Finding a place where a kid can actually learn the difference between a shuffle and a flap without feeling like they’re in a high-pressure pressure cooker is harder than it looks. Most parents in Morris County know the drill. You sign up for a class, buy the expensive shoes, and realize three weeks in that the atmosphere is either way too intense or, honestly, a bit of a disorganized mess. Sharon's Studio of Dance & Music has managed to dodge those two extremes for decades.
It’s local. It’s family-run. And it’s been sitting in Whippany, New Jersey, since the early 1980s.
You’ve probably driven past it if you live in the area. It isn't just a "dance school" in the way people usually think of them—those hyper-competitive spots where everyone is aiming for a reality TV show. Instead, it functions more like a community hub. Sharon’s has this specific vibe where technical skill actually matters, but it’s wrapped in a package that feels approachable for a five-year-old who just wants to spin around in a tutu.
The Philosophy of "The Right Way"
The studio was founded by Sharon DiCroce. If you talk to anyone who grew up in Whippany or East Hanover, they likely have a connection to her. The school isn't just about killing time after 3:00 PM. DiCroce built the curriculum on a foundation of "proper" technique. That sounds like marketing speak, but in the dance world, it’s a big deal.
Bad habits in a ballet class when you’re seven can lead to actual physical injuries when you’re seventeen.
Sharon's Studio of Dance & Music focuses on the Cecchetti method for ballet. For the uninitiated, that’s a very specific, rigorous style of Italian ballet training. It’s all about balance, poise, and strength. It isn't just "fluff." They take the same approach with music. You aren't just learning to play a song by ear; you're learning theory. You're learning how to read the page.
More Than Just Taps and Leaps
Most studios pick a lane. They’re either a dance studio or a music conservatory. Doing both is a massive logistical headache, but Sharon’s has doubled down on it.
The music program covers the heavy hitters:
- Piano and Keyboard: This is the bedrock of the music wing.
- Voice Lessons: Focusing on breath control and actual vocal health, not just singing along to the radio.
- Guitar and Strings: Traditional instruction that moves at the student's pace.
It’s convenient. Parents with two kids can have one in a hip-hop class while the other is in a private piano lesson. It saves a lot of driving back and forth on Route 10, which, let’s be real, is a nightmare during rush hour.
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But what’s actually interesting is how the two disciplines bleed into each other. A dancer who understands musical phrasing because they take piano lessons is a better dancer. A singer who understands rhythm because they take tap is a better performer. It’s a holistic approach that most "strip mall" studios just don't bother with.
Why Sharon's Studio of Dance & Music Still Ranks High for Local Parents
The competition in New Jersey for extracurriculars is insane. You have "pre-professional" academies that demand forty hours a week. Then you have the "recreational" places that are basically just glorified daycare.
Sharon’s occupies the middle ground. It’s "serious recreation."
They have a competition team—the Starbound Performance Group—for the kids who want to live and breathe dance. But they don't treat the kids who just want one class a week like second-class citizens. That’s a rare balance. Honestly, a lot of studios ignore the recreational kids to focus on the trophy winners. At Sharon's, the quality of instruction stays pretty consistent regardless of how many sequins you're wearing on the weekend.
Breaking Down the Dance Styles
The variety is actually pretty staggering. They cover:
- Ballet and Pointe: The technical core.
- Tap: A staple of the studio's history.
- Jazz and Lyrical: Great for building athleticism.
- Hip-Hop: The most popular choice for kids who want to move but hate the "stiffness" of ballet.
- Acro: Think of it as a mix of floor gymnastics and dance.
They also have "combo" classes for the tiny ones. These are the 3-to-5-year-olds. It’s 45 minutes of managed chaos that actually teaches them basic motor skills and how to follow a beat.
The Faculty Factor
A studio is only as good as the person at the front of the room. Sharon DiCroce is still the heartbeat of the place, but the faculty she’s assembled over the years is what keeps the engine running. These aren't just college kids looking for a side gig. Many of the instructors have professional backgrounds, degrees in dance education, or have been with the studio for over a decade.
There’s a continuity there. You don't see a revolving door of teachers every September. That matters to kids. Having the same teacher for three years builds a level of trust that you just can't manufacture with a fancy website or a "state-of-the-art" facility.
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The Performance Experience
The annual recital is the "Big Event." It usually happens in June, and it’s a professional production.
It isn't held in a high school gym with bad acoustics. They typically use high-end venues like the Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) in Morristown or similar professional theaters. This gives the students a taste of what a real stage feels like. The lighting, the sound, the backstage jitters—it’s a rite of passage.
Is it stressful for parents? Probably. There are costumes to manage and rehearsals to attend. But the payoff is seeing a kid who was too shy to speak in September suddenly commanding a stage in front of hundreds of people in June. That’s the "why" behind the whole operation.
Navigating the Challenges of Modern Arts Education
It hasn't all been easy. The last few years have been tough on local businesses, especially those that rely on physical closeness. During the height of the pandemic, Sharon’s had to pivot like everyone else. Zoom dance classes are... weird. Trying to teach a triple pirouette over a laggy internet connection is a special kind of hell.
But they survived.
They implemented strict safety protocols, upgraded their ventilation, and managed to keep the community together. That loyalty is something you don't see much anymore. When a business treats its clients like family for forty years, the clients tend to stick around when things get messy.
What New Families Should Expect
If you're looking to sign up, don't expect a cold, corporate environment. It’s a bit old-school, and that’s a good thing.
The registration process is straightforward. They offer a "try it first" mentality because they know not every kid is going to love every style. Maybe your son hates the discipline of ballet but absolutely thrives in a loud, fast-paced hip-hop class. Or maybe your daughter finds piano frustrating but loves the physical expression of lyrical dance.
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The staff is generally pretty good at helping parents figure out where their kid fits best without overselling them on twelve different classes they don't need.
The Longevity of Sharon's Studio of Dance & Music
There’s something to be said for a business that stays in one spot and does one thing well for decades. In an era where everything is becoming a franchise or a "wellness brand," Sharon’s is just a dance and music studio.
They don't try to be a gym. They don't try to be a social media incubator. They teach kids how to dance and how to play instruments.
This focus is why they have second-generation students now. Moms who took tap classes with Sharon in the 90s are now dropping their own daughters off at the same door. That kind of legacy is the ultimate "social proof." It means the quality hasn't dipped, and the values haven't changed.
Actionable Insights for Prospective Students
If you are considering enrolling at Sharon's, keep these practical points in mind:
- Audit a Class First: Don't just commit to a full year based on the website. Ask to observe or have your child take a trial class to see if the teacher's style clicks with their personality.
- Balance Your Schedule: If you're doing music and dance, try to stack them on the same day. The studio is located conveniently near local shopping, so you can actually get errands done while they’re in class.
- Invest in Good Gear: For dance, the right shoes aren't just for looks; they prevent slips and support growing arches. Ask the studio for their preferred local dancewear shops; they usually have specific requirements for the recital anyway.
- Communicate with the Staff: Because it’s a family-run operation, if your child is struggling or needs a different pace, talk to Sharon or the office staff. They are generally much more flexible than a corporate-owned franchise.
- Check the Calendar: Pay close attention to the recital and dress rehearsal dates early in the year. These are usually non-negotiable and are the highlight of the curriculum.
The value of an arts education isn't always about becoming a professional. Most of the kids at Sharon's Studio of Dance & Music won't end up on Broadway or in a philharmonic. But they will end up with better posture, a stronger work ethic, and the ability to stand in front of a crowd without shaking. That’s the real product they’re selling, and after forty years, they’ve gotten pretty good at it.
To get started, visit the studio on Whippany Road during their office hours to see the facilities firsthand. Most registrations peak in late August and early September, but mid-year openings sometimes pop up for private music lessons. Reach out to the front desk to confirm current availability for specific age brackets and skill levels.
Next Steps for Success:
- Contact the studio directly at their Whippany location to request the current season's schedule and tuition rates.
- Schedule a placement evaluation if your child has prior experience; this ensures they aren't bored in a beginner class or overwhelmed in an advanced one.
- Review the dress code before purchasing any apparel, as specific levels often require specific leotard colors or shoe types.