Episode 5 Airs: August 12, 2025
Guest: Howell Dance — Founder April Bamonte, Director Miss Kelly, Instructor Miss Meg
Location: 4008 Route 9 South, Howell, NJ (next to Harbor Freight)
Web: howelldance.com • Phone: 732-370-5330
If you’ve driven down Route 9 in Howell, you’ve seen the big Howell Dance sign. What you may not know is the story behind it: a studio that started small, grew into three separate locations, and ultimately merged into one spacious, purpose-built facility designed for dancers 18 months through high school. In this week’s Shop Jersey Shore episode, founder April Bamonte, celebrating 42 years in business, sat down with Director Miss Kelly and Instructor Miss Meg to share how the studio blends technique, confidence-building, and that “dance family” feel.
One Studio, Many Paths (and All Under One Roof)
After decades of expansion, April consolidated the studio into a single, thoughtfully laid-out location at 4008 Route 9 South. The current facility features multiple rooms, including a large studio that can be subdivided—so classes for toddlers, beginners, and advanced students can run simultaneously. Older team members frequently pop in to assist with the little ones, which the kids adore and parents appreciate.
The staff is robust (around 18 teachers), but the chemistry is what stands out. As April joked, the team debates like “an old married couple”, always landing on whatever best serves the dancers.
Who Dances at Howell Dance?
Short answer: Everyone from 18 months to 18 years.
Parent & Me (18 months–~2.5 years): Creative movement set to music, props, and rhymes to build balance, rhythm, and vocabulary—done with a grown-up.
Preschool & Early Elementary (3–6): 45-minute combo classes with ballet, tap, and age-appropriate creative movement using maracas, streamers, and more.
Grade School to High School: A full progression of technique by age and level, so beginners and experienced dancers both get the right challenge.
Styles Offered
Ballet • Tap • Jazz • Hip Hop • Musical Theater • (and more as dancers advance)
Why parents love it: Age-appropriate music, a steady focus on positive reinforcement, and instruction that meets each dancer where they are—technically and emotionally.
Beyond Steps: Confidence, Community, and Stage Readiness
Technique matters, but Howell Dance doubles down on confidence and community. The teachers celebrate small wins, teach with positivity, and help dancers build comfort in their own skin, especially crucial in the “awkward middle years.” Musical theater has become a surprise favorite for shy performers; by spring, many are projecting across the stage.
That community runs deep. Generations of dancers have come through Howell Dance, some of April’s “babies” now bring their babies. Alumni teach, teens mentor, parents cheer. It’s a genuine studio ecosystem.
The Company Team: For Dancers Who Want More
For kids who want additional training and performance opportunities, Howell Dance offers a Company Team (ages 5+) led by Miss Kelly.
- Commitment: Typically 2–3 days per week
- Events: 3–4 regional competitions per season, plus nationals
- Special Experiences: Performances at Disney and Universal (yes, really)
- How to Join: Prior dance experience is required. Dancers may audition or receive a teacher recommendation from recreational classes.
The team trains in the same facility, which makes the jump from recreational to pre-professional feel seamless, and keeps inspiration flowing as younger dancers watch what’s possible.
Summer at Howell Dance
Summer stays fun and light with themed camps (think Princess Camp) that mix dancing, crafts, and a mini-performance for families on the final day. It’s a low-pressure way to dip a toe into the studio before the school-year schedule kicks in.
Fall Dance Season: What to Expect
- Age + Level Placement: Classes are grouped by age and experience. New to dance? The team will meet your child and recommend the best fit.
- Recital: The studio offers a year-end recital (optional, but most kids love it).
- Registration: Classes fill quickly—some sections close well before September.
Pro tip: Howell Dance often offers trial classes or meet-and-greet times ahead of the season. Availability changes; check the website or call the studio for current options.
At a Glance: Howell Dance
- Address: 4008 Route 9 South, Howell, NJ (next to Harbor Freight)
- Website: howelldance.com
- Phone: 732-370-5330
- Ages: 18 months–High School
- Styles: Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Musical Theater, and more
- Tracks: Recreational classes • Company Team (audition/recommendation with prior experience)
- Culture: Positive, age-appropriate, family-oriented, confidence-building
Want to See Inside?
We’ve embedded the full episode above, meet April, Miss Kelly, and Miss Meg, see how the studio is set up, and hear why their dancers stick around year after year. There’s also a giveaway at the end of the episode, watch for the question and entry details.
Enroll Before Classes Fill
Ready to dance? Howell Dance is now accepting registrations for the fall season, and popular classes do close early.
- Visit howelldance.com for schedules and enrollment
- Call 732-370-5330 with placement questions
- Stop by 4008 Route 9 South, Howell (look for the big Howell Dance sign next to Harbor Freight)
If your child is taking their very first steps or aiming for the competition stage, Howell Dance has a place for them—and a team ready to cheer them on.
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