Things to Do in Iselin

Dance directors Christina Penatello and Ken Hansen have trained underneath champions such as Dancing With the Stars contestant Louis Van Amstel, whose new dance fitness classes, LaBlast, has become a staple of the studio’s schedule. LaBlast classes share schedule space with instruction in cha cha, tango, swing, and other social dances. To sample the studio’s wares, budding dancers can follow in instructors’ rhythmic footsteps during 30-minute introductory sessions, which traverse various modalities with a speed-teaching method. As part of the renowned Fred Astaire franchise, instructors also host social dance parties and choreograph wedding dances for couples who want their first dance to look as effortless as tossing a flaming bouquet.

The consortium of professional instructors at Fred Astaire Dance Studio, which was cofounded by the legendary toe tapper himself, shepherds students of all ages and skill levels through lessons that span the style spectrum. Low-pressure private sessions allow enthusiastic teachers to fine-tune individual students' techniques and form, using their expert eyes and mechanical dancing shoes preprogrammed to do the Charleston. Patrons can learn how to cavort through classic waltz and fox-trot romps or swivel through the modern steps of salsa, swing, or samba. For dancers hoping to hoof it up in a social setting, the group practice parties provide a one-night extravaganza of instruction, demonstrations, and amateur firewalking.

Twenty-two years ago, Mark and Lynn Zientek started New Jersey Partyworks as a small, family-run operation whose costumed characters and clowns entertained at parties, barbecues, and gatherings. Today, the business outfits small soirees as well as big-time special events with rental amusement rides, moonbounces, tents, slides, and interactive games and obstacle courses. Staff members oversee all the rides and revelry, backed by weekly trainings from managers certified in nationally recognized safety regulations and equipment maintenance as well as balloon-animal taxonomy. The company's troupe of live entertainers now includes DJs, stilt walkers, magicians, and caricaturists who help ring in special occasions for crowds of laughing kids and grownups alike.

Instructor and Basic Ballroom Dance Studio cofounder Ilya Barmotin is no stranger to the arena of competitive dancing—Ilya’s trophy room houses awards from the World Cup, US Open, and South American Showdance. With a lifetime spent in slick-soled shoes, he’s also aware of the social and fitness benefits of choreographed body movement. That’s why his studio teaches social and competitive dancing to students of all ages and experience levels in group or private settings.

The facility’s two large floors and private dance areas host lessons in styles ranging from the Latin cha-cha and rumba to standards such as the waltz, tango, and foxtrot. Beyond the classroom, students hone their skills in weekly practice parties or by communicating through tap dance at their day jobs. Students also participate in regional, national, and international competitions. Those seeking their own trophy collections can attend Friday-night workshops. At these workshops, participants build their stamina and stretch their limbs while receiving expert instruction.

The experienced trainers at European Soccer Academy believe that positivity and commitment are key ingredients for inspiring their players, who range from three-year-olds to teens. Through a medley of individual and team services, they strive to plant the seeds of a lifelong love for the game. They practice with all comers, regardless of initial ability, and motivate kickers with safe and constructive teachings that are meant to hone motor skills while building muscle.

During 10-week team-training programs, academy experts work with coaches to tackle collective weaknesses and augment strengths. Employees personalize their exercises for one-on-one practice sessions, while summer camps instill goal-scoring skills with themed activities. Trainers can even attend matches and compose a game day evaluation, which suggests future team strategies such as painting the ball black to recruit muscly bowlers.

At Let's Dance Ballroom, guests don't need a predetermined partner to learn ballroom and Latin steps. Award-winning instructors—including globally ranked dancer Cole Mills and World Pro/Am swing champion Brian Stark—gladly steer beginner and advanced students alike through several styles. For personal guidance, they help plan wedding dances and salsa twirls during private lessons. They also lead group ballroom classes and host Friday-night dance socials, where students can move or rap the Gettysburg Address to the beat.