Founded by Lynn Needle in 1993, Art of Motion began as a partnership with the Ridgewood Community School where dance and conditioning classes were held in public school spaces.  AOM was incorporated in 2002 as a non-profit  501 (c) 3  educational and cultural organization dedicated to the teaching and presentation of dance, theatre, Pilates, yoga, vocal music, literary and visual art projects.  Soon after, Lynn’s associate Olivia Galgano established and directed the ballet division and the AOM Faculty roster expanded to its current status.  As an established conservatory, AOM created a performing ensemble which became the Art of Motion Dance Theatre, gaining international recognition and most recently performing at Lincoln Center.   Lynn is thrilled to announce Nikki and Laura continuing this profound work through their new LLC: HeART in Motion.  It is with great honor that Lynn offered long-term mentee, Nikki Manx, leadership at 17 Chestnut Street in Ridgewood as she has directed the studio and will continue her collaboration with long-term colleague, Laura Van Dyke.

AOM will continue to remain as a non-profit for the AOMDT professional dance company; however the studio at 17 Chestnut Street will function as HeART in Motion under the direction of Nikki and Laura.They have had a long professional relationship in the field of dance for the past 17 years, which initiated at Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, where they received their BFAs in dance.  Laura’s expertise in classical ballet and modern has lead her to teach, choreograph, as well as design pedagogy for multiple dance programs across the country.  Nikki’s diverse teaching and choreographic background include a dance certification with the NJ Board of Education and Direction of her cause-driven dance company, Nikki Manx Dance Project, of which Laura was a founding member in 2008.  Nikki is currently working towards her Masters degree in Arts Leadership and Cultural Management, inspired by her work managing the youth program at AOM. 

The studio will function under the name HeART in Motion as of April 1st; however all open Class Cards and Youth Tuition from the past year will be honored. Lynn will still teach her regularly scheduled classes. We will continue the current offerings under the new name with the same cherished Faculty and staff.  

Nikki and Laura can be emailed at info@HeartinMotionStudio.com for matters regarding the Studio. As of April 1st, kindly make payments to HeART in Motion.  Please continue to direct all professional company inquiries to ArtofMotion.inc@gmail.com. All parties will continue to inform each other throughout the transition. Please stay tuned for our 2019 Summer Schedule and email us with any questions you may have.  We are thankful for your continued support!

Gratefully, 

Lynn, Nikki and Laura