The Next Step School of Dance is conveniently located at 800 Schuyler Avenue in Lyndhurst, New Jersey.

We offer age-appropriate dance classes for children and fun courses for adults in our state-of-the-art facility,

with 4 studios, which means we can offer limited class sizes. Our family-centered dance studio is trusted in the

community.  The teachers and staff give personal care to our customers and special attention to our students.

We have viewing windows, a media counter, WiFi, dressing rooms and a comfortable waiting room. All dance

rooms are equipped with sprung dance floors which protects the knees and feet for dancers of all ages.

 

Bonnie Walker became an owner of the studio in 1998 and in 2010, renamed the studio to

"The Next Step School of Dance". In January 2022, Julie Schirm took full reigns of the studio from Bonnie

Walker, after studying and working under her for 26 years. 

 

As Owner and Artistic Director of The Next Step School of Dance, Miss Julie brings a vibrant energy to the

stage with her Musical Theatre and Hip Hop choreography, as well as a graceful side with her Lyrical Classes. She

achieved her NJ High School Dance Degree through High Tech High School, and continued her Business

Education at William Paterson University. She continues to bring the same quality training that has been offered to

local students for many years.

 

Miss Bonnie became an affiliate member of More Than Just Great Dancing in 2014. MTJGD studios, founded by Misty Lown, are diverse in the specialties, but united in their belief in the power of dance to change lives. More than Just Great Dancing is a licensed affiliation of dance studios that subscribe to a high standard of dance instruction and management practices. As a part of a dynamic network of 200+ dance studios and 72,000 students worldwide, MTJGD transforms staff development and provides leadership training, quality programs, and curricula to its affiliate studios. But, MTJGD is a commitment to providing MORE than excellent dance instruction. MTJGD dancers go beyond technique to develop important life skills, learning to be respectful, confident, and conscientious young people who share their gifts and talents with the community. Miss Julie is proud to continue to be an affiliate member and carry this on throughout the studio. 

 

The Next Step School of Dance faculty members are dedicated and certified dance educators with numerous years of teaching and national tour experience. Faculty members continually study by attending conventions and workshops so they may bring the latest trends in dance to their students. They also take pride in the accomplishments of their students who perform for local benefits, take top honors in local competitions, and even moved on to the Broadway stage! Our teachers and staff  are also as proud of their recreational dancers who perform on the stage for the very first time, and those who get the step they've been working on for weeks, and of course, the ones who show the love of dance- just by dancing!!!
 

As Dance Educators, at the Next Step School of Dance, we believe your child will reach their full potential. Dance is a stepping stone in every young child’s development. We provide a quality curriculum for children to learn and grow in the art of dance and, of course, to have the ability to express themselves. We enjoy teaching our tiniest dancer to our Teen Company Member!  Our goal is to educate the minds, bodies and souls of our students, teaching them the skills they need for a successful life, whether or not they stay involved in dance. Dance is our Passion, Come for Class, Stay for Community!