In a town known for its warmth, traditions, and togetherness, three remarkable young residents are making Essex Fells proud. Meet Addison Hochkeppel, Brynn Wozniak, and Milan Constantino, sixth graders, best friends, and the creative founders of ABM Dance Stars, a group that blends passion, teamwork, and heart.

What began as a shared love of dance has grown into something truly special: a safe, supportive space where young dancers can express themselves, build confidence, and bring joy to others. “We wanted to make sure everyone felt safe, happy, and comfortable,” Addison explained. “It took some thinking about what everyone needed, and we wanted to give it to them.”

Addison, 11, has lived in Essex Fells her entire life and says what she loves most is “how we’re all a family and everyone knows each other.” Her dedication to the arts shines through in everything she does. A competitive dancer for five years, she trains in jazz, lyrical, and hip-hop at Starr Dance Company in Roseland and performs with The Performing Arts Project of New Jersey in Verona, currently appearing in Annie Jr. Addison’s summers are filled with advanced training at New Jersey School of Ballet, STEPS Dance Academy, and Broadway Artist Alliance in New York City. Inspired by her mom’s belief that “God always has more for you than you think,” Addison strives to make people smile through performance and through the positive, encouraging culture she’s helped create at ABM Dance Stars.

For Brynn Wozniak, also 11 and a lifelong Essex Fells resident, the path to ABM started with an early spark for entrepreneurship. As a fifth grader, she participated in the TREP$ Marketplace, where she learned how to develop her own business, and she’s been hooked ever since. Brynn’s passion for creativity and organization led her to help launch ABM as both a business venture and a community outlet for her friends. “When starting a business, you have to go for it,” she says. “Stay organized, communicate with your partners, and work through challenges together.”

Brynn’s involvement in art club, broadcast club, and orchestra at school, along with travel softball, soccer, and basketball, has honed her leadership skills and teamwork. She credits her parents, coaches, and teachers for encouraging her to take risks, stay confident, and follow through on her goals. It’s no surprise she hopes to inspire other young dancers to embrace their talents and express themselves boldly.

Completing the trio is Milan Constantino, an 11-year-old with grace, grit, and endless enthusiasm. Like her co-founders, Milan has lived in Essex Fells her whole life and treasures the “small-town closeness” that makes community projects like ABM possible. What began as dancing for fun with Brynn turned into a deep passion, one that has taken her far. Milan earned a spot in the Joffrey School of Ballet’s summer program and was selected for her school’s Gifted and Talented program two years in a row. She’s inspired by professional dancers such as Sylvie Win, Zara Silver, and Olivia Albohoer, but also by the kindness she sees in her neighbors every day. Her motto: “If you believe, you can achieve.”

The girls of ABM Dance Stars represent the very best of Essex Fells: creativity, collaboration, and community spirit. They’re teaching their students not only how to dance and perform but also how to support one another and their peers. When asked what they love about ABM Dance Stars, students Kailey Dumonary and Mackenzie Oconnel both said “I love dancing here!” Kailey added that “the teachers are so nice!” As Addison says, “Always keep going; don’t look back. You’ll succeed if you keep working hard, being your best self, and looking for better.”

With talent beyond their years and hearts full of positivity, Addison, Brynn, and Milan are truly dancing toward their dreams, bringing the whole community along with them.