2 Dance Schools Are Clear Favorites

Congratulations to and for emerging as clear Patch favorites in this week's Readers' Choice survey of dance studios in Matawan, Aberdeen and Homdel.

Both schools drew more than 2,000 votes in our unscientific poll. While multiple voting is possible in the survey, the high numbers, comments and other feedback we received made it clear that Next Level Dance and Perna Dance both enjoy passionate support in their commununities.

"Next Level has my vote!" wrote Crisel Bernstein in a comment posted to the survey. "My sister dances there and....watching how much hard work they put into it is amazing and how much patience the teachers have is wonderful! When they perform, it's a delight to watch."

"My vote is for Perna Dance Studio," Rachely Hurley wrote. "Ms. Hedy and her staff are top notch. They are organized and professional. My two girls love going to dance and have made a lot of friends and have fun! There is a reason Perna has been serving the community for the past 24 years!"

"Next Level Dance Academy," wrote Britney Cichorz. I just started there and it is the best dance studio. The owners make you feel welcomed. The teachers go over every step by step with you until you get it down packed. Next Level is one big happy family."

"Perna Dance Center hands down!" Janine Kamouth wrote. "My sisters and I danced there for around twenty years. Greatest staff, talented and innovative teachers, and an encouraging learning environment. You don't just learn to dance, you learn to work with others, be responsible, and gain professional dance experience by performing all over the county."

Reader comments also reflected great support for Bayshore Academy of Dance in Holmdel, which received over 300 votes.

"I have been going to Bayshore Academy of Dance for ten years, and I love it," wrote Leah Rachel von Essen. "It's about making each girl confident in herself and in her dancing and really doing pieces rather than numbers. Last year we did a beautifully choreographed and high-concept piece to 'Uninvited" by Alanis Moriessette.

"Bayshore Academy of Dance in Holmdel is by far the best dancing school in Monmouth County," wrote Ashley Mitchell. The owner, Lynn Scheps, cares about her students and makes every family feel comfortable and welcome."

Our thanks to supporters of all the schools in our survey for their participation and enthusiasm. Voting ended at 9 a.m. Friday morning but you can still post reviews of your favorites in their listings in our Places directory.

Voting closed at 9 a.m. Friday.

Dance studios listed in the survey were:  (Matawan),  (Holmdel),  (Aberdeen),  (Matawan),  (Matawan), Perna Dance (Holmdel, with a Hazlet mailing address) and  (Matawan).