The Jersey Cape Dance & Gymnastics Academy Experience

Jersey Cape Dance & Gymnastics Academy is a crown for the talented jewels of Cape May County.
For thirty years, this locally owned and operated school, nestled in an old church off of Route 9 in Erma, has provided Cape May County students with the very finest classes in dance and gymnastics disciplines.
Recently chosen by two dance publications as one of the top ten schools on the east coast and one of the top 50 academies in the nation, Jersey Cape Dance & Gymnastics Academy offers classes to all children whether they are seeking or currently in a professional career, wish to compete nationally or just have a burning desire to dance or perform gymnastics. Although enrollment is open to everyone, the classes are small with no more that 10 to 12 in each one, affording each pupil the individual attention needed for their personal development. An open-door policy allows parents and guardians to observe the hard work and discipline their children learn and accomplish.
The Academy offers pre-school classes and Mommy and Me classes taught by Louise Marshall who has been with the Academy for 20 years. The Academy also provides a homework room for all students, and there is even a cafeteria on campus.
Each pupil receives one-on-one attention from a staff that includes Stina Smith, Owner, Artistic Director and former professional dancer and model, her sister Annika Nash, the Director of Gymnastics and Contortion, and Stina’s daughter and Assistant Director Kendra Hemingway who has worked professionally for Walt Disney and has studied with some of the leading choreographers in the dance industry. These talent resources are augmented by Bryce Sol Yerk, Kellie Stelicio, Louise Marshall, Christine Sundstrum and Jamie Marshall.
Multiple class tuition at the school is within most people’s budget range and is considered the “BEST” price in South Jersey; plus, military families receive a 10% discount. Once enrolled, a youngster can pick and choose from several of the dancing arts including ballet and point, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, tap or hip-hop.
Additionally all varieties of gymnastics and contortion training is offered, with a power floor, trampolines, air track, balance beam and Gymboree Equipment at the disposal of every student. Each young gymnast’s advancements are carefully monitored by a staff who have all been safety certified by the USGF.
Although many of the current and former talents at the school have gone on to become professionals in dance, education, community service and any other field they put into their dedication, Jersey Cape dance will always be another home for them. Registration for the upcoming class season will be held Aug. 21 & 22 from 2-7 p.m. and Aug. 23 from 9 a.m-2 p.m.
– Written by Jackie Atkins