beyond dance@bergenPAC is an exciting new dance program being introduced this season. roberta mathes, formerly of dance plus...a whole lot more, and Progressive Dance of Englewood,NJ, and current faculty member of Steps on Broadway, NYC, and American Ballet Theatre Summer Intensive, NYC, has assumed the role as artistic director. Ms. mathes accompanied by a professional NYC faculty, has brought her talent and expertise to our world class theater. beyond dance@bergenPAC offers classes in creative movement, ballet, jazz (mathes technique), contemporary (horton), ethnic fusion, hip-hop, urban street, rhythm tap, classical, mat pilates, belly dancing, yoga, and tap designed for all ages and levels.

Above and beyond

beyond dance is unique because the location and faculty offer students a genuine taste of New York. Our knowledgeable faculty provides professional coaching for those interested in pursuing a career in the performing arts. Artistic director, roberta mathes often works closely with older students in preparation for college level dance and pre-professional arts programs.

Advanced students may audition for the beyond dance ensemble which is dedicated exclusively to performing, working with prestigious choreographers and learning different styles of dance. In addition to in-house performances, ensemble dancers will be given other performance opportunities in various locations throughout our community. (In fact, select ensemble performers and faculty opened the star studded Spring Gala Concert featuring Tony Bennett in the newly named Russell Berrie Hall.)

These opportunities are essential to the success of our students; one of roberta’s students, Meredith Akins, from Englewood, NJ, is currently the dance captain and performing in Mama Mia on Broadway! Other students of hers have graced the stages of Broadway in Les Miserables, Sound of Music, and Footloose as well as Radio City Music Hall and The Metropolitan Opera House. Some have been seen in national commercials such as Stop-N-Shop. More recently, some of her younger dancers were chosen for a NIKE Industrial Show in NYC.