Amid the hustle and bustle of Eagle Rock Avenue, planted squarely between Pleasant Valley Way and Prospect Avenue, is tucked away one of West Orange?s best kept secrets: Unique Performance Arts Center. Located in the CVS shopping plaza, it is a sanctuary of grace and elegance amid the chaos of everyday life. Ten years ago, its director and owner, Lisa C. Batchelor, strived to create a place that was different from the typical dance studio. Instead, she wanted an environment where preschoolers to teens could come to stretch their creative muscles while learning the proper techniques in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, hip-hop and modern dance forms. She wanted it to be a artistic outlet with a family atmosphere, a place to be able to work toward individual goals while belonging to a cohesive group. She achieved that and so much more. It is also a place where they learn teamwork, sportsmanship, health and fitness, balance in both life and body, responsibility, leadership, dedication and confidence.
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