At Inspiration Dance Academy, every step has a story—and it all begins with a lifelong passion for dance.

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Founder and Artistic Director Amy Semtak earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance from Montclair State University, graduating Magna Cum Laude. While there, she trained under some of the most influential choreographers in the dance world, including Martha Graham, José Limón, Alwin Nikolais, and Bill T. Jones. Amy began teaching dance at just 16 and quickly became known not only for her talent as a performer but for her ability to inspire and shape young dancers.

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In 2002, she opened her first studio, Dance Mania, which quickly gained a reputation for excellence. Her students won countless awards for performance and choreography at regional and national competitions. Many of them went on to perform at renowned venues like Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and even the Orange Bowl halftime show. Her dancers were invited to perform at both the Summer and Winter Olympics and were selected as one of five schools in the Northeast to compete in the inaugural World Dance Championship Series.

After more than a decade of success and the birth of her first child, Amy made the heartfelt decision to close Dance Mania and dedicate time to her growing family. But the passion for dance never left her.

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In 2019, Amy returned to her dream of studio ownership. After finding the perfect location—a blank canvas in the former Bograd’s building—she transformed the space in just three weeks, installing professional floors, mirrors, barres, and creating what would become Inspiration Dance Academy.

 

And then… 2020 happened.

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IDA, like so many others, was forced to close its doors due to the pandemic. But Amy and her team quickly adapted, shifting to virtual classes with a focus on technique and ballet—styles that translated best to the online format. In July 2020, IDA reopened safely and stronger than ever.

 

Today, IDA continues to grow as a vibrant dance community offering recreational and competitive programs for ages 2 through adult. Our dancers train in a supportive, inspiring environment, guided by teachers who believe in pushing boundaries and building confidence—on and off the stage.

 

We’re proud of our journey—and we’d love for you to be part of the next chapter.

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Join us at Inspiration Dance Academy.

Dream. Dance. Get Inspired.

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