Nurturing Creativity,
Instilling Passion

Turning Pointe Dance Center

Mission Statement

For over 30 years, our school has been a leader in dance education. Our reputation for inspiring young people to be the best dancers they can be is one of the primary reasons for our success.

We believe a teacher’s influence on the future of a student extends far beyond the obvious physical benefits. The faculty at TPDC are committed to motivating and challenging every student, whether at the recreational or intensive level.

Our teaching philosophy is based on instilling passion for dance while nurturing creativity. We believe that an education in dance benefits the body, mind, and soul.

From your child's first class to their senior year, TPDC has a class for everyone. Our students not only receive quality training and professional performing experience but they develop confidence, self-esteem, and self-discipline. We encourage teamwork and teach life skills that will help them succeed in other aspects of their lives. Students are learning what hard work and determination can accomplish.

We pledge to give you the finest dance instruction available and are committed to making each dance lesson a positive one. Our dedicated and experienced teachers look forward to sharing their passion for dance with your children, the next generation of aspiring young dancers.

Join us and become a part of the TPDC family.

~ Julie Otani
Owner, Artistic Director

Turining Pointe Dance Center

TPDC Programs

Turining Pointe Dance Center

Turning Pointe Dance Center is a proud recipient of the ADCC Studio of Excellence Award in 2018, 2019 and 2024.

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Alumni @ 2024 Epic Recital

Testimonials

Turining Pointe Dance Center

“Julie and the staff of Turning Pointe Dance Center are teaching our daughter not only to dance, but to move through life with grace, confidence and a commitment to her passion. We truly believe that they see her not just as a student, but as a special young lady who can benefit from their guidance. Our daughter leaves Turning Pointe each day having been challenged by both dance and life lessons, and ALWAYS having had FUN!!”

T.D. of Westfield, NJ

Turining Pointe Dance Center

“Weve been a part of the Turning Pointe dance family for 7 years and counting. Our girls started there at the age of 3 with a passion for music and moving. With the energy, enthusiasm and support of Julie, the teachers and staff, that passion became all about dance! As a parent I appreciate that TPDC has given them the opportunity to beautifully and appropriately express themselves through the art of dance. They have grown both as a dancers and young ladies, learning life skills such as time management, goal setting, and responsibility. Our daughters appreciate TPDC for being a safe and nurturing place where they can form wonderful friendships, try any and every genre and develop a strong love for dance. I highly recommend Turning Pointe Dance Center to all dancers of any interest or ability!”

C.H. of Summit, NJ

Turining Pointe Dance Center

“Every year I am blown away by the outstanding job that TPDC do on their recitals. The level of talent and professionalism is amazing ! The teachers’ dance for the finale just blew me away !!! Can’t wait to start year 6 with my girls there.”

E.M. of West Orange, NJ

Turining Pointe Dance Center

I went to Turning Pointe for 16 years and it was my home away from home. The current staff is amazing and I met some of my closest friends there. The owner, Miss Julie, created a nurturing environment that allows kids of all ages and levels to thrive. Along with taking class, she gave me, and many of my peers, the opportunity to assistant teach the younger students. She encouraged me to continue my dance career post graduation and I credit her with instilling my love for dance.

Noreen Healy Class of '22

Turining Pointe Dance Center

TPDC is an amazing dancing studio. My daughter has been dancing at Turning Pointe for over 6 years. She is 10 years old. Four years ago, she joined the competition team.

The talented and passionate instructors are phenomenal and have taught her so much. She has learned many styles of dance including ballet, modern, contemporary, hip-hop, jazz, tap, and acro.

Not only would I say that they have shaped her into an amazing dancer, but also an athlete. She has learned the importance of hard work, team work, dedication, and determination. She has also made great friends who have motivated and inspired her.

TPDC is her second home.

A.S. of Mountainside, NJ

Turining Pointe Dance Center

My daughter began dancing at a studio in a neighboring town at the age of 2 1/2. After a few years of feeling like a just number at that studio, we switched to Turning Pointe Dance Center. We are now in her fifth year of dancing at TPDC. From the first year she joined this studio, we noticed a change from the studio where she began dancing. The staff at TPDC is warm, personable, hands-on, and makes everyone feel welcome.

My daughter has received top notch dance training in many different styles of dance from ballet to modern, hip hop, tap, contemporary, etc. The instructors are extremely dedicated in helping all dancers improve, succeed, and most of all enjoy dancing! My daughter looks forward to every class she takes and is always motivated to come home and continue practicing what she has learned.

M.K. of Mountainside, NJ

Turining Pointe Dance Center

TPDC has been my home away from home for 15 years while growing up. Miss Julie is truly one of the nicest and most caring dance teachers I've ever had. Not only does she treat everyone equally, she genuinely cares about her students. I graduated from TPDC in 2013 and 11 years later Miss Julie still asks me how I'm doing or how my family is. I'm still in touch with many of the girls I grew up dancing with. TPDC is such a special place and will forever be my home away from home!

Fiona Matear Class of '13

Turining Pointe Dance Center

“We were fortunate enough to join Turning Pointe Dance Center four years ago when my daughter was four years old. Throughout this time, we have been filled with nothing but the absolute best experiences. Her skill level develops each year, more than I would ever expect. TPDC has become a second family to her, as well as my younger daughter, who joined three years ago. Beyond skills, my children have gained self-confidence, respect, and a positive attitude which is a constant reflection of the owner, directors, instructors, and assistants. From the day the girls entered the doors of this studio, they have been fueled with the love of dance because of their talented staff. I couldn’t be happier with the decision we made to join the TPDC family four years ago.”

K.F. of Springfield, NJ

Turining Pointe Dance Center

"I would like to thank Turning Pointe Dance Center for being such an important part of our lives. Both of my children danced and performed at TPDC from pre-school until graduation. I can wholeheartedly attribute their success to the confidence and poise that they gained from their experiences with Julie and her staff. TPDC has always given them a safe and positive environment to grow and learn."

R.B. of Berkeley Heights, NJ

Turining Pointe Dance Center

My 12 year old daughter started dancing at Turning Pointe when she was 2 years old. My 8 year old also started there when she was 3. They are both there now numerous days a week. TPDC is like their home away from home. They love their classes, teachers and dance friends. The dance instruction and choreography is top notch. They both have also gained a sense of self confidence and a real appreciation for team work. TPDC is a special place to my girls and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to send their children somewhere for dance education.

C.S. of Westfield, NJ

Turining Pointe Dance Center

I grew up dancing at TPDC since 3 years old. I’m now 25 and still come “home” to the studio and to see the girls I grew up dancing with who are like my sisters. Miss Julie was always the most positive role model and a great professional example and teacher that I can remember looking up too from the very beginning. My time spent in the studio was exceptional and was always something I looked forward to every day after school! Miss Julie truly has set the standard for dance in Union County!

Dominique Conte Class of '16

Turining Pointe Dance Center

I danced at Turning Pointe for almost 16 years, and I can say with confidence that it is one of the most exceptional and enriching experiences I've ever had. Everyone there was my family, but no one was as truly special as the owner, Julie. Not only is she an incredibly skilled dancer herself, with years of experience, but her creativity and her ability to impart that creativity to her students is something I have never seen before. The dances Julie choreographs are breathtaking, with imagination and inspiration evident in every movement. My experience at Turning Pointe was so instrumental in my development as a person, teaching me collaboration and expression, skills that will serve me forever. They are some of my best memories. If you are looking for a place for your child to dance while growing as an individual, learning how to express themselves, and being part of a family, this is where to go. TPDC will always be my family.

Bella Barbosa Class of '20

Turining Pointe Dance Center

My sisters and I went to Turning Pointe for about 20 years in total. Miss Julie is the most amazing dance teacher I could have asked for. She loves the art of dance and cultivates an environment for children to form their own love & passion for dance. If you want your child to love to dance, you should send them here.
 

Katie Healy Class of '19

Turining Pointe Dance Center

I danced at TPDC for nearly 14 years and I would not trade the experiences and friendships I made here for anything in the world. The owner Julie fostered a truly wonderful environment that was tremendously supportive and encouraging and helped build my confidence from as early as I can remember. Her kindness, grace, passion, and talent as a instructor and dancer herself shines through every aspect of this studio and it was a privilege to be able to spend my childhood at such a special place. I still cherish coming back to visit with other alumni and to reminisce on the incredible years I spent dancing here. Places as exceptional as this are truly rare. I will hold this place in my heart forever.

Renee Barbosa Class of '18