Business & Tech

Warren Local Expands Dance Studio, Opens New Location

Warren mom, Catherine Heldt Ebel, is expanding her dance business Spotlight Dance Academy Of NJ by opening her biggest location yet.

The location at 513 W Union Ave. in Bound Brook​ is the former site of Efinger and will be Spotlight Dance Academy Of NJ​'s third location.
The location at 513 W Union Ave. in Bound Brook​ is the former site of Efinger and will be Spotlight Dance Academy Of NJ​'s third location. (Alexis Tarrazi/Patch)

WARREN, NJ — Warren mom and business owner, Catherine Heldt Ebel, is expanding her dance studio business by opening her largest location yet.

The location at 513 W Union Ave. in Bound Brook is the former site of Efinger and will be Spotlight Dance Academy Of NJ's third location.

Ebel has a location at 1910 Washington Valley Road, Suite 4B in the Martinsville section of Bridgewater and she opened a satellite location inside the JCC of Bridgewater last year amid the pandemic.

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For the mother of five this is a giant step in the right direction. The new location will have 2,000 square feet allowing for more programs at the studio.

"The location itself is an awesome space," said Ebel. "It has 16-foot ceilings and there is an opportunity for more space to dance for larger productions. There are so many more opportunities and more programming that I can offer."

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While the pandemic did have its setbacks, Ebel has emerged stronger than ever in her business.

She adapted by allowing guests to "create a class" with four or more friends. Essentially, if a class is not on the schedule or they feel more comfortable only dancing with their group of friends they can create their own class. They will pick the style of dance, day, and time.

"With COVID especially, some people are not comfortable with being in classes with people they didn't know," said Ebel. "They are more comfortable in their own pods being in the class with just their friends."

Currently, the new location is in the process of being built out and Ebel expects to kick off the new dance season on Sept. 19 at all three locations.

"I am excited to share the new building," said Ebel. "It's awesome for the kids, I am really happy for the kids and I am happy with the direction the program is moving... It is a very exciting time."

For more information visit spotlightdancenj.net or facebook.com/SpotlightDanceNJ.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

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