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Studio Announcements

Studio Announcements

Studio Announcements

We're so excited to be performing for the 

NEW YORK JETS on Sunday, November 1st

Practices will be held on Wednesdays to Prep!

At The Talent Lab, we prioritize the technical growth of every performer. We don't separate students by age in technique classes. Instead, we assess their abilities and place them in appropriate levels based on availability. Our goal is to provide comfortable and tailored training for each student, ensuring they receive the attention they need to thrive. We believe in nurturing individuality and creating a supportive environment where students can reach their full potential.

Classes​:

-Ballet

-Pointe

-Jazz

-Contemporary

-Acrobatics 

-Hip Hop

-Ballroom

-conditioning 

where have you seen 
The 
Talent Lab?

Our dancers have performed at the Prudential Center for the New Jersey Devils, danced backup for country artist Jessica Lynn's Holiday Spectacular, and appeared on national television in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (pictured in the NY TIMES) with Spirit of America Productions. This season, we're excited to add performances with the New York Jets, with even more opportunities on the horizon!

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Registration

Need help deciding what class to sign up for? Contact us today!

Want To Compete?

Here's what is required:

  • Attend auditions & contract signings!

  • Take required technique classes and a minimum of 1 elective (Acro, Hip Hop, Leaps & Turns)

  • If you take any electives outside of the studio, please see Aly!

More Info

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Classes

Acro- A fusion of Gymnastics, Contortion, and Dance where students are to able to showcase their budding flexibility and strength in a disciplined manner. 
Contemporary/Lyrical- A blend of Jazz, Modern and Ballet that allows for artistic freedom and storytelling 

Hip Hop- Join us in leaning rhythm based style of dance that's seen on TV & Commercials. 
Jazz- A combination of Ballet and African dance styles that call for rhythmically complex and syncopated movement. There are many subsections of this style. 

Conditioning: This class focuses on building technique and perfecting Leaps and Turns!
Ballroom- a partner dance style where two people move together to music

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TTL Competition Team

 

 

 

 

 

Our award-winning competitive dance team welcomes individuals of all skill levels who are passionate about improving and challenging themselves. We create a supportive environment where dancers can grow, push their limits, and compete at the highest levels. Alongside intense training, team members are exposed to professional dance performances, gaining inspiration and insight from industry leaders. Whether you’re an experienced performer or just starting out, we provide the perfect platform to elevate your skills, build confidence, and join a community of like-minded dancers.

Our Staff

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Owner

Alyssa Anne O'Brien

Miss “Aly” is a former competitive dancer at “Dance Theater of New Jersey”. She trained under the ABT curriculum, instructed by Jaimie Bernstein. She had the privilege of working with other famous choreographers such as Al Blackstone, Derek Mitchell, Andy Blankenbuehler, and  Andy Pellek to name a few. She continued her dance career at Hofstra University where she had the honor of working with Larry Kegwin, Robin K. Becker, Anita Feldman, Amy Marshall, and the Limon Dance Company. Miss Aly received her Bachelor of Science in Dance Education and her EdTPA certification. She has been recognized for her work throughout her teaching and choreographing career. She has multiple nominations and winnings ("Best Choreography" award) from the National Youth Arts, Hofstra University, and the Competitive Dance World. Miss Aly is excited to begin the next chapter of her teaching career as the owner of The Talent Lab. 

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 Artistic Director

Cathrine Wheeler

Her background in dance started at Dance Theatre of New Jersey where she studied Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Acro, Hip Hop and was a member their competitive company. Miss Cat attended Passaic County Technical Institute where she studied Modern Dance, Ballet, West African and Tap in high school! She attended Slippery Rock University where she continued to study dance! She has had the opportunity to work with choreographers such as, Al Blackstone, Carolyn Dorfman,

Derek Mitchell, Jay T' Jenkins, Daniel Padierna and Bill Evans. 

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Ballet Instructor 

Evan King 

Evan holds his Master’s in Dance Education from NYU and is ABT National Training Curriculum Certified, Pre Primary through Level 7 & Pas de Deux. He has teaching experience with American Ballet Theatre and has trained with ABT, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, and Royal Danish Ballet.

His training spans Balanchine, Cecchetti & Russian technique, including work with former principal dancers from NYCB, La Scala, San Francisco Ballet & Mariinsky Ballet.

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Ballroom Instructor 

Marina Yarina

Marina is a professional Latin dancer, United States National Finalist and Top 20 Finalist at the Blackpool Dance Festival. She has trained under ballroom legends Donnie Burns and Gaynor Fairweather.
Marina performed in Sway: A Dance Trilogy alongside Dancing with the Stars professionals Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Valentin Chmerkovskiy and Tony Dovolani, as well as Zendaya, Rumer Willis and Meryl Davis.
She holds Associate of Dance Degrees with High Honors in American Style Rhythm and Smooth and has coached dancers to championship titles across the country.

Marina is also the owner of @mydancecenter and @my.designdancewear .

 Acro & Competitive Choreography 

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Grace danced competitively for roughly 11 years, while also perusing cheer and musical theatre (continued booking dance-heavy roles). In college, she was the dance chair in her sorority which consisted of choreographing 7 minute long routines, cutting music together, and teaching the choreography to 50+ girls with little to no dance background. 

Grace Lustig

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Experiment

Experimentation in dancing is a creative and innovative approach that encourages dancers to explore new movements, styles, and techniques. It involves breaking free from traditional boundaries and venturing into uncharted territory. Through experimentation, dancers can push their artistic boundaries, challenge conventional norms, and discover new ways to express themselves physically and emotionally.

Grow

The artistic expression nurtured in dance can be applied beyond the dance studio. Dancers learn to communicate through movement, convey emotions, and tell stories, which can be transferred to other creative endeavors, such as theater, film, or even public speaking. The ability to express oneself effectively and connect with others is a valuable skill in personal relationships and professional settings.

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Create 

Creativity in dance extends beyond individual expression. Collaborative creativity emerges through the interaction and exchange of ideas between dancers, choreographers, and other artists. It involves the ability to listen, adapt, and contribute to a collective creative process, resulting in collaborative choreography and performances that transcend individual visions.

Contact Us

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Location: 129 W Mt Pleasant Ave, Livingston, NJ 07039 

Call | Text:  (862) 571-6135

Email:  TheTalentLabLLC@gmail.com
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