Woodbridge Township's Dance Home Since 1978
Founded in 1978 by Jacqui O'Shaughnessy, Woodbridge School of Dance grew from a one-room studio into one of the largest dance facilities in Middlesex County.
Since 1978
Founded by Jacqui O'Shaughnessy; owned and directed by Barbara Vari
20 teachers
Around 40 classes a week across four studio rooms
Ages 2.5 – teens
Five age divisions, from Tiny Dancers to Teen & Advanced
9 styles · Pure Energy
Ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, acro, lyrical, contemporary, musical theatre & more
From one room to one of Middlesex County's largest dance facilities
Woodbridge School of Dance started in 1978 as a young girl's dream. Jacqui O'Shaughnessy, a Broadway dancer and NYU Tisch graduate, chose Woodbridge for its hometown feel and began teaching in a small storefront on Main Street. Barbara Vari joined the staff in 1987 and quickly became part of the day-to-day running of the studio; the two became partners, and Barbara took over ownership when Ms. Jacqui retired in 2024. Both have always credited the studio's growth to the dedication and unique styles of its teachers.
Today WSD fills four studio rooms at 1308 St. Georges Ave. in Avenel with about 40 classes a week, taught by a faculty of 20 under the direction of owner and director Barbara Vari. Dancers train from age 2.5 through their teens in ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, acro, lyrical, contemporary and musical theatre, and the Pure Energy competition team competes every year and at nationals every other year.
What hasn't changed in nearly 50 years is the feeling when you walk in: it's a second home. Older dancers help teach the little ones. Families from every corner of the township, and every background, grow up together here — and a lot of them come back to enroll their own kids.
Community · Dedication · Integrity
Heading into our 49th year, Woodbridge School of Dance is a legacy — built by generations of dancers, teachers and families who share three things.
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Community
Every dancer belongs here. Families from across Woodbridge Township grow up together at WSD — and many come back to enroll their own kids.
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Dedication
From first steps to center stage, our teachers show up for every dancer, every class. Their dedication is the reason this studio has grown for nearly five decades.
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Integrity
We teach technique the right way, treat every family honestly, and hold ourselves to the standard a 49-year legacy deserves.
Why Woodbridge Township families choose Woodbridge School of Dance
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The area's original dance home
Founded in 1978 — nearly five decades of Woodbridge Township dancers. Families who grew up here now bring their own kids, and many of our teachers took their first class at WSD.
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Instructors who go beyond the class
Twenty instructors across nine styles. They kneel down to a three-year-old's eye level, push teens to their best, and show up for the shy kid until the shy kid isn't shy anymore.
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A place for every dancer
Recreational to competitive, every age, every background, gender-friendly always. Ours is a diverse, multicultural dance family where everyone gets a fair shot and everyone is treated the same.
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Start any time
Open enrollment year-round and classes from age 2.5 — find the right class and jump in. No waiting for next season.
Ready to Join the WSD Dance Family?
With year-round open enrollment, it's never too late to start. Find your dancer's class, check the schedule, or book a trial class today.