Dance as a discovery of the self
Local studio caters to recreational and competitive dancers
BY JENNIFER KOHLHEPP Staff Writer

PHOTOS BY ERIC SUCAR staff Chelsea Harrison, 15, of Millstone, performs a barre routine with the rest of the class at Step By Step Dance Studio on Route 33 in Millstone on Aug. 24.

MILLSTONE - It's Step By Step's leaps and bounds that are getting area dancers to higher ground.

For the past five years, Step By Step Dance Studio on Route 33 in Millstone has served the area's dance community with classes in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip-hop, pointe, musical theater, turns and progressions, funky jazz and creative movement for both recreational and competitive dancers ages 20 months old to adult.

"We are willing to help any student get better," said Diana Gebhardt, owner of Step By Step. "We believe in a strong foundation."

Gebhardt said that her school teaches the basics of dance and a strong technique rather than "tricks" and "showy dancing" that other schools may teach, putting dancers in danger.

Step By Step recognizes that a lot of dancers are very serious about their dance training, but respects that many dance just for fun as a recreational activity. Since Gebhardt implemented her philosophy at the studio when she took it over in the Millstone Center in July 2003, enthusiasm and the dancing family started growing.

Laura Harold, 13, of Manalapan, leaps during a dance routine at Step By Step Dance Studio in Millstone on Aug. 24.

The studio is now located in a new facility in GEDI Corporate Park at 490 Route 33 and has a brand-new look with two large dance rooms, a spacious lobby/waiting area with closed-circuit viewing of classes and state-of-the-art equipment. The dance rooms feature sprung hardwood dance floors covered with Marley overlay for injury prevention, 8-foot mirrors, portable ballet barres and sound equipment.

Nicole Aszman, 17, of Millstone, takes all forms of dance at the studio. She has been dancing since the age of 2.

"Personally, I love to dance," she said. "I love the atmosphere, the people, striving for goals and achieving those goals."

Dancing helps develop good self-esteem, morals and values, Aszman said, adding that it is goal-driven and requires a good mindset.

"I take everything I learn here and put it into real life," Aszman said.

Vanessa Blitz, 16, of Millstone, has been dancing at Step By Step for the past five years, though she initially didn't have any interest in dance.

"I came here when my sister was registering … my mom pushed me into doing it, and it ended up sticking," she said.

Now thankful that her mom encouraged her to dance, she said that the sport helps her reduce stress, gives her discipline and makes her more patient. She now looks forward to attending the Red Bank Regional School for Performing Arts and credits Step By Step with influencing her decision to become a dance major.

Blitz said that she also likes the competitive aspect of the sport and looks forward to the studio's "Diva Company" week in August, when students have a chance to dance from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day.

"The classes are intense," she said. "When we change into our costumes, our leotards are soaking wet."

The rigorous training offered throughout the rest of the year at the studio helped Amanda Krohn, 12, of Manalapan, and Rachel Lew, 11, of Millstone, both get to Orlando, Fla., this year for a national dance competition.

The girls both earned a high silver award at Co. Dance's competition in Philadelphia, which allowed them to advance to the finals in July.

When asked what it was like to dance in front of judges, Lew said, "I was nervous - very, very nervous - but once I started dancing and hearing the music, I knew what to do."

The studio's newly established competition team trains at the studio and then competes throughout the tristate area.

Laura Harold, 13, of Manalapan, was another one of the girls on the competition team to advance to the nationals.

"We took classes with teachers that were part of the Co. Dance convention during the day and then competed afterward," she said of the trip to Orlando.

In Orlando, Step By Step's competition team took home the fourth-place trophy and a $200 prize for its "Technologic" routine along with a third-place trophy and a $300 prize for its "I Believe" routine.

Now in her ninth year of taking dance lessons, Harold said, "I really love all forms of dance. They get good teachers here at Step By Step. It really is a good way to release any emotions you have."

Although students like Harold enjoy the competitive aspect of dance, others like Samantha Best, 10, of Monroe, who has been dancing since the age of 2, said, "Dancing is entertaining for me. I like coming here to dance, seeing new dance techniques and hanging out with my friends."

Best said that those who are thinking about trying dance should "try coming to Step By Step because the teachers don't push you into doing things you don't want to do."

Laura Boyce, 12, of Manalapan, said she started dancing in preschool and has been dancing at Step By Step for the past three years.

"It's really fun to do and good exercise," she said.

When dancing, Krohn said she feels a lot of energy running through her body.

"It makes me happy, and I love it," she said. "Dancing is really just a way for me to chill out and just have fun."

Lew added, "Dancing keeps me in shape and is a good way to make me happier."

All the students at Step By Step have the option of participating in a recital at the end of the year. The dancers at the studio are also encouraged to do community service by dancing at local senior centers.

Nicole Hoyt, of Howell, who teaches at the studio, said the studio also offers introductory dance classes and adult fitness and dance classes.

Gebhardt said she hopes to expand the studio's programs to offer more performing arts classes that include singing and acting. She would also like to eventually offer ballroom dancing.

The studio will hold an open house from 4-8 p.m. Aug. 15 and 22, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 18 and 25.

For more information, visit www.stepbystepdancestudio. com or call (732) 792- 1792.