“We are committed to inspiring students and parents through dance and music while providing a unique cultural experience. By instilling self-determination and purpose, InSpira helps individuals prepare for success in all life endeavors.”

Founded in 2002, InSpira provides an opportunity for everyone in the community, no matter what their age or experience, to discover the joys of dance, music and fitness. InSpira instills confidence and self-awareness that will help anyone achieve their goals and dreams.

InSpira is a dance & music education facility with world-class faculty that challenge and inspire students. We are dedicated to providing students state of the arts facilities with three dance rooms and three music rooms. Our dance floors are all sprung floors, which are the most beneficial for all types of dance. Our music rooms are sound proof and have quality pianos, which give each student the opportunity to get the best out of his/her music lesson.

InSpira prides itself on its community involvement. Throughout the year, InSpira has music and dance performance at Homeless shelters, Senior Citizen homes, giving to Hurricane Katrina as well as participating in food drives with Feed The Children, and Elijah’s Promise in New Brunswick to name a few.

InSpira is more than just a dance and music experience. InSpira brings families together. We have mothers, fathers, & even grandparents participating in some way. Every day, aspiring dancers, musicians, and fitness enthusiasts take part in the Center’s programs, moving closer to achieving their dreams. In addition to the arts InSpira promotes high achievement so our students, which are the future, can have life success. Academic Achievement and Community giving are a huge part of what makes InSpira… InSpira. We have different workshops that build life skills necessary for becoming a successful adult. Life-long friendships are formed. Words cannot describe the power of witnessing the impactful events firsthand.

Co-Founders Kristine & Leon Smith have a passion for making a difference in the lives of children. It’s their mission to show all families that comes through the InSpira doors that they can be successful human beings. The art of dance and music are the vehicles used to fulfill that mission.

A Dancers Beginning’s
Artistic Director Kristine Smith’s dance career began at the tender age of three years old. Her beginnings began in Oakland California at a preschool program at Mills College. From ages 6-18, she studied under Donna Vercesi at the Starr Dance Studio in San Leandro, CA. Under Donna’s leadership she studied ballet, jazz, tap, acrobatics, Hawaiian, and even clogging! She performed in numerous community events and competed in several competitions for the state of California. At age 16 she was selected to travel Eastern Europe to dance in Poland, Czechoslovakia, Austria, and Romania for 5 weeks with a tour group called the Young Rebels as well as for the 100th Anniversary of the Statue of Liberty in New York City. Later, Kristine went on to study under the direction of Marnell Xavier at West Coast Dance Theatre in Alameda, CA before heading to college.

The College Years
Kristine attended Clark Atlanta University (CAU) in Atlanta, GA. While pursuing a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Media Arts, she continued to keep the art of dance close to her heart. She attended several dance classes and eventually began dancing with Barbara Sullivan. During her sophomore year at CAU she began teaching tap (ages 6 – adult) at Total Dance Theater under Artistic Director Terrie Axam. In 1990, Kristine received a Summer Intensive Dance Scholarship from the famous Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

The Post Graduate Years
After graduating from CAU, Kristine decided to obtain a Master of Science Degree in Sports Management from Georgia State University. During this time, she continued to teach tap at Total Dance Theatre but she also started an aerobic program at CAU teaching STEP and Cardio funk aerobics. She has been a part of the Reebok Dance Team for the Southeastern Region and dance with the BIKE Athletic Company at the World-renowned Sporting Goods and Manufacturing Association Trade Show.
Shortly after leaving Atlanta, Kristine lived in Nashville, TN for one year where she taught Cardio Dance Funk Aerobics for prominent Sports clubs. Before moving to NJ, Kristine taught in Southern California at Pam Rossi’s Dance Ten under Artistic Director Pam Rossi (from Solid Gold). Kristine and her family moved to New Jersey in March 2001. Her dream has been to have her own studio and now that dream has come true.

Artistic Director – Kristine Smith
Kristine Smith is on the Board of Directors for Dance New Jersey and the Girl Scouts of the Heart of New Jersey. InSpira is a member of the Middlesex Regional Chamber of Commerce. She is a proud member of Fountain Baptist Church in Summit, NJ where she is the Director of the FBC Dance Ministry. Kristine is the proud wife of Leon Smith and they have two daughters Kiara and Kiana.

May – InSpira Dance Theatre started with 14 students in the basement of Mt. Zion AME Church, Little Rocky Hill, NJ

2003

January – Classes were held in the Smith Home
June – First Recital at Little Rocky Hill Firestation
Theme – “Dreams Can Come True”
September – InSpira grows to 33 students

2004

March – InSpira moves locations to First Baptist Comm. Development Corp.
June – Recital at McKinley Community School
Theme – “Dare to Dream”
September – 115 Students

2005

January – Partnership with George Street Playhouse’s Academy
March – InSpira moves to 1st Commercial location 12A Jules Lane, New Brunswick
June – Introduced Academy & Scholarship Program
Recital at George Street Playhouse
Theme – “Changing the World One Child at a Time”
September – 133 Students

2006

June – Introduce Junior Academy
September – 160 Students
Theme – Make Your Mark…Imagine

2007

March – InSpira introduces new logo and new name
June – Music program introduced
Theme – “Unlocking the Potential of our Future… Together”
September – Over 240 students; Music Program begins;
Introduce Intermediate Academy
December – Move into current facility; first Christmas Music Concert

2008

May – 1st Year End Concert over 40 music students
June – 6 year end recital Dance shows
Theme – “You Can Win… Keep Your Head to the Sky”
August – Launch of Redesigned website

2009

June – Founders receive Pearl Award for the Arts – from Charitable Arm of Nu Xi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

2010

March – InSpira wins Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership 3rd Annual Business Plan Competition

April – Senior Academy Placed first in Dance America’s Regional Competition – Small Group Tap Division Also received Best Presentation Award

November – Kristine Smith receives Woman of Achievement Award for the Arts from Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Central Jersey Alumnae Chapter

July – Senior Academy selected to dance at Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studio’s Beauty & the Beast Stage courtesy of Dance America Competition

2011

April – Junior, Intermediate, & Senior Academies received Gold and High Silver Awards at New York City Dance Alliance Competition as well as numerous certificates for Costuming and Staging.

2011-2012 Season Celebrating 10 years of Serving the Tri State Area!