The Shore Ballet School has been teaching students to dance in the Toms River area for over 30 years. The school was founded in 1972, and since its inception, has always been dedicated to the highest standards of dance training. Originally just a school for classical ballet, the studio started with basic technique classes. As the school gained popularity and became well known for its superior training, Shore Ballet grew adding other dance styles while still maintaining their high standards of teaching.

Island Heights became home to the Shore Ballet School in 1980 after moving from Main Street in downtown Toms River. Their first Island Heights studio was an old movie theater located at 8 Central Avenue. The studio was home to the dancers for nearly 20 years. In 1999, Shore Ballet outgrew that space and happily moved one block up to their newly renovated church on the corner of Ocean and Central Avenues.

Shore Ballet’s current home is a church building that was built as St. Philip's Episcopal Church in 1880, and is listed on the State and National Register of Historic places. In 1999 the renovations began transforming it into a one of a kind dance studio. The dance hall is a spectacular 56x30 foot open space. Still containing the seven original stained glass windows, the dance hall also has the original chestnut interior paneling and a stage that once served as an alter. The studio has a vaulted ceiling, Harlequin dance floor, heat/air conditioning and a viewing window. The waiting area has ample seating for parents, baby changing facilities and two bathrooms. Finding Shore Ballet School is easy. The studio located at 100 Central Avenue, Island Heights is located just minutes off Route 37 East in Toms River near Vaughn and West End Avenues. The quiet Victorian town is full of charm. Stunning views of the Toms River from the pavilion and river walk make visiting the school special. Island Heights is a hub of art galleries, restaurants, churches and small businesses with friendly people. The small community hosts many fun events throughout the year including Sail Fest, River to Bay 5K Run, 4th of July Fireworks and The Christmas House Tour.

Students at the Shore Ballet School have a strong tradition of taking the high quality training and professionalism instilled in them during their studies, and used it to gain acceptance to the following professional schools and dance companies:

American Repertory Ballet Company
American Academy of Ballet
Atlanta Ballet School and Company
Barnard School
Boston Ballet Company
Governors School of the Arts
Joffrey Ballet Company
New York Theater Ballet
Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts
Orlando City Ballet
Philadelphia School of the Arts
Royal Ballet School
Saint Pauls
School of American Ballet
The Rock School
Walnut Hill School