Woodbridge School of Dance

 YOU are one of my favs!!! Words cannot express the admiration and appreciation I still have for you today. You have touched the lives of so many. You have helped shape the woman that I have become. I can honestly say that my time spent at WSD and with you was one of the best times in my life. You will forever be MY MISS BARBARA! I love you! 💜💜💜 

Jennifer Stricklands Dilollo

 As I’m about to turn 30 tomorrow, I’m reflecting back on what an amazing ride it’s been so far. I’d like to thank you for everything you & Ms. Jacqui & Wsd have done for me. I don’t think I would have made it to this next chapter of my life without all your love, support & everything you have ever taught me. You gave me a voice when I didn’t have one, you believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself, you gave me confidence when I couldn’t find it, you gave strength when I thought I’d never be able to get back up, you gave me guidance when I was lost, you looked out for me when I needed it most. Dancing with, talking with, and just having you in my life has made me a better person. You helped me find myself. You inspire me to always keep going, to work hard, be dedicated, fight for & follow my dreams & most importantly to never give up. We’ve been through ups, downs, in betweens, & I know at times I was difficult to deal with but appreciate that you continued to stick by me. Any time you had an alumni event I take part in you always welcome me with open arms, it’s like visiting home again. I grew up at WSD, it shaped me for the better. Not only did I discover my love and passion for dance but I learn valuable life lessons I will carry with me throughout my life. I know your “Brave not Perfect” motto was after my time but I really do take that to heart. I’m glad future generations will have that because trying to be perfect almost killed me but being brave taught me that life is worth living when you leap outside of your comfort zone. WSD was my safe space & now any time I dance I’m back there & it feels like home. Thank You! P.S. I loved every time I danced at WSD but Hurricane meant the most to me💜✨ 

Amanda Guerra

 Woodbridge School of Dance will always be a part of our family! For 16 plus years my daughter, Lauren, had the privilege of learning from some of the most amazing and dedicated coaches. EACH coach at WSD has helped mold her into the amazing young women she is today. We have also met some of most amazing people through this journey who we consider family. Being a part of this establishment has taught not only Lauren, but myself included, life lessons that we continue to use every day with now being an alumi of WSD for 4 years. This will always be our second family. 💕💕💕 

Erica Dignazio

 Woodbridge School of Dance has introduced me to not only amazing dancers, but also to an amazing family. During my time at WSD, I grew a strong bond with my fellow dancers as well as my coaches. Every single person from the WSD family has taught me life lessons that I still value to this day. I will forever love my WSD family. 

Zia Pena: Alumni '17

 Woodbridge School of Dance. My daughter's heart lives here. A place I brought her to on a whim has turned into a place that means a great deal to her. The teachers are amazing, they have taught my daughter so many things. They have showed her to be passionate, to work hard, to be confident and to never give up. She and I have made some great friends here, too! Ms.Jacqui and Ms.Barb have created a family at WSD, and I'm so glad we are a part of it. 

Gina Ventura

 Everyone knows there’s no better feeling than being on stage and doing your best to get an audience to feel the sadness, and the happiness that you feel when you dance. My favorite moment at Woodbridge School of Dance would have to be the last time I was on stage preforming for my friends and my family. This picture brings back so many memories and so many years but it reminds me of how grateful I am to have met everyone attending WSD, and made them my family. Dancing on stage is grate, but when you know it’s your last time you feel every moment. You reach your highest and point the hardest and remember every breath you take. This is a hard time everyone is going through now, but the biggest thing we can all do is stick together with the rest of our family and help each other in any way we can. #MarteStrong 

Angelina Marte: Alumni '19

 Hey there, ​I was a student of Jacqui's many, many years ago (at least 25-30 years now). My name is Greg Bornstein. My mother is Shirley Bornstein and my father (RIP) was Sol Bornstein. I wanted to pass on to Jacqui how much I appreciated her guidance when I was younger. I took away more than tap dancing from the lessons. I am a high school English teacher now in NY and a musician. Please send Jacqui my love and regards. I hope she is doing well. I still have the videos from the recitals. Much love, Greg Bornstein 

Greg Bornstein

 "Who Inspires Me" - A MLK inspired essay written by Arianna Angel: ​Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. inspired many people. He was a hero to many; he fought for equality and fair treatment for all. Just like Mr. King inspired people to be better, I also have a some amazing people in my life who inspire me on a daily basis. These special people are my dance teachers, Ms. Lydiette, Ms. Jacqui, and Ms. Kim. Ms. Lydiette is an inspiration to many young women. She teaches ballet, jazz and lyrical. She treats every student like they are special. She sees good in all her dancers and she always encourages us to be good people. Ms. Lydiette also works to help better the lives of others through both her job and her church. She has worked with those less fortunate and she supports groups that help others She recently came into the dance room with an interesting shirt on. The shirt said “One world tomorrow”. My teammates and I were curious so we asked what it meant. She then explained that she and her friend were a part of an organization where they help little girls in Uganda go to school. We were so surprised that some girls around the world could not go to school and had to stay home and work. She told to us that she helps little girls buy notebooks, pencils, pens, and more. This way they could be educated like the young men in that country. She inspired us to go home and help with this or other organizations, and she told us to help a good cause and make the world a better place. Her kindness makes little kids want to get up and do something too. That is why Mrs. Lydiette inspires me. She is teaching us to be kind to others, to work hard for what we believe in and to get up and make a difference. Ms. Jacqui inspires me and all her dancers also, she makes us want to work hard and support all of our teammates. She teaches us Tap. She is an amazing tap dancer. She literally makes us sit down in front of her and she gives us mini pep talks about treating others with respect, kindness, and gratefulness. Ms. Jacqui is also a cancer survivor, which is outstanding. Ms. Jacqui is a truly unstoppable woman and will always inspire me to be good and never give up each and every day of my life. I am grateful to have her in my life and look forward to many more years of being inspired by her. ​Finally, Ms. Kim. She is my hip hop teacher. Ms. Kim is a really tough teacher with a heart of gold. She never lets us get down on ourselves and is probably the biggest reason that I have the confidence I do when I dance and I love her for that! She does not let anyone treat others badly and she encourages honesty and hard work in order to succeed. This inspires us to be the best we can be. She has been cheering me on and building my confidence for many years now and I can’t even begin to explain how lucky I am to have her in my life and as a dance teacher. She is truly an inspiration me and to all her dancers. So as you can see, my dance teachers are a huge inspiration to me and the dancers they teach. They have helped me through some difficult times this year. I am very lucky to have such wonderful role models who literally inspire me every day to be the best person I can be. I could not be more thankful to have them in my life. I love having them as teachers, but even more as good friends. They teach us to treat people with kindness, that all of us are equal teammates, each of us may have different strengths but all are equal in the value that we bring to our team. And no matter the age, race, or dance level, we all need to work together to be great. I bet if you ever met them and got to know them like I do, you would say the exact same thing. 

Arianna Angel

 I would have never imagined 4 years ago that when I signed Charlotte up for dance class that we would have found such a special place. From the amazing directors, kindest office staff, incredible teachers and even the wonderful parents we have met along the way. It really warms my heart knowing we are a part of something so special and we are tremendously grateful for all the love that has been shown to us. Ms. Barbara truly is one of the kindest people and I couldn't be happier that Charlotte has been her student. Ms. Barbara has helped her grow not only in her dancing but in her confidence as well. Ms. Barbara has such a special way of connecting with her students and it is unmatched. Charlotte has always expressed how comfortable Ms. Barbara makes her feel; at dance she is her safe place. Barbara's encouragement of her students is tremendous and it is obvious why so many people stay at the studio for so many years. Barbara is so patient and kind and I am forever grateful how patient she was when Olivia was a baby/toddler and encouraging her love of dance and letting her be a small part of Charlotte's class - this is so special to me as a mom. Ms. Melissa is a rare gem. I feel so lucky that Ms. Melissa has been both Charlotte's and Olivia's teacher. Melissa has always been so kind and loving and I hope that she will be teaching at the studio for a very long time. I am grateful beyond words that Ms. Melissa recognized Olivia's potential even at such a young age and encouraged her to take her class - even I wasn't sure she would be able to do it. Thanks to Ms. Melissa's patience, kindness and love, Olivia has flourished and her love of Dance is amazing. We are so proud of both our daughter's accomplishments but to see Olivia love Dance at such a young age and grow so much over the last dance year is thanks to Melissa. Miss Julia will always be such a special person for us. Ms. Julia's kindness and love for the kids is so amazing, both Charlotte and Olivia absolutely adore her and immediately light up when she is in the room. Ms. Julia has such a true talent as a dance teacher and her love of the kids radiates in her every step. Ms. Julia is like a real life Disney princess with her great energy, love and special connection to the kids. The office staff are all amazing, Ms. Darlene, Ms. Patti and Ms. Amanda are the kindest, most amazing and hardworking people. They are always so helpful!!!! After moving, we are constantly asked why we don't switch to a dance studio closer to us and I always say that there is no studio as great as WSD. We hope to continue to be a part of this special dance studio for many years to come. 

Margarita Shapiro