with our community, performing at senior centers, the veterans hospital and Safe Harbor.

Ultimate Stars – Competitive Dance Team. Ultimate Stars train for the competition stage with polished choreography and advanced technique.

Both companies may compete up to three times each spring.

DANCE TOURS

Our dancers perform on world-famous stages, including Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.

Coming up: ADS dancers perform at Universal Studios on August 18, 2027. Ask us how your dancer can be part of the trip.