Centenary Stage Company Opens Registration for the 2026 Conservatory of Dance

Centenary Stage Company has opened registration for the 2026 session of The Conservatory of Dance at Centenary University, offering affordable, high-quality, collegiate-level dance training to the northwest New Jersey community of all skill levels. All classes will take place in the Lackland Performing Arts Center on the campus of Centenary University.

The Conservatory of Dance at Centenary University provides dancers of all levels, beginner through intermediate, with rigorous, supportive training rooted in strong technique, artistic exploration, and community engagement. Courses offered this season include Ballet, Modern, Tap, and a new Musical Theatre Dance class. The 2026 Conservatory is led by working professionals and educators: Lea Antolini-Lid, Jeff Foote, and Sabrina Olivieri.

Lea Antolini-Lid, Conservatory Program Coordinator and Professor of Dance/Theatre at Centenary University, holds a BMA in classical voice and musical theatre from the University of the Arts and an MFA from Brandeis University. A certified yoga instructor and co-founder of the Outside the Lines dance project, Lea has choreographed numerous Centenary productions including Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar, Rent, and Head Over Heels.

Jeff Foote, a member of the NJ Tap Ensemble under Deborah Mitchell, has been tap dancing for over 15 years. He has studied under tap legends including Savion Glover, Ted Levy, Omar Edwards, Dewitt Flemming Jr., and Karen Calloway Williams. Known for his dynamic teaching style, Jeff is recognized as one of New Jersey's premier tap instructors.

Sabrina Olivieri earned her associate degree in dance from CCM before receiving a scholarship to train at the Limón Institute in NYC. She is a founding member of Limón Two and has performed as a guest artist with the Limón Dance Company, including appearances at the Bryant Park Summer Series and The Joyce Theater. Sabrina is currently pursuing a master's degree in school counseling at Montclair State University.

BALLET (Jan. 20–Mar. 16), Mondays 4:00–5:40 PM: A foundational classical ballet course focusing on placement, vocabulary, coordination, and musicality, ideal for beginners or dancers refreshing core technique.

MODERN (Mar. 23–May 11), Mondays 4:00–5:40 PM: A blend of modern dance techniques emphasizing strength, release, spatial awareness, and expressive movement.

TAP (Mar. 23–May 11), Tuesdays 4:00–5:40 PM: Students learn tap vocabulary, rhythm exercises, across-the-floor work, and style variations, culminating in a longer combination.

Tuition rates are: 1 class – $130; 2 classes – $195; 3 classes – $275.

NEW FOR 2026: MUSICAL THEATRE DANCE, Saturdays beginning January 20, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM, split into two groups. Ages 9–13 will meet Jan. 20–Mar. 13, and ages 14+ will meet Mar. 23–May 11. Aspects of tap, ballet, modern, and contemporary will be taught to prepare students for the life of a performer. This class will be $195 per participant.