In a tucked away pocket of Nutley, NJ, behind an unassuming storefront on High Street, lies what many call the “greatest dance floor in the whole United States.” This is what Gloria Genevieve told us, one member of the impressive network of ballroom professionals who quietly hold national and world titles.
Inside Starlight, an extraordinary world unfolds. Amateurs train alongside global champions in the 10,000-square-foot performance space, while ballroom enthusiasts exchange laughs over coffee. The studio serves as a remarkable hub of international styles – the dance floor, a tapestry of interwoven European and Asian traditions.
Whether they’ve come for a lively night out or have frequented the center for the past decade, each dancer shares the same infectious passion that charges Starlight’s atmosphere with so much electricity.
The company attracts dancers from across the region – many traveling an hour or more to attend an afternoon social. When asked why, Lisa simply replied: “Why do we come here? Well, it’s our happy place.”
“For me, it’s always been about performance…I like being the center of attention,” TJ laughed.
“When I was a kid I wanted to dance, and my dad chose ballroom, so I could go out and socialize. It gave me a way to meet people and have a wonderful night.”
For others, Starlight acts as an exceptional training ground. Gloria, and her dance partner, Sam, compete each year in the National Pro-Am competition. “It’s hard work,” she told us, “But you have to do it because you love it.”
Along with these weekly social dances, Starlight offers group courses and private lessons for every age and skill level. Classes for seasoned dancers and newcomers alike are taught by internationally-ranked instructors.
“My first teacher was the husband of the studio owner,” TJ reflects. “He was one of the top 5 dancers worldwide before he retired. He was like a second father to me; this studio has the best teachers in the world.”
Starlight’s dance floor, inhabited by participants of all ethnicities, demonstrates another overlooked aspect of ballroom dance: its diverse appeal.
“The thing about ballroom is that it’s very international–which I love. Chinese, Russians, Ukrainians, Japanese, British, Italians, Americans – it’s a beautiful thing about the dance world,” Gloria notes.
Starlight Dance Center is not just a place to tango. It’s a backdrop for joy, passion, and real human connection. It’s a space where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together, united by the rhythm of the music and the love of dance.
“I’ve been seeing the people who’ve come here for more than 12 years. It’s [ballroom dance] just a real healthy, fun way to enjoy life.”
