This week’s Meet-A-Mom is Tara Eccles-Frye a talented and creative mother, wife, and business owner from Middletown, NJ. Tara is always moving! You might find her teaching at her dance studio, Emotion in Motion, located in Middletown, NJ, directing a local play, or at a local children’s play center with her adorable kids! Read more to find out some of Tara’s favorites in Monmouth County and how she keeps it all going!
Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in town?
Born and raised in Middletown. I attended New Monmouth Elementary, Thorne Middle School. and Middletown High School North … a long time.
Child(ren) and Age(s)?
Gavin, age 3 and Callie, age 1
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
People would be surprised to know that I didn’t start dancing until I was 8 years old. My mom enrolled me at age 3 and the teacher said that I was too bossy and trying to teach the class…. ironic. Even though I own my own business I still perform when an opportunity arises, especially if it is for a good cause. I recently performed at the Cutting Room in NYC as a featured vocalist for Broadway Lights the Night, a non-profit raising funds Leukemia and Lymphoma and Semper Fi. I am also on the advisory committee for the Zzak G Applaud Our Kids Foundation which is another non-profit organization that provides funding for underserved children by giving them the opportunity to train in the performing arts. Lastly, in my spare time, I choreograph musicals throughout NJ as well as receiving 5 Basie nominations for her choreography at Shore Regional High School.
Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through parenthood?
My family and close friends that love my kids as their own. My husband and I both own small businesses so there is lots of “over time”… feeling safe and secure that I have people I trust looking after my kids is everything.
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
Being brought up in Middletown, people were familiar with me being the kid that “was always performing”- so opening a dance studio in the area that I grew up in, that also offers singing and musical theatre, many friends and acquaintances were eager to send their children my way after seeing me in shows in school or at Count Basie Theatre through the years. It’s very flattering and I’m totally grateful.
What is your favorite restaurant in Monmouth County?
Favorite restaurant – that’s a tough one ! I think I’d say Patrizia’s in Red Bank
What is your favorite activity to do with your children in Monmouth County?
I love finding all of the “play places” in the area like Coco Beans Play Cafe and Kidztopia. Just recently I found Jungle Jim & Jane in Atlantic Highlands ! Anything to burn some toddler energy, especially with the cold winter months coming.
What are your Mom Goals?
I think like other Moms, raising good humans that will do positive things in the world .. all while keeping my own sanity !