Kick Dance Studio Celebrates 10 Years at Count Basie Theatre

"It seems like just yesterday that I was scribbling notes for a business plan on turning my Kick Exercise Studio into a professional dance studio as well," said Vanessa Berry owner of "Now here we are 10 years later with our best show ever." 

The studio, with locations in Fair Haven (740 River Rd.) and Rumson (62 Carton St.), started out with just six students and today includes some 400 dancers, evidenced in the seven hours of performances at the Basie.  The recital included all forms of dance with music that varied from classical to contemporary pop.

The studio trains dancers of all ages, but the Sunday performance was especially significant for five students of Kick who danced in their final recital. Graduating seniors included Christina DaFonte of Rumson, Kelsey Donlon of Middletown, and Alexis Jankowski , Caroline Keating and Polly Wadell of Fair Haven.

"Our five seniors are more than just students at Kick," Berry said. "They are also teaching assistants and babysitters to my own kids.  They are the backbone of our Kick family. I could not dream of better role models for our young dancers."

Check out the view finder gallery above to see some photos of the performances.