Long Valley Business Of The Year: Dance Dynamics

LONG VALLEY, NJ — The coronavirus pandemic has presented challenges for most local businesses, but that hasn't stopped many from continuing to offer the products and services beloved by their regular customers.

One of those businesses is Long Valley's Dance Dynamics.

The business was nominated by Patch readers as a business of the year for managing to navigate the turbulence with steadfast determination and an unwavering commitment to the clients they serve.

"Dance Dynamics has done everything it can to still offer dance classes to the community through this challenging time," Gaelan Johnson told Patch. "In the summer, they held a recital in the parking lot so that students would still get a chance to perform."

Dance Dynamics, which has been in operation for nearly three decades, and back in 2012 was voted Best Dance Studio for Patch Reader's Choice Award.

"We really care about our kids and the studio," instructor Nicole Hudson said said at the time. "And the kids care about us. It's a family atmosphere here, and it shows."

According to their website, Dance Dynamics offers students a chance to explore dance on a recreational level all the way up to competition. work, camaraderie, focus, and the beauty of music and dance are at the forefront of every class.

"They have been incredibly cautious while still making sure that the young people in the area have a creative and healthy outlet. I was a student there for 15 years and taught there for many as well," Johnson said. "This is my first year not working or taking classes there but I am still in awe of how well Karen and Nicole are handling keeping their business open throughout this time. It gives kids ages 3-18 a place to safely socialize, stay active, and be creative; that's something all kids need, especially now."

Have a business you would like to see in a special spotlight? As a Patch reader, you can nominate a Local Businesses of the Year.

Please tell us the name of the business, where it is located, why it deserves to be recognized and what specific actions have earned your allegiance. Please be as specific as possible, as your comments may be included in a Patch feature article about the local business.

You can nominate any local business you feel should be recognized. That includes retail stores, restaurants, hardware shops, dry cleaners, plumbers, car mechanics, salons and more. You can even nominate the business you work for if you feel they've gone above and beyond in helping their employees through this uncharted time.

Patch will feature nominated businesses in December.

Please submit your nomination by Dec. 10.

Additionally, if you are a local business owner who would like to share more information about your services and offerings, sign up to be included in Patch's free Local Business Information Center.

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