Academy of Dance

For over 30 years, the Academy of Dance in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, has been a cornerstone of dance education in the local community. Situated just over the Connecticut border, this established studio has built a strong reputation for providing quality instruction in a diverse array of dance subjects. From the very first steps of a three-year-old to advanced techniques for teens and adults, the Academy of Dance aims to cultivate a love for movement and artistic expression in a supportive and friendly environment.

The philosophy at the Academy of Dance beautifully blends a warm, family-friendly atmosphere with a commitment to providing a high-quality dance education. This unique approach ensures that whether dance is a weekly recreational activity or a serious pre-professional pursuit, every student feels valued and encouraged to reach their personal best. The dedicated faculty and staff pride themselves on earning the trust of their students, a quality frequently highlighted by appreciative parents. This creates a nurturing space where young dancers, in particular, can thrive and enjoy their learning journey.

With a rich history spanning more than three decades, the Academy of Dance has become a beloved institution in East Longmeadow, contributing significantly to the local arts scene. For Massachusetts residents seeking a reputable and caring dance studio that prioritizes both technical skill and emotional well-being, the Academy of Dance offers a compelling and experienced choice.

The Academy of Dance is conveniently located at 175 Benton Dr #300, East Longmeadow, MA 01028, USA. This accessible address places the studio in a practical and easy-to-reach area of East Longmeadow, a charming town in Hampden County, Massachusetts. East Longmeadow is known for its strong community ties and family-oriented atmosphere, making the studio a natural fit for local residents.

One of the key advantages of its location is its proximity "just over the CT border." This makes the Academy of Dance not only ideal for families within East Longmeadow and neighboring Massachusetts towns like Longmeadow and Springfield but also a viable option for those commuting from northern Connecticut communities. The relatively straightforward access helps minimize travel time, a significant benefit for busy parents and students.

Benton Drive provides easy navigation, and the studio is typically located within a complex that offers ample parking, ensuring a smooth experience for drop-offs and pick-ups. This convenience, combined with East Longmeadow's well-maintained local roads, contributes to the overall accessibility of the Academy. For individuals and families in Western Massachusetts and northern Connecticut seeking quality dance instruction, the Academy of Dance’s location proves to be a practical and appealing choice.

The Academy of Dance provides a comprehensive curriculum of dance instruction across various styles, catering to a wide range of ages and skill levels, beginning from toddlers through teen and adult levels. Their offerings include:

• Toddler's on the Move (Ages 1.5 - 3 years): An engaging introductory class designed for the youngest dancers to explore movement.
• Princess Ballet (Pre-K - Kindergarten, ages 2-5 years): Introduces young children to the fundamentals of ballet in a fun and imaginative way.
• Tiny Tappers (Ages 3 - 5 years): Focuses on basic tap steps and rhythms for preschoolers.
• Happy Hip Hop (Pre-K - Kindergarten, ages 3 - 5 years): An energetic introduction to hip hop for young children.
• Kinder-Combo (Ages 5 & 6) / Advanced Kinder-Combo (Ages 7-9): Age-appropriate programs introducing fundamentals of Ballet, Tap, and Jazz, developing body positioning, rhythm, and musicality.
• Combo Ballet/Jazz (Grades 1-3): Combines foundational elements of ballet and jazz for elementary school students.
• Combo - Tap/Hip Hop (Grades 1-2): Blends rhythmic tap with energetic hip hop moves.
• Ballet (various levels, including Ballet I, Ballet II, and Ballet for grades 9th & up): Traditional classical ballet technique, emphasizing posture, grace, strength, and discipline.
• Pointe (Grades 8th & up): Advanced ballet technique for eligible students, focusing on dancing on the tips of the toes.
• Jazz/Hip Hop (various levels, including Jazz/Hip Hop I, Jazz/Hip Hop II, Jazz/Hip Hop III): Upbeat and dynamic classes that teach rhythm, musicality, and various jazz and hip-hop movements.
• Tap (various levels, including Broadway Tap I, Broadway Tap II, and Tap for grades 9th & up): Instruction in rhythm and percussive footwork, covering various tap styles.
• Modern/Contemporary (various levels): Explores expressive movement, improvisation, and choreography using elements of modern and contemporary dance.
• Company (Invitation Only): Advanced training for dedicated dancers, often involving competitive or performance-focused instruction.
• Solo - Duo - Trio Classes (Grade 6 & up): Personalized choreography and training for individual or small group performances.
• Adult Classes: Options for adults looking to learn or continue their dance journey, often including styles like Ballet, Tap, and Jazz.
• Birthday Parties: The studio offers options to book birthday parties or events, providing a fun and unique celebration experience.
• Private Lessons: One-on-one instruction available for all styles, catering to specific goals or accelerated learning.
• Wedding Dance Lessons: Specialized instruction for couples preparing for their first dance or other wedding performances.

The Academy of Dance has cultivated a strong reputation through several distinguishing features and highlights:

• Experienced and Long-Standing Institution: With over 30 years of educating students in the art of dance, the Academy brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record. The current owner/director, JoAnn Shepard Jebb, joined the faculty in 1985 and purchased the studio in 1987, demonstrating deep roots and consistent leadership.
• Warm, Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Reviewers consistently highlight the studio's inviting and nurturing environment. The staff are described as "fantastic," "very patient," and successful at earning the "trust" of young dancers, creating a comfortable space where students enjoy learning.
• Quality Dance Education: The Academy prides itself on delivering quality instruction across a wide variety of subjects. The faculty and staff, including JoAnn Jebb who is an active member of Dance Masters of America and a certified teacher, bring professional expertise to every class.
• Comprehensive Curriculum for All Levels: Whether students are interested in recreational dance or are serious-minded, the Academy offers a diverse range of classes from "Toddler's on the Move" to advanced Pointe and competitive "Company" programs, ensuring there's a place for everyone.
• Focus on Personal Growth: The studio is committed to the personal growth of all students, encouraging them to become their "own personal best." This holistic approach extends beyond technical skills to foster discipline, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for dance.
• Proven Success and Alumni Network: The Academy of Dance has trained many accomplished dancers, with alumni going on to college dance teams, prestigious dance programs, and even professional careers. Students consistently win awards at high-level competitions.
• Affordable Pricing: The philosophy includes providing a well-rounded performing arts curriculum at "an affordable price," making dance education accessible to more families in MA and NH.

For more information on class schedules, registration, or any other inquiries, please contact the Academy of Dance using the details below:

Address: 175 Benton Dr #300, East Longmeadow, MA 01028, USA

Phone: (413) 525-4659

Mobile Phone: +1 413-525-4659

For families and aspiring dancers in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, and the surrounding communities, the Academy of Dance offers an exceptionally suitable and highly regarded local option for quality dance education. Its convenient location on Benton Drive, with easy access even for those just over the Connecticut border, makes it a practical choice for integrating dance into busy schedules.

What truly makes the Academy of Dance an ideal fit for local users is its proven track record of over 30 years, combined with its deeply ingrained philosophy of blending a "warm family friendly atmosphere" with "quality dance education." Parents consistently highlight the "fantastic staff" who are "very patient" and successfully "earned her trust," which is crucial for fostering a positive and effective learning environment, especially for young children. This nurturing approach ensures that students not only develop their dance skills but also grow in confidence and discipline.

The comprehensive range of classes, catering to all ages from toddlers to adults and offering diverse styles, means that every member of the family can find their place on the dance floor. For any Massachusetts resident seeking a dance studio that offers professional instruction in a supportive, community-oriented setting, the Academy of Dance in East Longmeadow stands out as a reputable and highly recommended local institution.

Academy of Dance

175 Benton Dr #300, East Longmeadow, MA 01028, USA