Asbury Park’s Beloved Dance School Faces Uncertain Future

In 2023, a community mural was erected on the historic Asbury Park’s west side, honoring outstanding community members. An image of Michele Burrell, founder and owner of Asbury Park Technical Academy of Dance, is displayed proudly. Today, the famed dance studio of 27 years is in danger of closing its doors forever.

The neighborhood dance school is home to many, including famed dancers who have gone on to tour with artists like Beyonce and Taylor Swift, Burrell told NJ Urban News in an exclusive interview. “My kids are amazing,” she explained. “Some are now teachers, engineers, and doctors. I’m used to teaching my kids how to fly.” Burrell meant that figuratively and literally. The academy teaches ballet, modern dance, and jazz. 

Things took a troubling turn in November 2024 when Burrell was informed by the landlord of her 1300 square foot space on Mattison Avenue that he was considering other tenants who could pay more for the space. “I understood that. Downtown Asbury Park is expensive,” Burrell commented. Although she was offered the upper level of another space on Asbury Avenue, it didn’t match the charm of the original. “It’s completely gutted. It’s like an unfinished attic,” she said. Burrell explained that although the size is perfect, it needs extensive work, like electric and plumbing, all of which the academy cannot afford at the present time. 

With the dance school on an extended winter break until Burrell can find a viable solution, the academy is relegated to using the lower level space of the building on Asbury Avenue, which Burrell says has been less than ideal. Burrell’s dance classes require enough room for extended leaps, flips and other dance moves, something that the temporary space doesn’t offer. To make matters worse, Burrell was given an estimate of approximately $25,000 to renovate the upper level space on Asbury Avenue that she was offered. Since class attendance dropped significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, the academy finds itself facing financial struggles that it’s never quite been able to recover from. At present the academy services 21 dance students, down from roughly 80 prior to the pandemic. “My motto has always been to make quality dance classes affordable for all economic backgrounds. I have given free classes to foster children just because they are foster children. I don’t charge a quarter of what other dance studios charge,” Burrell explained. 

Burrell explained that the landlord continues to work with her as best he can and she is now looking for grants and private donations to renovate the space she needs to continue giving back to the community. For now, the highly anticipated annual dance recital usually hosted in June is still up in the air.