When choosing a dance school for my daughter, my husband and I put alot of thought and time into enrolling our daughter in the right school. Obviously, we were looking for a dance school that would teach our daughter to dance. But we wanted more than just a dance school. We wanted a Dance School that taught their students responsibility, respect, teamwork and most important (#1 on my list) encourages girls to love themselves from the top of their ballerina crown to the bottom of their ballerina shoes. When I called InSpira, within 5 minutes of talking to the owner Kristine Smith I had a very strong feeling that we finally found the right school for our daughter. And I was right! My daughter has been a dancer with InSpira for 4 years. She absolutely loves InSpira! She has formed friendships with other dancers, she was given a mentor (InSpira big Sister) which was a big deal for her, and probably the highlight of her dance experience, she's was accepted into the InSpira Mini Academy. InSpira has been an amazing place for my daughter to grow as a little brown girl who loves to dance! I highly recommend InSpira! It's a great place and we love being a part of the InSpira family ❤!

Dear Ms. Kris and Mr. Leon, Grace, poise, exquisite skillfulness, and extended family are just a few of the many qualities that convey InSpira Performing Arts and Cultural Arts Center. Yet these qualities cannot fully encompass or articulate the full width and depth of who and what InSpira is or the impact of its essence and legacy -- past, present, and future. We have witnessed the impression that InSpira has had on students and families. Moreover, we know what we have experienced over the years personally. We have watched our beautiful, well-rounded daughter, Akilah, blossom into a beautiful dancer full of grace, poise, and exquisite skillfulness. Watching Akilah dance brings us joy every time. InSpira -- it’s about technique and it’s about family! Thank you for all that you have done in the lives of so many and for what you continue to do. God bless you as well as your family abundantly! Best regards, Deborah, Charles, and Akilah Johnson

My daughter and I have been part of the InSpira family for almost 3 years. In that time, Ms. Kris and her staff have literally become a part of my daughter’s village. She is currently taking ballet and jazz and has also taken tap. She is not only learning the language and skill of dance, she is also learning how to be a part of a team while also shining on her own. She has formed bonds with other little girls that will hopefully stay with her for a lifetime. InSpira reinforces lessons of love, teamwork, strength and pride to little girls who may not always see themselves represented. We thank Ms. Kris and the entire InSpira family for all they do.

My daughter has been dancing since 2013 (age 2). We tried a variety of NJ dance schools, she was even part of a dance team, but I was never satisfied with the level of training that she was receiving. In early 2019, we discovered Inspira Performing Arts Studio. When we initially joined Inspira, my daughter only took one class for the first two years. We were so impressed with the level of professional training that all of the students were receiving, that we decided to audition for their academy team. My daughter is now entering her second year as an academy student. Being part of the Inspira family is an amazing experience. In addition to learning about the discipline necessary for dance, they enforce academic studies, dance/music education, and community service. The studio owners and faculty members have created an environment of excellence. They are continuously encouraging the students to live and dance with purpose, to pursue their dreams, and to soar beyond heights they never thought imaginable!! We are proud to call Inspira Performing Arts our home.

My g/ daughter expressed a love for dance at an early age she began Liturgical dance at our church at 6yrs old and wanted to experience other dances, in 2015 my church sister whose daughter danced beautifully recommended Inspira we immediately checked it out was made to feel welcome by the owner Ms.Kris needless to say we signed her up it's now 2022 and she's still dancing with Inspira they have not only taught her dance but discipline, responsibility, and overcoming her shyness she's made many friends along the way the teachers are firm , knowledgeable and show a passion for what they do. I would recommend Inspira to anyone looking for a dance school.

My daughter has been going to Inspira since she was two years old and I am happy that we have become a part of the the Inspira. Ms. Kris is not only a wonderful black business owner but also an inspiration to all of the girls who come through the door . All of the instructors and the admin team make us feel welcome. My daughter had the pleasure of taking classes with Ms Leanna for a few years who was wonderful and she is currently with Ms Kris. Aside from being the owner Ms. Kris is an amazing instructor! She’s very knowledgeable and in the classroom the kids are learning more than just dance moves and technique — but also respect, courage, and most importantly confidence. I would highly recommend Inspira ❤️

We are honored to be a part of the InSpira family. We consider InSpira to be an important part of our daughter’s village. She has been a student since age three and she is currently a member of the Tap Academy. InSpira has been an incredible partner supporting amazing organizations that make an impact in our communities. Ms. Kris has supported CNJ Jack and Jill for several years by choreographing beautiful dances for the children to perform at events. InSpira Academy dancers made an impact on the advocacy for children in need by performing in the CASA SHaW virtual fundraiser. These are just two of many examples of InSpira's impact in the community. The teachers at InSpira lovingly provide high quality dance training while fostering an atmosphere of community and excellence. Congratulations to InSpira on the 20th Anniversary! We pray that you continue to bless our families and communities for many more years to come! Love, The Alexanders

Inspira is bursting with exceptional teachers, who are kind, firm and SERENE in the face of tired children and pandemics. We were a part of Inspira for 2 years before moving out of state. Our family is thankful for Ms. Kris and all of our wonderful teachers and the excellent staff. This review is long overdue. We were welcomed with open arms, in spite of the real possibility that our white presence makes it feel less safe or sacred for the black families. We are humbled to have been able to be a part of the family at Inspira, as it is a nurturing community presence and a witness for black excellence and resistance in New Jersey. I cannot speak highly enough of Inspira.

My experience at InSpira for the past 4 years has always been a pleasant one. The staff are very helpful and the instructors are GREAT! My son has been attending this school since he was in the 9th grade. Every year he has progressed and improved as a dancer. The experience was so great that I even signed my daughter up to start attending classes in 2017/2018 (Tap, Ballet and Hip Hop). Now for the 2018/2019 year she will be returning and adding one more class jazz. The owners Mr. and Mrs. Leon Smith are incredible they really care about their business and make you feel like you are a part of a family. I just want to say thanks for everything that you do for the children and the community.

I am thankful that InSpira is available for children, teens, and adults to enjoy, learn, and vibe in the art of dancing in the heart of Newark, NJ. Guess what? You don't have to be a great dancer. You can learn techniques to up your dancing skills. Which class will you take?