Broadway Bound Dance Center (BBDC) has been in operation in Lebanon, Hunterdon County, New Jersey for 19 years. They offer instruction for ages 2 through adult in all areas of dance beginner thru advanced; recreational dance classes and a competition dance team called “The Force” for the more experienced dancer. They provide a friendly atmosphere, and their students get a sense of accomplishment when they are dancing.
BBDC provides dance training for students of all ages. Their objective is to develop technical training with an emphasis on creativity, musicality, artistry, flexibility, quality of movement and performance. They offer classes for all levels – from beginning students to dancers who hope to pursue a career in the performing arts.
Broadway Bound is dedicated to finding and exceeding each student’s goals and potential in dance. Whether the student is taking a single class for fun and/or exercise, or trying to get into the college dance program of their dreams, Broadway Bound is there to support them. BBDC is considered a large studio because they run over 100 classes a week. Consequently, there is something for everyone. Membership in Intensive, Core and Team programs are by audition only. It is BBDC’s goal to place students in the appropriate level for them to properly develop their dance education.
BBDC is entering into their 20th season, during which their students have grown in performance skills, technical ability and strength. They specialize in competition but design their program so all students receive a well-rounded technical background in the following genres: Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Tumbling, Modern Dance and Tap. They do not want their dancers to be just a great ballerina or a great competition dancer. They want their students to be versatile and prepared for any dance challenge that comes their way.
According to Kim Helfrich, Artistic Director and Owner of Broadway Bench, what separates their studio from the rest is the fact that they are a close knit community that treats all of their students like family. The staff has a compassion for dance, cares very deeply for their craft 
and loves sharing it with students of all ages. They try to teach their students dance technique along with confidence and self-esteem which not only helps in class but also life skills they can use as they grow older. Four out of eight of her teachers at BBDC are alumni, which makes her really proud. They are one studio in the area that does not hire choreographers from New York City. They use the talent right here in the area.
Kim has two proud moments in coaching her students that stand out for her – one in her recreational classes and one in a group of company dancers. Some of their new recreational students start the year out quiet, shy and not sure they like the dance class and by the end of the year at the recital they are on the stage smiling and moving to the music performing their heart out. As they leave at the end of the show, they hug Kim and say, “See you next year, Ms. Kim.” That makes the whole year worth it! Another proud moment is with a group of dancers from her dance company, “The Force.” They really hit the choreography she taught them along with their emotions and executed the concepts which enabled them to receive “The Ultimate Choreography Award.”
One of the biggest mistakes Kim sees dancers make is when being corrected on a step or an exercise. The dancer takes in the correction, say they understand and then perform the correction wrong. Usually she can tell by their response to the correction they did not get it or understand what she is trying to help them fix. Her advice to all dancers is to ask questions and do not feel embarrassed if they are unsure. To her, the best student is the one who asks questions. It shows they are listening and want to improve.
Goals for Broadway Bound Studio this year is to make every student a better dancer and learn to be passionate about dance. Students need to have fun and work as a team.
Kim started her studio because she had reached one of her biggest goals – becoming a Radio City Rockette. It took her three tries to make it but she ended up dancing with them for 
four years, one year in Las Vegas and three years with the Christmas Spectacular in New York City. Along with performing for eight years professionally and touring the US, she wanted to settle down and get back to her roots of teaching like she did at her dance studio when she was a teen. She also felt that by having her own studio, she could help others learn the art of dance and she was ready for that new journey. Kim earned a BA in Dance from Point Park University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After graduation, she became a Radio City Rockette and also performed all over the United States in a production of A Chorus Line.
Private lessons can be arranged for both adults and children. Many of the instructors at BBDC are qualified to teach a variety of genres, even some dances that are not offered in their program. So, if someone has a desire to learn a dance not on their list of dances, it is still possible that BBDC can accommodate them. BBDC is also pleased to teach and/or choreograph lessons for weddings or other special events.
If you would like more information about Broadway Bound Dance Center, visit their website at www.bbdcnj.com, call them at (908) 236-8133 or email them at info@bbdcnj.com. You can also “Like” them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.
Please post a comment if you have had any experience with Kim Helfrich of Broadway Bound Dance Center.
Ms Kim was my jazz dance teacher when I was about 9 years old. I truly loved her! I had the happiest moments dancing in her class. I loved wearing the bright cheerful costumes to the recitals!