American Dance Studios
Rising Star Institute · Edison, NJ
(732) 659-4237 Book a Trial
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180 Google reviews
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Why families choose us

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The transformation

Where they start. Who they become.

Before
After Rising Star Institute
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In their words

180 families have shared their story on Google.

Read all 180 reviews →
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Screenshot of a five-star Google review from Kia-Faytal Willis calling the studio a hidden gem where her 8-year-old is thriving
Straight from Google
Every review on this page is a real five-star review left by an ADS family on our Google Business Profile.
Watch
Video testimonial
Hear it from our ADS moms
Real parents, unscripted, on what dance and the Rising Star Institute have done for their kids.
Watch on YouTube →
Video testimonial
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Founder Sherri Lynne McLaughlin through the years, with the words 33 Years and Still Dancing Forward
Meet the founder

33 years and still dancing forward.

Sherri Lynne McLaughlin opened her first studio, Plainfield Performing Arts Center on Belvedere and Seventh in Plainfield, in 1993. She grew to Leland Avenue, then bought a building on South Avenue, and in 2000 launched American Dance Studios, now at home in Edison. This fall marks her 33rd year opening a season of dance education.

Her own roots are on the stage: dance, pageantry, and musicals like Dreamgirls, 42nd Street and A Chorus Line. She has directed Miss America local preliminaries since 1990. Today all of it goes into one mission: building remarkable kids.

“It has not always been easy, but it has always been fulfilling, exciting and an honor.”
Sherri Lynne McLaughlin
Owner · Director · Dream Builder
Dance · Confidence · Character · Leadership · Excellence for life
The Rising Star Method™

Where Dancers Are Made and Leaders Are Born

We're a youth development institute that teaches through dance. Every class builds five S.T.A.R.S. qualities:

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A teacher leading a Rising Star Institute lesson with dancers seated around her holding worksheets
Character lessons in every class. Dancers learn the S.T.A.R.S. values, not just the steps.
A row of young dancers seated on the floor listening closely to their teacher
Respect, practiced. Eyes up, ears open: the etiquette kids carry into school and home.
An older dancer helping a younger student with her writing at a table in the studio
Leaders are born here. Older dancers mentor younger ones and learn to lift others up.
Watch a signature class
Character education, built into dance class
See a real Rising Star Institute lesson, where dancers talk through how they can help at home, at school and in their community, then carry it onto the dance floor.
Service Stars

Dancing that gives back

In their team suits, our dancers perform for veterans, seniors and Safe Harbor foster care families. They learn that talent is something you share.

Two dancers in American Dance Studios team suits greeting veterans in wheelchairs at the veterans hospital
Meeting the audience. After the show, dancers stop to say hello to every veteran.
An older dancer holding a younger dancer's hand as they walk past residents at the veterans hospital
Big kids lead little ones. Performing at the veterans hospital, hand in hand.
A teen dancer in the navy and white American Dance Studios team suit
The team suit. Worn with pride at every community performance.
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