Skillman, New Jersey · Since 2002
Building confidence through dance.
For over two decades we've been more than a studio, we're a community where every dancer builds confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of the arts.
More than a studio
A second home
For 25 years, The Dance Factory has been a special place to thousands of dancers. More than just a studio, it's a second home. Every decision our mentors make is guided by care and intention, from the smallest details to the biggest moments of the year. We work hard to create experiences throughout the season that make every dancer feel included, loved, and truly part of our family. At the heart of it all is one simple goal: to make every student feel comfortable and safe here, so they can dance freely, build lasting friendships, and learn from the extraordinary mentors who pour their hearts into this studio every single day.
Now Enrolling
Register now for 2026–2027
Our classes and registration materials for the new season are ready. Everything you need to enroll is right here:
2026 Season
Check out our 2026 dance season
This slideshow is a great look back at so much of what our dancers did this year — recitals, performances, and all the moments in between.
2026–2027 Season
Weekly class schedule
All class times, color-coded by level. Dancers ages 6+ are placed by recommendation.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Master Class
Thank you, Miles Keeney!
A huge thank-you to Miles Keeney for a great master class with our dancers — we loved having you, and can't wait to have you back!
Fall & Winter 2026
Upcoming events
Seasonal happenings at the studio. Tap a flyer for the full details.
Summer 2026
Camps & intensives
A look back at our summer of dancing, friendship, and performance.
Summer Intensive
Taylor Swift Camp
Watch recap →
Arts Festival Camp
Summer Tour Team
Our Philosophy
A joyful, supportive home for dancers
Since 2002 we've offered exceptional instruction in an inclusive environment, prioritizing growth and joy over competition.
Personal Growth
We foster artistic expression for students of all goals and abilities.
Performance Based
We prioritize a positive, encouraging atmosphere over competition.
Community
We strive to be a supportive, joyful space where dancers feel like family.
Our Story
About The Dance Factory
Building confidence through dance since 2002, a welcoming and inclusive home for dancers of every age and goal.
Since 2002
Twenty-five years of dance
The Dance Factory opened its doors in 2002, founded by Kelly McDermott on a simple belief: that dance builds confidence, character, and friendships that last a lifetime. More than two decades later, we are proud to be celebrating our 25th year as part of the Montgomery community, welcoming hundreds of dancers into a studio that feels like home.
From a dancer's very first plié to the spotlight of our annual recital, we are here to nurture each student's growth, on the stage and well beyond it.
Confidence first
Every class is about more than steps. We help each dancer grow in self-assurance, discipline, and joy that carries far beyond the studio.
Everyone belongs
From first-time preschoolers to advanced performers, we believe dance is for every body and every goal, with a supportive, inclusive environment that meets dancers where they are.
Like family
We are more than a studio. Dancers, families, instructors, and staff form a close community built on kindness, respect, and encouragement.
Our Programs
What we offer
We teach the full spectrum of dance, ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, hip-hop, funk, lyrical, contemporary, and modern, from recreational classes to our competitive Intensive Program. Each year our dancers take the stage in Broadway-style productions at the Patriots Theater at the War Memorial, and our Tour Teams and Showstopper Dance Company share the joy of dance throughout the community.
Join Us
Come dance with us
New families are always welcome. Explore our class schedule, or reach out anytime, we would love to help you find the right fit for your dancer.
Programs
Our classes & programs
Classes for dancers of all ages and experience levels, built to grow confidence and technique in a fun, supportive atmosphere.
2026–2027 Season
Weekly class schedule
All class times, color-coded by level. All dancers ages 6+ must be recommended for class placement.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Live music in the studio
Our upper-level ballet classes — Monday’s Ballet 9 and Intensive Ballet — dance to a live accompanist, Julia Jasnosz, at the piano. Live music helps our dancers develop real musicality, timing, and responsiveness — a professional touch you won’t find at most studios.
Placement & co-requisites
- All dancers ages 6+ must be recommended for class placement.
- Any Funk class also requires enrollment in an appropriate level Jazz/Hip-Hop class.
- Advanced Lyrical or Advanced Contemporary also requires an appropriate level Ballet class.
- Intensive Dance program dancers must take a minimum of 3 classes; other co-requisites may apply. Contact the office with questions.
- Strength & Conditioning with Miss Anna has a separate registration form.
A dancer's journey
Programs by age & level
Young Dancer
An introduction to dance and music that builds coordination, rhythm, and imagination.
- 3–4yr Ballet/Tumble: stretches, basic ballet, fun dances, simple tumbling.
- 4–5yr Ballet & Tap Combo: basic ballet and tap with creative dances.
- Kindergarten Combo: more challenging steps plus ballet barre training.
1st Grade & Up
Dancers enroll in individual Ballet, Jazz/Hip-Hop, and Tap classes. As they grow, they can explore specialty genres (evaluation & placement required).
Intensive Program
A more rigorous program with dancers placed into levels by experience and technique, with a minimum number of weekly classes including ballet. At least one Summer Dance Intensive session is required.
Styles we teach
Our class styles
Ballet
Essential for every dancer, builds coordination, confidence, grace, and balance.
Jazz / Hip-Hop
Our most popular style. High-energy classes with the latest moves plus musical-theatre jazz.
Tap
Rhythm and musicality through classic steps, shuffles, riffs, time steps, and more.
Funk
Athletic floor work and creative choreography (2nd grade+). Pairs with a Jazz/Hip-Hop class.
Contemporary
Lyrical, ballet, and modern combined, creative, expressive movement that tells a story (4th+).
Lyrical
Ballet fused with jazz and contemporary, focused on musicality and emotion (4th+). Pairs with Ballet.
Modern
Its own technique, weight, energy, fall and recovery, breaking from ballet tradition (4th+).
Leaps & Turns
A pure technique class honing the fundamentals behind strong leaps and turns (4th+).
Pointe
By recommendation, with two ballet classes for strength and preparation.
One-on-one
Private Lessons
Private lessons offer focused, one-on-one time to work on technique, choreography, audition prep, or any goal a dancer wants to push further. Whether it's polishing a solo, building confidence in a specific style, or getting extra attention outside of regular class, privates move at your dancer's pace. Lessons are scheduled directly with the instructor based on availability.
Dress Code
Class attire & shoes
A shared dress code reinforces a team mentality and keeps dancers focused. Questions about your class? Just ask your instructor.
General requirements
No loose-fitting clothing (except Funk) or sweatshirts. No jewelry, stud earrings are permitted. Hair must be in a ponytail off the face; Ballet requires a clean bun with bobby pins and a net.
Attire by class
- Ages 3–Kindergarten
- Solid light pink leotard and pink tights; pink skirt or tutu permitted. Boys: black shorts/sweatpants and a solid white or black tee.
- Ballet (1st grade+)
- Solid black leotard with pink tights only, no camisoles over the leotard. Barre taken without shorts/skirts. Optional ballet skirt for center work. Boys: black tights or fitted pants with a fitted white tee.
- Jazz/Hip-Hop, Tap, Modern, Lyrical, Contemporary, Musical Theater, Leaps & Turns
- Solid black leotard with tan, black, or pink tights. Black leggings or booty shorts permitted. Boys: black fitted pants/shorts with a fitted tee or tank.
- Funk
- Jazz/Hip-Hop attire, or comfortable street clothes for dancing (shorts, bike shorts, tees).
Shoes, Girls
- 3–4 Ballet/Tumble
- Light pink slip-on ballet shoes (no tie). Sold in our boutique.
- 4–6 / Kindergarten Ballet & Tap
- Light pink slip-on ballet shoes and black patent leather tap shoes (ribbon tied). Ballet sold in boutique; tap purchased elsewhere.
- Ballet (1st grade+)
- Canvas split-sole ballet shoes. Sold in our boutique.
- Jazz/Hip-Hop
- Tan slip-on jazz shoes. Sold in our boutique.
- Tap (1st grade+)
- Black split-sole, lace-up tap shoes. Purchased elsewhere.
- Funk
- Black low-top Converse (5th grade+ may wear any clean sneakers). Purchased elsewhere.
- Modern
- Bare feet.
- Lyrical & Contemporary
- Turners. Sold in our boutique.
- Musical Theater & Leaps & Turns
- Tan slip-on jazz shoes. Sold in our boutique.
Shoes, Boys
These styles are not carried in our boutique and must be purchased elsewhere.
- 3–4 Ballet/Tumble
- Black leather ballet shoes.
- 4–6 / Kindergarten Ballet & Tap
- Black leather ballet shoes and black tap shoes.
- Ballet (1st grade+)
- Black canvas ballet shoes.
- Jazz/Hip-Hop, Musical Theater, Leaps & Turns
- Black slip-on jazz shoes.
- Tap (1st grade+)
- Black split-sole, lace-up tap shoes.
- Funk
- Black low-top Converse sneakers.
- Modern
- Bare feet.
- Lyrical & Contemporary
- Turners.
Tan jazz shoes, ballet shoes, and turners are sold in our studio boutique. We no longer carry tap shoes, we recommend Village Shoes in Skillman or online retailers like Discount Dance Supply. For boutique & office hours, email dancefactory1@gmail.com.
Our People
Mentors, admin & guest artists
Our instructors are more than teachers, they're dedicated mentors committed to uplifting, guiding, and inspiring every dancer.
Instructors & dance mentors
Expert guidance, personalized feedback, and unwavering support to help every student flourish as an artist.
Kelly McDermott
Kelly has been teaching dance and choreographing performances for over 25 years. She graduated from the Somerset County Gifted and Talented Dance Program with Honors and is trained in Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Hip-Hop, and Modern. In 2002, Kelly opened The Dance Factory in Skillman, NJ. As the Artistic Director and Producer at The Dance Factory, Kelly directs hundreds of students each year in wonderful, Broadway-style productions held at Patriots Theater at the War Memorial in Trenton, NJ.
She believes strongly in giving back to the community. In summer 2007, Kelly created The Dance Factory Tour Team, which includes a Summer Team and a Holiday Team. After teaching exciting routines to her dancers, Kelly and the team travel to the senior centers, nursing homes, and assisted living centers throughout Somerset County and Mercer County to spend time with and perform for residents. The Summer Tour Team also performs at the Somerset Patriots pre-game activities during the summer months.
Kelly also has a passion for and extensive experience in the theater. Her choreography credits include "Seussical," "Willy Wonka," "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang," "Footloose," and "Shrek" with the Sourland Hills Actors Guild (SHAG); "All Shook Up" with the MHS Players; and "Annie," "The Music Man," "My Son Pinocchio," "Alice in Wonderland," "The Little Mermaid," "Bye, Bye Birdie," "The Lion King," "Anything Goes," "The Magical Wish," "Honk," and "Matilda" with the Montgomery LMS.
She has continued this work at both Montgomery Lower Middle School and Montgomery High School. At the Lower Middle School she choreographed "Finding Nemo Jr." (2024) and was costume manager and choreographer for "Seussical Jr." (2025). At the High School, she has designed hair and makeup for "The Laramie Project" (2022), "Radium Girls" (2023), and "A Midsummer Night's Dream" (2024); costume, hair, and makeup for "Chicago" (2022), "Grease" (2023), and "The Addams Family" (2024); and photography, hair, and makeup for "Newsies" (2025), as well as the lobby display for each production.
Kelly is fiercely passionate about dance and her students. She prides herself on running a comprehensive, multi-level dance program that is fun, inclusive, and educational for each and every student. In her twenty-plus years as an instructor and director at The Dance Factory, Kelly has had the pleasure of cultivating a tight-knit studio atmosphere that feels like a family. She finds joy in connecting with her dancers and their families and is especially honored to have watched so many dancers grow up at her studio, from pre-school through high-school ages and beyond. Several Dance Factory alumni have also returned as instructors, office staff, and guest artists. Kelly is beyond grateful for her DF family and is proud that many alumni have remained connected to each other and to the studio long after graduation, whether through the alumni summer dance classes or helping during the year-end recital.
Anna Fredeen
Anna Fredeen (B.A. Dance Science, Rider University) has trained with multiple dance studios in Connecticut and New Jersey, where she trained in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, musical theater, choreography, modern, and leaps and turns. Before attending Rider University, she studied at Texas Christian University for two years in the School of Classical and Contemporary Dance.
Anna has attended residential dance intensives in New York City and performed with dance companies at venues such as The Joyce Theater, Peridance, Disney World, and The Orange Bowl, where she had the opportunity to work with choreographers such as Tyler Gilstrap, Sidra Bell, and Chris Judd. Fredeen has participated in American Dance Festival and the National Choreography Intensive, and made an appearance as a satellite member of the modern dance company Luminarium, based out of Boston, MA.
She has received awards from various institutions, including Rider University and the National Choreography Intensive, for her choreography and involvement in the dance community, and continues to set various pieces that have been performed in places such as New York City and Montgomery, NJ.
Anna currently teaches dance at local studios and works with many studios over the summer as a guest artist. As a committed dancer, teacher, and choreographer, Anna strives to pass down her knowledge and experience to students, using Dance Science to bring awareness to the physicality required of dancers to ensure a safe environment for all, while allowing them to explore their passion for the art.
Book a Private with Anna
Danica Sharpley
Danica began her dance training at Wendi Sue Porter School of Dance at 8 years old. With a passion for dance, she learned Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern and Hip Hop. She competed in dance competitions and workshops throughout the tri-state area, with her first professional experience in 2005 with Rutgers University's African Dance Ensemble under the choreographer Pascal. While attending Montclair State University as a biology major and dance minor, Danica danced at Six Flags Great Adventure and throughout the country with Silver Tree Productions in 2006-2008 in the pop-fusion, "STOMP" type show "Industrial Movement." Danica joined a local Hip-Hop group, "Fast FWD," and performed in venues throughout the state. In 2010, she became a NJ Nets dancer, performing at NBA basketball games and charity events. Danica has also performed and danced in a Michael Jackson Charity Tribute Performance in South Jersey.
Danica has years of experience teaching dance to students age 3 to adult in all dance genres and experience levels. She has choreographed many routines from solo performances to small ensembles to large-scale numbers.
Marissa Stellato
A Rider University graduate (cum laude, 2024) with a BA in Dance Performance and a minor in English Writing, Marissa grew up in the Lower Hudson Valley just outside NYC, training across ballet, jazz, hip-hop, theatre dance, contemporary, modern, and tap. Deeply involved in theatre from middle and high school through summer stock, she often served as Dance Captain — where she discovered her love of leadership, creativity, and choreography.
Since college she has danced with Reflections Dance Company and choreographs the spring musicals for middle and high schools in New York. A natural motivator, Marissa inspires students to find the rhythm within themselves, believing dance is about more than steps — it's the shared moments, the laughter, and the freedom found in movement.
Holly March
For Holly, The Dance Factory is home. She grew up in the program over 16 years, training in every style the studio teaches and performing with the Showstoppers and in the Summer Intensive Programs. That lifelong immersion shaped the dancer, and the teacher, she is today.
A graduate of The College of New Jersey, Holly holds a B.A. in Early Childhood Education and an M.A. in Special Education, and she brings that same patience and care to every class. A proud Dance Factory alumna, she stays close to her studio family, returning each year to help with recital and summer classes alongside fellow alumni.
Maddy Reilly
Maddy Reilly has a B.A. in Dance Performance and Film/Television from Rider University. She has danced with Reflections Dance Company, choreographed high school spring musicals, and has choreographed and directed various dance film projects. Maddy has trained with professionals in New York City and Los Angeles in ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, hip hop, pom, and precision.
Alyssa Dedrick
Dance has been a huge part of Alyssa's life for as long as she can remember. She grew up dancing at The Dance Factory, where she developed her passion for dance and created countless special memories. As she got older, she had the opportunity to assist classes and teachers at the studio, further growing her love for teaching and working with young dancers.
During college, Alyssa continued pursuing her passion for dance as a member of a collegiate dance company, where she trained, performed, and continued to grow as a dancer. She also gained valuable teaching experience during this time, working with dancers of various ages and helping them develop both their technical skills and confidence.
Now, she is so excited to return to the studio as a teacher and give back to the place that played such an important role in her own dance journey. She loves creating a positive and encouraging environment where dancers can build confidence, challenge themselves, and most importantly, have fun and develop a lifelong love of dance.
She is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share her passion and experience with the next generation of dancers and is excited to continue making memories at the studio that will always feel like home.
Administration
The team behind the scenes keeping the studio running smoothly, from registration and scheduling to recital day.
Kelly McDermott
Beyond founding and directing The Dance Factory, Kelly coordinates the studio's events throughout the year and serves as team manager for the Showstopper Dance Company and the Summer and Holiday Tour Teams, keeping performances and logistics running smoothly. She also manages community outreach and leads the studio's fundraising for non-profits such as Breast Cancer Research Center of Princeton and Safe and Sound Somerset, along with events like Run with Rotary. She is proud to have been part of the Montgomery community for 25 years and counting.
Rachel Villani
Rachel's love for dance began at age four, but it was joining The Dance Factory in 2002 that shaped her path. She trained in ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, and funk, performed with the Showstopper Dance Company, and proudly represented the studio while on the Summer and Holiday Tour Teams. She also discovered a love for teaching, serving as a teaching assistant throughout her time as a student.
While attending The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), Rachel remained closely connected to the studio, teaching classes, supporting office operations, coaching and choreographing for the Holiday and Summer Tour Teams, and co-instructing for the beloved Dancing Dads.
Now based in Denver, Colorado, Rachel continues to support The Dance Factory remotely. She focuses on communications with new and prospective students and their families and contributes to special projects throughout the year. She credits the studio with shaping some of her most cherished memories and friendships that have lasted well beyond her years in the classroom.
Jack Markowski
Jack has been part of The Dance Factory family since the day he was born. Now studying three majors at Seton Hall University, Finance, Economics, and Wealth Management, he manages the studio's website and technology and handles on-site upkeep, helping keep registration, classes, and recital season running smoothly.
Anna Fredeen
Anna first started dancing at The Dance Factory in 2013. Beyond mentoring and choreographing, she manages The Dance Factory's database and day-to-day operations, keeping registration, records, and scheduling running smoothly behind the scenes. As Director of Teaching Standards, she ensures that all Dance Factory classes meet the studio's standards for teaching, technique, classroom environment, and overall dancer experience.
Tour Team coaches
Led by passionate coaches, many of them accomplished alumni, who share the joy of dance with the community.
Taylor Okamura
A proud alumna of the Intensive Program, Showstopper Company, and a longtime DF assistant, Taylor danced four years on the TCNJ Dance Team in college. She continues to help with recital and summer camps each year.
Julia Kazmierczak
Deeply involved in the Intensive Program, Showstopper Dance Company, and Tour Teams, Julia served as DF Operations Manager from 2020–2022 and continues to help with recitals and Tour Team programs.
Kimmie Klinger
Involved in the Showstopper Dance Company, Intensive Program, and Tour Teams, Kimmie joined the DF staff as an assistant in 2019 and continues to help with recitals and the Summer Tour Team each year.
Lacey Okamura
A longtime member of the Intensive Program, Showstopper Dance Company, and Tour Teams, Lacey became a DF assistant in 2019 and dances on the nationally ranked TCNJ Dance Team.
Guest artists & master class instructors
We bring the city to our students by hosting master classes with professional artists throughout the year.
Julia Jasnosz
Julia Jasnosz is a pianist, educator, and choral director who currently serves as the Choral Director and Musical Director at Woodrow Wilson Middle School in Edison, New Jersey. She works as a private instructor of piano, voice, and guitar, serves as a ballet accompanist at The Dance Factory in Skillman, and performs as a keyboardist and vocalist with Rocket Baby, a Central Jersey–based cover band. Julia is also a songwriter, producer, and performer, presenting original music and cover performances at venues throughout the region, including The Logan Inn, The Ryland Inn, and Ironbound Brewery.
Julia approaches music education as teaching a language for self-expression, emphasizing artistry, collaboration, and musical literacy. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education with a concentration in piano from Ithaca College, where she graduated magna cum laude and was inducted into the Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society. While at Ithaca, she served as a music theory tutor and worked extensively as a collaborative pianist for vocalists, instrumentalists, and the Ithaca Children's and Youth Choir. She has also served as a collaborative pianist for the Central Jersey Music Educators Association (CJMEA) Regional Choir festivals on multiple occasions. Her professional interests extend to modern band pedagogy, which she has taught in Brooklyn, New York, and which she is currently developing into a program at Woodrow Wilson Middle School.
Julia loves collaborating with The Dance Factory as a ballet pianist, tailoring her playing to support dancers as they develop musicality, expression, and responsiveness in the studio. She deeply values the creative expression this collaboration allows and is inspired by the dancers, the Dance Factory, and the exchange of artistic ideas and energy in each class.
At The Dance Factory, Julia is the live pianist for our Monday upper-level ballet classes — Ballet 9 and Intensive Ballet — accompanying the dancers in person each week.
Samantha Butler
With a strong foundation across ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, acrobatics, hip-hop, lyrical, contemporary, and modern, Samantha's passion is musical theatre. She also works as a guest choreographer and master-class teacher.
Michael Crawford
An award-winning teacher and choreographer who has performed as a principal artist with companies nationwide and appeared in the film "Step Up" and ABC's "Forever." He has taught at Broadway Dance Center, Princeton Ballet, and many more.
Andy Fredeen
A Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA), Andy oversees the training philosophy of Paragon Strength & Performance and its commitment to the community.
Nicole Gallo
Trained in ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, and hip-hop, Nicole has performed works by Sidra Bell, Gregory King, and others, and attended festivals in Vienna and New York.
Katelyn Gaffney
Across her Rockette career Katelyn has performed in the Christmas Spectacular, New York Spectacular, and Spring Spectacular, along with many live and televised events. Her screen credits include commercials and film, among them Rebel Wilson's "Isn't It Romantic." Off stage she shares her passion through teaching, working in every style of dance for over a decade at studios and conventions across the country. She believes a strong foundation and versatility matter most, and makes sure her students get the most out of every experience with her.
Katie Hamrah
Extensively trained across ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, and lyrical, with skills in gymnastics, acrobatics, and cheerleading. Katie has taught dance and fitness for many years.
Miles Keeney
Noted for power, ferocity, and versatility, Miles graduated from Connecticut College with a double major in Dance and Developmental Psychology.
Stefanie Lachenauer
A certified yoga teacher and resilience practitioner known for engaging presentations on mental health. Her book, Let the Glitter Settle: Mindfulness for Teens, releases October 2025.
Tom McKie
Tom's work has been seen at Walt Disney World and NYC's Apollo Theater. As a teaching artist for NJPAC, he has helped students go on to television, film, and Broadway.
Kat Nejat-Thompson
From the Philadelphia Ballet to Broadway, Kat's national tour credits include Disney's HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL and JOSEPH. On TV she's appeared on LAW & ORDER: SVU and DANCING WITH THE STARS.
Taylor & Lacey Okamura
Both former Showstopper Dance Company members and assistants, they made program history placing 3rd in Open Hip Hop at TCNJ.