ABOUT HDC

"One of the evenings pleasures was watching DeeDee Mayland's flawless, fluid execution of the choreography" --Raves Darrah Carr, The Dance Insider (2003)

why choose harmony dance center?

Harmony Dance Center LLC is owned an operated by DeeDee Mayland Woodard. Founded by Michelle Oxendine, as Oxendine Dance Studio, the studio has been in operation for over 30 years. In 2014, Miss Michelle passed her torch to Miss DeeDee.

Harmony Dance Center strives to provide both quality dance education and artistic exploration, both of which were also a shared vision of Oxendine Dance.

our story

Our studio is 3,000 square feet with over 1,000 feet of sprung dance floor.
Our entire faculty has been upgraded for COVID-19 Safety Regulations, including installation of the iWave Air Purification System.
Our teachers are highly qualified and our staff are friendly and professional.
The studio is owned and operated by a dance educator, who still teaches over 10 classes per week! Unlike other studios, the owner knows all students by name. No one is "just a number" here.
We are centrally located in the beautiful town in Union with many nearby amenities including Dunkin Donuts, Johnny Napkins Restaurant, Quickcheck, and Kean University.
Street parking is available on Morris Avenue, Colonial Avenue, Lorraine Avenue, and Summit Place. Additionally, bus service runs along Morris Avenue, making public transportation an easy solution to getting to and from dance!

OFFICE STAFF

Miss Aaliyah - Aaliyah Gill earned her Master’s in Social Work (MSW) along with a Certificate in Promoting Child and Adolescent Well-being (ChAP) from Rutgers University, where she was a member of the Phi Alpha Nu Omnicron (Honor Society). She is a proud social justice advocate under the VIVA Division at the Attorney General's Office. Miss Aaliyah began dancing at the age of 11, with her church's praise dance group. She was a member of Marylawn Dance Ensemble from 2012-13 under the direction of Mrs. DeeDee Mayland-Woodard. Miss Aaliyah recently performed in the Spring 2024 Alvin Ailey Showcasing and is a member of the NYC Brickhouse X Factor Group where her training will be focused on Hip-Hop.

Ms. Turia - Turia Mayland is the office manager and is also DeeDee's proud mother! Turia graduated from Kean University with a B.A. in Elementary Education. After having two children, she worked in the pharmaceutical and food industries for over 28 years, and still continues to do so today. Turia's gift for voice and acting has been a blessing and true passion of hers. She studied at the New Jersey School of Dramatic Arts and The Pit (People Improv. Theatre) and began performing with Triad Chamber Ensemble in 2001. She also did vocal recording work at Media Sounds, The Record Plant, and Vangaurd Studios.

Mr. Don - Don Woodard (A.K.A. Miss DeeDee's Husband) is an interdisciplinary artist, painter, sculptor, and graphic designer, with over a decade of professional experience. His specialties include: illustrations for album art and children's books, print work, web design, tattoo design and sculpting. He also is well versed in digital art and computer software. Mr. Don's educational experience includes William Patterson University and the Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art. He is also currently employed by Curricula/Huntress, a organization which educates companies on cyber security through video-based animated instruction.

our mission

MEET OUR STAFF

Owner/Artistic Director: DeeDee Mayland Woodard

Miss DeeDee attended Rutgers University as a BFA Dance Major at Mason Gross School of the Arts from 2000-2003. She later transferred and graduated from Montclair State University in 2010, where she earned her B.A. in Health Education and a Minor in Dance. She joined the faculty at Oxendine Dance in 2003, where she taught for 11 years before taking over the studio in 2014, the year Harmony Dance Center was born!

Miss DeeDee began dancing at the age of 6 at Melody's Dance Studio in Brodheadsville, PA. Her training includes The Academy of Classical Ballet under the direction of Donna Pyryt, The Joffery Ballet School, Briansky Saratoga Ballet School, and The Ailey School. DeeDee was awarded a fellowship to study at The Ailey School in 1998 was selected to attend the New Jersey Governor's School of the Arts for Dance at The College of New Jersey studying with Dr. Kathryn Kearns on full scholarship in 1999.

Ms. DeeDee danced professionally with modern dance company Julia Ritter Performance Group from 2002-06, touring internationally to Prague (Czech Republic) at the Alfred de Dvore Theatre, and Toronto (Canada) performing at the "Toronto Fringe Festival of Independent Artists," and with Kathy Kroll's Dance & Paper Theatre. Other performances include: DanspaceProject at St. Mark's Church (NYC), Temple University (PA), Mannesquan Theater (NJ), Middlesex County Vo-Tech (NJ), Prallsville Mill (NJ), and White Wave Dance Space (NYC).

She has taught at various schools in New Jersey including: South Orange-Maplewood School District, Clifton Public Schools, Marylawn of The Oranges, Hudson County Schools of Technology. In addition, she has taught master classes in New York and Connecticut for National Association of Dance and Affiliated Artists (NADAA).

Ms. DeeDee is a member of Dance New Jersey (DNJ), Associated Dance Teachers of New Jersey (ADTNJ), National Association of Dance and Affiliated Artists (NADAA), and the International Dance Entrepreneurs Association (I.D.E.A). She has served as an adjudicator for the New Jersey Governor's Award in Arts Education (NJGAAE) and New Jersey National Honors Society in Dance (NHSD) and continues her professional development with Dance Teacher Summit, Rhee Gold Dance Life studio owner and teacher workshops. Ms. DeeDee was the proud recipient of the National Black MBA Association of New Jersey's "2016 Community Leadership Award" and was featured in NJMOM.com as a featured MOM-preneur (https://njmom.com/mompreneur/deedee-woodard-harmony-dance-center-our-njmompreneur-of-the-week/). She and husband, Don Woodard, have 2 beautiful daughters.

DANCE FACULTY

Miss Amanda - Amanda Guas is currently completing her senior year of at Montclair State University. During her time at MSU, she has performed works by Nancy Lushington and Jessica DiMauro. Amanda received her early training at ATD Dance Center and Dance Impressions from the age of 2 all the way throughout high school. At the age of 9 Amanda was recruited to join New Jersey Dance Theatre Ensemble, a pre-professional dance company. During Amanda’s time at NJDTE, she performed in "The Nutcracker" in the roles of: Clara, Toy Soldier, Dew Drop just to name a few. While at NJDTE, Amanda had the wonderful privilege of working with Nancy Turano, Bradley Shelver, Belinda McGuire, Katarzyna Skarpetowska, and Artistic Director of Parsons Dance company Elizabeth Koeppen, among other highly regarded dance educators/choreographers.

Miss Kayla - Kayla Fleming graduated from Montclair State University in 2021 with her BFA in Dance. During her time at MSU, she performed works by: Nancy Lushington, Maxine Steinman, Jessica DiMauro, & Christian von Howard. Kayla received her early training at Michelle Oxendine Dance Studio / Harmony Dance Center from the age of 2 through high school. While a student Columbia High School in Maplewood, she participated in the Special Dance Company under the direction of Kandice N. Point-du-Jour. Kayla received a scholarship to attend New Jersey Dance Theatre Ensemble (NJDTE), where her training in Modern Dance and Ballet advanced. While at NJDTE, Kayla had the wonderful privilege of working with Nancy Turano, Bradley Shelver, Belinda McGuire, Katarzyna Skarpetowska, just to name a few.

Miss Qianna - Qianna McDonald is a New Jersey based artist. She is a versatile and accomplished dancer who graduated from the University of the Arts, where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Throughout her years of dancing, she has had the opportunity to study abroad, and work with various artists. She recently made her theater debut as part of the ensemble in the musical "In the Heights" at Plays in the Park, showcasing her talent and passion for dance. She also performed in "Beauty and the Beast" at Cranford Drama Theater as an ensemble member and featured dancer. While Miss Qianna is presently active in the professional art community, she is a dedicated dance instructor. Additionally, she is certified in mat Pilates and Zumba. As she continues to grow and hone her skills, Miss Qianna hopes to continue exploring new discoveries within her journey as a movement artist and educator.

Miss Serenity - Serenity Simmons is a Certified Pre-School AcroDance Instructor (ages 2-6), through Acrobatic Arts, Inc. Serenity started dancing at the age of 4, studying at Creative Expressions and later Michelle Oxendine Dance Studio, where she studied with Miss DeeDee. From 2005-2006 she served as Dance Captain for the UHS Performing Arts Company. In 2008, she founded her own non-profit dance organization called "Contempo Dance Company". The company held several dance productions, and performed at numerous charity events. Miss Serenity attended Montclair State University studying Public Relations.

Miss T'Keyah - T'Keyah Slaten is a Howard university graduate with a bachelors degree in chemistry. While she attended Howard, she was a member of the dance and step team. She trained at Oxendine Dance Studio (now Harmony Dance Center) and Alvin Ailey Dance School. She has performed in several Alvin Ailey Performance Workshops, working with Shaina McGregor and Matthew Rushing. She has been teaching at Harmony Dance Center for 8 years, specializing in jazz and Horton techniques. She has worked with various choreographers in New York City. She has performed in showcases and dance visuals. She is a NASM certified personal trainer, leading fitness and dance workout classes in the Tri-state area.

Harmony Dance Center is an academy specializing in quality dance instruction. By offering strong technical dance education paired with creative exploration and encouragement in a positive learning environment, students are able to reach their artistic potential both on and off stage.

Harmony Dance Center allows for students of all levels and abilities the chance to experience and appreciate dance. We have classes for both the beginner and advanced dancer. Placement is done based on age and ability, allowing for optimal instruction and growth.