Dancin' on the Edge

Tucked neatly in a corner of Mechanic Street, housed in a decorative stucco building with attractive atrium windows is a lovely surprise – Dancin’ on the Edge.

The dance studio, which opened in Downtown Freehold five years ago, is owned and operated by dancer/instructor Erika Aresta. Miss Erika, as she is affectionately called by her students, has the expertise, skills and passion for the art of dancing to pass along to her students.

Aresta began dancing at the age of three and competing at the age of four. She has numerous awards in both dance and choreography and has also earned an associates degree in small business management, making her uniquely qualified to helm a dance studio.

The cozy yet impressive two-studio rooms offers plenty of room to move around and dance and also offers something additional other schools may not have – a family-oriented environment to learn and grow. “We’re a smaller studio and we offer a more family-type setting. I know every student’s name and even their parents’ names. And, I connect with each and every child.”

According to Aresta, her mission is to “inspire and encourage children and adults with a lifelong appreciation for dance.”

Pre-ballet classes offer children the development of coordination, rhythm, and basic dance and tumbling movements. Her Combo classes offer 4-6 year-olds Ballet/Jazz, Jazz/Tap and Ballet/Tap classes designed to provide a half hour of dance. Hip-Hop is a great way for youngsters to express themselves in a fun and upbeat way and Lyrical dance offers children who love to express their emotion through music and dance, a chance to do just that from the age of 7 up. 12-year-olds may begin to take Pointe classes and must meet certain criteria for experience and specific ballet classes. Jazz, Aero (a combination of Aerobics and Jazz) and four levels of Ballet classes are also offered.

Aresta also trains a competition team that has, over the years brought home trophies that line the studio’s atrium window ledges.

A recital is planned every year for all her students. This year’s theme is “Broadway” so spectators will be treated to youngsters strutting their stuff in Broadway garb to songs from the “Lion King,” “Rent,” “Hair Spray,” “Phantom of the Opera” and “Oklahoma,” among others.

Aresta loves having her studio in downtown Freehold Borough where she said her students can walk to the studio or walk around in-between classes, get something to eat or drink or just enjoy being among people in the downtown area. She very much likes being around the hustle and bustle of downtown everyday life.