HomeNew JerseyMaplewood › LaChaney's Dance and Music Academy

LaChaney's Dance and Music Academy

4.2 ★★★★☆ 139 Google reviews · Ballet school in Maplewood, New Jersey

Ballet school Kids & teens

Plan your first class

  • Recitals end-of-year performances and shows — ask about costume and performance fees when you enroll
  • Today see hours ·
  • Phone (973) 378-3877
  • Website & schedule lachaney.com — enroll and see the live class schedule

Hours

Monday 3–8 PM
Tuesday 3–8 PM
Wednesday 3–8 PM
Thursday 3–8 PM
Friday Closed
Saturday 9 AM–2 PM
Sunday Closed

Studio hours shift for holidays, recitals, and term schedules — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The programs they offer

Ballet programs on the schedule at LaChaney's Dance and Music Academy, confirmed in families' own reviews and the studio's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌸 Kids Ballet 52 mentions

“They helped this nervous first time mama ( who has repeatedly been told what her child can NOT do) let her daughter soar and just be a kid doing what other kids do.”

All studios with kids ballet →

💛 Adaptive Ballet

“I have a 3 year old girl with Down syndrome.”

All studios with adaptive ballet →

What families & students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 139 Google reviews — with their own words as proof.

🩰 strong technique & training 2 mentions

“She thinks that the teachers at the school are very encouraging and helpful, especially when it comes to learning new techniques, moves, and working on her form.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 4 mentions

“They helped this nervous first time mama ( who has repeatedly been told what her child can NOT do) let her daughter soar and just be a kid doing what other kids do.”

🧸 wonderful with young kids 4 mentions

“Thanks LaChaney team for making my daughter feel safe and building up her confidence!”

💛 nurturing, non-competitive 12 mentions

“She thinks that the teachers at the school are very encouraging and helpful, especially when it comes to learning new techniques, moves, and working on her form.”

🎭 beautiful recitals & performances 15 mentions

“The friendly and creative, dance instructors were very patient with her and she did an awesome job at the, spectacularly choreographed, end of season performance.”

🗓️ well-run & communicative 11 mentions

“Very professional and considerate to all the parents and children from the teachers all the way to the front desk.”

From the reviews

My daughter Ariella has been with LaChaney’s for just over a year, and WOW, what a difference! I’ll admit, I was hesitant at first, her listening skills weren’t great, and the cost gave me pause. But after scrolling through different dance schools on social media, Ms. LaShonda immediately caught Ariella’s eye.

★★★★★ — Marie, Dec 2025

I love this dance scool. I have a 3 year old girl with Down syndrome. Their inclusiveness mindset is what all businesses should incorporate. They helped this nervous first time mama ( who has repeatedly been told what her child can NOT do) let her daughter soar and just be a kid doing what other kids do.

★★★★★ — Alda, Aug 2020

My daughter can’t stop talking the things she has learned so far!!! She looks forward to her classes on Wednesday, and I must say as her mom the energy that flows through LaChaney’s is truly refreshing.

★★★★★ — Yas, Apr 2025

My experience with the LaChaney Dance School was every bit of amazing. My niece went there for years and became of their amazing dancers. The school grooms the children of all ages through all genres of dance and I'm so happy that they started music classes.

★★★★★ — Tonya, Jun 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 139 reviews →

Your first ballet class at LaChaney's Dance and Music Academy

Nervous about walking into your first class? Almost everyone is — and a good studio expects beginners, whether your dancer is five or you're returning at fifty. Here's what to know. What to wear: comfortable clothes you can move in, with socks or bare feet; a leotard and tights are nice if you have them, but not required, and pointe shoes are years down the road — never day one. What to expect: class usually starts at the barre with slow, simple movements to warm up, then moves to the center — follow along, copy the teacher, and don't worry about getting it "right" the first time. Arrive early: come 10–15 minutes ahead to change, find a spot, and let the teacher know it's a first class so they can keep an eye out. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.

Ballet is for every age and every body. If you're returning from an injury or have a health concern, mention it to the teacher before class so they can offer modifications.

Where to find LaChaney's Dance and Music Academy

1747 Springfield Ave, Maplewood, NJ07040

Get directions Instagram · Facebook

More ballet studios near Maplewood

Inspirational Dance

5 ★★★★★ 19 reviews

1634 Springfield Ave, Maplewood, NJ

Ages 3+

Adult classes Kids & teens nurturing, non-competitivebeautiful recitals & performanceswell-run & communicative

under a mile away

Studio 509 Fitness

4.8 ★★★★★ 36 reviews

509 Valley St, Maplewood, NJ

Kids & teens caring, skilled teachersstrong technique & trainingwelcoming to beginners

Following the Gyrotonic Method, this intimate studio offers Pilates, dance & cardio group classes.

under a mile away

Lydia Johnson Dance School

4.9 ★★★★★ 26 reviews

10 Durand Rd, Maplewood, NJ

Kids & teens strong technique & trainingwonderful with young kidsnurturing, non-competitive

under a mile away

All ballet studios in Maplewood, NJ →

Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and student reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this studio? Claim your listing — it's free.