Uncover the Modern Dance: Experience CMDE Up Close
Try CMDE class for free
This is your chance to experience the sheer joy of dancing, explore various dance styles, and meet our talented instructors.
Free ClassAfro-Modern Company
This high-energy performance group is open to dancers ages 8-19 with some dance or drumming experience and a strong desire to learn African dance and perform.
More InfoOur Classes
Dance classes and programs are offered in person and zoom. All ages and abilities including people with disabilities welcome.
Find MoreFeatured Program: Hip Hop
From old school to new school, students will be introduced to the iconic moves, footwork, and techniques that make hip hop dance so exciting and popular.
Learm MoreSPRING SESSION: April 5-June 7, 2025
Everybody is welcome at Center for Modern Dance Education!
Founded as a nonprofit dance center in 1962 CMDE is an inclusive, diverse oasis for non competitive artistic engagement. Recipient of a 2017 Arts Award for Excellence from the Bergen County Division of Cultural & Historic Affairs and a 2016 NJ Cultural Access Network Project Innovator Award. Designated in 2014 as a Peace Site by the NJ Peace Coalition for promoting unity in the community through dance.
New Class
Sassy Hip Hop & R&B DanceNew Class
(first class April 10)
Plese visit BrowsersOnline.com gallery to see numerous CMDE performances through the years photograped by Stacey & Clement Lespinasse
CMDE in photos
Meet Our Talented Team
Lateefah Fleming
Dance Teacher / Contractor
Sasha
Dance Teacher
Jayren Madera
Dance Teacher
Alexandra-Evangelina Stavrou
Dance Teacher
Amanda Trott
Dance Teacher
KaTonya Rochester
Dance Teacher
Barry Rochester
Board Member, Outreach Non-contact Martial Arts Teacher
Claire Porter
Artist in Residence
Linda Mensch
Alumna, Guest Artist
Yahaya Kamate
Dance Teacher
Silinea Hilliard
Dance Teacher
Kalena Brown
Dance Teacher
Allison “Allie” Brown
Dance Teacher
Elissa Machlin-Lockwood
Artistic Director of CMDE
Upcoming Special Events
Abilities Expo: Everybody Dance!
Edison, NJ 08837 United States
Heritage Day performance
Ridgewood, 07450 United States
Wellness Fair at Hackensack High School
Hackensack, 07601 United States
Genesis Presentation Celebration
Hackensack, 07601 United States
New Jersey Council on the Arts site visit
Hackensack, 07601 United States
Super Studio Danceathon Day!
Hackensack, 07601 United States
We Are Here
Tappan, 10983 United States
We Are Here
Tappan, 10983 United States
We Are Here
Tappan, 10983 United States
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What They’re Saying
She truly enjoyed her time at camp and I sincerely appreciate how the camp was run and the attention the camp counselors gave to the students. Also, the recital on Thursday was awesome and their hard work showed.
The program provided an opportunity for parents to spend quality time with their children. And the feedback I received from the parents and family members regarding the program was so positive. Parents and Grandparents told me that their children/ grandchildren looked forward to dancing and drumming.
Thank you so much for allowing me to join the class here! It was absolutely a privilege! I've never fest so happy being able to express myself through dance. I wish you and the students well on their final performance!! God bless!
Dear Elissa, I want to tell you how much I enjoyed your modern dance classes. For years I've wanted to join this lovely group of women I would see perform at each Danceathon. I've never danced modern before. Thank you for your patience with me. You are a wonderful teacher, full of joy, enthusiasm, and love.
To All at Center for Modern Dance, Thank you for having such a wonderful place for my girls to enjoy dancing! Lea is autistic and is in the special-needs class, and both teachers are wonderful! Liza, who is also autistic, is higher-functioning and is able to take the hip-hop class. Javon has such positive energy it's contagious. So pleased with all you are doing, and wishing you continued success and happiness.
Our son is a special needs child, living in two worlds where he hardly fits in either. CMDE is the place where he has been able to develop the creative side of his personality in an environment that embraces him for his abilities and enthusiasm.