Julie's training began at the age of 2-1/2, where she studied tap at Miss Margaret's School of Dance in Brooklyn, New York. At age six, she was considered for a more formal education with a prima ballerina in New York City. She relocated to New Jersey, and by the age of 12 her focus turned to teaching, and she began student instructing under the guidance of Kelly Legge, director of the largely successful Tip Tap Toe Dance Studio.

After high school, Julie was accepted to Marymount Manhattan College's dance program, where she received both dance and academic scholarships. During her time at MMC, Julie trained extensively in the Vaganova and Checcetti methods of ballet, O'Donnell, Murray/Louis and Nikolais modern techniques, Classical, Contemporary and Broadway jazz styles, and several styles of tap, including Rhythm, Buck-and-Wing, and "Hoofing".

Julie's dance background includes training with several world-renowned instructors, choreographers and performers, including Cassandra Phifer of Dance Theatre of Harlem, Nancy Lushington of the May O'Donnell Company, Anthony Ferro and Katie Langan of Twyla Tharp, Ed Kresley (West Side Story, Bye Bye Birdie), Sheila Barker, Jeff Amsden, Jason Samuels-Smith, and Peggy Spina, protégé of tap greats "Baby" Lawrence, "Cookie" Cook and "Honi" Coles, to name a few. Her academic instruction at Marymount includes an extensive background in education, psychology, and anatomy. She graduated from Marymount with a B.A. in Dance Education in 2004.

While in college, Julie also had the opportunity to train at Broadway Dance Center, taking classes in all disciplines with several of today’s most popular instructors and choreographers, including Rhapsody, Mike Minery, Bev Brown, Gil Stroming, Germaine Salsberg, and Joey Dowling. She continues to attend conventions to keep current on dance trends, and most recently attended JUMP and Broadway Dance Center’s Pulse conventions.

Julie began teaching in her senior year of high school, continuing to do so throughout her college years, commuting between NYC and Jackson on weekends. She became a full-time teacher at Tip Tap Toe Dance Studio in 2003. Over the last four years she has received countless awards and top scores for her choreography, as well as numerous acknowledgements for both her choreography and her creativity.

It was in 2007 that Julie felt that she was in the prime of her career as a dance educator, and decided to fulfill her life-long dream of opening a studio where students constantly reinvent themselves as performing artists, are challenged each time they walk through the door, and most importantly, look forward to coming to dance every day. The Next Step Dance Academy is that dream, and she could not be more excited about this opportunity!

Danny DeFranco is a hip hop dancer, instructor and choreographer with extensive knowledge of Popping, Locking, B-Boying, Whacking, Waving, Tutting and House. Although he has trained in several forms of dance, including Jazz, Tap and Ballet, as well as Tae Kwon Do, Danny began to focus solely on Hip Hop in 2002. He competed at the regional and national level with the Wildstyle Hip Hop Company, and also assisted company director Eric Samson for several years. Together, this company has performed at several venues in the New York and New Jersey area, including the Count Basie Theatre and the Copacabana Night Club. Danny also owns a DJ/Entertainment company and has MC’ed at numerous parties and events.

Danny has taught at several dance studios in the area, and is highly sought after throughout the state of New Jersey. He feels it is important to not just do hip hop, but to understand the history of hip hop and focuses on teaching the technique, not just choreography, to each of his students. We know that you will love Danny’s high energy and unique style, and we are so glad he is a part of The Next Step Dance Academy!

Although relatively new to the world of dance education, Amanda brings a strong, diverse dance background to The Next Step Dance Academy. Amanda began dancing at the age of three and has studied ballet, pointe, lyrical, jazz, tap and hip hop; most recently at Tip Tap Toe Dance Studio in Jackson, NJ. There, was a student teacher for several levels of ballet classes, and was a substitute teacher from 2005-2007. Over her years as a competitive dancer, she has been recognized for her artistry, grace, and technical excellence at both the Regional and National level. She has been awarded many top honors, special awards and scholarships as a soloist, as well as a duet, trio and group performer. She has attended summer programs at the prestigious Kirov Academy of Ballet and the American Academy of Ballet, and has performed various roles in The Nutcracker with The Moscow Ballet in Atlantic City. Additionally, Amanda has been a featured dancewear model and can be seen nationally in catalogues, magazines and other printwork for Body Wrappers.

Amanda was a 2007 graduate of Colts Neck High School, where she served as Captain and Choreographer for the CNHS Dance Team. Currently she is studying Education and Dance at Georgian Court University, where her academic and artistic excellence has earned her a highly competitive scholarship. Her incredible technique and stage presence, professional training and love of children make her a highly sought-after instructor, and we are very fortunate to have her share her talents with us.

Tara brings to The Next Step Dance Academy a wealth of knowledge in several areas of the arts, including ballet, pointe, modern, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, tumbling, voice and acting. In addition, she has extensive knowledge in anatomy and massage therapy. She has trained at many renowned facilities, including the Princeton Ballet School and Repertory Ballet, Broadway Dance Center, The Dance Space, Ballet Academy East and Marymount Manhattan College. In addition, she has been a featured dancer with the TapOlé dance company, the NJ Nets Dance Team, Big Red Boat cruise lines, and the Mainstreet Theatre Company, to name a few. She has also been featured in industrials for Suave hair products and the American Idol Tour.

In addition to her professional career, Tara also has several years of teaching experience in all areas of dance. Her choreography can be seen in several studios throughout the NY and NJ area. She brings high energy and a contagious smile to all of her classes. We are thrilled to have her as a part of our staff!