About MSD

Who We Are

Mariann Paul was inspired to start her own dance studio when she was just a teen living in Paramus. Two afternoons a week she would come home from high school and teach ballet and jazz to 23 local friends and neighbors in the basement of her parents’ home. She never dreamed that what started as an afterschool part time job would become a lifetime passion for bringing the gift of dance to so many girls and boys in Bergen County.

In 1982 Mariann’s School of Dance was officially established in a location in Oradell and has been growing ever since with the distinctive energy and spirit of its dancers, teachers and staff. Today, through the wonderful enthusiasm and support of the community, the studio offers over 70 dance classes per week.

After 10 years in Oradell, the studio has come full circle, returning to our location in Paramus just a mile from Mariann’s parents’ house where it all began over 35 years ago.

Our Program

The studio teaches dance as a total art form, developing technical skill and discipline as well as a strong sense of theater, style, musicality and expression. Whether students are considering a career in dance, seeking personal fulfillment, or just want to have fun, they are encouraged to develop self-confidence, form lasting friendships, and cultivate an appreciation for the arts.

Voted one of the "Top 50 Studios on the Move" by Dance Teacher and Dance Spirit magazines, the studio is committed to providing energetic, fun and high caliber training to dancers of all ages, abilities and interests. We offer quality instruction to girls and boys in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Contemporary, Theater Dance, Tap, Creative Movement, Conditioning and Acrobatics for ages 2½ to Adult, at levels from Beginner through Advanced.

For the dancer who wishes to take their dance education to the next level, there are 2 dance companies; our performance company who appear at local venues throughout the year, and the our competitive company who attend regional and national competitions. Both recreational and company dancers are taught by a professional faculty with a personal approach to help each student reach their highest potential.

Our state of the art 6,000-square-foot facility has four spacious studios with hardwood and marley floors, private dressing rooms for both girls and boys, a comfortable waiting room with four closed circuit televisions and Wi-Fi, and ample parking. It is easily accessible from Route 17 and the Garden State Parkway and convenient to local shopping.

At Mariann’s School of Dance we take our job very seriously both as dance educators, role models and friends to our dancers. We love what we do and we hope that shows in the experience your child has. We would love the opportunity to have you and your emerging artist be part of our dance family.