Join us as we celebrate 27 years since
Reggie Workman
NEA Master, Guggenheim/Doris Duke fellow
&
Maya Milenovic Workman
Writer/Director, choreographer, Guggenheim fellow
founded MaDLOM!
Montclair Academy of Dance and Laboratory of Music and Drama is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
WHO ARE WE
Leaders
- Executive Director, co-founder
- Reggie Workman
- Artistic Director, co-founder
- Maya Milenovic
Mission
Montclair Academy of Dance and Laboratory of Music and Drama is a multidisciplinary after-school “Arts Laboratory”, dedicated to the creative development of students ages 3-18. At Madlom we use drumming, poetry, theater, movement, choreography, ballet, film, images from Visual Arts, and the tales of Anansi to expand our understanding of the diverse world we live in; to help us shape or design our own creative work, and to understand that collaboration builds a better community. Developmentally appropriate and joyful process allows individuals to understand performing arts. During the early years of development of a young person, there is a window of opportunity for creative abilities to be cultivated and imagination unleashed. We address every child individually and use multiple intelligences. Long-time students share the message with younger generations and teach with the support of teachers.
Our Story
In 1998, when Mr. Reggie (NEA Jazz master, a legendary bassist) and Ms. Maya (Internationally recognized director/choreographer/writer), moved to Montclair, they started classes in their living room. Today, after 27 years, MaDLOM became an international “creative hub” for performing arts.
Board of Directors
- Treasurer
- Amira Williams
- President
- Beth McLeod
- Secretary
- Lena Domovskaya
- Chair
- Maya Milenovic
- Honorary Chair
- Reggie Workman
Honorary Board
- Early Childhood Educator
- Kathryn Arabia
- Art Producer
- Linda Brumbach
- Legendary Drummer
- Andrew Cyrille
- Composer
- Philip Glass
- Dancer/Choreographer, London
- Kenneth Tharp
- Drummer
- Nasheet Waits
Friends of MaDLOM
- Bridget Mastrogiovani
- Danny Leo
- Alicia Lukachko
- Tracy Allen
- Nick Lewis
- Zachary Kirsimae
- Garret Burroughs, Grant Burroughs
Key Contacts
- Social Media
- Zachary Kirsimae
- Constant Contact
- Maya Milenovic
- Website
- Aajay Murphy, current
- Garret Burroughs, previous
fall 2025 will be in 2 Locations
- Dance & Theater
- St. John’s Episcopal Church
- 55 Montclair Ave.
- Montclair, NJ 07042
- Drumming
- Unitarian Church, Montclair, NJ 07042
Mailing Address
- 41 Watchung Plaza # 324
- Montclair, NJ 07042
Inquiries
- Madlommail@gmail.com
- (973) 626-6130
“Through the vision of Maya and Reggie, I was allowed space to explore the poetics of movement, choreography, and language at a very young and crucial age. This early introduction to post-modern traditions and contemporary experimental dance forms had a huge impact on me and continues to influence my trajectory as an NYC-based curator and artist. I met some of my dearest life-long friends at Madlom!”
— Seta Morton
Former Student
Meet the Educators
Maya Milenovic Workman
Artistic Director & Co-founder
A 2020 Guggenheim Fellow, Maya is an international choreographer, director, and writer who teaches Dance, Choreography, Ballet, and Drama. As the artistic and curriculum director, she shapes the creative vision of MADLOM. Her work, including the filmed play “Ophelia’s Ocean,” reflects her deep background in dance and visual arts.
www.mayamwproductions.com
Reggie Workman
Executive Director & Co-founder
A legendary bassist, NEA Jazz Master, and Guggenheim Fellow, Reggie has been a powerful force in music for decades. Known for his iconic work with John Coltrane and Art Blakey, he is also a celebrated professor at The New School. As Executive Director, he guides MADLOM with a lifetime of artistic wisdom and experience.
www.reggieworkmanmusic.com
Ayana Workman
Drama, Acting, Dance & Drumming
An accomplished actor (BFA, Rutgers) represented by Clear Talent Group, Ayana is passionate about telling stories that empower and give voice to the unseen. You can see her in the film "Rustin." Having grown up at MADLOM, she brings a deep, personal understanding of its mission to her teaching in drama, dance, and drumming.
M’ten Halsey
African Drumming
M’ten has been spreading his cultural message through spirited drum rhythms since he was five years old. Having traveled the world, he brings a global perspective and infectious energy to his African Drumming classes, inspiring students with his powerful connection to music.
Marina Shay
Drama & Acting
With an MFA from Brown/Trinity Rep and experience with The Guthrie and Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Marina specializes in making classical texts clear, accessible, and exciting for young actors. She empowers students to find their own voice within the greatest stories ever told.
Will Pew
African Drumming
A true product of the MADLOM community, Will has studied djembe with us since he was six years old. Now a graduate of Clark University, he returns to share his passion and deep-rooted knowledge of rhythm with the next generation of drummers.
Bela Malika Shelby
Guest Teacher: Drumming
Originally from San Francisco, Bela is a multi-talented percussionist skilled in congas, hand drums, and the drum set. As a music student of Reggie Workman at The New School, she brings a fresh perspective and a love for teaching kids and youth.
Tommy Day
Guest Teacher: Acting for Commercials
A familiar face on screen, Tommy has appeared in "Law & Order," "FBI," "Blue Bloods," and "House of Cards." He brings real-world industry experience to his workshops, teaching students the specific skills needed for commercial acting.
Mike Barton
Guest Teacher: Drama & Acting
As a founding member of two repertory companies, Mike has a rich background in both acting and directing. He brings a collaborative spirit and a wealth of theatrical knowledge to his guest workshops at MADLOM.
Grant Burroughs
Guest Teacher: African Drumming
Another longtime MADLOM student, Grant studied drumming with us since age six. Currently a student at Georgetown University and West Point, he returns as a guest teacher, embodying the leadership and discipline our programs foster.
Jasmine Eden
Modern Dance, Ballet
Jasmine Eden is currently a BA student with Northern School of Contemporary Dance, Leeds, England, where the ART OF MODERN DANCE is the main curriculum. When she was 5, Jasmine Eden walked into Madlom and graduated from Madlom in 2023 at the age of 18. She became an assistant teacher to Maya Milenovic Workman at age 15, and taught dance and drumming to children ages 3-18. Jasmine is a powerful dancer, with the ability to connect with everyone in class!
Teachers, Past & Present
We are deeply grateful for the incredible artists who have shared their time and talent with our students over the years, including: Reggie Workman, M’ten Halsey, Ayana Workman, Jasmine Eden, Marina Shay, Will Pew, Jess Michal, Hannah Garner, Mike Barton, Grant Burroughs, Bella Malika Shelby, Tommy Day, Tim Angulo, Kendra Culley, Lisa Mazella, Tomomi Imai, Jesse Turits, Trisha Kelly, Lisa Rosenberg, Jon Luks, Lisa Peluso, Jusha Marie Sorzano, Mat Vorzimer, and many others.